'Drumbeat' players: Believe the buzz surrounding Justin Herbert, Carnell Tate and more - ESPN

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Do you hear that?

It's the sound of something building. Some call it buzz. Others refer to it as momentum. I like the idea of a drumbeat. Slow and steady, gradually increasing in timbre until developing into recognizable and robust syncopation. That is the song of the fantasy football offseason. And the players below are just beginning to sing.

The sounds are faint right now, but keep your ear to the ground, because some of these players may be worthy of a league-winning ovation by season's end.

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Herbert's drumbeat is less simple percussion and more John Bonham slaying «Moby Dick.» The Chargers signal-caller is one of the fastest risers at the position, and investors appear charmed by the change in offensive philosophy. Mike McDaniel reportedly committed to Los Angeles primarily because he wanted to work with Herbert, noting the QB's size, elite arm strength and anticipatory skills. Notes from training camp suggest the duo have clicked and that Herbert has picked up the new OC's playbook with astonishing ease.

Also working in Herbert's favor is the health of the Chargers' offensive line. Injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt capsized Herbert's protection in 2025. Prior to Alt's season-ending ankle fracture in Week 9, Herbert led the position in passing yards (2,140) while posting 20.1 fantasy points per game (QB8) from Weeks 1-8. Without the star RT on the field, however, Herbert registered 1,587 passing yards (QB18) and managed an underwhelming 15.8 fantasy PPG (QB14) the remainder of the regular season. While Slater has missed practice with what's being reported as a minor knee tweak, Alt has been a full go at training camp. Given