Steve Palazzolo cautioned managers to temper statistical expectations for Patrick Mahomes in 2024. Citing PFF grades, EPA, QBR and other metrics, Palazzolo said Mahomes has ranked only QB5–QB8 over the past two seasons and is intentionally morphing into a more ball-control passer because the Chiefs no longer boast Tyreek Hill-level field-stretchers. He emphasized Kansas City’s offense now leans on protecting the football and sustained drives, a shift that caps raw fantasy output even though Mahomes remains unrivaled in late-game heroics. Palazzolo’s actionable advice: in redraft and DFS, value Mahomes closer to the 5–7 range rather than automatic QB1; consider the UNDER on season-long passing-yard props; but still trust him in clutch-driven markets such as fourth-quarter comeback props or Chiefs futures because his "when you need a drive" excellence is unchanged.

Steve Palazzolo predicted a substantial Year-2 leap for Caleb Williams, saying he "wouldn’t be surprised" if the Bears signal-caller posts a monster statistical season that vaults him into the top tier of fantasy quarterbacks and dark-horse MVP discussions. Palazzolo cited Chicago’s off-season haul—hiring play-caller Ben Johnson and adding multiple explosive pass-catchers—as a perfect environment for the former No. 1 pick to follow the recent trend of second-year breakouts (think Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud). He noted Williams already owns the arm talent to attack the deep third, plus off-script creativity that should pad fantasy points through rushing and scramble drills. Bettors, he said, should consider early MVP tickets at long odds and attack any preseason passing-yardage props before they adjust upward. For season-long leagues, Palazzolo recommended drafting Williams as a mid-range QB1 with top-five upside, while stacking him with Bears receivers in best-ball formats.

Steve Palazzolo argued that Patrick Mahomes still deserves QB1 consideration despite a statistical dip the last two years. He acknowledged the Chiefs star has graded only as a fringe top-10 passer on a throw-for-throw basis (roughly QB8-QB10) since 2022, yet emphasized Mahomes’ unmatched full body of work, late-game "magic," and ability to adapt to personnel changes – winning a Super Bowl and an MVP after Tyreek Hill left. Palazzolo believes that resilience means Mahomes reliably elevates a middling supporting cast, keeping Kansas City in title contention. For fantasy and futures betting, he recommends trusting Mahomes’ proven combination of weekly floor and nuclear ceiling over the newer flash of Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson.

Steve Palazzolo said the Eagles could take a step back defensively after losing three trench starters – Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and right-guard-turned-run-game-mauler McKay Bechtin. He noted the replacements (first-rounder Jahad Campbell on the edge, playoff breakout JLX Hunt, and second-year tackle Moro Ojomo) are intriguing but carry far more uncertainty than proven veterans. Palazzolo added that cornerback Darius Slay is gone and the new right-guard battle between Tyler Steen and Matt Pryor leaves another soft spot. While he still ranks Philadelphia third overall thanks to Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, the A.J. Brown–DeVonta Smith duo, and the Maialata/Lane Johnson tackle tandem, he cautioned bettors against assuming another top-five pass-rush or 14-win ceiling until the young replacements prove they can match last year’s production.

Steve Palazzolo recommended keeping the Vikings defense on your DFS and betting radar after Minnesota added interior disrupters Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to Brian Flores' scheme. Palazzolo emphasized that both tackles have previously produced top-three PFF pass-rush grades among interior linemen, and their presence should finally let Flores rely on a standard four-man rush instead of constant blitzing that opposing offenses eventually adjusted to last year. Operating with a first-contract quarterback gives the club cap flexibility, so the front office was willing to assume the injury/age risk on Hargrave and Allen in exchange for high-end upside. Palazzolo expects a significant jump in pressure rate and sack totals, making the Vikings a viable streaming defense in season-long formats, a value DST play in DFS slates with soft pricing, and a team whose sack or turnover props could be worth targeting early in the season before the market fully adjusts.

Steve Palazzolo argued that Kansas City’s early two-year, $15 million deal for Jalen Moore combined with drafting Josh Simmons at 32 overall finally stabilizes the Chiefs’ only recurring weakness—left-tackle depth. He pointed out that every recent dip in the offense’s efficiency has coincided with backup tackles being forced into action, but Moore provides an above-average stopgap while Simmons offers long-term upside. With sturdier edges, Palazzolo expects Andy Reid to call more long-developing vertical concepts, historically Mahomes’ most efficient throw type. He recommended grabbing Mahomes at +650 to win MVP and taking the over on 30.5 passing TDs before sportsbooks adjust to Kansas City’s improved protection.

