The 2017 NFL Draft was an exhilarating ride with breathtaking first-round trades and plenty of inspiring stories. It was not the most exhilarating and inspiring when looking at fantasy destinations and calculating value changes. The 2017 class as a whole decreased in value, although many second tier backs landed in spots with opportunity to offset the relatively underwhelming set of destinations for the second tier receivers. Let’s dig in.
The Bloom 100 is ranked with the following type of dynasty fantasy football league in mind:
* Full IDP lineups including DT and CB
* PPR, start 3 WR
* Deep lineups and rosters
Pre-Draft Bloom 100 (Pre-Draft Ranking in Parenthesis)
1(1) Corey Davis, WR, TEN - I didn’t change any of the top seven after seeing their destinations, but if anyone’s spot was a “win”, it would be Davis. He went to an organization that clearly loves him, spending the #5 pick without a workout or measureables, and he gets to grow as a #1 for a talented young quarterback in Marcus Mariota.
2(2). Christian McCaffrey, RB, CAR - Cam Newton will have to get better in the short passing game to truly unlock McCaffrey’s value, and his redraft value isn’t enhanced by landing with Jonathan Stewart, but you’re looking at a centerpiece of the offense with the capability to live up to that billing in the next 2-3 years. He’ll run well out of the shotgun with Cam too.
3(3). Dalvin Cook, RB, MIN - The Vikings liked Cook enough to give up a fourth-round pick just so they didn’t have to risk him falling seven picks. For this year, he has a lot of competition for touches in Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon, but if he is as good as the Vikings think he is, he’ll take over this backfield next year. Sam Bradford and the Minnesota line isn’t exactly uplifting for fantasy value, but Cook’s game-breaking plays and involvement in the passing game will give him a good floor and ceiling once he secures the starting job in 2018. He is dynamic enough to force his way onto the field more this year, too. As my buddy Jeff Lloyd must have been happy to see Minnesota is far away from Florida, which should help Cook get a fresh start off of the field.
4(4). Joe Mixon, RB, CIN - The Bengals were a team strongly connected to Mixon and that pairing indeed came to pass, as the Bengals traded down (with the Vikings, who got the other elite RB with character concerns). This was a good calculated risk, or perhaps a sign that the Bengals didn’t mind the idea of missing out of Mixon, but either way, Mixon is set up to be the lead back in 2018. This year he’ll need to overcome Jeremy Hill to have redraft value, which might not be a tall order. Giovani Bernard is a slight drag on his long term upside with two years left on his contract and a strong passing game role, but Mixon has the goods to be a three-down back and a very good one at that. I wish the Bengals offensive line wasn’t disintegrating, but at least they have a wide array of passing game weapons to keep defenses honest.
5(5). Leonard Fournette, RB, JAX - This one was even more predictable than Mixon to the Bengals or McCaffery to the Panthers. The Jaguars haven’t had double-digit rushing scores since 2010, David Garrard’s last year as quarterback, and that includes the last three years of MJD’s reign with them. Fournette is justified as high as #2 if you believe in the Jags to make this power running attitude work and Fournette to complete the picture. Todd Gurley looms as a cautionary example of what can happen if they don’t.
6(6). Mike Williams, WR, LAC - The good news is that Williams landed with a very good passer in Philip Rivers. The bad news is that he has to share with three other very good wide receivers, assuming Keenan Allen is going to be back to near his old self. The Williams selection could signify that the Chargers don’t believe he will be. For now, Williams will still have to also share with two good receiving tight ends, too, so his redraft impact will be dampened. He’s a fine consolation if you’re sitting at six and none of the top four backs fall.
7(7). John Ross, WR, CIN - Ross’s medicals clearly weren’t that bad if the Bengals were willing to spend the ninth pick on him. Being with AJ Green, Tyler Eifert, and Andy Dalton, who does not have “deep passing” among his strengths, offsets the increased value of the higher draft pick reinforcing our belief in his durability at the next level. Ross has the look of a boom/bust weekly play that can win your week and be tolerable in deeper lineups, a la one of his main comparables, DeSean Jackson.
8(8). Evan Engram, TE, NYG - That the Giants were willing to spend a first on Engram as a receiving tight end when they had other needs is a good sign that they have a plan for him. He will be at best the 3A/3B target to begin his career, but Brandon Marshall isn’t going to be a Giant forever. With the weakness at tight end in dynasty leagues, Engram can be an instant low TE1 when he gets on the field with the upside to break into the top 6-8 very soon.
9(16). Kareem Hunt, RB, KC - Spencer Ware was more backup quality than starter revelation last year, and the Chiefs gave up a fourth and seventh-round pick to get Hunt. He is an excellent receiver and big enough to be a primary back. I won’t be surprised if he’s the most productive Chiefs back this year, and he should have every chance to take over the backfield for 2018.
