Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Cornerstone Report, Week Eight

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…

Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee Takes Down Alabama

19 NFL scouts from 15 different teams attended the Alabama/Tennessee game and saw Hooker take down the Crimson Tide giant. Facing a defense where 75% of the players will be in an NFL camp at some point is not an easy task, but Hooker and the Vols offense dropped 52 points with the quarterback going 21 of 30 for five touchdowns and an interception. There were a combination of deep downfield passes along with mesh concepts from head coach Josh Heupel. Add 56 yards rushing, and the fantasy upside of Hooker in the NFL is apparent. He will be 26 years old by draft day and the offense may not translate to all NFL offenses, but he is in the first-round conversation now.

Jordan Addison, WR USC avoids serious injury

As USC fought for their lives against Utah, Addison’s ankle was rolled up on by a defender. He was carted from the sideline to the locker room, and many feared a broken ankle. Head coach Lincoln Riley provided an update, however, that Addison avoided serious injury and is day-to-day. With him competing to be the top WR drafted in the NFL Draft and a future cornerstone fantasy asset, this was great news.

Greg Dulcich, TE DEN instantly becomes the starter

Coming off IR and immediately into Monday Night Football, many thought the Broncos may ease Dulcich into the lineup. That was not the case as he not only started the game but had the most snaps of any TE at 71%. He also found the end zone in the game for his first NFL TD. With an emphasis on utilizing the TE position more for the Broncos, Dulcich becomes an instant asset for fantasy owners who have been patient through his injury.

Bailey Zappe, QB NE turns heads with his play

After coming in two weeks ago against the Packers (and almost beating them) Zappe has performed incredibly as the Patriots’ QB. He helped the offense put up 29 points against the Lions in a win, and then flashed a dominant performance against the Browns. Going 24 of 34 for 309 yards and two touchdowns is a huge game for a rookie fourth-round QB. The college record holder for single-season passing yards and TDs, Zappe is accomplished and is starting to force murmurs about a QB controversy. Though Mac Jones is likely to take back his job, Zappe could be a trade target for teams needing a starting QB next year.

Elijah Moore, WR NYJ frustrated with zero targets

Fantasy owners as well as Moore himself have been frustrated by his lack of production. With zero targets in the Jets’ big win over the Packers, it was “butter sweet” for Moore who does not seem to understand his low usage. Only playing 58% of snaps in the last game, it appears he has been phased out as the Jets run the football more. As concerning as this was for fantasy owners, things only got worse as head coach Robert Saleh ruled Moore out of Sunday’s game against the Broncos. We will have to wait and see what happens next.

Brian Robinson, RB WAS returns and leads the backfield

After being shot twice before the season, Robinson made a miraculous recovery to be on the football field weeks later. In his first NFL game, he was the lead back playing 47% of snaps, the most of any RB on the team. For comparison, JD McKissic had 30% while Antonio Gibson only played 26% of snaps. Robinson’s 17 carries for 60 yards and a TD didn’t move the needle a ton, but it shows promise for the future.

 

Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Cornerstone Report, Week Eight