The best time of the year is nearly upon us. Of course, I am talking about Fantasy Football Draft season, where people spend hours studying, preparing, and mock drafting to lose to the guy who drafted his entire team on the fly. Fantasy Football is often a painful and luck-based adventure, but it can be rewarding. There are few better feelings than winning a matchup through a last-minute touchdown or a running back fighting for a few extra yards. This year's draft board looks as fascinating as ever, with the Wide Receiver position perhaps being the deepest ever. I am here to give a few late-round draft picks in each position that could be difference-makers. The draft in Fantasy Football is only half the battle, but drafting well in the late rounds can be a vital step towards glory. I will be using ESPN's Average Draft Position (ADP) for each player mentioned.
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position that gets overvalued in fantasy because most people don't realize it is less important than you might think. For example, last season, the difference between the 6th-ranked quarterback, Brock Purdy, and the 14th-ranked quarterback, Russell Wilson, was a mere 41.7 points. 41.7 points across a whole season, meaning an average of 2.45 more points per week. When you factor in that most leagues only play with one QB slot, it is often worth waiting for a QB unless you manage to land one of the top three. I was tempted to include Justin Herbert, sitting with an ADP of 148.1, but his status heading into the season is uncertain. Herbert has been dealing with plantar fasciitis, which is likely to affect him all season long, but if he can stay relatively healthy, he is worth keeping tabs on.
Trevor Lawrence currently has an ADP of 157.4, which I believe is too low. Lawrence has had a solid NFL career so far but has fallen short of the hype bestowed upon him coming out of Clemson. He enters this season with a chip on his shoulder to prove he is a true star. Factor in that Lawrence is a threat with his legs, and he seems like a steal being drafted as the 19th QB on average. For deeper leagues, keep an eye on the QB situation in Pittsburgh. While Russell Wilson is expected to be the starter, reports suggest that Justin Fields has impressed during training camp. I can see a scenario where Wilson struggles for the first few games, and Mike Tomlin decides to give Fields an opportunity. Fields is only rostered in 4.3% of ESPN leagues, but he could be a sneaky option in deeper leagues.
Running Back
For so long, running back was Fantasy Football's darling position. People always took running backs in the first round and filled out the rest of their team afterward. However, the league has changed, and Wide Receiver has become the most sought-after position. The running back position does not look particularly deep this year, meaning hidden gems could prove extremely valuable. Devin Singletary is a name that I think can provide value in the later rounds. He has an ADP of 119.6 despite being the clear lead running back for the Giants and coming off a year where he had fantasy performances of 22.1, 17.8, and 17.0 points when Dameon Pierce went down. Singletary is set for a heavy workload with a team that likes to run the ball. The Joe Mixon era is over in Cincinnati, with Zack Moss and Chase Brown set to take over. Moss may get a more considerable bulk of touches early on but look for Brown to contribute through his big play ability. Brown is a solid receiving option out of the backfield and could take over lead-back duties throughout the season. He is currently sitting with an ADP of 139.2.
Antonio Gibson is an interesting option in the Patriots backfield. Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to be the lead back, but Gibson should get his share of touches in Alex Van Pelt's offense. Gibson's receiving proved to be an excellent foil to Brian Robinson Jr. last season, and I expect a similar role this season. One deep sleeper option is Keaton Mitchell, who is currently on the PUP list after tearing his ACL in December, but expect him back soon. Mitchell's small frame and big play potential gives the Ravens a different option on offense after bringing in Derrick Henry. Mitchell is currently only rostered in 4% of ESPN leagues but is undoubtedly one to watch.
Wide Receiver
The deepest position in Fantasy Football these days, receivers are relatively easy to come by in the pass-heavy NFL. Even so, managing to get your hands on solid receivers can provide a massive boost to your fantasy fortunes. One option I like is Khalil Shakir, who has an ADP of 162.3 and is rostered in 20% of ESPN leagues. Shakir started seeing a more significant target share at the tail end of last season and should see an increase in volume with the departure of Stefon Diggs. Dontayvion Wicks will be a wild card for the Packers this season and is only rostered in 5.1% of ESPN leagues. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson will be ahead of him in the pecking order, but Jordan Love spreads the ball around a lot in Matt LaFleur's offense. Wicks scored four touchdowns in his last four games and will be a big part of an offense that lacks a distinguished #1 receiver. With questions over Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation, the 49ers elected to use their first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall, who may emerge as the clear-cut second option behind Deebo Samuel should Aiyuk leave. Even if Aiyuk stays, look for Pearsall to get his share of touches in Kyle Shannan's scheme.
Tight End
Tight End is often neglected in fantasy football, with a lack of top-end talent at the position compared to others. Last year, rookie Sam LaPorta was a steal late in drafts and off the waiver wire. This year, the pool does not look as crowded, but I think one option is going later than he should, which is Tyler Conklin. Conklin has an ADP of 168 and is rostered in 16.5% of leagues. Conklin has shown flashes of promise across the past two seasons in a Jets team whose offense has been in flux. Conklin should thrive in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense, provided that they can both stay healthy. Luke Musgrave could also be a surprise in the Packers' offense after a strong end to last season. Jordan Love trusts Musgrave and should see his role expand in his sophomore season. Tight ends are often unspectacular in fantasy, much like in real life, but securing a consistent eight to twelve points can be crucial to fantasy glory.
Every year, there are players who emerge from the depth charts and shock everyone with their production, whether it be because of injury or simply taking the opportunity when it is presented. Puka Nacua is a name that few people knew before Week 1, and he quickly took the league by storm. There will undoubtedly be others this season. There are diamonds in the rough to be found, and that is part of what makes fantasy so great.
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