ATHENS — Georgia football NFL Fantasy Football participants likely felt the pain of missing out on selecting their favorite Bulldogs.
Kirby Smart’s recruiting and player development has led to there being more former Georgia players in the NFL than ever, with 58 in the league, and 46 on active rosters.
It’s the offensive skill position players who get the attention in most Fantasy Football Leagues, and there are no shortage of Bulldogs.
Here are the Georgia players in the “ESPN300 Fantasy Football rankings,” with some DawgNation perspective:
1. James Cook, Buffalo (ESPN, No. 29 overall, RB13)
Cook has stepped up in a big way in Buffalo’s high-scoring offense, breaking off big plays in the run and pass game. Fantasy fans are hoping Cook gets more work near the goal line, but QB Josh Allen is a capable runner in close, and the Bills drafted former Kentucky power back Ray Davis.
2. George Pickens, Pittsburgh (No. 53 overall, WR29)
The only thing holding Pickens back from WR1 status is quarterback play, especially now that the Steelers have dealt their former top target, Diontae Johnson. Pickens’ ability to draw consistent targets will be key, but this is one receiver you will want to have on your roster when he finally pops.
3. D’Andre Swift, Chicago (No. 63 overall, RB19)
Swift is an explosive runner and excellent pass catcher that Chicago made a priority to nab in free agency, likely ready to start him atop a three-back rotation and utilize him in goal-line situations. Swift could prove to have a high ceiling if rookie QB Caleb Williams breaks out.
4. Zamir White, Las Vegas (No. 66 overall, RB22)
“Zeus” was loose the final four games of last season (84 carries, 397 yards, 4.72 npc) and is expected to open the season as the Raiders starting tailback.
5. Ladd McConkey, L.A. Chargers (No. 94 overall, WR 44)
McConkey has PPR upside with his quickness, reliable hands and runs after the catch. Having a talent like Justin Herbert at quarterback provides hope McConkey can make WR3 impact as a rookie. There’s a reason Jim Harbaugh traded up for McConkey.
6. Nick Chubb, Cleveland (No. 117, RB41)
Chubb will miss the first month of the season coming off the knee injury that sidelined him Week 2 last season, but he’s a great pickup to stash on your injured reserve list who will fill up the boxscore back on the field.
7. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas (No. 111, TE12)
Bowers didn’t play in the Raiders final two preseason games on account of a foot injury, but he’s expected to play in the opener in a run-heavy offense that should open him up for play-action targets in the Red Zone. Bowers appears underrated by NFL Fantasy experts.
8. Matthew Stafford (No. 197, QB21)
Stafford’s recent injuries aside, it seems the former Georgia quarterback is being undervalued with a blooming star like Puke Nacua out wide to compliment veteran Cooper Kupp.
9. Kenny McIntosh (No. 282, RB89)
McIntosh won the No. 3 spot in the Seattle RB rotation, which is significant considering the recent injury history of starter Kenneth Walker lll and the questionable injury status Zach Charbonnet brings into the opening game.
Other Georgia players to watch:
QB Stetson Bennett, L.A. Rams
Bennett is one snap away from running the Rams’ offense behind starter Matthew Stafford, for the first two games at least, as veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo serves a two-game suspension.
WR Chris Conley, San Francisco
This veteran wideout signed a one-year contract to be ready and able when his number is called amid a seemingly oft-injured 49ers receiving corps. Conley is a player to consider should San Francisco WR injuries begin to mount.
WR Mecole Hardman, Kansas City
Hardman’s elite speed keeps him back deep as the Chiefs’ primary kick returner, and he’s also proven effective in Jet Sweep action and as a third receiver, but sparse offensive snaps make it hard to keep him rostered in Fantasy Football lineups.
TE Darnell Washington, Pittsburgh
Washington as Pat Freiermuth’s backup at tight end, still awaiting his break-out opportunity with the Steelers. The athletic Washington has great hands and caught seven of 10 targets last season for 61 yards. Washington is worth monitoring weekly.
TE Charlie Woerner, Atlanta
Woerner opens the season as Kyle Pitts’ backup and could see some goal-line work when the Falcons go big, but the 26-year-old caught just 3 passes for 32 yards last season for the 49ers.
WR Isaiah McKenzie, N.Y. Giants
McKenzie will begin the season on injured reserve in New York, derailing what many hoped would be a productive start to the year after the Giants signed him in free agency.