Steve Palazzolo framed the Rams as a live playoff and Super Bowl sleeper for 2024 betting markets, citing a quietly excellent offseason. Los Angeles retained Matthew Stafford—avoiding a teardown—and re-signed sought-after LT Alaric Jackson, then added Davante Adams as a true WR1 alongside Puka Nakua. Palazzolo highlighted the recent youth movement that already uncovered stars such as Kyren Williams and Kobe Turner and was bolstered by high-upside rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fisk plus run-stuffer Puna Ford. With Stafford healthy, Aaron Donald anchoring the defense, and McVay’s offense re-stocked, Palazzolo believes the Rams "should be looking at the playoffs and thinking we can go on a run" for one last ring before Stafford retires. Bettors looking for NFC West or Super Bowl futures value should consider Los Angeles before odds shorten during camp.

Steve Palazzolo advised taking the under on Pittsburgh’s 8.5-win total even if Aaron Rodgers somehow starts every game for them. Palazzolo acknowledged Rodgers’ impressive durability – 17 starts for the Jets last year and two full years removed from the Achilles – but argued that the quarterback’s real problem is schematic fit and Father Time. Rodgers would have to unlearn a decade of play-style habits, adapt to Arthur Smith’s play-calling, and elevate a receiver room Palazzolo called “DK Metcalf and a whole bunch of question marks.” He doubts Rodgers will buy into new coaching quickly enough, projecting the offense to spend roughly half the season finding its footing while the defense keeps games close. With questions across the entire passing attack and Smith’s last strong aerial showing dating back to 2019, Palazzolo sees too many holes for Pittsburgh to clear nine wins, Tomlin factor or not.

Steve Palazzolo said the Lions have the league’s deepest, most star–studded roster—highlighting Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Kirby Joseph and Jack Campbell—while also praising their extraordinary interior defensive line depth (Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, first-rounder Tyleik Williams). On offense the line still projects as top-tier even after Kevin Zeitler’s departure, and the receiver mix fits perfectly around Jared Goff. Palazzolo argued that this overall talent edge justifies Detroit as a legitimate Super Bowl futures bet, but he warned bettors to factor in volatility from losing both coordinators (Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn). If the new play-callers stumble—as Philadelphia’s replacements did in 2023—the roster advantage could be neutralized. Futures investors should monitor early-season efficiency metrics before doubling down.

Steve Palazzolo said he is "excited" about rookie wideout Kyle Williams, calling him the best pure separator in the 2024 draft class and a legitimate vertical threat. Palazzolo emphasized that once Williams forces his way into the starting lineup he should see immediate opportunity because Stefon Diggs will command defensive attention and the rest of the Patriots’ receivers profile more as complementary pieces. Given Williams’ route-running and speed, Palazzolo expects him to emerge as Drake Maye’s go-to deep option by mid-season and recommends stashing him late in season-long drafts and mixing him into DFS tournament player pools as a low-salary upside play.

Steve Palazzolo said Caleb Williams is primed for a big Year-2 jump because Chicago finally paired him with Ben Johnson, the head-coaching prize of the last three hiring cycles. Palazzolo noted Johnson’s track record of building an elite, top-two offensive line in Detroit and how the Bears immediately mirrored that philosophy by trading for Joe Thuney (still an elite pass-blocking guard), adding Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, and creating a dominant interior trio that should give Williams a clean pocket. Chicago also fields a legitimately tough pass-catching corps—DJ Moore, rookie Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, rookie Luther Burden and a two-tight-end rotation of Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland—which Palazzolo believes will let Johnson coax the “play free and easy” version of Williams that USC fans remember instead of last season’s mistake-averse, sack-heavy version. The combination of premium protection, diverse personnel groupings and an aggressive play-caller makes Williams a buy in early best-ball drafts and a sneaky mid-tier QB1 target in redraft formats.

Steve Palazzolo joked—but only half-joked—that 465-pound undrafted free-agent Desmond Watson could become Tampa’s "tush-push specialist." Watson owns a quirky stat line at Florida where his lone hand-off converted for a first down, giving him "100 percent success on rushing attempts." Palazzolo envisioned short-yardage sets featuring Watson and 350-pound Vita Vea in a double-A-gap alignment, either to stonewall Philly’s rugby-style sneak on defense or to bulldoze for inches on offense. For bettors hunting plus-4000 (or longer) fat-man touchdown props in preseason or early-season games, Palazzolo argued Watson is worth a sprinkle because Tampa’s staff has already used Vea as a lead blocker and loves creative personnel groupings. The massive nose tackle is still a roster long-shot, but if he sticks, Palazzolo believes the Buccaneers will at least experiment with a fan-favorite package that could cash a novelty anytime-TD ticket.

Steve Palazzolo compared seventh-rounder Tez Johnson to last year’s surprise contributor Bucky Irving, noting both tested poorly but play much faster on tape. At just 155 pounds Johnson ran a mediocre 4.51, yet Palazzolo emphasized his electric quickness, ability to "cook people" at the Senior Bowl and punt-return chops. He even credited Johnson with single-handedly dropping FSU corner Azaria Thomas a full round by torching him in drills. Palazzolo expects Johnson’s movement skills to translate immediately in a specialized slot/return role and recommends stashing him in deep best-ball or dynasty formats where cheap spike-week receivers have real value.

