In August, we will ask our staff a single question on a variety of topics ranging from a huge news event to a tough fantasy decision or player evaluation.
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If you like this format, come back for another Question of the Day. Today, we look at the Jets running backs and project how the addition of Dalvin Cook affects Breece Hall.
Here's the question we asked our staff.
With the signing of Dalvin Cook, the Jets backfield has been shaken up. Where do you rank Cook and Breece Hall? Where in a typical 12-team league should each be drafted?
And here's the quick answer for each player's average draft position:
- Breece Hall - middle of Round 4
- Dalvin Cook - middle of Round 8
A clear preference for Hall, while Cook checks in as a backup.
Check out the full answers to see how high these players are ranked among other running backs.
Jason Wood: With the signing of Dalvin Cook, the Jets backfield has been shaken up. Where do you rank Cook and Breece Hall? Where in a typical 12-team league should each be drafted?
Dalvin Cook slots in at RB30, and Hall falls to RB17, but I have little confidence in those initial rankings and could see it being flip-flopped. Hall should be drafted in the late third round or early fourth round, and Cook projects as a 7th or 8th-rounder. The only veteran free agent signing that I thought could change a fantasy outcome considerably was Dalvin Cook. While he's not at his peak anymore, he is coming off a 1,468-yard, 10-touchdown season where he averaged 4.5 yards per carry. He can still be an impact lead runner, and he wouldn't sign anywhere without assurances of a big role. The fact that New York gave him $8.6 million- one of the ten highest salaries for the position league-wide- speaks volumes.
Matt Bitonti: To answer the question, I’d draft Breece Hall rounds 6-8 in redraft, looking for a push in the fantasy playoffs. Abanikanda is a late-round dynasty flyer, and Dalvin Cook (due to age) in the very late rounds (or not at all). Duane Brown is still on PUP (shoulder). Billy Turner is running as LT1. Max Mitchell has been shaky. Alijah Vera-Tucker could play RT. I talk about this in my “Worst Pass Blocking Lines” article.
The running backs under Aaron Rodgers must be able to block against the blitz. Breece Hall is their best blocker, and Bam Knight is solid. But Dalvin Cook is a notoriously bad pass blocker, and Michael Carter almost got Mike White killed last year. Israel Abanikanda (rookie) is also shaky in pass protection, but he’s a home run hitter. It’s a lot of pigskin to share behind a bad line.
Ben Cummins: The signing of Dalvin Cook certainly hurts Hall, but I can't rank him any lower than my RB9. He's simply too talented as a dual-threat RB. Meanwhile, Dalvin Cook is once again fantasy-relevant and slots in as my RB34. Breece Hall was an awesome RB prospect and was immediately the RB8 in half-point PPR fantasy points per game (15.1) in the seven games he played before his injury as a rookie. He was fantastic, ranking as one of the best running backs in the league in shedding tackles, breaking tackles and gaining additional yardage, ripping off big play runs, and being an efficient route runner and pass catcher immediately upon entering the NFL. Cook offers early season upside but should fade down the stretch as the clearly more talented Hall gets more and more up to speed after last year's torn ACL.