A glance at who to take and not take in your fantasy football draft.
Britt Won’t Be a Bust on the Browns
It seems like Kenny Britt has been playing in the league forever, but he’s still only 28. He’s coming off a surprising season in which he set career highs in targets, receptions and yardage. Because he played in the Rams’ putrid offense, he was limited to just five touchdowns, but he was still a steady WR3 in most formats. This year he is the top wideout in Cleveland, and while that offense certainly isn’t terrifying defenses either, Britt is still capable of a season like last year, and given his durability he should more than return on his current ADP (WR47, 113 overall).
Kelley Still Locked In as Lead Back
There was plenty of talk that rookie Samaje Perine would win the starting running back job in Washington coming into training camp, but in the last few weeks Rob Kelley has actually strengthened his grip on the RB1 role. Kelley came into camp “bigger and faster” according to head coach Jay Gruden, and has been making strides improving his pass-catching abilities. Perine, on the other hand, has struggled with fumbling all through camp, and already coughed one up in the Redskins’ first preseason game. Kelley has a stranglehold on the RB1 job, and the Washington offense should move the ball plenty in 2017. Kelley is currently the 38th running back off the board, but his ceiling is so much higher if he can fend off Perine for an extended period of time.
Rookie’s Cost Too High In Carolina
Carolina rookie Christian McCaffrey is a dynamic back with a bright future, but the hype train is out of control heading into fantasy drafts. At best, McCaffrey figures to be the low man in a timeshare with veteran Jonathan Stewart in the backfield, while also taking some touches in the passing game. However, his ADP has spiraled out of control, and he’s currently going in the third round of most drafts, ahead of much safer options like Travis Kelce, Isaiah Crowell and Jarvis Landry. That’s simply too expensive for a rookie in a timeshare–let someone else burn a third-round pick on him.
NFL Draft Sleepers of the Week
Andy Dalton, QB, CIN – Dalton continues to be overlooked in drafts, and has developed a strangely bad reputation. He is remarkably consistent, has plenty of weapons around him, and stays relatively healthy. He’s a terrific target if you plan on waiting to draft a QB.
Zay Jones, WR, BUF – With Sammy Watkins headed to LA and Jordan Matthews dealing with a chest injury (which tends to linger), rookie Zay Jones is currently the most capable and talented receiver for the Bills. He’s barely being drafted at all, and should return solid value
as a late-round flier.
Giovani Bernard, RB, CIN – While most are focused on rookie Joe Mixon challenging Jeremy Hill for early-down touches, Bernard’s role as a pass-catching go-to on third downs should be totally safe. He will be a legit every-week PPR flex play, and he’ll cost you nothing.