Steve Palazzolo said Egbuka will see the field right away despite Tampa already rostering Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. Palazzolo highlighted Egbuka’s ability to win from tight splits and the slot, his "outstanding" ball skills at the catch point and the fact that evaluators rave about his character. He argued that a fourth wideout still gets meaningful snaps in modern NFL offenses, and with Godwin coming off injury and getting older the rookie provides both short-term depth and a long-term succession plan. Dynasty managers should treat Egbuka as a plug-and-play WR3 with upside to grow into Godwin’s future role.

Steve Palazzolo called rookie Luke Lachey a worthwhile deep-league lottery ticket despite his plateau at Iowa. Palazzolo recalled Lachey once projecting as a potential top-flight prospect before a foot injury derailed his 2023 season, yet the 6'6" target still owns plus ball skills and an 82nd-percentile contested-catch rate. With Houston lacking a developmental backup behind Dalton Schultz, Palazzolo believes Lachey could emerge as the red-zone specialist in 12-personnel looks by mid-season. He advised dynasty managers to stash Lachey on the cheap in case Schultz walks in free agency next spring.

Steve Palazzolo dismissed Graham Mertz as anything more than a long-term clipboard holder after Houston spent a sixth-round pick on him. Palazzolo sees Mertz carving out an eight-to-ten-year run as a QB3 thanks to adequate accuracy but flagged his chronic sack avoidance issues and limited play-creation upside. With C.J. Stroud entrenched and no rushing floor to chase, Palazzolo advised fantasy managers to leave Mertz undrafted in standard or best-ball formats, keeping him only on the deepest superflex dynasty taxi squads.

Steve Palazzolo noted that Houston traded a 2025 third-rounder and pick 179 to jump to 116 for USC running back Woody Marks, signaling they valued him as a Day-2 talent. Palazzolo expects Marks’ short-area quickness to carve out change-of-pace work behind Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary, with a realistic path to RB2 snaps if either veteran falters. The draft-capital commitment plus Marks’ receiving ability make him a viable dynasty stash and late-round seasonal flyer.

Steve Palazzolo said Nico Collins "is looking like a future star now" and could realistically finish as a top-5 to top-7 wide receiver if his 2023 growth curve continues. Palazzolo noted that Houston’s decision to pair Collins with another big perimeter target, first-round-caliber rookie Jaden Higgins, will force defenses to honor two size-speed problems on every snap. With C.J. Stroud already feeding Collins a heavy diet of intermediate and vertical routes and Bobby Slowik’s Rams-style offense using tight splits to create free releases, Palazzolo expects Collins’ target volume and deep-ball efficiency to remain intact. He framed Collins as a priority season-long fantasy buy and a dynasty cornerstone given the Texans’ ascending passing game.

Steve Palazzolo cautioned that Travis Etienne’s every-down role is on shaky ground after Jacksonville spent Day-3 capital on Bhayshul Tuten—an explosive 4.32 runner tailor-made for outside zone—and Syracuse pass-catching specialist LaQuint Allen. Palazzolo noted the Jaguars already tried to siphon early-down work to Tank Bigsby last year before ball-security issues derailed the experiment, and the front office clearly is not done searching for alternatives. With Tuten capable of housing any carry and Allen profiling as a legit third-down option, Palazzolo expects Liam Cohen to lean into a multi-back committee that emphasizes speed and fresh legs. He projected Etienne’s touch share to dip below 60 percent, knocking him out of the locked-in RB1 tier for season-long leagues and making him a risky second-round investment.

Steve Palazzolo said the Jaguars have finally surrounded Trevor Lawrence with the weapons needed for a breakout fantasy season. With the "one-two punch" of newly drafted Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter, plus coordinator Liam Cohen’s aggressive passing scheme and a multi-year-intact offensive line, Palazzolo believes 2024 is Lawrence’s best opportunity to jump from his current "top-10-to-12" fantasy standing into the true QB1 tier. The combination of a vertical burner (Thomas), an elite separator (Hunter), and existing depth pieces like Gabe Davis gives Lawrence legitimate multi-touchdown weekly upside. Palazzolo views the Jaguars’ roster construction as trending toward a Rams-style "stars and scrubs" model that will funnel volume through its elite playmakers—further boosting Lawrence’s counting stats in season-long formats.

