August 8, 2019

James Conner finished 2018 as the overall RB6 by average fantasy points per game. His average finish actually doesn't do him justice as his 22.3 ppg would typically be enough for a top three finish at the position. 2018 was just an incredible year for elite RBs. If Conner maintains a 65% opportunity share or better, he is a lock for another RB1 performance, health permitting. The only concern I have regarding Conner this season is his usage. It is my contention that Jaylen Samuels is a better player than Conner. Even taking that out of this, Samuels is one of the best receiving backs in the league. He is going to see work. He has the size and athleticism to be a three down back. Samuels is not a threat to fully supplant Conner as the lead back, but he could turn this into a full blown timeshare. Conner's goal line work is not going away so, at worst, he should have 50% of the carries and all the goal line work. Conner is not going to completely bust unless he gets hurt. However, Conner has just one season of production, was not a highly touted prospect, and is not a great athlete. The Steelers don't owe Conner anything. If Samuels is better, Samuels can really be a problem for Conner's value. Week 1 may very well come around and Conner just dominates touches, rendering all of this Samuels talk as "noise." But we draft before Week 1 and there is risk associated with Conner. I feel much better about Conner in the mid to late second round than at the back end of the first and would prefer the safety of an elite WR over Conner.--Jason Katz