Beat: Zach Sudfeld could play in an "Aaron Hernandez type" role

Aug 17, 2013

Patriots TE Zach Sudfeld is listed at 225 pounds, so he's hardly cut from the same cloth as Rob Gronkowski. Yet, Sudfeld's receiving ability should put him in a position to succeed in an Aaron Hernandez type of role, and Sudfeld has even improved enough as a blocker to earn more chances to stay on the field in one-tight end formations.

Fantasy Impact:

Sudfeld is a good handcuff for Rob Gronkowski owners and could graduate to a larger role in the Patriots offense. Other than Kenbrell Thompkins and Danny Amendola, the WR corps seems to be unsettled, so if the Pats want to play two-TE once Gronk returns, Sudfeld is the obvious choice. He's an interesting upside pick in the later (10th-13th) rounds.

yesterday

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.