With training camps about to get started later this month around the NFL, a lot of the focus is going to be on how players on new teams will fit into new roles. As this happens, those of us interested in the fantasy aspect heading into draft season will be taking note.
Here's a quick look at five players on new teams to look at in 2015.
1. Frank Gore, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
For the better part of a decade now, Gore has been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL. Even at 31-years-old this past season, the five-time Pro Bowl performer was able to put up over 1,100 rushing yards with five touchdowns. That was good enough for him to rank 17th among running backs in fantasy points.
Running through a simple mock draft on our simulator, Gore found himself as the 14th running back selected (third round, eighth pick). That would have been a solid ADP with the San Francisco 49ers, but the dynamics have changed a bit here in Indianapolis. Flush with a consistently good quarterback that can get the ball down the field and take defenders out of the box, Gore will have more open holes to run through. Considering the vision he has displayed in his career, and the lack of any real regression last year, Gore should have a ton of success in Indy this season. That's only magnified by the fact that he's going to be relied on as the top dog in an offense that wants to create more run-pass balance.
If we're looking at Gore's ADP being 14th among running backs, his value as a mid third-round pick might just be worth it. Pick him up as a RB2 and expect potential top-10 production.
2. Jimmy Graham, Tight End, New Orleans Saints
It's going to be interesting to see how Graham performs in a much different offense with the Seahawks. Much more run based than in New Orleans, it's possible that Graham's targets will decrease this upcoming season. In fact, he's been among the top-two targeted tight ends in each of the past four seasons, leading in that category in both 2011 and 2013.
This past season saw the three-time Pro Bowler finish as the third-ranked fantasy tight end with 85 receptions for nearly 900 yards and 10 scores. He was also targeted an average of nearly eight times per game. Based on simple math that latter statistic will likely see a decrease in 2015.
Though, it must be noted that Graham will immediately become Russell Wilson's favorite red-zone target in an offense that will rely heavily on the tight end inside the opposing team's 20. So while Graham might see a decrease in targets, he will likely be targeted more in scoring opportunities. That makes him an absolute fantasy dynamo.
3. LeSean McCoy, Running Back, Buffalo Bills
McCoy will not find himself in a situation comparable to the one he was in during his stint with Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles. Simply put, Buffalo doesn't possess anywhere near the type of quarterback that can force defenses to seriously consider playing the pass on a consistent basis. That will equate to more men in the box than during his time with Philly. That will also lead to a downtick in McCoy's fantasy production.
Though, let's not completely discount this talented running back as a top-end fantasy option just yet.
Past success, no matter the climate, has to play a role in analyzing and predicting where a player stands. McCoy is averaging 1,512 yards and 10 touchdowns in his six-year career. Those numbers simply don't grow on trees. This past season saw him 12th among running backs in fantasy points while grading out 20th in our consistency metrics.
That's not the only issue facing McCoy in terms of what we might expect from him as a fantasy contributor this season. He leaves an Eagles team that ranked near the top of the NFL in run blocking, only to join a Bills squad that ranked near the bottom. Without a quarterback to stretch the defense, the worry here is that McCoy's production will drop off big time. Though, it's hard to imagine him ranking any lower than where he was last season. Just make sure you pick with caution here. If there is a top-flight wide receiver available in the middle of the first round, maybe look in another direction while finding value at RB1 and RB2 in the next two rounds.
4. Shane Vereen, Running Back, New York Giants
In PPR leagues, Vereen is going to be an absolute gem. He's averaging 50 receptions per year since the start of the 2013 campaign, and is joining a Giants' offense that needs more production from its running backs in the passing game. Consider this: Giants receivers combined for 66 receptions last season.
While the team still does have Rashad Jennings and potentially Andre Williams ahead of Vereen on the depth chart, this former Patriots running back should still be a solid FLEX option in PPR-heavy leagues.
5. Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
Johnson put up 85 receptions for 936 yards with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, Ryan Mallett and Tom Savage throwing him the ball last season. Imagine what he's going to be able to do with Andrew Luck tossing him the rock in 2015. Now that Reggie Wayne is no longer with the Colts, Johnson will start opposite T.Y. Hilton for the team this season. That's an indication that he will receive the necessary targets to put up 90-plus receptions while crossing the 1,000-yard barrier. If so, Johnson is a solid WR2 addition.