Steve Palazzolo argued Tennessee’s offensive-line overhaul meaningfully boosts Cam Ward’s 2025 redraft viability. The Titans inserted veteran Kevin Zeitler at right guard, slid 2024 first-rounder JC Latham to his more natural right-tackle spot, signed Dan Moore Jr. to handle the blind side, and will get Peter Skoronski entering his third season. Palazzolo believes that combo puts the unit in "creep-back-toward-average territory, maybe even better"—a massive upgrade from the group that finished 29th in pass-block win rate last year. With Ward’s biggest collegiate issue being pressure-induced turnover-worthy plays, Palazzolo expects a cleaner pocket to trim his projected interception rate by roughly a full percentage point. He now views Ward as a viable late-round QB2 flyer in superflex redraft formats and an intriguing matchup-based streamer when Tennessee faces bottom-half pass-rush units.

Steve Palazzolo said Cam Ward owns the clearest path in this class to becoming a top-8 to top-12 fantasy quarterback. Ward measured 6-2, 223 and flashes effortless velocity from any arm angle while offering functional, prime-Russell-Wilson athleticism that buys time and adds rushing value. Palazzolo pointed to Ward’s 158-37 career TD-INT tally, a 92.9 PFF grade at Miami, and his proven ability to elevate both Washington State and Miami offenses. Although Ward’s occasional "lunatic" throws evoke Josh Allen, Palazzolo noted they surface only once or twice per game and Ward bounces back immediately. Because the Titans need a signal-caller who can someday trade blows with Mahomes, Burrow, and Allen, Palazzolo believes Ward is the most likely rookie QB to hit that ceiling, making him an aggressive buy in dynasty rookie drafts and a viable long-shot Offensive Rookie of the Year bet.

Steve Palazzolo said there is “a world where Gadsden becomes a favorite target of Justin Herbert” and laid out why the hybrid pass catcher is an immediate buy in late-round best-ball or rookie drafts. At 6'5 with a giant catch radius, Gadsden offers the contested-catch and seam-stretch profile the roster currently lacks after moving on from Mike Williams. Palazzolo noted Herbert has historically funneled red-zone looks to big bodies (23% of his career TDs went to Williams or TE Gerald Everett) and Greg Roman’s offense is expected to feature multiple tight ends and over-routes that play to Gadsden’s strengths. With first-round pick Ladd McConkey drawing primary coverage and Quentin Johnston relegated to vertical clear-outs, Palazzolo sees a realistic path to 80-plus targets as a rookie if camp reports remain positive. He advised scooping Gadsden now before preseason hype drives his ADP into the single-digit rounds.

Steve Palazzolo said Antwaun Powell-Ryland should be on deep IDP watch lists because the rookie’s pass-rush skill set could earn him immediate sub-package snaps in Philadelphia. Palazzolo noted Powell-Ryland’s 2024 breakout at Virginia Tech that featured a four-sack game and a 19% pass-rush win rate, calling him "a better pass-rusher than run defender but the Eagles need the former right now." With Josh Sweat gone and only Nolan Smith and Bryce Huff established on the edge, Palazzolo expects Philly to rotate Powell-Ryland 20–25 snaps per week, projecting 5–7 sacks if he reaches a 35% snap share. That splash-play upside makes him a cheap bench stash in season-long IDP leagues and a volatile best-ball dart throw where sacks are heavily rewarded.

Steve Palazzolo argued that fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane is a name to circle in best-ball pools. Lane posted eye-catching reps at the Senior Bowl, torching highly-touted corner Garrian Porter with sudden route breaks despite giving up four inches in height. Palazzolo believes the Virginia Tech burner can immediately slot into Dyami Brown’s vacated field-stretching role alongside Terry McLaurin and newly-acquired Deebo Samuel. He added that Lane’s kickoff and punt-return experience gains extra value under the 2024 rule change moving the touchback line up, which should create more live returns and thus more all-purpose yardage. The combination of 4.3-speed, a clear schematic niche, and bonus special-teams points makes Lane an intriguing final-round dart in best-ball tournaments where isolated long TDs and return scores spike weekly ceilings.

Steve Palazzolo said Dont'e Thornton is his favorite deep threat in the 2025 class and a no-brainer upside swing for fantasy gamers. Palazzolo raved about Thornton’s measurables—6-foot-5, 207 pounds with reported sub-4.40 speed—and even called him the closest stylistic comp to DK Metcalf in this draft. Although the Tennessee offense gives scouts little pro-style tape, Palazzolo thought Thornton already showed surprisingly flexible hips, clean ball skills, and the ability to sink in and out of breaks rather than being a purely linear sprinter. In Las Vegas he will be competing only with possession targets Jacoby Meyers and rookie Jack Besh underneath while second-year WR Trey Tucker stretches horizontally, giving Thornton a clear runway to the vertical “X” role. Palazzolo noted that Geno Smith has ranked top-eight in PFF grade on throws outside the red zone in back-to-back seasons, so one or two deep connections per week could spike Thornton into starting fantasy lineups. Because the Raiders invested just a fourth-round pick, the risk is minimal and the payoff "astronomical" if he sticks. Palazzolo advised scooping Thornton at the tail end of best-ball drafts and bookmarking him as a priority waiver add once he flashes in September.

