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We continue our coverage of this year's National Fantasy Football Convention (NFFC) with more player interviews from Sunday. The second NFFC took place in Fort Worth, Texas, so there were many Cowboys players and press in attendance, but several fantasy-relevant players from other teams were also present and willing to answer questions.
As a member of the media with access to the player press conference area, I took the opportunity to sit in on the majority of player interviews and ask a few questions that might help our readers gain some insight.
Here are my insider notes on player interviews from NFFC Day 2.
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NFFC Player Quotes and Reaction
Dede Westbrook (WR, JAX)
The Cowboys media members asked several questions about former teammate Allen Hurns and whether he could assert himself as the #1 receiver in Dallas. He said he believes it will happen based on his work ethic and consistency that he witnessed last year in Jacksonville. "He knows he's not a burner, but if he gets the ball in the open field he can make a play."
I asked Westbrook the question that co-host Chris Mangano and I discussed a few weeks ago on the Fantasy Bomb podcast when reports surfaced that Keelan Cole was being considered for a slot role this season: isn't that Dede's job? (I framed it a bit differently) Here's his response:
Takeaway: As far as Hurns, there is wide speculation that he will be the target leader in Dallas by default. Rookie receiver Michael Gallup (see below) echoed that sentiment as well. It may be hard to swallow an undrafted free agent coming off a 39-catch season as a WR1 for a playoff contender, but you might need to get used to it. Dez Bryant isn't coming back and 'Boys aren't likely to add any more vets in free agency with Deonte Thompson joining Cole Beasley in competition with the two rookies.
In regard to his own role with the Jaguars, Westbrook basically said he'll play all over and be used as needed in this offense. He played outside last year but stated that this year he'll be learning every position because injuries happen and he'll have to be ready when his number is called. This sounds an awful lot like someone who isn't slated for a starting gig. With Marqise Lee and Donte Moncrief on the outside presumably cemented as starters, the slot role will go to either Westbrook or Keelan Cole. While that may not be determined until just before the season begins, it was a bit disconcerting to hear Westbrook explain his situation as sort of a utility receiver and a backup. He is uber-talented, but it may take another season or an injury for him to be a viable weapon in fantasy leagues on a team that is already looking to run first and lean on its defense.
Michael Gallup (WR, DAL)
Predictably, the rookie said that he's been getting advice from Michael Irvin and his goal for the season right now is to "make the 53-man roster." He reiterated former Cowboys WR Laurent Robinson's point earlier in the day that the Cowboys don't have and don't necessarily need a true #1 receiver.
Takeaway: There won't be a true number one receiver in Dallas because they don't have one. Hurns is most likely to be the target leader, but that number may not reach 100. Gallup is widely thought of as a rookie that could make an impact, but this isn't Amari Cooper, Mike Evans or Odell Beckham we're talking about. Those were early first-round picks who were able to immediately step in with 1,000-yard seasons. Gallup was selected in the third round and won't be made a starter right away. He spoke of learning the playbook and hoping to make the roster (half-jokingly), which is actually the normal situation for a rookie wideout. Dynasty owners can feel confident investing in Gallup, but he has no business being taken in redraft leagues outside of a late-round flier in best-ball leagues.
Jerick McKinnon (RB, SF)
Asked what he believes his biggest asset is on the field, he responded "Versatility, being able to do multiple things. I think it's the right offense for me. That's one of the reasons I chose to go there. I really like Coach Shanahan and what he does and how he schemes the offense." He also revealed that his favorite running backs growing up were all pass-catching running backs like Marshall Faulk, LaDainian Tomlinson, Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, and Roger Craig and brought up the word versatile once again.
Takeaway: This is exactly what anyone who owns McKinnon already wants to hear and only reinforces what I've been saying since he signed with the Niners. McKinnon already enters this season as the primary runner in San Francisco and will be utilized heavily in the passing game as well. With little experience behind him, McKinnon has a clear path to 250+ touches and could be a steal at his current third-round ADP.
Charcandrick West (RB, KC)
The biggest takeaway was the fact that Andy Reid and the Chiefs have a very positive vibe in the locker room and appear to instill a growth mindset among their players. West said that all players must write down something they will get better at each day on a big board and must evaluate their goals constantly. I heard similar glowing reviews about the team's atmosphere from Pat Mahomes and Chase Litton the day before.
Takeaway: West will never be a featured back, even if Hunt goes down with a serious injury, but he has experience, speed, and pass-catching skills to be stream-worthy in a flex role. The Chiefs seem as if they won't miss a beat without Alex Smith and could be back in contention for an AFC title again.
Akrum Wadley (RB, TEN)
Wadley wasn't the most verbose interviewee, but he revealed that the Titans' playbook isn't too different from what he learned in college and he was mainly drawn to Tennessee as an undrafted free agent because he has family there. I asked whether he saw the presence of two established backs like Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry ahead of him as a positive or negative coming into the league out of college.
Takeaway: It was hard to glean anything from his answers, but Wadley could be far more interesting on the field than off it. He exhibited breakaway speed in college at Iowa State and ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He won't get much run without an injury ahead of him, but he is worth a stash in dynasty leagues and a late-third or early-fourth round pick in rookie drafts.
More 2018 Fantasy Football & ADP Analysis
