TRADE 17: Edelman Cannot be Collared

Toronto's second RB in week 9 remains a mystery, while it appears that Manitoba will ride with Bilal Powell. Oakwood has taken more decisive action, acquiring Darren McFadden to replace crippled Leveon Bell, along with some added depth and upside. Deputy, finding themselves suddenly flush with RB options, hopes that they have finally acquired a replacement for Kelvin Benjamin in bonafide WR1 Julian Edelman.

DEPUTY ACQUIRES:
WR Julian Edelman

OAKWOOD ACQUIRES:
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ronnie Hillman
WR Leonard Hankerson

Julian Edelman is an elite wide receiver in the Wes Welker mold: undersized, superior route running, excellent elusiveness, and catching under inflated balls. He thrives on volume and big play ability, which give him a high floor and ceiling- he also has returned a punt for a touchdown in four of the past five years, which in our game could be a clincher in a tight matchup. Jettisoning both of their week eight starting RBs was acceptable, as they claimed Deangelo Williams to pair with fresh legged rookie TJ Yeldon. Disappointing second round pick CJ Anderson lingers- it was about this time last year that he transformed into a beast. If the full moon rises again, Deputy's RB depth and upside remains excellent and utilitarian.

Oakwood's perennial poor luck struck again this year, with top pick Le'veon Bell succumbing to a knee injury. Now, the team will look to a resurgent Darren McFadden as their primary ball carrier. This is the third time McFadden has switched uniforms this year, going from New York to Phoenix, to Deputy, and now to Oakwood. He's posted double digits in four of his past five games, and been a workhorse in each of the past two- as long as he remains on the field, he should be in the Driver's seat. Gio Beranrd remains in the shotgun role he's thrived in all year: last week was the first time he was unable to score double digits on the season. Some much needed depth arrived as well, with RB Ronnie Hillman taking the backseat- for now. Like McFadden, he's come on lately as his touches have increased, and though he is currently limited in practice, he's expected to go this week. Where there was only one running back on the roster in the wake of tragedy, there are now three viable commodities ready to tote. "HankTime" had a huge week four for the Van Halens, when they put up their best score of the year, but he's expected to miss a third week with a hamstring issue, before going into the bye. Down the stretch, the Drivers will hope to work him into their no-name cadre of decent WR's: Rishard Matthews, Rueben Randle, Terrance Williams, Jamison Crowder, and Nate Washington are not superstars (though Matthews might be on the verge) but along with Hankerson, they are all six in the top fifty most targeted WRs. If they can pick the right three or four to mix and match with quality ends Martellus Bennett and Jordan Reed, they might be able to replicate the weekly contribution Edelman provided.