Tony Pollard vs Makai Lemon

“Brian Daboll, his new offensive coordinator, has historically ridden one running back in his offenses, and Pollard looks to be that guy this season. Pollard should find running room in 2026 with Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson added to the passing game, improved play from Cam Ward , and an offensive line that last year was quietly 13th-best in yards before contact per attempt. Pollard will be lingering in the RB3 range in plenty of drafts, but I think he returns strong RB2 value and production this season.”

“Tony Pollard remains the clear leadback for the Titans entering the 2026 season. Last year, he ranked 15th in snap share, 17th in opportunity share, and 16th in weighted opportunities, but because of the putrid offensive situation he found himself in, he was only the RB29 in fantasy points per game. This can be traced to his five total touchdowns, which were a result of an offense that was 30th in points per game and 32nd in red zone scoring attempts per game, so it makes sense that he also ranked 49th in red zone touches.”

“Tony Pollard was picked as a bounce-back value coming off a rough situation.”

“Tony Pollard is one of only two RBs (Derrick Henry) to have over 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last four seasons, and no one is excited to draft him in fantasy! He has five, five, and six rushing TDs over the last three seasons, and he has finished as an RB2 in each season.”

“Tony Pollard averaged nearly six yards per carry and 100 yards per game over his final six games last season.”

“Tony Pollard averaged 5.5 yards per carry (YPC) and 99.7 total yards per game last season. The Titans didn't really add much competition to the backfield.”

“Tony Pollard remains the clear leadback for the Titans entering the 2026 season. Pollard will be lingering in the RB3 range in plenty of drafts, but I think he returns strong RB2 value and production this season.”

“Tony Pollard showed that he deserves the RB1 slot, with neither Michael Carter nor Tyjae Spears proven themselves as the RB2 slot.”

“With Tennessee expected to improve offensively and Pollard still firmly entrenched as the lead back, the crew questioned why fantasy managers continue treating him like a fringe RB3. The analysts pointed to improved quarterback play and better offensive efficiency as reasons Pollard could easily outperform his current ADP.”

“Tony Pollard feels like a classic short-term producer with limited dynasty longevity. Pollard is approaching 30, entering free agency soon, and no longer producing efficiently enough to offset the age concerns. The recommendation was straightforward: if Pollard starts strong, rebuilding teams should immediately explore trade opportunities, as his value probably won't get much higher from this point forward.”

“Tony Pollard was mentioned in trade rumors and as a potential cap casualty this offseason, and he is headed into the final year of his deal.”

“Carnell Tate (WR29), Jordyn Tyson (WR37), and Makai Lemon (WR40) are the only top 48 rookie picks.”

“Even though they lost Brown, they added Makai Lemon in the first round of this year’s draft”

“At worst, Lemon will make modest contributions as a rookie. At best, he’s a star from the get-go.”

“The Eagles drafted Makai Lemon to handle slot work, and they added Eli Stowers to pair with Dallas Goedert at tight end.”

“Brown comparisons that accompany Makai Lemon as he transitions from USC to the NFL are not far-fetched.”

“But his ADP is on the rise while rookie WR Makai Lemon is still hanging out under the radar. He is being taken in the mid-to-late seventh round as a first-round WR with a world of opportunity.”

“With A.J. Brown headed to New England, Lemon is stepping into the WR2 role right away for Philly. He’s a savvy slot receiver who plays bigger than his size suggests, and is a tremendous threat after the catch.”

“Makai Lemon is a favorite draft target in the eighth round based on ADP.”

“Rookie Makai Lemon is expected to fill the slot role and should participate in training camp after missing time this off-season with a hamstring injury.”

“The Eagles traded up with Dallas to jump Pittsburgh and grab Lemon, which tells you what they think of him. His talent is real – many analysts had him as the WR1 of the class on tape, and his contested-catch and route diversity profile is the best in the group.”

“The worst-kept secret in the NFL was that A.J. Brown would be traded after June 1, giving Lemon a starting role as a rookie. However, his long-term fantasy upside is still limited, as DeVonta Smith is the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver with Brown traded.”

“A former standout player at USC, Lemon has the size and speed to line up both inside and outside for Philadelphia, and immediately slots in as the No. 2 WR for the team following the departure of A.J. Brown to New England. I've been aggressively pursuing Lemon as my WR4, but I feel he has the potential to produce low-end WR2 numbers if things break his way.”