Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.
Official Zach Zenner Thread - Oh yeeaaaaaaah. (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter eoMMan
- Start date
rocketsauce
Footballguy
I think this is the epitome of a preseason overhype runaway freight train.
Has he looked good? Yes. Has he broken a few nice runs? Yes. Did he probably make the team? Yes.
He was the 4th RB in the game yesterday behind Abdullah, Riddick, and George freakin Winn. Everyone needs to calm down here. He looks like an average NFL practice squad running back, running against other likely practice squad guys.
Jarryd Hayne has looked even better in San Francisco, but I don't see anybody drafting him.
Has he looked good? Yes. Has he broken a few nice runs? Yes. Did he probably make the team? Yes.
He was the 4th RB in the game yesterday behind Abdullah, Riddick, and George freakin Winn. Everyone needs to calm down here. He looks like an average NFL practice squad running back, running against other likely practice squad guys.
Jarryd Hayne has looked even better in San Francisco, but I don't see anybody drafting him.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/playbyplay/NFL_20150828_DET@JAC
He was playing in the 1st quarter against the defensive starters of Jacksonville and looked better than Abdullah, Riddick, and George freakin Winn.
Bruce Hammond
Footballguy
Who's over-hyping ZZ2k? Who I ask? 
Or maybe it ought to be ZZ3x2k since he did it 3 straight years.
http://stats.washingtonpost.com/cfb/players.asp?id=201007
Or maybe it ought to be ZZ3x2k since he did it 3 straight years.
http://stats.washingtonpost.com/cfb/players.asp?id=201007
Last edited by a moderator:
pinequick
Footballguy
Saw this guy live in 2013 (I think) vs. Nebraska in Lincoln. Nebraska is no great shakes on defense, but Zenner looked GREAT vs. Division I athletes. He looked like the best player on the field that day (and Abdullah was on that field). Not saying that he's going to steal the starting job, but if you have a deep dynasty bench, he is worth a stash IMO.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Wonderllama
Footballguy
You could probably get him near the last round. Probably better as a handcuff to Abdullah
KellysHeroes
Footballguy
people ask "why do you hold drafts so early in the pre-season" this is why, I was able to get this kid in just about every league I'm in between the 4th and 5th rookie rounds.
Last edited by a moderator:
STEADYMOBBIN 22
Footballguy
So for some perspective...
Denard Robinson - Most likely candidate but Denard isn't as risky an option with 2 years under his belt and a handful of good showings.
Eddie Royal - I think he'll do his usual blow up then disappear act but I plan on trading him before the other guys come back from injury.
Cole Beasley - I think all the attention goes to the other WOs and Beasley cleans up. Nobody can cover him with their 3rd best option.
Matt Jones - Looks better then Alf, bigger, stronger, faster.
Would you consider dropping any of them for him?
Denard Robinson - Most likely candidate but Denard isn't as risky an option with 2 years under his belt and a handful of good showings.
Eddie Royal - I think he'll do his usual blow up then disappear act but I plan on trading him before the other guys come back from injury.
Cole Beasley - I think all the attention goes to the other WOs and Beasley cleans up. Nobody can cover him with their 3rd best option.
Matt Jones - Looks better then Alf, bigger, stronger, faster.
Would you consider dropping any of them for him?
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
The AA-ZZ backfield would be fantastic marketing wise.
Stealthycat
Footballguy
remember
2014 pre-season rushing leaders
• 1. Lorenzo Taliaferro• BAL• 243
• 2. Henry Josey• PHI• 225
• 3. Joe Banyard• MIN• 212
2013
1. Khiry Robinson NO 228
2. Jordan Todman JAC 223
3. Joseph Randle DAL 215
4. Christine Michael SEA 201
2012
1. William Powell ARI 249
2. Rashad Jennings JAC 209
3. Nate Eachus KC 200
2011
1. Kendall Hunter SF 231
2. Da'Rel Scott NYG 213
3. Armond Smith CLE 192
2014 pre-season rushing leaders
• 1. Lorenzo Taliaferro• BAL• 243
• 2. Henry Josey• PHI• 225
• 3. Joe Banyard• MIN• 212
2013
1. Khiry Robinson NO 228
2. Jordan Todman JAC 223
3. Joseph Randle DAL 215
4. Christine Michael SEA 201
2012
1. William Powell ARI 249
2. Rashad Jennings JAC 209
3. Nate Eachus KC 200
2011
1. Kendall Hunter SF 231
2. Da'Rel Scott NYG 213
3. Armond Smith CLE 192
Stealthycat
Footballguy
no worries .... Abdullah is electric and like was mentioned .... Zenner might be signed for a RB3 and special teams player but threaten Bell/Abdullah?
