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Welcome RotoBallers to our ADP duel comparing Justin Herbert vs. Lamar Jackson for 2023 fantasy football drafts. Fantasy football has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike with its unique blend of strategy and competition. As the popularity continues to soar, the tools and metrics used to gain a competitive edge have evolved.
One metric that holds immense value for fantasy football players is the Average Draft Position (ADP). ADP serves as a critical guide in draft preparation, helping managers navigate the player selection process and build a winning roster.
In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of ADP between two similarly valued players and how you can effectively attack the best player to construct a championship-caliber fantasy team.
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Breakdown Of ADP
Average Draft Position, commonly referred to as ADP, represents the average position at which a player is drafted in fantasy football leagues. ADP is typically derived from data collected from various mock drafts and real drafts conducted by fantasy football enthusiasts. This powerful metric serves as a benchmark, indicating the perceived value and popularity of players within the fantasy football community.
Understanding ADP is essential for fantasy managers, as it provides crucial insights into player rankings and draft trends and helps determine the optimal time to select specific players. By incorporating ADP into their draft strategy, managers can effectively gauge player availability, identify potential steals, and avoid reaching for players too early in the draft.
ADP acts as a compass, guiding fantasy managers through the unpredictable terrain of the draft. It offers an overview of player rankings, allowing managers to gauge which players are typically selected in the early rounds and which may fall to later rounds.
This knowledge can help managers identify "value picks," where players with a higher ADP can be secured at a lower draft position. Additionally, analyzing ADP trends over time can provide valuable insights into player fluctuations and market sentiment, helping managers stay ahead of the competition. By incorporating ADP data into their draft strategy, managers can make well-informed decisions, ensuring they assemble a well-balanced team capable of maximizing points and securing victory.
Understanding ADP can help managers identify the optimal time to select high-value wide receivers or tight ends. By blending their draft strategy with ADP insights, managers can create a well-rounded roster that maximizes value and minimizes risk, setting themselves up for success throughout the fantasy football season.
Average Draft Position (ADP) serves as a vital tool in the arsenal of fantasy football managers. By comprehending the definition, importance, and strategic utilization of ADP, managers can make informed decisions during the draft, ultimately constructing a championship-caliber team. With ADP as their guide, fantasy managers can navigate the intricacies of the draft process, identify value picks, and adapt their strategy to gain a competitive edge. Let's break down the ADPs of QBs Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert and see who the better pick for your fantasy football team may be.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
QB4 - ADP: 32nd Overall
One of the most exciting football players in the world resides in Baltimore and his name is Lamar Jackson. He is an all-world talent who brings speed, elusiveness, and playmaking abilities to the QB position. There are very few like him in the NFL. That's why he will once again be among the first five quarterbacks taken off the board.
The 26-year-old phenom is a player fantasy managers love because of his ability to put up numbers both on the ground and through the air. The one major issue with Jackson has been his inability to stay on the field. In the past two seasons, he has played in only 12 games each year.
The Ravens' offense this upcoming season should look completely different than years past. With new toys all around him, Jackson should thrive. His production could be through the roof. Expectations should be tempered, however, as trying anything for the first time certainly has its risks. But if you are trying to win a fantasy championship on paper, this Baltimore roster looks stacked.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
QB6 - ADP: 41st Overall
When comparing these two quarterbacks, there is one clear difference and one major advantage for Lamar Jackson. Jackson is a beast when it comes to rushing yards and accumulating fantasy points on the ground. Herbert won't offer much in that category but is clearly the better and more efficient passer. But what does that mean in terms of overall fantasy value?
Last season, the flamethrower from Los Angeles with the huge arm ranked second in passing yards (4,739) and completions (477). He was an incredibly efficient passer and had much better weapons surrounding him than Jackson. In 2022, Herbert was throwing to the likes of wide receiver Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, while Jackson was throwing to Rashod Bateman.
With that said, while Jackson hasn't been the most efficient passer in the NFL throughout his career (or close to it for that matter), he is the QB who is going to light up the scoresheet when it comes to rushing yards. Having Jackson as your fantasy football quarterback is kind of like having an extra running back at a different position. Except he adds even more value with his ability to throw for points as well.
Fantasy Football Verdict
When choosing between these two elite talents, there isn't a wrong choice. Both provide first-class production at a premium position in fantasy football. However, what makes fantasy football fun is that you get to pick your favorite.
But when the pressure is on and the draft clock says it's your turn to select, which player do you choose? Either would make a tremendous addition to your hopeful championship roster, and each provides different skill sets. Maybe you had Herbert last season and you're ready for a change, so the move is to grab Jackson. Perhaps you are concerned about the durability of Jackson, and you prefer to go with the "safer" bet that is Herbert.
The decision is yours. However, if you were to ask me, I'd go with Jackson. This season, he appears to be finally healthy (knock on wood). For the first time in his career, he has REAL weapons surrounding him. Odell Beckham Jr. and exciting rookie receiver Zay Flowers will be running routes for Jackson this season. These are talents and deep threats this quarterback has never seen. That tandem has the potential to be lethal.
And let's not forget he will have TE Mark Andrews to throw to once again, one of the three best tight ends in the game. Yes, Herbert is a fantasy monster and if he's yours, you have as good a shot as any. But if you want the higher ceiling, number eight in Baltimore is your guy.
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