Fantasy Football: 10 Potential busts getting way too much hype
By Samuel Teets
2. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What are our expectations for Rob Gronkowski in 2020? He’s a future Hall of Famer and the most dominant tight end in history. However, injuries prevented him from ever capitalizing on his true potential and becoming the greatest tight end of all-time. After finishing 11th in standard leagues in 2018 and sitting out the entire 2019 season, should fans buy into Gronkowski as a top tight end option?
While the name is attractive and brings back memories of Gronkowski dragging three or four bodies across the goal line, let’s not lose focus here. Even with Tom Brady at quarterback, Gronkowski is 31 years old and coming off a year where he didn’t play football. The Buccaneers also feature two other viable tight ends and two Pro Bowl receivers. That’s a lot of mouths to feed.
Selecting Gronkowski as a TE1 is asking for trouble. At best, he’s a safe TE2. However, there’s always the chance he suffers another significant injury. Gronkowski hasn’t played in at least 15 games since 2015.
1. David Johnson, RB, Houston Texans
The Arizona Cardinals benched David Johnson last season in favor of Kenyan Drake. After Johnson struggled for weeks, Drake averaged 80 rushing yards per game during his eight appearances with the team. Maybe Johnson didn’t fit Arizona’s offensive system, but his past three seasons are anything but inspiring.
In 2016, Johnson led the NFL with 373 touches, 2,118 yards from scrimmage, and 20 total touchdowns. Since then, he’s watched his stardom slip away. Over the past three years, Johnson compiled 455 touches, 2,191 yards from scrimmage, and 16 total touchdowns. He’s not the same player.
In March, the Cardinals traded Johnson to Houston. He walks into a situation where the Texans need a lead running back. Carlos Hyde led the Texans in rushing yards last year, but he signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. Hyde finished 23rd among running backs in standard league points while Johnson finished 37th.
With only Duke Johnson on the roster to challenge him for snaps, David Johnson should receive plenty of looks. However, this is a case of volume versus efficiency. If you’re looking for a volume player, Johnson could perform at an RB3 level, but he’s no longer an efficient player.