Target Practice

While some of us are preparing for the championship game this morning, the majority of us are already preparing for the 2014 season. Many of you have already told your league mates “just wait until next year.” In order to backup your words, you must start preparing immediately.

I’ve always subscribed to the “go get your guy” mentality. If you think Trent Richardson is going to have a breakout year with the Indianapolis Colts next season, go trade for him. Don’t let your opponent reap the benefits of his breakout season. If he does string together a few good games, his price will increase exponentially. Are you going to feel good about paying triple for him if he does show signs of stardom?

For the record, I’m not a Richardson fan. I’m merely using him as an example. We all have players we enjoy watching more than others. Maybe a specific player went to your school, supports a charity that you like, or maybe he is simply enjoyable to watch. If you think that player will have a role on your championship run, go trade for him. Find out what that players value is, and negotiate until you get him.

Not every dynasty owner will covet the same players, which makes this game so fun. If we all agreed on everything, we couldn’t have trash talk or separate teams. Only draft order would determine which owners get which players. Today, I will provide you with a few of my favorite dynasty targets, but know these are just a few examples. During the upcoming off-season, I will being doing everything I can to trade for these guys. As you should do everything you can do to trade for your guys.

Zach Ertz, TE PHI

I had to start with my favorite target first. Ertz has been largely overlooked by the dynasty community, and for my money, I don’t know I’d rather have any other rookie tight end on my dynasty roster. We’ve all seen what Jordan Reed can do, but Ertz has many abilities that Reed has yet to learn. Ertz’s route running, and ability to attack the ball at its highest point, are not strengths in Reed’s game.

We all knew when the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Ertz early in second round, that it would take time for him to see a large amount of playing time. With veteran pass catchers occupying the majority of the Eagles roster, Ertz would take time to earn his stripes. The Eagles have used Brent Celek in the feature tight end role for seven years now. They also signed James Casey via free agency before the 2013 season. Celek has been the definition of consistency, and Casey joined the team with experience and ability. Throw Ertz into that position group, and all three guys vulture each other opportunity to be a featured tight end.

The most talented player pass catcher in Philadelphia outside of DeSean Jackson is undoubtedly Ertz. Talent almost always rises to the top, and I expect Ertz to see a featured tight end role in the Eagles’ offense in 2014. Ertz would garner somewhere in the range of a high 2014 second round rookie pick. For that price, I’m buying all day.

DeMarcco Murray, RB DAL

This may be viewed as a backhanded compliment to Dallas Cowboys fans, but I don’t think you guys realize what you have in Murray. If the fans realize what they’re watching, the coaching staff for the Cowboys surely doesn’t. I don’t know that I’ve seen another player in the league get misused as much as Murray. This past week against the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys completely abandoned the run in the second half. I was more confused watching that game, than I was the time I tried to figure out how Justin Bieber became popular.

All Murray has done since being drafted by the Cowboys in 2011, is average five yards per carry, over 35 receptions per year and found the end zone 14 times. Sure he has missed a couple of games over the years, but running backs miss games nowadays. The days of Emmit Smith playing with a dislocated shoulder are over, and the days of 14 game seasons for running backs are here to stay.

Murray is a power runner who possesses amazing field vision. He will find a hole, make a cut and go. I admire his running style, but that’s not the only good part of his game. He’s excellent out of the backfield, and not that it shows in the box score, but he’s a good pass blocker as well. If you’re in a points per reception league, Murray has to be considered a lock as a top ten back with top five ability.

One thing that will keep Murray’s value down is his age. Yes, a 25 (soon to be 26) year old running back is not considered young anymore. Many people would rather take a shot at a rookie running back in the mid to late first round in rookie drafts. If that is their plan, I say “let ‘em”. If I can trade a mid-first for Murray, I will do so every day of the week.

Justin Hunter, WR TEN

My article isn’t complete without one reference of my “Hunter love.”

This kid has the measurables that compare favorably to any elite NFL wide receiver playing in the game today. If you want a comparison, think of AJ Green without Green’s knowledge of the game. Green is a prepared dish; Hunter has all of the ingredients and needs someone to help him put them all together.

Last year, I touted Josh Gordon as the next breakout candidate at the wide receiver position. This year I’m moving all of my chips into the middle on Hunter. There is inherent risk associated with this kid, though. Like Gordon, Hunter is experiencing “off-field” issues. Last week, the Tennessee Titans deactivated Hunter due to a violation of team rules. This is something bound to keep Hunter’s perceived value in check. If you’re knowledgeable of the risk involved, Hunter could be a great “buy low” candidate.

Keep an eye on Kendall Wright as well. I’m on record as saying these two will be a top five wide receiver duo in the league in 2014.

The trick to building a great dynasty roster is simple in theory, but more difficult in practice. Buy low on guys that will eventually become stars. Whether you do that through drafting, waivers, or trades is up to you, but as I’ve said, go get your guys. Don’t wait until they become stars to trade for them. In the words of Terminator “Do it. Do it, now!”

What dynasty players will you be targeting this year?

Follow me on Twitter: @KarlSafchick