Austin Ekeler Value

[FantasyFreak]

Melvin Gordon is unlikely to be back. Ekeler should see plenty of touches next year. Some backs, like CMC, are game planned for passes. Ekeler does get a fair amount of checkdowns, but he also gets his fair share of scripted passes. I think 50 receptions is his floor, and he should see carries, especially if they go with Jackson as the other back. Whatever the case is, he's arguably their best overall offensive weapon, and I believe they will find a way to keep him heavily involved, as long as he is healthy.

[nathanq42]

I mean, he regularly catches bombs lined up as a WR, I think his receptions will be fine. What Im worried about is his rushing stats... been terrible on the ground since Gordon came back, wasn't doing terribly well before then either. Hopefully he proves me wrong, I doubt I will reach a deal I like enough to move him

[mild]

My hesitation is tied to LAC potentially moving on from Rivers. He's always targeted RBs at a high rate. That floor could bottom out if he isn't back in 2020.

Whilst I don't disagree, and I could see how a new QB could remove some of the "flow" of the offense for moving up and down the field - surely no QB in their right mind could see what Ekeler has done this year and not think "get the ball to that guy"

He's been absolutely tearing it up. All he needs is a dump off to make a potential house call. If I'm a young QB, I'm leaning on that guy...

[Factory of Sadness]

He is undervalued I'd say, but the reasons for caution are sound. I like Ekeler a lot, but I wouldn't say I'm sure that he's better than Tony Pollard for example. Whilst we might assume that rational coaching will always make a guy with his skills in space a priority, it doesn't always turn out to be the case. Receiving backs are dependent upon the QB, the mobility of the linemen, whether there's an elite slot guy on the team and also to some degree on game script. Like most every RB except the elite talents, he could vanish in a puff of smoke. As an example of how this happens, consider Theo Riddick. Yes he's hurt right now, but every LB who ever matched up with him described him as an impossible cover. He's not a priority for the Lions, or for anyone else when he gets healthy.
I think Ekeler is an interesting buy and might try to pick up a share or two. He's not a cheat code because your league-mates are stupid though. If the Chargers move on from Rivers and get a pocket passer, and move on from Gordon and get a power back, then he could be a league winner for sure. If they get a mobile QB who doesn't dump it off, and/or a lead back who is excellent in the passing game, then he could drop in value very quickly.

[nathanq42]

I think they would be silly to waste a pick or FA $ on a 3 down back. Committees are the cheapest most effective for the cost backfields imo, and the Chargers are as cheap as they come it seems. If the take a guy like Najee Harris I would be flabergasted. Idk about AJ Dillon's receiving game, but based on stats and catching glimpses of him play, he could be a great compliment to ekeler, and with ekeler being able to line up as a WR he wouldn't even have to come off the field too

[DynoScout]

When do you start to consider Ekeler in a PPR startup draft? Top 50 player?

He's consistently undervalued in existing leagues, but I am curious if that will also apply to startup drafts this off-season...

[nathanq42]

4 year 24.5 million dollars
15 million guaranteed. All aboard the hype train. Thats top 10 money right? Near D Freeman's once league leading contract eh?

[Orenthal Shames]

4 year 24.5 million dollars
15 million guaranteed. All aboard the hype train. Thats top 10 money right? Near D Freeman's once league leading contract eh?

That's a steal considering what Gurley and Zeke costed.

[HEADBANGER]

4 year 24.5 million dollars
15 million guaranteed. All aboard the hype train......

If not known before this deal, certainly guarantees Gordon will be moving on to another team. I own 1 share of Gordon (zero Ekeler), do not think Gordon made a good decision to sit out last year wanting more money than Chargers were willing to offer. One can only hope Gordon lands in a desirable starting spot with a 1 year prove it deal or decent starter money over the next few years.

[dynastyninja]

Well I personally dislike his touchdown celebration, so it's an overpay to me

[Mjvb5]

4 year 24.5 million dollars
15 million guaranteed. All aboard the hype train. Thats top 10 money right? Near D Freeman's once league leading contract eh?

That's a steal considering what Gurley and Zeke costed.

For real, obviously there better. But gimme 2.5 ekelers for one of them

[Rasorin]

Quite fun reading through this thread now that the “what if” has materialized. Those who bought or held, congrats to you! Certainly looms like a top 10 lock to get top 10 production at RB. Those in rebuild should now get that mid 1st+ in return.

[nathanq42]

So this sets him up as the 5th highest paid RB in the league, with the 2017 class about to play their last year on their rookie deals (minus the first rounders that'll likely get optioned) and Henry/Gordon looking for a contract still. Looks like the Chargers really believe in him. One of the most successful UDFAs ever?

[wingnutty]

good for him! I only own 1 share, wish I had more.

[Kmani6]

4 year 24.5 million dollars
15 million guaranteed. All aboard the hype train. Thats top 10 money right? Near D Freeman's once league leading contract eh?

That's a steal considering what Gurley and Zeke costed.

Considering they are much much better players I would hope his price is a fraction. Great receiving, scat back type player, but his running through the tackles isn’t half of Gurley or Zeke. Can’t predict the Gurley injury, but he had 2 unreal seasons, and Zeke is the best pure runner in the game.