Last year, David Johnson, Tyler Lockett, and Stefon Diggs all became fantasy relevant rookies. What do they all have in common? None of them were not drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. Year after year mid and late round picks step up and become fantasy relevant as rookies. Even some undrafted players go on to become fantasy stars. (just look at the career of Arian Foster)
To see the fantasy impact of the first round, read my previous article, but this one is all about picks after round 1 and how they could impact your fantasy season.
Quick tips:
-Watch out for all of the rookie running backs. I stated this in my last article when I said Ezekiel Elliot should be a first round pick this year, but running back is essentially the same in college as it is in the pros. With a shorter shelf life than basically any other position in the league, rookies often get started immediately and have great success. Any running back who gets carries in the NFL has the potential to hold fantasy value, so you should get to know as many of them as you can.
-Also keep a close watch on any undrafted free agents who make a name for themselves early in the offseason. Every year there is at least one UFA who gets some pre-season hype.
With all of that said, here are some names to know and monitor through training camps:
Potential Rookie Stars:
Sterling Shepard: WR New York Giants:
This offseason, two significant things happened to the Giants receiving core: First, the G-men let Rueben Randle sign with the rivaling Philadelphia Eagles. Second, Victor Cruz was declared 100% healthy. Even if Cruz returns to the form that saw him amass over 1,500 receiving yards back in 2011, he will have to prove that to the team. While 2nd round pick Shepard will have to do the same, he should have no trouble finding his way in the Giants offense that saw Randle catch 8 scores last year. I have no doubt in my mind that the Giants offense could support Cruz, Shepard, and Odell Beckham Jr. as fantasy relevant wide receivers. At full strength, OBJ is obviously a WR1, Cruz a WR2, and Shepard could even sneak into the WR3 conversation in fantasy. If Shepard finds himself in the #2 role on the Giants’ offense for any reason, he is a surefire WR3 with WR2 upside.
Tyler Boyd WR Cincinnati Bengals:
I absolutely loved this pick for the Bengals. The void left by the departures of Muhammad Sanu and Marvin Jones certainly could not have been completely filled by the Brandon LaFell, signing and Boyd should be an instant upgrade. Once considered a first round pick, the former Pittsburgh standout broke Larry Fitzgerald’s school records before deciding to go pro. Cincinnati is the perfect place for him to land where he should have no trouble winning the starting wideout position opposite A.J. Green. Cincinnati has established starters basically everywhere else on offense, so he can be brought along as slowly if needed. I would expect him to hit the ground running and be a WR3 right off the bat, and don’t be surprised if he puts up WR2 numbers after around week 8 when he can acclimate to the NFL game a bit.
Demarcus Robinson WR Kansas City Chiefs
Outside of Jeremy Maclin, the Chiefs WR depth chart leaves a lot to be desired. If you got rid of all of the off-the-field issues Robinson had at Florida, we might have seen him come off the board a few rounds sooner. With that said, the Chiefs are a stable organization with a head coach (Andy Reid) who has proven he can handle players with character concerns. (Just look at last year’s first round pick and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters) If this 4th rounder can win the 2nd WR spot, he could easily step in as a WR3 with plenty of upside. He is absolutely worth a late round flier in your draft, especially if he has generated a little excitement by the time your draft rolls around.
Devontae Booker RB Denver Broncos:
The Broncos had trouble running the ball all last year, and It would be foolish to think coach Kubiak has confidence in C.J. Anderson to carry the load next year. Enter Devontae Booker, an all around talent with starter potential slipped to the Broncos and will have a chance to earn reps early. He is easily the most talented back in Denver, and with a good camp, could even win the starting job. Definitely monitor this situation going into your draft, but don’t be surprised if Anderson gets picked before Booker on name value, but Booker ends up being the more productive back by season’s end. Training camp and pre-season will determine his average draft position, but know his name and grab him when you can. This offense isn’t moving the ball much through the air with whomever the starting QB is and at some point this season, Booker should be the focal point of this offense. A looming concern is that this turns into the dreaded running back-by-committee (RBBC) and nobody in the backfield is more than a low-end RB2.
Paul Perkins RB New York Giants:
The second Giant to make this list, Perkins is a shifty back who should earn time immediately as a change of pace back. The backfield is crowded here, but someone will get cut, and none of the names really scream “starter” on this offense. If Perkins gets hot, he could easily be a RB2 or better depending on his workload. Definitely monitor how Ben McAdoo decides to split carries, and if Perkins ends up on the waiver wire, keep a tab on him all season.
Players to monitor in training camps and throughout the season:
Hunter Henry TE San Diego Chargers:
Antonio Gates will be 36 at the start of the season, and Ladarius Green is now a Pittsburgh Steeler. He is the future starter at this position; the only question is how soon will he get his shot? Green was somewhat productive last year as the 2nd tight end, but can Henry up those numbers?
Derrick Henry RB Tennessee Titans:
Demarco Murray has only made it through 16 games once in his career. The Heisman Trophy winner will likely be a hot waiver wire pickup at some point.
Kenyan Drake RB Miami Dolphins:
A very talented back, but how will Adam Gase decide to split up caries with Drake, Jay Ajayi, and others? Keep a close watch on this situation going into your draft.
Michael Thomas WR New Orleans Saints:
Cooks and Snead are the starters, but there is room for a 3rd productive wide receiver in any offense lead by Drew Brees and Sean Payton. He is probably only worth a look if one of the two starters gets hurt though.
Alex Collins / C.J. Prosise RB’s Seattle Seahawks:
Both backs are talented, but as long as Thomas Rawls is healthy to start the year (which is no guarantee) he will be the starter. If Rawls were to miss time, one of these backs may get the nod as the de-facto starter. I think Collins fits the Seahawks approach better, but Prosise was picked earlier. This should be an interesting training camp battle at the very least.
Moritz Böhringer WR Minnesotta Vikings:
This guy is an athletic freak who has been called “the German Randy Moss,” which is fitting that he landed with the Vikings. Laquon Treadwell will be a solid starter right away, and Stefon Diggs will look to improve on his solid rookie campaign, but don’t sleep on Böhringer. If he adapts quickly to the NFL game, he could become a star in a hurry. Don’t draft him unless he starts making significant moves up the depth chart, but he is an interesting dynasty league stash.
Keith Marshall RB Washington Redskins:
Marshall wowed at the combine with sub 4.4 forty time, but with a lack of proven production and other talented backs, no team took him until round 7. Washington’s current starter is second year pro Matt Jones, who had some fumbling issues last year. Marshall’s speed alone will give Washington enough reasons to consider giving him some reps to see what he makes of the NFL game. If Jones struggles, Marshall could come in and light it up with the potential to score on any carry.
league Edge 