No more so than Hunter threatened Gore, Josey Mccoy or Banyard ADP
No more so than Hunter threatened Gore, Josey Mccoy or Banyard ADP
freeannyong
Footballguy
I wouldn't say this is true. Zenner is competing to be the backup for Bell's role.
Riddick is Abdullah's backup in the 'Bush role'.
That is how I see it at least. No one in this backfield is going to play 3 downs every series.
SameSongNDance
Footballguy
Lombardi is all about carving out specific roles for his RBs, which is why this is worth keeping an eye on. If Bell can't get healthy by week 1, I we'll see either Zenner or Winn (odd man out) get the bulk of the early down/short yardage work. There not going to use Abdullah as a 3-down back, which is why his climbing ADP is becoming too pricey, his volume is capped.
Mighty Mice
Footballguy
Exactly. Kid has had nothing but success at every level, including tons of positive buzz all camp long. Bell misses time, have to think ZZ has done all he can to get touches. Abdullah and Riddick play the 'pass catching role' a la Reggie Bush. Joique and ZZ do something else.
Last edited by a moderator:
Stealthycat
Footballguy
I do like him - but he's behind Bell who's not going anywhere, Abdullah whom I think is a pure stud and yes, I think he's a 3 down back and he's an excellent pass catcher .... Zenner would be 3/4 on depth chart and short over several injuries no fantasy factor at all.
Don't forget Stafford and DET passing game ... this aint a run first team IMO
Don't forget Stafford and DET passing game ... this aint a run first team IMO
Manster
Footballguy
I like the kid. He's actually pretty fast when he gets going. He seems to have pretty good vision. He doesn't mess around.....finds the crease and goes. I definitely want to see more of him at the NFL level.......Something to consider when watching the Nebraska Zenner highlights......Nebraska gave up the then record 408 yards rushing to Melvin Gordon before Perine broke it immediately against Kansas. Nebraskas run D was like a sieve.
Last edited by a moderator:
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
This is the kind of preseason spark that I love. Zenner could have fantasy relevant touches if Bell can't get on the field over the next month. He could be this year's Henry Josey. He could be somewhere in between.
Trick is to value the potential upside right now.
Is Zenner worth a flier for other potential upside candidates/low ceiling players like Reggie Wayne or depth players like Crabtree? Is he worth as much or more than a handcuff like Jones or DWill (potentially even Knile Davis)? What about other upside backs who may get time this year like Fred Jackson?
Love the crystal ball bets that need to go on here.
I am actually thinking of taking a flier on this guy betting on Bell's inability to get healthy early. I do think Bell is back within first three games which will relegate Zenner to highly limited carries unless Bell gets injured again. There's more than a little probability of that, but I'm pricing Zenner around a guy like a Reggie Wayne or Matt Jones -- guys who may have upside in the first few games thanks to injury or until the primary #1 gets going, then is pure injury depth from there.
Trick is to value the potential upside right now.
Is Zenner worth a flier for other potential upside candidates/low ceiling players like Reggie Wayne or depth players like Crabtree? Is he worth as much or more than a handcuff like Jones or DWill (potentially even Knile Davis)? What about other upside backs who may get time this year like Fred Jackson?
Love the crystal ball bets that need to go on here.