Steve Palazzolo said Jordan James is a perfect stylistic match for Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone scheme and could see work right away. Palazzolo called James “a super smooth zone runner” whose vision and one-cut explosiveness fit exactly what the 49ers ask of their backs. With Jordan Mason reportedly out of the picture, the rookie’s path to No. 2 duties behind Christian McCaffrey is wide-open. Drafted in the fifth round, James brings Day-3 cost but legitimate opportunity in a backfield that routinely elevates late-round runners (see Elijah Mitchell). In deep season-long or dynasty leagues, Palazzolo recommended stashing James now before camp buzz drives up the price.

Steve Palazzolo relayed that Sean Payton himself invoked Michael Thomas when discussing third-round wideout Pat Bryant. Palazzolo explained the fit: Denver already rosters two vertical burners in Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin, so a 4.60-speed, 212-pound chain mover who wins with body positioning, slant routes and ball skills fills a clear void. He framed Bryant as Denver’s potential "death-by-a-thousand-slants" option—more Tim Patrick in athletic profile but with the route-running nuance Payton covets. The analyst expects Bryant to challenge immediately for high-percentage targets underneath, creating sneaky PPR value as an inexpensive late-round or waiver add, especially if Courtland Sutton is moved before Week 1.

Steve Palazzolo projected Donovan Ezeiruaku to crack the Week 1 lineup opposite Micah Parsons. He called the pick at 44 overall “fantastic value,” pointing out the Cowboys lost DeMarcus Lawrence and currently have only Marshawn Neelan, last year’s second-rounder, standing in Ezeiruaku’s way. Palazzolo said the rookie already grades out as a "pretty good run defender" and is "solid across the board" compared to a 2025 edge class full of red-flag "yeah-buts." With Dallas counting on two-edge rotations in Dan Quinn’s scheme, Palazzolo expects 600-plus snaps, giving Ezeiruaku immediate IDP relevance and boosting the Cowboys’ team sack outlook for season-long win-total bettors.

Steve Palazzolo sounded the alarm on San Francisco’s offensive-line depth after the team waited until Round 7 to select its lone blocker, Iowa guard Connor Colby. Palazzolo said the unit is already "thin" and could become a real problem once 36-year-old Trent Williams finally slows down or misses time. With Brock Purdy’s extension looming, Palazzolo expects the 49ers to have fewer cap resources to plug holes in free agency, potentially forcing more double-teams on Williams and limiting the downfield concepts that fuel Purdy’s efficiency. For fantasy managers, he advised downgrading San Francisco’s 2025 rushing efficiency projections and baking extra sack risk into Purdy’s seasonal and best-ball outlooks until the franchise makes a significant investment up front.

Running down the entire class, Steve Palazzolo argued that Arizona’s defensive makeover—Walter Nolan and Jordan Birch joining a front that already added Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Darius Robinson (Year 2), plus Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, and BJ Ojulari on the edge—takes the unit from league-worst territory in 2024 to at least league-average in 2025. He emphasized that the Cardinals spent five straight picks on defense and graded as the fifth-best draft by Areef’s consensus value model, suggesting they extracted more WAR than any club outside the top four. With Will Johnson projected to start and Denzel Burke and Cody Simon providing athletic depth, Palazzolo expects a sizeable jump in pressure rate and turnover creation. Bettors looking at early win-total markets should factor in that defensive leap; Palazzolo implied the current Vegas number bakes in last year’s 31st-ranked defense rather than the deeper, more versatile front Arizona will field this fall.

Steve Palazzolo said dynasty managers should pump the brakes on rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson after the Rams took him at pick 46. Palazzolo highlighted Ferguson’s eighth-percentile contested-catch rate and pointed out that Oregon had to scheme easy screen looks to unlock his athleticism. He questioned Ferguson’s reliability in traffic and noted the rookie is not an inline blocker, labeling him more of a movable H-back type. While Sean McVay compared Ferguson to former Washington hybrid Chris Cooley and likely has a specific role in mind, Palazzolo doubts Ferguson will command fantasy-relevant volume in 2024 with Tyler Higbee still under contract. Long-term upside exists, but Palazzolo advised treating Ferguson as a speculative taxi-squad stash rather than an immediate contributor.

Steve Palazzolo said Jalen Milroe is the ideal cheap lottery ticket in dynasty Superflex and late-round best-ball drafts. Palazzolo loves that the Seahawks grabbed him in Round 3, giving Seattle a developmental runway while Sam Darnold is on a one-year deal with no future guarantees. He noted Milroe’s Justin Fields–level speed (estimated 4.4 forty) that made him "the entire offense" in the first half vs Georgia, proving you can build a high-floor, QB-centric run game around him immediately. Palazzolo contrasted that with Milroe’s Tennessee tape—highlighting the safety he took by retreating into the end zone—to underscore lingering accuracy and out-of-structure decision concerns. Still, he pointed to the recent Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson trajectories as evidence quarterbacks can improve mechanically after entering the league. Palazzolo was equally impressed by Milroe’s interview performance, where the rookie "listed chapter and verse" every weakness he needs to fix—an attitude Seattle views as critical after Geno Smith’s own growth story. Because Shane Waldron already called designed QB runs on 14 percent of Seahawks snaps last season (second-highest rate in the NFL), Palazzolo sees a seamless schematic match and a realistic chance Milroe starts by 2025. He advised spending a late third-round rookie pick or a basement-priced best-ball share now before any preseason hype tax kicks in.

