In the high-stakes game of fantasy football, each draft pick can be a decisive factor in paving the way to championship glory or spiraling into season-long regret. The allure of snagging a sleeper tight end who could transform into a weekly fantasy titan is tempting. However, caution must be exercised in the case of Ja’Tavion Sanders. His relatively low Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 8.44 suggests limitations in his ability to become a top fantasy asset. Here’s why fantasy managers might want to think twice before drafting Sanders.
The RAS is a composite metric that assesses a player’s athletic abilities, including size, speed, explosiveness, and agility, on a 0 to 10 scale. This measure has become a handy tool for gauging a prospect’s physical capabilities relative to their position. Football is unquestionably a sport where intangibles, heart, and skill play significant roles. Therefore, the correlation between a high RAS and on-field success cannot be overlooked.
Since the year 2000 when detailed athletic testing began translating into RAS data, a peculiar trend has emerged among tight ends who have surpassed the 1,000 receiving yards mark in a season. Among these high-performing tight ends, 12 have qualified for a RAS score. Strikingly, 10 out of these 12 boasted a RAS above 9.0.
Drawing on this trend, Sanders’ RAS of 8.44, though not subpar by any standard, falls short of the 9.0 benchmark. This fact alone raises a red flag for fantasy managers considering Sanders for their roster.
Furthermore, the tight end position in fantasy football is volatile, with a huge drop-off in fantasy production outside of the top tier. Given this reality, fantasy managers might find better upside in other players with superior athletic profiles or established production.
In conclusion, while Ja’Tavion Sanders undoubtedly possesses the talent and potential to carve out a successful NFL career. The historical correlation between an elite RAS and exceptional fantasy production among tight ends suggests a cautious approach. In a game where every draft choice counts, steering clear of potential pitfalls is just as crucial as finding sleepers. Therefore, unless Sanders slips to the later rounds where the risk is substantially lower, fantasy managers may be better served by exploring other options with a more compelling combination of athleticism and proven production.
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