Falling Stars in Fantasy
These players were heavily hyped going into the preseason, but reality has brought them all crashing back to earth…

Treylon Burks WR, Titans
Burks was in many a prognosticators top 3 receivers going into the draft, as he was extremely prolific at Arkansas, in addition to being built like a tank with 4.55 speed. Once he was drafted by the Titans in the first round, many assumed he would be the immediate no.1 option on the receiver needy squad, but eyebrows began to raise when he was forced to leave rookie minicamp because of a breathing issue. Things further unraveled for Burks’ fantasy potential when it was observed that he mainly played with the 2nd and 3rd offense when training camp rolled around, and he continued to do so in the Titans preseason games. The emergence of slot man Kyle Phillips in the preseason only made things worse for Burks. Now if there’s an offense that a receiver could ascend to the top of the food chain overnight, it’s the Titans, but Burks seems to be a far cry from the top 3 predator we assumed him to be going into the offseason.

Pierre Strong RB, Patriots
With the fastest forty for a RB(4.37 sec) at the Combine, and an FCS leading 1,686 yards with a 7.0 YPC average, Pierre Strong was slated by some to be James White’s “long-term replacement” as the main pass-catching element on the Patriots offense. A lead blocker on QB runs in college, Strong had a leg up on fellow rookie RB Kevin Harris to take that 3rd down role. After getting a long look at the backs at their disposal during OTAs, where White was limited due to a hip injury, Strong has fallen to the back of the pack. Both Rhamondre Stevenson and Ty Montgomery have flourished in pass-catching situations, while Strong has struggled in pass protection. He’s even been described as the “invisible man” in the Patriots backfield, as he’s failed to stand out, even with considerable opportunities to do so. In what is already a crowded backfield, Strong’s chances of making a name for himself in fantasy are dwindling.

Brevin Jordan TE, Texans
Jordan got gassed up coming into the preseason as a potential no.2 receiving option behind Brandin Cooks, with Nico Collins‘ progression as a no.2 WR still uncertain. At worst, he was projected to be the Texans lead tight end. Things have devolved for Jordan in recent weeks though, as Pharoah Brown, on a one-year deal, has been named the starting TE for the Texans by HC Lovie Smith. I guess this could just be camp talk to light a fire under Jordan, but it’s not a good look for him.