Pats TE Hernandez's stock rising

Sep 23, 2010

Each week, Matt Williamson of ESPN's Scouts Inc compiles a "Rookie Watch" highlighting the top rookies in the NFL. This week's "Rookie Watch" leads off with his thoughts on Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.

"Hernandez is a Dallas Clark-type threat from his tight end spot," Williamson writes. "He is a move player who is as much wide receiver as he is traditional tight end. He can line up on the line of scrimmage in the traditional tight end spot, but he is best detached from the formation or in motion."

Hernandez did not crack Williamson's Top 10 rookie list this week, but Williamson writes that Hernandez is moving up fast.

With running back Kevin Faulk out for the season with a torn right ACL, Hernandez could see his playing time increase. He has played 67 of 123 snaps (including penalties).

Fantasy Impact:

We like Hernandez a lot this week, coming in as a top-10 tight end play. If you're in need at the position, he's worth picking up.

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.