Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Cornerstone Report, Week Six

Welcome to the Cornerstone Report where we will check in on the young players in football (2023-eligible college players, rookies, and sophomores) each week! As the hottest commodities in dynasty and devy, these players can make or break your teams in the future.

Here are some of the top headlines and reports for the future of the league…

Bryce Young, QB Alabama injures throwing shoulder

Any injury to a QBs throwing shoulder is bad news. Young is competing to be the top QB in the NFL Draft, but his stock may take a hit after suffering a sprained AC Joint. Ultimately, the injury could have been worse had it been a separated shoulder, but anything that may alter his throwing motion moving forward is troublesome. Coach Nick Saban has labeled Young as day-to-day moving forward, so hopefully he will be back sooner rather than later.

Quentin Johnston, WR TCU barely involved in offensive explosion

A devy darling coming into the season, big things were expected for Johnston despite a bleak outlook for the TCU offense. Surprisingly, the season has flipped with the Horned Frogs becoming a juggernaut on offense in recent weeks under QB Max Duggan. Johnston unfortunately has not benefited. He is fifth on the team in receiving yardage averaging a mere 28 yard per game. NFL teams will want answers if Johnston declares for the draft, and his future NFL status may even be in doubt.

Kenny Pickett, QB PIT gets the starting nod

The Steelers finally made the call mid-game against the Jets, benching Mitchell Trubisky. Pickett definitely gave the offense some juice, with two good drives ending with a QB sneak into the end zone. Unfortunately, the stat line looked worse than it was with three interceptions. Two of those were off receivers’ hands and the third was a hail mary pass. Being named the starter does come with some high expectations. Going forward, Pickett may become a fantasy cornerstone on superflex teams with some upside.

Brian Robinson, RB WAS will be activated soon

After being shot during a robbery in August, questions loomed if Robinson would play this season. The reports about his recovery and outlook have been very positive so far, but questions remained. This week, the Commanders designated Robinson to return from IR, so he will be back within 21 days and on the active roster. Robinson is already practicing with the team. With the offense needing a jolt, it is possible for a big role to await him when he gets to take his first NFL snaps.

Dameon Pierce, RB HOU finally has break out game

Two weeks ago, Pierce was the only RB in the league to take 100% of RB carries. This week, he finally broke out with a monster game. Rushing for 131 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers was plenty good, but he added six receptions to the total. Pierce has earned the bellcow role for a volatile Texans offense and should continue being used in a variety of ways. Many fantasy owners look to have gotten a steal with Pierce, but like Michael Carter before him, the long-term value remains to be seen.

Javonte Williams, RB DEN tears numerous ligaments in his knee

The most heartbreaking injury of this past week was Williams’ knee injury suffered against the Raiders. After grimacing in pain and limping off the field, fantasy owners knew the news would not be good. Unfortunately, it was even worse with Williams not only tearing his ACL, but he also tore his LCL and PLC. It is not quite as bad as JK Dobbins‘ injury was, but additional damage is rarely good. Plan for Williams to be ready for week one next year.

Kyle Pitts, TE ATL’s struggles continue

The buzz of the fantasy world continues to be Pitts struggled week to week. A consensus top-three tight end in every format, Pitts can’t even crack the top 15 TEs in scoring so far this season. The talent is still apparent, but the Falcons seem content using Pitts as a blocker and rotating in pass catchers. The worst part might be that the Falcons beat the Browns, emboldening coach Arthur Smith’s offensive strategy. An occasional blow-up game may happen, but don’t expect Pitts to reach anything near his ceiling this year.