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QB & WR Development, Saints Offense, & Rookies: Going Deep with Brandon Angelo & Matt Waldman

STACKED extracted the fantasy-relevant player signal from this video and kept the full transcript here for context.

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Duration
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Published
26
Player insights
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Players mentioned
Topics
A.J. BrownAlvin KamaraBaker MayfieldDemario DouglasDevaughn VeleDrew LockE.J. ManuelJ.J. McCarthyJameis WinstonJames CookJordan TravisKenneth GainwellLuther BurdenMalik Nabers
Player analysis

Player insights

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A.J. Brown

PositiveUsage10:12

Case Keenum suggests that the Patriots' roster strategy should have centered around acquiring high-end talent like AJ Brown to support their quarterback, noting that when Brown is available, he is a focal point worth investing in.

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Alvin Kamara

PositiveUsage50:02

Alvin Kamara is a key playmaker who helps the offense effectively utilize 13 and 12 personnel, which maintains quarterback stability. As long as he remains healthy, he is expected to be a reliable contributor as both a receiver and a runner.

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Baker Mayfield

NegativeProjection70:31

Baker Mayfield is viewed as a middle-tier quarterback who remains a viable long-term starter; he is athletic and tough, and while he plays with risk, he has successfully reigned in his style to remain effective for stretches of time.

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Demario Douglas

NegativeRole20:44

Case Keenum evaluates DeMario Douglas as the Patriots' best receiver pound-for-pound, but notes that his utility is strictly limited to the slot due to his small stature.

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Devaughn Vele

NegativeUsage50:56

Devaughn Vele is involved in the passing game but has struggled with safety positioning on in-breaking routes, which has nearly resulted in interceptions in multiple games against the Raiders and Ravens.

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Drew Lock

NegativeBust57:08

Drew Lock is cited as an example of a quarterback who fits the "robo quarterback" prototype but fails to develop into a successful long-term NFL starter.

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E.J. Manuel

NegativeBust65:56

EJ Manuel is categorized as a 'robo quarterback' who failed to sustain a starting role; despite possessing the prototypical physical build and technical specifications favored by assembly-line scouting, he lacked the intuitive play and productive creativity necessary for long-term NFL success.

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J.J. McCarthy

NegativeDepth Chart21:53

The team acquired JJ McCarthy not because they view him as superior to Jackson Dart, but as an insurance policy. This move provides the organization with a longer runway to ensure Dart is 100% healthy before playing and offers a secondary option if Dart continues to falter.

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Jameis Winston

NegativeRole22:30

Jameis Winston is viewed as a veteran presence who is best suited for an emergency quarterback role rather than a starter, as the team is not expected to be competitive this season.

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James Cook

PositiveUsage8:50

James Cook is a high-end running back who possesses the necessary lower limb dexterity to navigate wide zone schemes effectively, a trait that is essential for success in that specific run style.

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Jordan Travis

PositiveDepth Chart54:09

Jordan Travis is expected to serve as an additional playmaker for the offense upon his return from injury, which is projected to simplify the quarterback's decision-making process.

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Kenneth Gainwell

PositiveUsage83:35

Kenneth Gainwell is identified as a phenomenal route runner out of the backfield who is currently being underutilized by his team.

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Luther Burden

PositiveValue20:05

Case Keenum highlights Luther Burden as a superior draft prospect compared to the players the Patriots actually selected, noting his ability to operate across three levels of the field and extend the run game.

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Malik Nabers

NegativeUsage22:54

Malik Nabers is struggling significantly, appearing as a shell of his former self. Matt Waldman suggests that if Nabers does not show progress in the first half of the season, the team might choose to bench him for an extended period to ensure he is fully healthy for the following year.

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Mitchell Trubisky

NegativeBust57:10

Mitchell Trubisky is categorized as a quarterback who looks the part of a prototypical prospect but ultimately fails to sustain success as a long-term NFL starter.

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N'Keal Harry

NegativeBust21:57

Case Keenum cites N'Keal Harry as a prime example of a failed first-round draft pick for the Patriots who did not pan out as expected.

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Noah Fant

NegativeUsage50:31

Noah Fant is identified as the cause of two of the quarterback's three interceptions due to poor route running, specifically failing to settle in his spot and running routes that led to miscommunications.

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Roman Wilson

PositiveUsage75:30

Roman Wilson is currently struggling with drops and mistakes, resulting in a loss of snaps to Jeremy Bernard; he is not viewed as a player capable of handling a high-volume target share at this stage.

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Romeo Doubs

NegativeUsage15:11

Romeo Doubs is contrasted with elite receivers, as he requires perfect ball placement to make catches, particularly on back-shoulder throws.

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Saquon Barkley

NegativeRole10:03

Saquon Barkley is used as an example of a running back who, despite his talent, lacks the specific lower limb dexterity required to excel in wide zone movement.

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Travis Etienne

NegativeInjury54:16

Travis Etienne is currently dealing with hamstring issues, which has limited his consistency and health, negatively impacting the team's run game efficiency.

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TreVeyon Henderson

NegativeBust20:05

Case Keenum expresses disappointment in TreVeyon Henderson's performance, noting that he has been merely 'okay' and has not lived up to the expectations of a high draft pick.

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Trevor Lawrence

PositiveProjection23:36

Trevor Lawrence is cited as a prime example of the benefits of coaching continuity. In his second year within the same system, Lawrence has shown measurable improvement in handling the blitz. While his early career was hindered by a dysfunctional supporting cast, he was "resuscitated" by Liam Coen, who provided the necessary intermediate infrastructure to allow Lawrence to play winning football.

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Tyler Huntley

PositiveProjection48:47

Tyler Huntley is viewed as a viable fantasy starter with a trajectory toward being a top-12 quarterback this season. While he has only played 14 games, his decision-making and the Kellen Moore scheme provide confidence, though managers should monitor his performance against zone-heavy defenses and potential tight end coverage adjustments.

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Will Levis

NegativeBust57:18

Will Levis is struggling to maintain his standing in the NFL; despite a strong initial performance that created high expectations, he has since regressed and is currently fighting to secure a backup role.

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Zach Wilson

NegativeBust57:05

Zach Wilson is cited as a primary example of a quarterback who possesses the physical "robo" traits GMs look for but fails to develop into a successful long-term NFL starter.

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Full transcript

Episode Transcript

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This week on the Going Deep podcast, Brandon Angelo and Matt Waldman examine QB development, rookie breakout candidates, the Saints offense, and DeVonta Smith. Topics Justin Herbert & Drake Maye: quarterback development Rookie breakout candidates Devonta Smith Saints offense J.J. McCarthy trade Matthew Golden's progress Now entering its 21st season, learn more about Matt Waldman’s RSP — the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill position players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE). Or if you already know the deal, go ahead and pre-order (you know you want to) at at discount for a limited time through 12.22.25 for $19.95. Matt’s 2026 RSP Dynasty Rankings and Projections Package (begins in June) is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy GM interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2024 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge. Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat the sexual abuse of children.

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