I am actually thinking of taking a flier on this guy betting on Bell's inability to get healthy early. I do think Bell is back within first three games which will relegate Zenner to highly limited carries unless Bell gets injured again. There's more than a little probability of that, but I'm pricing Zenner around a guy like a Reggie Wayne or Matt Jones -- guys who may have upside in the first few games thanks to injury or until the primary #1 gets going, then is pure injury depth from there.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Stealthycat
Footballguy
BTW saying "white lightning" is racism .... don't judge a player by his skin color. If I called Ameer "the terrorist" Abdullah or Todd "black fudge" Gurley or Kevin " chocolate marshmallow knee" White ..... well you get the idea
Just no reason to talk about Zenners skin color, its as irrelevant as RGIII's skin color and Teddy Bridgewater's
Just no reason to talk about Zenners skin color, its as irrelevant as RGIII's skin color and Teddy Bridgewater's
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Totally agree with the sentiment. But does this mean we can't use Darryl Dawkin's nickname in respect and reverence?
Manster
Footballguy
oh yea, thanks for reminding us we live in world where people get offended by every little thing just because its the thing to do.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Maybe he didn't mean it racially, maybe people just think Zenner is harder to take down than a shot of moonshine.
kutta
Footballguy
Wow. That's a pretty steep price.
Bruce Hammond
Footballguy
I think the reality is he's a backup this year, then gets his real shot in 2016. I hope people aren't expecting immediate results.
Even Foster had just 54 carries his rookie year.
Even Foster had just 54 carries his rookie year.
seahawk 17
Footballguy
I realize 95% of the posters on this board have never actually played football, you can't teach how to see the hole and run through it. This kid has a gift.
Back up to whom? The other rookie rb, the guy who hasn't practiced all preseason or one of the other 3rd down backs on the roster? I agree there is definitely a committee in the works here but what combination? I don't think anyone but AA takes snaps away from the kid.
Bruce Hammond
Footballguy
It'll be a Bell / Abdullah combo this year. I know ZZ fans would love it to be otherwise but I think Bell will maintain his RBBC role.
You're probably right considering Bell's contract details, signed in 2014. 3 mil signing bonus and 4.3 guaranteed is a lot of jack to write off. Perhaps, bell stumbles early or doesn't rebound well from the Achilles? After the skills ZZ has shown, he would be the immediate backup to Bell, no?
Bruce Hammond
Footballguy
He s/b next in line behind Bell, yes. There was speculation as recently as before this last big game that ZZ might end up on the practice squad and G Winn would make the team as 4th RB due to special teams play, but DET would be foolish to try that unless they want to see another team snag him. They have to keep him on the 53.
Folks should take another long look at Stealthycat's post #16. I remember the hype some of those guys received and we can all see how it turned out. It doesn't mean 'no' for ZZ -- he's better I think than some/most of those players -- but it probably means 'not yet.' He's an undrafted rookie and it's not an easy path to relevancy and regular playing time for those types in their rookie years, just based on one pre-season. ZZ could be an exception but the odds are stacked against him.
Last edited by a moderator:
thatguythere
Footballguy
As a lions fan 8m just happy he is playing well enough to make the team. I've been worried about our running game...but the two rookies have looked great. We have had bad luck and some bad drafting at rb. Still think if bell can't get on the field they should sign Pierre thomas
jurb26
Footballguy
Does he make the team, though? That would mean Det keeping 4 RBs, most likely anyway. As I understand it that's pretty rare unless the guy offers some serious special teams value. Maybe Zenner does. Unfortunately, good players have to get cut sometimes.
jurb26
Footballguy
Unless your league is very deep, I don't think he's rosteable in redraft. Bell is going to be the RB1a and Ameer RB1b. The rest are carp fighting for scraps IMO
freeannyong
Footballguy
Is Bell ever going to practice? Zenner could be starting a couple weeks at this point. Why not use your last pick on him?
Last edited by a moderator:
jurb26
Footballguy
What am I missing here? How could he be starting a couple of weeks when he's still behind Bell, Ameer & Riddick?
mr roboto
Footballguy
If Bell doesn't play. Some people think there are 2 roles here, Bell/ZZ and AA/Riddick. So if Bell is out ZZ gets those touches. It's not a 1,2,3,4 depth chart. It's a A1, A2, B1, B2 chart.
Similar threads
