News Article:
When it comes to fantasy football drafts, knowing which players to target and which ones to avoid can make all the difference. While there may be value picks available, it’s essential to identify the players who are best to steer clear of, even if they appear tempting. In this article, we take a closer look at two players to avoid in 2023 fantasy football drafts: Javonte Williams and D’Andre Swift.
Let’s start with D’Andre Swift. The Detroit Lions recently traded Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles, which might seem like a favorable move for him. However, there are concerns about his role in the Eagles’ offense. While Philadelphia boasts a strong overall offense and a top-notch offensive line that favors the run, some beat writers believe that Rashaad Penny will be the primary early-down back for the Eagles. Additionally, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott are still in the mix. Another factor to consider is the discrepancy in pass-catching opportunities. Last year, Detroit running backs were targeted at the 11th-highest rate in the league, with Swift being heavily involved in the passing game. In contrast, the Eagles’ running backs had the lowest target rate in the league, with only 61 targets. Taking all of this into account, it’s wise to pass on Swift in your fantasy football draft.
Now, let’s move on to Javonte Williams. While Williams possesses immense talent, there are concerns surrounding his recovery from a knee injury sustained in October of last year. The injury was severe, with Williams tearing his ACL, LCL, and damaging his posterior lateral corner. Recovering from multi-ligament knee tears typically takes longer than isolated ACL tears. Even when Williams does return to action, it’s uncertain if he will be able to perform at his previous level right away. A similar situation occurred with J.K. Dobbins, who suffered multiple knee injuries and took almost 16 months to fully recover and regain his form. Considering the potential challenges Williams may face in his recovery, it would be prudent to avoid selecting him in your fantasy football draft.
Although it is disappointing to pass on talented players like Swift and Williams, it is crucial to consider their respective situations when making your draft decisions. Pay attention to the reports and updates about their recoveries but take them with caution. Ultimately, fantasy football success lies in making well-informed and calculated choices.
