As we wind down the regular season, steaming toward the fantasy playoffs, it’s likely your 2023 prospects are already understood. You’re tweaking your roster for a championship run or, your sights are already focused on 2024. There’s always next year!
One of my favorite aspects of the dynasty format is late-season roster grooming, specifically the identification and addition of players off the radar of most managers but who could have value based on a change in opportunity. Whether due to expiring contracts above on the depth chart, impending rebuild or late-season production, players’ prospects are always changing. These changes can provide an opportunity for dynasty managers willing to do the work and with open roster slots.
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The availability of these players will depend on the roster limits set by your league. While I prefer to play in leagues with no less than 25 rostered players, with no kicker or defense, leagues with at least 28 roster slots are my true preference. The more the better. After all, at least half the fun of the dynasty format is in outworking your fellow managers toward the early identification, and addition, of developmental talent.
As it relates to these types of players, I’m not usually targeting them via trade if already rostered. To do so is to place too much value and attention on the player to the other manager. I much prefer to add a targeted player early when he still exists on my waiver wire and carries no cost. In many cases, fellow coaches end up dropping the player in question. If already rostered, I may seek a trade of a higher-tier player with my developmental target included as a “throw-in.”
As always, any referenced dynasty Trade Analyzer, player rankings or ADP data comes from DynastyLeagueFootball (DLF), the oldest and largest dynasty-centric site on the planet. All rankings assume a PPR format.
Let’s get to the players I’m adding now in my deep-roster leagues. As one final note, I’m going to keep my commentary for each player to a minimum to allow for the highlighting of more players. If you’d like to know more about my thinking, please feel free to comment.
Jordan Mason, RB, SF
Age: 24 DLF Rank: RB76
In limited touches, Mason has averaged 5.9 YPC and his run-style displays greater potential. I’m expecting one of Mason, Elijah Mitchell or Tyrion Davis-Price to depart during the 2024 offseason, and my hope is that Mason moves up the depth chart or to a new team with greater opportunity. Turning 25 in May, he’s no longer a young prospect but could have multiple years of serviceable production if he finds his way to a starting situation.
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Deneric Prince, RB, KC
Age: 23 DLF Rank: RB85
I highlighted Prince shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft concluded as a deep-roster hold and nothing has changed in my opinion of his upside. He’s truly a deep-stash as a player not even on the Chiefs’ active roster, but it’s very possible that current starter, Isiah Pacheco, is the only remaining rostered running back following 2023. Prince’s year on the practice squad and in the Chiefs system should provide a leg-up on the competition in 2024.
Zamir White, RB, LV
Age: 24 DLF Rank: RB53
Normally I wouldn’t be including White on any deep-roster addition article, but over the past few weeks he’s been dropped in multiple leagues I participate in — and I was quick to snatch him up. Death, taxes and Josh Jacobs playing elsewhere in 2024 are things you can bet on with confidence. The Raiders backfield will be largely empty in 2024 and White is an odds-on bet to receive starting snaps.
Isaiah Spiller, RB, LAC
Age: 22 DLF Rank: RB76
This is all about Spiller’s opportunity heading into 2024. Austin Ekeler is likely to move on and I’ll be surprised if Joshua Kelley returns as well. Spiller, as a young back with size, could get an opportunity to start if the stars align. Working against him is a massive free agent class at the position the likes of which we haven’t seen before. Spiller fell of the dynasty radar following poor performance times leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, followed by a poor landing spot for playing time. Consider the similarities (poor athletic scores) and runway of fellow 2022 rookie, and Rams starter, Kyren Williams for Spiller’s potential.
A.T. Perry, WR, NO
Age: 24 DLF Rank: WR105
I was drafting Perry as my last selection in deep-round 2023 rookie drafts or adding him as a free agent following the draft. I scouted the big receiver at length and found his game capable of transitioning well to the next level. Considering the Saints’ unsettled depth chart and my expectation that Michael Thomas is not back with the team in 2024, my belief is that Perry could be the team’s WR3 to enter 2024. I’m looking for increasing snaps and targets to end 2023 as indication that the Saints also believe Perry has upside potential.
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Dontayvion Wicks, WR, GB
Age: 22 DLF Rank: WR107
Wicks is another receiver I’ve been “on” from his fifth-round selection by Green Bay in the 2023 NFL Draft. If you follow my work, you know the two teams I follow closely during the draft with regard to receivers are Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Both have plus-level scouting departments for the position with a proven track record. Wicks has mixed-in with the starters in his rookie season and has started appearing on dynasty rosters, but he’s still available across many leagues. Add him now as the coaching staff continues to laud his work ethic, route running and dependability.
Tucker Kraft, TE, GB
Age: 23 DLF Rank: TE36
The Packers surprised many, including myself, when they selected Luke Musgrave in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft followed by Tucker Kraft in the third round. While I do prefer Musgrave’s athletic profile, his injury history leaves much to be desired. Kraft doesn’t have the same polish as a receiver, but the tight end-friendly system of Green Bay is one I watch, and Kraft does have upside. To wit about Musgrave’s injury history, Kraft is now starting while Musgrave is on injured reserve.
Hope you enjoyed this look at just some deep-roster stashes I’m adding now. If you have thoughts or questions, please be sure to leave a comment and also give me a follow on Twitter and Threads: @DLF_Jeff
As always, be well, be happy and, please, be good to each other!
(Photo of Dontayvion Wicks: William Glasheen-USA TODAY NETWORK)
