Your Second Round Draft Pick: Wide Receiver and Running Back Rankings

Title: Breaking Down the Second-Round Dilemma: Fantasy Football Insights from the Fan Girl Football Podcast

As we delve deeper into the fantasy football season, every draft pick counts, especially when it comes to those crucial second-round decisions. Whether you’re an experienced fantasy player or new to the game, the second round often presents a dilemma. You’ve already snagged a top-tier player in the first round, but now you’re faced with several choices—each one carrying its own risks and rewards. In this blog post, we’re going to unpack some of the key discussions from the latest episode of the Fan Girl Football Podcast, where we dive into the pros and cons of several intriguing second-round prospects.

Kyren Williams: The Rams’ Unexpected Hero

Kyren Williams was the name that stunned fantasy owners last season. Coming into the season, he wasn’t on many radars, let alone being drafted in most leagues. Yet, after a few games, Williams emerged as the Rams’ starting running back, and suddenly, everyone was scrambling to add him from the waiver wire.

Williams’ journey to this point hasn’t been easy. He grew up in St. Louis, a lifelong Rams fan, only to see his team relocate to Los Angeles. Despite this, his loyalty and hard work paid off when he earned his spot on the roster. However, Williams’ career has been marred by injuries, particularly issues with his foot that have lingered since his college days. This past June, during organized team activities (OTAs), he suffered yet another foot injury. While it wasn’t as severe as the previous one, it’s enough to raise concerns for fantasy owners.

The Rams’ offensive situation adds another layer of complexity. Head coach Sean McVay loves to run the ball, but with Matthew Stafford’s health concerns and an overall shaky offensive line, the question remains: can the Rams’ offense stay healthy and effective enough to keep Williams relevant?

With a rookie sitting behind him on the depth chart, Williams is expected to get the majority of the carries if healthy. But his injury history makes him a risky pick. Should you take a chance on him? It’s a tough call, but if you believe in his talent and McVay’s run-heavy scheme, Williams could be worth the gamble.

Devon Achane: The Dolphins’ Rising Star

Devon Achane is another young running back who showed flashes of brilliance last season. As a rookie for the Miami Dolphins, Achane averaged an impressive 7.8 yards per carry and finished as RB5 in fantasy points per game during the eight games he played. His explosiveness on the field, combined with his versatility, makes him an attractive option.

However, there are a few caveats. The Dolphins have a crowded backfield, with Raheem Mostert still in the mix, particularly as a goal-line rusher. Achane’s ability to stay healthy is also a concern. He missed significant time last year due to a knee injury, and with only eight games under his belt, it’s hard to predict how he’ll hold up over a full season.

Achane’s youth is a double-edged sword. On one hand, he’s only 22 years old, which means he has plenty of potential and presumably fresher legs than his older counterparts. On the other hand, his inexperience could lead to inconsistency, especially in a Dolphins offense that boasts other dynamic weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle.

The decision to draft Achane comes down to how much risk you’re willing to take. If he can stay healthy, he could be a fantasy star. But if injuries or a timeshare situation with Mostert limit his touches, he might not live up to the hype.

Derrick Henry: The Ageless Wonder?

Derrick Henry has been a fantasy staple for years, known for his punishing running style and ability to carry an offense on his back. This year, Henry finds himself with a new team—the Baltimore Ravens. It’s a significant change, and one that brings both excitement and uncertainty.

At 30 years old, Henry is entering what is often considered the twilight years for an NFL running back. The Ravens, however, are a team that loves to run the ball. Head coach John Harbaugh’s offensive philosophy aligns perfectly with Henry’s skill set. But there are concerns about how much Henry has left in the tank.

Last season, Henry’s fantasy production was inconsistent. Some weeks, he was the dominant force we’ve come to expect; other weeks, he barely made an impact. The Ravens’ history with running backs is also a mixed bag—they tend to use them heavily, often leading to injuries.

But here’s the thing: Derrick Henry is no ordinary running back. He’s built differently, and if there’s anyone who can defy the age curve, it might just be him. Plus, the Ravens are looking to take some of the rushing load off Lamar Jackson, which could mean more opportunities for Henry to shine.