Steve Palazzolo said Will Johnson’s ultra-aggressive style makes him a high-variance but potentially lucrative betting and IDP target. Palazzolo emphasized that Johnson consistently squats on underneath routes the way Patrick Surtain II never did, which will leave him vulnerable to the occasional double-move but should also translate to a rookie season of 5-plus interceptions in Jonathan Gannon’s off-zone-heavy scheme. He pointed out that Arizona’s pass rush projects to be top-half in pressure rate after adding Walter Nolan, Jordan Birch and veteran edge depth, a factor that historically inflates takeaway totals for opportunistic corners (he referenced Tariq Woolen’s six-pick rookie year when Seattle jumped from 28th to 12th in pressure). Because most books still list Johnson at 50-to-1 or longer for Defensive Rookie of the Year and have not posted individual interception props, Palazzolo recommended sprinkling small DROY bets now and flagging Johnson as a weekly boom/bust DFS and IDP option whenever Arizona faces high-volume pass offenses.

Steve Palazzolo called Will Johnson in Round 2 an "absolute steal," projecting him to start Week 1 opposite Marco Wilson in Jonathan Gannon’s off-zone scheme. Palazzolo highlighted Johnson’s three pick-sixes at Michigan, elite short-area acceleration, and fluid hips that shine with eyes on the quarterback. He acknowledged the athletic red flags (13th-percentile agility drills and no 40-time after injury) and the gambler mentality that occasionally gets him double-moved, but sees that aggressiveness as a feature in a defense that encourages corners to drive on underneath routes. For IDP formats, Palazzolo expects Johnson’s combination of target volume and ball skills to translate to splash plays and labeled him a late-round upside dart. He also noted that Areef’s consensus board graded the pick as the fourth-best value in the entire draft, reinforcing Johnson’s path to immediate snaps.

Steve Palazzolo highlighted how adding Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall and third-round DT Darius Alexander gives New York a true "three-headed monster" on the edge with Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux while finally placing a legitimate running mate next to Dexter Lawrence inside. Carter’s elite burst, bend, and expanding counter repertoire should draw one-on-one matchups because offenses already slide protection toward Burns, and Alexander’s versatility (flashed edge snaps and Senior Bowl dominance) lets coordinator Shane Bowen create overload looks. Palazzolo believes the upgraded depth will force offenses to pick their poison, freeing Lawrence from constant double–teams and positioning the Giants for a sizable jump in pressure rate and sacks—making their DST an undervalued target in season-long drafts and an early over bet on team sack props.

Steve Palazzolo flagged undrafted free agent Brady Cook as a sneaky dynasty dart. Although a late-season shoulder injury tanked his draft stock, Cook’s 2023 Missouri film showed 3,317 total yards, 26 touchdowns, and only eight turnover-worthy plays by PFF charting. Palazzolo likes that Cook’s mobility and quick-game accuracy mirror the Justin Fields/Tyrod Taylor archetype the Jets clearly covet, giving him a realistic path to QB2 duties if Fields stumbles or leaves in free agency. Because Cook is almost certain to clear waivers and land on the practice squad, Palazzolo advised burning a last-round rookie pick or taxi slot now rather than fighting FAAB inflation when inevitable preseason buzz hits.

Steve Palazzolo projected TreVeyon Henderson to handle a full three-down role for the Patriots right away. Citing personnel chief Elliot Wolf’s comment that Henderson will be a "three-down player," Palazzolo highlighted Henderson’s versatility: proven success in both power and zone schemes, the ability to split wide and create mismatches as a receiver, and elite pass-pro technique that should keep him on the field for passing downs. Palazzolo emphasized Henderson’s big-play speed, superior ball security compared with Rhamondre Stevenson, and immediate upgrade in blitz pickup for rookie quarterback Drake May. With New England investing heavily in offensive line help (Will Campbell at LT, Jared Wilson at C), Palazzolo expects a clear runway to 18-20 touches per game, making Henderson a high-end rookie pick in season-long drafts and an early Best Ball target.

