FINAL Preseason Mailbag Q&A! Your Biggest Draft Questions Answered (09/05 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Dan Schneier projects Caleb Williams to finish as a top-three fantasy scorer at quarterback. Schneier notes Williams' elite rushing speed and improved command of the offense, citing reports from camp that he is now playing on time and throwing from within the pocket. With three high-end receivers and a strong offensive line, Schneier believes Williams has the ceiling to be this year's breakout star.

D'Andre Swift is dealing with a cramp, but reports indicate he is fine.

If you do not like the cost of Tee Higgins, Davante Adams is presented as an alternative option at a similar draft position.

David Montgomery has the potential to bounce back significantly as a lead rusher, with the possibility of being a top-20 caliber running back, especially given his underrated ability as a pass catcher.

Dan Schneier has moved De'Von Achane up to RB5, just behind James Cook and ahead of Chase Brown (unless in full PPR). Schneier highlights that Achane was 8th in the NFL in 15-plus explosive runs last year despite a poor offensive line. He is expected to thrive in Mike McDaniel's scheme, which has produced the 4th most fantasy points and 5th most rushing touchdowns for running backs during his tenure. Schneier projects Achane as a 14-16 touchdown player who will rarely leave the field.

Dan Schneier is very high on Emmett Johnson as a handcuff for Kenneth Walker III, stating he would drop bench players like Makai Lemon or Mike Washington to roster him.

Jamie is criticized for trading a 2027 second-round pick for Geno Smith in a dynasty league, with concerns that the Jets' poor performance could lead to Smith being benched.

The panel prefers Jahmyr Gibbs over Josh Allen with the first overall pick in Superflex leagues, expressing excitement when he is available in the top three.

Despite concerns about his physical frame and Josh Allen vulturing goal-line carries, the panel remains high on James Cook. He is expected to be more involved in the passing game under Pete Carmichael. The Bills' offense is highly run-heavy near the goal line, allowing both Cook and Allen to produce. Cook averaged over 19 points per game last year and is viewed as a high-end asset because he is one of the few running backs who catches 50-plus passes.

Dan Schneier recommends drafting Ray Davis as the final pick in drafts where James Cook is selected, as Davis is consistently available.

Jameson Williams is suggested as a target for managers who are specifically chasing touchdown upside.

Jalen Warren is preferred over Rico Dowdle because he is expected to secure the pass-catching role in the Steelers' offense, which provides a safe floor similar to Kenneth Gainwell's role last season.

The panel considers Josh Allen the only quarterback worth considering in the first round of a Superflex draft due to his consistent production, though they generally prefer Jameer Gibbs at the 1.01 spot.

Josh Jacobs presents a significant roster headache for fantasy managers due to his current status, and managers should not expect to use IR spots for non-injury situations like suspensions or contract disputes.

Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list, causing his draft stock to fall. There is debate regarding whether he should be eligible for IR spots in leagues that allow suspended players.

Kenneth Gainwell finished as a top-10 fantasy running back from weeks 6-18 last season, largely driven by 73 receptions, though his role was highly dependent on specific game scripts and team circumstances.

Year Up United's suggests that if you draft a running back early, you should expect them to be great rather than drafting them with the expectation of injury, though handcuffing is a valid strategy if you love the specific scenario.

Mike Evans is consistently available in the sixth round. Despite some concerns, he appears healthy and ready for Week 1.

Patrick Mahomes is viewed as outside the top 12-15 fantasy quarterbacks because the Chiefs' offense is no longer explosive and he lacks the downfield threats to reach his previous 5,000-yard ceilings.

Despite debate over taking him over Ja'Marr Chase, Puka Nacua is viewed as having the potential to be the best wide receiver again if he plays every game, given his 23.6 points per game average last season.

Ray Davis is recommended as a handcuff or insurance pick when drafting James Cook to mitigate risk.

Ray Davis is recommended as a final-round pick for managers who have already drafted James Cook.

The Steelers backfield is expected to be a mix-and-match situation between Rico Dowdle and Jalen Warren, making them frustrating to project; while Dowdle has a history as a passing-downs option, he may handle running downs, though the team's usage remains unclear.

Rome Odunze is dealing with a foot issue, though reports suggest he is fine.

Higgins has the lowest target-per-route-run rate among top-four-round wide receivers. While he was a top-15 receiver last year, his efficiency is a concern; he may see 30 fewer targets than Garrett Wilson and potentially fewer than Zay Flowers. He is touchdown-dependent for fantasy success.