Bjorn Yang-Vaernet makes the case for why drafting Travis Kelce early in Round 1 can not only lead to a higher floor, but a better ceiling in 2021 best ball.
In the Stealing Banana’s episode “Is Modified Zero RB Part of the Zero RB Universe?” (31:00 min), Ben Gretch and Shawn Siegele talked about the questions surrounding the running backs in Round 1 going after Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook. To piggyback off of their more in-depth conversation, here are my concerns:
- Alvin Kamara – Uncertainty surrounding the post-Drew Brees offense both in terms of starting quarterback and efficiency as a whole.
- Derrick Henry – The most game-script dependent Round 1 RB and the Titan defense is not expected to give the offense many positive game scripts.
- Ezekiel Elliot – Doesn’t look like the best RB on his team. Will Tony Pollard siphon more work away than expected?
- Jonathan Taylor – No guarantee that he retains the passing down work. A Carson Wentz-less offense could be really bad to start the year.
- Saquon Barkley – Concerns over the recovery from the torn ACL. Any limitations to start the season would be a big blow for a Round 1 pick.
- Austin Ekeler – Concern over the lack of a goal line role. Without those high value touches, his ceiling is capped.
The upside of these RBs is tantalizing, but so are the risks of these RBs busting. With so many questions around each RB, Travis Kelce is the ideal candidate for safety and upside.
In this article I will not only explain why Kelce is a great choice after McCaffrey and Cook are picked, but how to build a roster around him that takes the team’s expected win rate to an unfathomable level.
