In dynasty fantasy football, scouting prospects is critical for long-term success. Watching tape is also a huge part of the fun.
We can all pay subscription services to do the work for us or consume mock drafts to get an idea of Average Draft Position (ADP) and build our opinions secondhand. However, there’s something more fulfilling about putting the time in and ultimately picking with conviction.
When ADP and “groupthink” ranked Xavier Worthy at WR4 last season, maybe you had done the study and felt enough conviction to take Ladd McConkey or Brian Thomas Jr. instead.
Statistics provide valuable insights, but watching tape (that is, game tape rather than YouTube highlights) gives a deeper understanding of a player’s traits and potential.
“But I’ve never watched tape before.”
Don’t panic! This guide explains how to study tape effectively as a beginner and what to look for when evaluating the different positions relevant to your fantasy teams. If you’re unsure where to begin, there’s even a prospect from this class included as a “What A Good One Looks Like” (WAGOLL). That doesn’t mean they’re all first-rounders, but rather good examples of a specific trait.
I’ll also highlight common mistakes to avoid and offer tips on ranking and tiering prospects after evaluation.
Let’s get after it!
How To Scout Rookies: An Introduction to Watching Tape
Quarterback
Traits To Look For in Fantasy Football Success
1. Arm Talent
Look for the ability to make various types of throws: deep balls, sideline passes and throws into tight windows. Recognize it by watching if the quarterback consistently delivers accurate and well-timed throws under different scenarios.
Example: Texas QB Quinn Ewers demonstrates elite arm talent with his ability to throw from multiple angles and deep downfield with precision.
2. Pocket Awareness & Mobility
Effective quarterbacks sense pressure and step up or escape without losing sight of downfield options. Watch for quarterbacks who keep their eyes downfield while maneuvering the pocket or scrambling.
Example: Miami QB Cam Ward is known for his poise under pressure and ability to extend plays, which are hallmarks of top-tier fantasy quarterbacks.
3. Decision-Making
The key to avoiding turnovers and maximizing play efficiency. Look for quick processing of defensive coverages and smart throw choices.
Example: Penn State QB Drew Allar excels at reading defenses and making the right decision under pressure.
4. Rushing Ability (for Fantasy Points):
Watch for designed runs, scrambles and red zone effectiveness with their legs.
Example: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe offers an ideal model with his red-zone rushing prowess and frequent big plays on the ground.
Common Mistakes When Scouting Quarterbacks:
- Overvaluing College Production: Stats don’t always translate to the NFL; focus on mechanics and decision-making.
- Ignoring Context: Consider the offensive scheme, supporting cast and level of competition.
- Overemphasizing Arm Strength: A strong arm is only useful when paired with accuracy and timing (i.e., players like Zach Wilson). Look at the game film and not the pro-day highlights.
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Running Back
Traits To Look For in Fantasy Football Success
1. Vision & Patience
Reading blocks and finding the correct running lanes is crucial for running back success at the next level. Watch for how smoothly they navigate through traffic and react to developing holes.
Example: Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson showcases excellent vision, effortlessly weaving through defenses by reading blocks created by his offensive line.
2. Contact Balance
Identify contact balance by observing how they maintain momentum after hits.
Example: Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty has exceptional contact balance, often breaking multiple tackles on runs.
3. Burst & Acceleration
Look for explosive first steps and immediate separation from defenders.
Example: Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins demonstrates a powerful burst that allows him to break off longer chunk runs.
4. Receiving Skills
Evaluate their route running, hands, and ability to create yards after the catch.
Example: Michigan RB Donovan Edwards is a good example of a versatile pass-catching back who excels in space. This makes up for inconsistent rushing upside.
Common Mistakes When Scouting Running Backs:
- Overemphasizing Size and Speed: Physical traits are important, but vision and balance are more predictive of success.
- Ignoring Offensive Line Play: Poor line play can mask a talented running back’s abilities.
Wide Receiver
Traits To Look For in Fantasy Football Success
Route Running & Separation
The ability to create space from defenders is crucial. Watch how the wide receiver uses footwork, speed and agility to run precise routes.
Example: Utah State WR Jalen Royals consistently separates with sharp route-running and subtle fakes.
Ball Skills & Hands
Strong hands and body control when attacking the football are crucial. Look for contested-catch ability and how smoothly they adjust to off-target throws.
Example: Colorado WR and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is known for his elite hands and ability to make acrobatic catches.
Yards After the Catch (YAC) Ability
Elite receivers create extra yards with elusiveness and speed. Notice how they navigate defenders in the open field.
Example: Missouri WR Luther Burden is electric in the open field, turning short catches into big plays.
Release Against Press Coverage
The ability to get off the line cleanly without being disrupted is a must at the NFL level. Watch for how they use technique and hand-fighting.
Example: Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor demonstrates a wide range of hand techniques and footwork to escape press coverage.
Common Mistakes When Scouting Wide Receivers:
- Overvaluing Combine Numbers: Speed and agility drills don’t guarantee route-running or football IQ. (i.e., John Ross).
- Focusing Only on Highlight Reels: Consistency matters more than big plays.
Tight End (TE)
Traits To Look For in Fantasy Football Success
1. Route Running & Separation
Watch for fluidity and the ability to exploit mismatches against linebackers or safeties.
Example: Mighican TE Colston Loveland uses nuanced route-running to dominate coverage and find soft spots in defenses.
2. Hands & Catch Radius
Look for reliable hands and the ability to make difficult catches.
Example: Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden II shows exceptional hands and a massive catch radius.
3. Athleticism & YAC
Dynamic tight ends create additional yards with speed, power or elusiveness.
Example: Bowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr. blends speed and physicality to generate yards after the catch.
4. Blocking Ability
While less important for fantasy, strong blocking often keeps tight ends on the field more often.
Example: Texas TE Gunnar Helm has a balance of elite receiving with effective blocking when needed.
Common Mistakes When Scouting Tight Ends
- Overemphasizing Size: Athleticism and route-running matter more than sheer size.
- Neglecting Role in Offense: Some systems favor tight ends more than others.
Summarizing Key Takeaways
- Quarterback: Prioritize accuracy, decision-making and rushing upside.
- Running Back: Look for vision, contact balance and receiving ability.
- Wide Receiver: Focus on route running, ball skills and YAC potential.
- Tight End: Evaluate separation, hands and athleticism.
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Ranking & Tiering Players After Watching Tape
1. Create Tiers, Not Just Rankings
Group players by potential fantasy value rather than precise rank.
Example for QBs:
- Tier 1: High-ceiling dual-threat QBs with good decision-making
- Tier 2: Strong passers with limited rushing ability
2. Weigh Traits by Fantasy Impact
For example, prioritize receiving skills for running backs and YAC ability for receivers.
3. Adjust for Opportunity & System Fit
Consider offensive schemes and projected usage to refine rankings.
Watching tape and player evaluation is an art that combines skill analysis with context. By watching individual game tape and structuring your rankings thoughtfully, you can build a dynasty fantasy football team ready for sustained success and have a lot more fun doing so!
Thanks for reading my article on A Player’s Introduction to Watching Tape! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker – USA TODAY Sports*