So, is Henry worth a second-round pick? If you’re looking for a player with a high ceiling and the potential to be a league-winner, Henry could be your guy. Just be prepared for the possibility that he might not be as consistent as he once was.

Nico Collins: The Texans’ Emerging Threat

Nico Collins is a player with a story that’s both inspiring and complicated. Growing up in a poor household, Collins faced significant challenges on his way to the NFL. But through sheer determination and talent, he made it—and last season, he finally had his breakout year with the Houston Texans.

Playing alongside rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, Collins finished as WR17, showing that he could be a reliable target. However, the Texans’ offense is going through some changes. They’ve brought in veteran receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon, both of whom are likely to eat into Collins’ target share.

The addition of Mixon is particularly concerning for Collins’ fantasy value. Mixon is known for his pass-catching abilities out of the backfield, which means fewer targets for Collins. Additionally, with Diggs on board, Stroud will have more options, making it harder to predict whether Collins will see the same volume as last season.

Another issue is consistency. Last year, Collins and fellow receiver Tank Dell often alternated big games, making it difficult to rely on either one as a week-to-week starter. If you’re considering drafting Collins, you’ll need to weigh the potential for another breakout season against the likelihood of a more crowded offense.

Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel: San Francisco’s Dynamic Duo

Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are two of the most talented wide receivers in the league, and they both happen to play for the San Francisco 49ers. However, their value in fantasy football is somewhat muddled by the presence of each other and the abundance of other weapons in the 49ers’ offense.

Aiyuk is entering his fifth season and has requested a trade after failing to secure a new contract. While the 49ers picked up his fifth-year option, Aiyuk is clearly looking for a more permanent solution. Last season, Aiyuk’s fantasy performance was all over the place—one week he’d score 21.6 points, and the next he’d barely crack 2.5. This inconsistency is largely due to the 49ers’ depth at the skill positions, with players like Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey all competing for touches.

Samuel, on the other hand, is a versatile weapon who can line up as a receiver, running back, and even quarterback in some trick plays. However, Samuel’s 2023 season was marred by injuries, including a hairline fracture in his shoulder that caused him to miss two games.

The biggest challenge with drafting either Aiyuk or Samuel is the unpredictability of the 49ers’ offense. With so many mouths to feed, it’s difficult to know who will be the focal point from week to week. Aiyuk’s current contract situation only adds to the uncertainty—will he be traded, and if so, where? And how will that affect his fantasy value?

If you’re looking for a stable, high-floor option, Samuel might be the safer bet, given his established role in the offense. But if you’re willing to take a gamble on upside, Aiyuk could pay off—especially if he ends up on a team that can give him the targets he deserves.

Making Your Pick: Who’s Your Second-Round Target?

After discussing all these players, it’s clear that the second round is full of tough choices. Each player comes with their own set of risks, whether it’s age, injury history, or uncertainty in their team’s offense.

Tiffany, one of our podcast hosts, decided to go with Davante Adams, a wide receiver for the Raiders. She’s banking on Adams’ grit and determination to lead the team and put up big numbers.

Lauren, another host, took a different approach and opted for Marvin Harrison Jr., a rookie with immense potential. The allure of the unknown and the upside of a young player was too tempting to pass up.

As for me, I couldn’t resist the appeal of Derrick Henry. Yes, there’s risk involved, but watching Henry bulldoze through defenses is one of the joys of fantasy football. And with the Ravens’ run-heavy scheme, I’m confident he’ll get plenty of opportunities to rack up points.

In the end, your second-round pick is a personal decision. It’s about weighing the risks, trusting your instincts, and sometimes, just going with your gut. Whether you choose a seasoned veteran like Henry, a breakout candidate like Williams, or a young star like Achane, the key is to be prepared and have fun with it.

Final Thoughts

The second round of your fantasy draft can set the tone for the rest of your season. It’s where you can find value, take risks, and potentially draft the player who will carry your team to victory. So, take your time, consider all the factors, and don’t be afraid to make a bold choice. After all, that’s what makes fantasy football so exciting.

Good luck with your drafts, and don’t forget to tune into the next episode of the Fan Girl Football Podcast for more insights and analysis!