Steve Palazzolo argued that Justin Fields’ rushing floor makes New York a sneaky candidate to beat low preseason win totals. He recalled Chicago unexpectedly winning seven games during a supposed tank year and Pittsburgh going 4-2 with Fields under center, illustrating how dual-threat QBs elevate baseline offensive efficiency. Palazzolo noted the Jets’ revamped offensive line (Olu Fashanu at LT, Armand Membou at RT) and a potentially volatile press-man defense that can swing games with turnovers. If those units stay healthy, Palazzolo believes New York can steal enough close contests to cash an over ticket or long-shot playoff prop despite the roster still being “a year away” on paper.

Steve Palazzolo said Mason Taylor is the definition of "solid" and should see the field early for the Jets. Palazzolo highlighted Taylor’s well-rounded profile: only 1–2 drops last year, a refined route tree at LSU, and competent run-blocking that keeps him on the field in any personnel package. Because New York already addressed tackle at No. 7, the second-round investment in Taylor fills a glaring depth chart hole, vaulting him ahead of Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert for meaningful rookie-year snaps. Palazzolo framed Taylor as a tight-end sleeper in season-long formats and a dynasty buy, noting that Aaron Rodgers–style quick-game concepts should funnel short targets his way while his blocking keeps him involved near the goal line.

Steve Palazzolo predicted the Dolphins drafted Ollie Gordon specifically to give their track-team backfield a power element when winter hits. Gordon rumbled for 1,732 yards and 21 TDs at Oklahoma State last year, regularly breaking tackles and thriving in bad weather games. Palazzolo expects Mike McDaniel to lean on speed (Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane) during the first three months, then unleash the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Gordon on December and January road trips to the Northeast where Mostert/ Achane have struggled between the tackles. That role should come with short-yardage and goal-line touches; Palazzolo forecasted a 10-12 carry workload with high TD equity in late-season matchups at the Jets and Patriots. Fantasy managers in deep season-long leagues or best-ball playoff formats should stash Gordon now, and DFS players can earmark him as a low-salary smash in cold-weather weeks.

Steve Palazzolo said Sam Darnold could take a meaningful fantasy step forward now that Minnesota has completed its interior-line overhaul. The Vikings used pick 24 on guard Donovan Jackson and spent free-agency money on Ryan Kelly (center) and Will Fries (right guard), pairing them with the already elite tackle tandem of Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Palazzolo noted Darnold’s late-season struggles were heavily pressure-related and believes this "complete set" of five competent linemen will slash the interior heat he sees, cut down on sacks, and keep drives alive. That cleaner pocket makes Darnold an intriguing late-round flier in best-ball and superflex redraft formats.

Steve Palazzolo raved about Pittsburgh’s re-loaded defensive front, calling it “a little Eagles-ish” because it can rotate eight or nine legitimate pass-rushers. Palazzolo highlighted first-round DT Derek Harmon as a disruptive interior force who can ease into Cameron Heyward’s role, fourth-round EDGE Jack Sawyer slotting in as EDGE4 behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, and 2023 second-round NT Keeanu Benton anchoring the middle. With that depth, Palazzolo expects the Steelers to lead the league in pass-rush snaps with fresh legs, similar to Philadelphia’s 70-sack 2022 season. From a betting perspective he suggested looking at Pittsburgh UNDER opponent team totals early in the year and targeting the Steelers DST in DFS and season-long drafts because constant pressure should create spike-week turnover upside.

Steve Palazzolo said sixth-round pick Will Howard is worth a late bench spot in dynasty and Superflex formats because he checks several upside boxes despite obvious warts. Palazzolo noted Howard’s year-over-year improvement at Ohio State, culminating in his best performance in the national title game where he hit Jeremiah Smith on a third-and-11 go ball. He praised Howard’s ability to rebound from low points—specifically the Oregon clock mis-management slide and the disastrous Michigan game—arguing that mental resiliency matters for long-term development. Physically, Howard brings prototype NFL size, above-average mobility and a "pretty good arm" that occasionally flashes high-level ball placement. Accuracy remains scattershot—Palazzolo admitted he still fires a few "hospital balls"—but the arrow is trending upward after a season under Chip Kelly. With only Justin Fields and veteran Aaron Rodgers competing for 2025 snaps, Palazzolo believes the Steelers can slow-cook Howard for a year or two, making him a cheap lottery ticket who could become a trade chip or future starter in deep leagues.

Steve Palazzolo predicted Detroit will still dip into the trade or cut market for a proven edge rusher before Week 1. He acknowledged that sixth-round rookie Ahmed Hassanein is an exciting culture fit but "does not solve their lack of pass rush opposite Aidan Hutchinson." Palazzolo compared the situation to last year's inexpensive swing at Za'Darius Smith and expects similar quality veterans to become expendable after training-camp cuts. Because GM Brad Holmes has repeatedly shown a willingness to pay up—most recently by surrendering future thirds for Isaac TeSlaa—Palazzolo believes a deal is likely. He advised bettors to scoop Lions futures (NFC North, regular-season win total, defensive sack props) sooner rather than later, arguing those numbers could shorten once Detroit inevitably lands another impact pass rusher.

