Sam LaPorta vs Jaylen Warren

“This stretch of games from Weeks 11-18 also coincided with Sam LaPorta ‘s absence, which increased Gibbs’ passing game usage.”

“Sam LaPorta – 2.14 Browns QBs through 5 training camp practices, per ESPN Cleveland:”

“Most playoff receiving yards ever by a rookie TE (193), passing Sam LaPorta”

“Round 9: Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) Since the FLEX spot allows for tight ends, I made a dart-throw pick on Sam LaPorta.”

“Sam LaPorta has dealt with injuries in the last two seasons, to the point where I don’t want to target him this season. His rookie year breakout feels like ages ago.”

“Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) LaPorta is currently the TE8, 84th overall, a range one analyst would easily take him from over two tight ends ranked just ahead of him. He’s been fully cleared from a herniated disc heading into camp and isn’t expected to miss any time, news that should push his price up over the coming weeks.”

“From Weeks 1-10, including a Week 8 bye week, LaPorta was the TE8 in PPR leagues. He averaged 11.9 fantasy points per game, catching 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns before the injury. In that span, he had an 18.6% target share, which was second on the team behind wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (31.2%).”

“Sam LaPorta was the counter-pick, a name being drafted at a discount after a frustrating, injury-interrupted season.”

“This brings us to TE Sam LaPorta . Historically, he had been one of those middle-round TEs that Jason was avoiding like the plague. But now that he has been slipping to rounds 9-10, he’s an excellent pick when taking opportunity/cost into consideration.”

“Harold Fannin sits at TE6, and Kyle Pitts and Sam LaPorta are essentially tied for TE7 and TE8, with Pitts holding just a slight edge on the chart. Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL) vs. Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) In a live dynasty startup draft one of our analysts is currently participating in, Pitts came off the board about eight picks before their own selection, leading them to take LaPorta in the same round instead.”

“LaPorta dominated from the outside as one of the best receiving tight ends in the league, and while he's fallen back to earth a bit from the highs of his rookie campaign, he's still very good.”

“LaPorta only appeared in nine games last season due to a herniated disc. Before his injury, LaPorta had received 18.6% of Detroit's targets (TE9) and averaged 2.0 yards per route run (TE6).”

“Warren is coming off the best season of his career after averaging 13.6 fantasy points per game. His fantasy production was in large part due to a career-high eight combined touchdowns.”

“Rico Dowdle (RB – PIT) | ADP 58 Overall, RB29 I’ve long been a fan of Jaylen Warren and the efficiency he’s consistently posted, but he’s failed to fully take over the Steelers backfield in the last few seasons”

“Round 8: Jaylen Warren (RB – PHI) Bringing in Rico Dowdle makes me nervous, but with other loaded positions, I started to load up on running back talent that I think could get at least 50% of the carries on their team.”

“Jaylen Warren is a good player, but the Steelers brought in Mike McCarthy and signed Rico Dowdle . Remember that Dowdle was the Cowboys’ running back when McCarthy was head coach.”

“Warren has been the one constant in Pittsburgh’s backfield over the last several years. He’s answered the bell when called on to do whatever has been needed of him. Through the years, he’s become a solid, well-rounded back who can really do it all.”

“Warren profiles more as the pass catcher and security blanket for Rodgers, but his inefficiency around the goal line may have him giving up those valuable touches to Dowdle, who, despite a small sample size, was extremely effective.”

“Jaylen Warren is a favorite draft target in the seventh round based on ADP.”

“Jaylen Warren should be a target magnet for Aaron Rodgers and is more of an elite playmaker than the newly acquired Rico Dowdle.”

“They swapped in Rico Dowdle for Kenneth Gainwell, and the incoming running back is a better stylistic complement to incumbent Jaylen Warren.”

“Pat Fitzmaurice argued that Warren's pass-catching ability, pass protection skills, and overall versatility make him a strong fit for Pittsburgh's offense. If that role expands further, his current draft cost could become one of the better values at running back.”

“Warren is coming off a career year, but Dowdle handled 236 carries last season and was similarly effective, making this backfield harder to predict. Part of Warren's fantasy appeal is his receiving skill, but Dowdle is no slouch in that department. He caught 39 passes in back-to-back seasons while also rushing for 1,000 yards, something Warren hasn't done.”

“You can take your pick of this backfield between Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, who both finished as fantasy studs last season. My money is on Warren turning into a dud. Dowdle brings more competition for early-down work than Kenneth Gainwell did.”