Taysom Hill: Fantasy’s diamond in the rough

Position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Cheat Sheet
Position top targets: QB | RB | WR | TE | Bijan No. 1?

Embedded deep beneath the earth inside Botswana's legendary Karowe mine, a 2,492-carat diamond was recently discovered. It was the second largest diamond ever unearthed and the biggest in nearly 120 years. Considered “an extraordinary” stone by gemologists, it’s believed to be worth up to $160 million.

Forget just girls — every human would consider it more than a “best friend.”

In fantasy football, waiver-wire hawks and deep-thinking drafters are hopeful they too will identify and obtain a buried player destined to spoil them with instant riches at season’s end.

[ Gamer's Guide to the Gridiron: Fantasy football forecasts and NFL betting picks ]

One hidden gem candidate, who’s available in 73% of Yahoo leagues, isn’t resting in a random mine in South Africa. No, he’s actually dwelling in the dark waters of the Louisiana bayou. Who?

Taysom Hill.

Save the eye rolls and con-man claims for someone else. For those who play in challenging formats, the 34-year-old veteran isn’t cubic zirconia or pyrite. Hill now has tight end eligibility in Yahoo leagues, and he is an overlooked contributor with better-than-you-think upside.

If you landed Hill in the beer-foggy rounds of your draft or plucked him off waivers, New Orleans’ multi-positional producer has the potential to yield considerable wealth. Here’s why.

1. Expanded packages. When Saints training camp opened in late July, head coach Dennis Allen commented Hill would “do a lot of stuff” in 2024. It’s a vague statement, but boots on the ground have repeatedly indicated his 29.2% snap share last year is set to rise. He’ll function mostly as a rusher in jumbo sets, but occasionally he’ll twirl passes and catch balls out of the TE slot or out wide as a WR. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the Swiss Army knife could play up to five positions this season. Hell, maybe he'll kick extra points too. As always, more opportunities equal more fantasy scoring potential.

2. Favorable schedule. According to FF Toolbox, the Saints have the 13th-easiest schedule for fantasy RBs. Of course, Hill doesn’t currently have running back eligibility, but he’ll effectively operate as a battering ram in various scenarios, especially on short-yardage opportunities inside the red zone. During New Orleans’ late-season slate — Week 14 at Giants, Week 15 vs. Commanders, Week 16 at Packers, Week 17 vs. Raiders — he could be a surprise difference-maker during the money-making phase of the fantasy season. Keep in mind, injuries and roster turnover are constants in fantasy.

3. Plus offensive line. The buffet closers in Klint Kubiak’s offense are expected to open consistent and sizable lanes for runners, whether it’s Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams or Hill. If the latter’s role does spike, he could easily emerge as the team’s second-leading rusher. It’s not completely unfathomable that he could also establish the club pace in total touchdowns. Including passing scores, he could rack 6-8 TDs this fall.

4. Defined goal-line role. On 81 rushing attempts last year, Hill amassed an impressive 2.90 yards after contact per carry. His pads-cracking power and creative deployment as a RB, QB and TE lean into the idea that a handful of rushing TDs are possible. In 2023, he finished No. 3 among qualifying tight ends in fantasy points scored on plays inside the 20. In total, he accounted for 29 touches (27 rushing, two receiving) and scored five times (four rushing, one receiving) inside the red zone.

Many fantasy managers would rather slam low-grade tequila shots on Bourbon Street than invest a single dime in a player with unpredictable usage. However, if the reports about Hill's growing role prove to be true, he could offer more consistency. Given his minimal roster percentage and highly affordable ADP (145.34, TE17), take the small leap of faith.

This season, Taysom Hill could be a true diamond in the rough.

WagerWire's Favorite Things from this Creator:

More of Brad's Free Picks and Strategies

Pods: The Fade 5 Podcast