Steve Palazzolo said drafting Georgia guard Tate Ratledge fixes the only soft spot on Detroit's elite offensive line. He stressed that right guard Christian Mahogany is an "unknown quantity" and 33-year-old Graham Glasgow already owned the unit's lowest pass-blocking grade, so Ratledge "comes in and probably competes right away." Ratledge surrendered only four pressures on 402 pass-blocking snaps last year and posted a top-10 run-block grade in the SEC. Palazzolo added that sixth-rounder Miles Frazier, who logged one of the best pass-blocking grades at the Senior Bowl, provides additional insurance if Ratledge somehow struggles. With two pro-ready guards pushing for snaps, Palazzolo expects Detroit to remain top-five in EPA per play, keep clean pockets for Jared Goff and continue paving lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs. His takeaway: keep betting the Lions' team-total overs and feel comfortable grabbing Gibbs late in the first round of season-long drafts, knowing the interior protection will hold up.

Steve Palazzolo echoed the bullish outlook, stressing that TeSlaa’s "speed plays" and pointing out the rookie did not drop a single pass last season. Palazzolo highlighted the 6-3/212 frame, low-4.4 forty and elite explosion/change-of-direction numbers that place him in the 95th percentile among NFL receivers. TeSlaa averaged 19.0 yards per catch on mostly vertical slot routes at Arkansas, showing strong hands in traffic despite limited volume caused by shaky quarterback play. Palazzolo expects Detroit to deploy him as its dedicated field-stretching weapon— the same role that has produced splash weeks for Jameson Williams— but with far more size. Given the aggressive draft capital invested and the Lions’ willingness to scheme deep shots, Palazzolo labeled TeSlaa an immediate late-round Best Ball target and a cheap DFS tournament flier capable of multi-touchdown spike weeks when his salary opens near the minimum.

Steve Palazzolo said seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai runs with a low pad level and is "tough to tackle," giving him a realistic chance to battle Roschon Johnson for early-down work. Palazzolo noted that Chicago waited until the final round to address running back and has already signaled—through both the draft and Ben Johnson’s usage history—that DeAndre Swift will not be a volume workhorse. If Monangai proves dependable in short yardage and pass protection, Palazzolo believes the rookie could siphon goal-line carries and 1A snaps by mid-season. That path makes Monangai a live late-round flyer in best ball drafts and a watch-list stash for redraft leagues where rushing touchdowns carry weight.

Steve Palazzolo argued that Cleveland’s decision to draft both Dylan Gabriel in the third and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth is exactly the type of asymmetric bet fantasy players should mimic. Palazzolo acknowledged that non-first-round quarterbacks have a low aggregate hit rate, but reminded listeners that if *either* prospect sticks the Browns instantly erase the Deshaun Watson albatross and unlock multiple rookie-contract seasons of starter production. He framed the investment—one Day-2 and one Day-3 pick—as "nothing you will miss" compared to the payoff of landing a top-15 NFL starter. For superflex dynasty formats he recommended rostering both rookies where possible, noting that the market still prices them as throw-ins despite realistic paths to playing time as early as 2025. Even if only one flashes, managers capture all of the upside while risking very little draft capital or roster equity.

Steve Palazzolo highlighted sixth-round tight end Harold Fannin Jr. as a sneaky stash for managers in TE-premium or deep dynasty formats. Fanon shattered every receiving record for Bowling Green tight ends—1,854 yards and 18 touchdowns—while routinely torching Power-4 defenses such as Texas A&M and Penn State for chunk plays down the seam. Palazzolo said Fanon’s ability to "stretch the seam and work the middle of the field" gives Cleveland a vertical element the current TE room lacks, and the rookie could see early-season packages in 12-personnel given his plus hands and functional in-line blocking. If Fanon translates his 4.61 forty and 38-inch vert to NFL spacing, Palazzolo believes he could become a poor man’s Dallas Goedert and return value far beyond his sixth-round cost.

Steve Palazzolo applauded the Browns for doubling up at running back, singling out third-rounder Quinshon Judkins as the most likely to matter for fantasy right away. Palazzolo said both Judkins (Ohio State) and Dylan Sampson (Tennessee) were consensus top-seven backs on nearly every team’s board, and grabbing two of them "maximizes your chances of having a good running game next year." He noted that Nick Chubb is still rehabbing a major knee injury and Kareem Hunt remains unsigned, so touches are legitimately available. Judkins’ no-nonsense downhill style and SEC-tested workload (2,725 scrimmage yards and 31 TDs the last two seasons) make him the early favorite for goal-line and short-yardage work, while Sampson handles change-of-pace duties. Palazzolo advised dynasty managers to prioritize Judkins in rookie drafts and redraft players to circle him as a late-round lottery ticket who could emerge as a weekly flex if Chubb’s recovery stalls.