We raved about Mike Davis’ “Penny Stock” fantasy sleeper upside even before Jordan Howard was moved. Now that Howard’s an Eagle? Davis is exploding up my Big Board.
Even as an abysmal fit in Matt Nagy’s scheme, Howard finished as 2018’s half-ppr RB20, largely on the back of 9 TDs within this ascending offense. At a thick and stocky 217 lbs, Davis and his no-nonsense, downhill style should inherit this GL role, similarly offering 10+ TD upside. Yet, Davis is far more versatile as a pass-catcher and a better fit for Nagy’s inside-zone game, giving him the upside to easily surpass Howard’s fantasy totals. Though the Bears could always add a draft-day wrench, they have far greater needs and minimal capital to work with. Expect to Davis to offer very real RB2 upside at a Penny Stock price.
Howard struggles as a receiver and, surprisingly, between the guards as a runner. Both of these are absolutely essential to Nagy’s scheme, so Howard’s 2018 finish as a usable RB2 is surprising. Conversely, Davis excels in both areas. He hauled in 34 passes on the ninth best reception rate (81%) in the NFL. Meanwhile, he averaged over 1.1 YPC more between the guards than Howard. Davis will make this offense far less predictable and more difficult to defend, giving him Kareem Hunt-lite upside.
For far more on his fit, upside, and Nagy’s take on Davis, click here.