10(17) Samaje Perine, RB, WAS - Rob Kelley was a nice story, but Perine has all of Kelley’s urgency and stubbornness as a runner with a more natural power and upside. Chris Thompson will limit Perine’ role upside this year, and the prospect of being the lead back in an offense piloted by a quarterback other than Kirk Cousins next year is scary, but Perine can easily be Kelley was once he took over last year in any scenario, and that’s enough to merit a late first in rookie drafts.
11(21) Alvin Kamara, RB, NO - I’m not sure anyone gained more value from landing spot than Kamara, especially when you factor in that the Saints gave up their 2018 second-round pick to get him. This year, he will have a small role with Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson in tow, but the backfield can be all his in 2018. Like Juju, Williams and Engram, his quarterback might not be around for long, but this offense is very good to fantasy running backs. There are holes in his game that might make the Saints rethink his upside once they see him extensively, but those holes could also be masked by the quality of this offense. I understand taking him even earlier because of the quality of the situation as long as Brees is around.
12(18) Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, PIT - Smith-Schuster could be a disappointment if Martavis Bryant really did “get it” and will fly straight now, but if not, Smith-Schuster will have a very valuable role in an outstanding pass offense. His toughness will remind Steeler fans of Hines Ward, and while he’s not that dynamic, he doesn’t have to be to put up great numbers in this offense. Who knows how long Ben Roethlisberger will be around, but that is a concern shared by anyone who drafts Williams, and Engram too.
13(9). OJ Howard, TE, TB - Howard landed with a good quarterback, but also a team that likes to run the ball with two good receivers, a solid receiving tight end, and another good receiver in development from this year’s draft. I don’t know if he’ll have top 3-5 fantasy tight end upside, but he’ll level off as a low-mid TE1 in time.
14(10). David Njoku, TE, CLE - The Browns wanted Njoku (and a fifth-year option for the 20-year-old) enough to give up a fourth to get back into the first round for him. The later drafting of DeShone Kizer enhances his long term upside, and the team cut Gary Barnidge to clear the way for him. I can’t remember that last time we said the Browns got the most out of a player for fantasy, so that dims Njoku’s outlook a bit, but this regime could change that, and he might end up being the most valuable tight end from this class. You’ll need patience to harvest the returns from this pick.
15(19). Carlos Henderson, WR, DEN - I really like the combination here as Henderson can get on the field right away as third receiver, and with development, can be the Emmanuel Sanders replacement in the next 2-3 years. He is also the kind of player that can make wow plays in limited duty to fix his arrow pointing up in the mind of all dynasty players. I wish the Broncos had a better long-term picture at quarterback, but if Chad Kelly can get his head on straight, maybe they can.
16(22). Jarrad Davis, LB, DET - Davis can be a three-down middle linebacker in a fantasy rich role right away. He just needs to stay healthy. Depending on your scoring and lineups, he can easily be worth consideration in the late first.
17(14). Myles Garrett, DE, CLE - Garrett went first overall as expected, but he was passed by a few running backs who landed in plum spots. If DeShone Kizer can hit, in two or three years Garrett could be part of a much better team. He’s a very safe pick in the late first or later as long your scoring rewards defensive ends appropriately.
18(11). Reuben Foster, LB, SF - Foster will have to play next to Navorro Bowman, but he’s still in a defense that should be playing from behind a lot and giving him an opportunity to flirt with LB1 numbers in IDP leagues. His shoulder could keep him from making a fantasy impact this year, but the 49ers are excited about him and you should be too if he’s still there in the mid to late second.
19(38). Deshaun Watson, QB, HOU - I’m not sure I could have come up with a more perfect scenario for Watson to get on the field early and be successful. He has a good set of players around him and he should start Week 1. If you need a quarterback in a 16-team league, he might be worth a late first. He’ll get the Konami Code running quarterback bump, and at worst will be a rich man’s Tyrod Taylor.
20(15). Chris Godwin, WR, TB - Like Howard, the good news for Godwin is that he is paired with a good young quarterback. The bad news is the crowded and balanced nature of his offense. He doesn’t really have #1 wide receiver upside in this offense with Mike Evans around, so Godwin isn’t a player to trade up or otherwise feel desperate to get in your rookie draft.
21(33). Curtis Samuel, WR, CAR - I still see Samuel as having a long growth curve and certainly landing with Christian McCaffrey will limit his short targets. He also needs to have Cam Newton grow as a short passer, but the upside here is getting the Ted Ginn Jr go routes that Ginn somehow turned into fantasy relevance despite his unsure hands. I might be underestimating Samuel’s ceiling if he actually learns the wide receiver position well enough to be one of the primary downfield targets in this offense.
22(12). Dede Westbrook, WR, JAX - This is a terrible landing spot for a receiver, but at least the Jaguars spent a high enough pick to show their belief in Westbrook’s character. The quarterback situation could be about to blow up, the Jaguars want to run first, and they have the Allens for the long haul at receiver. Westbrook is also an older rookie, although I still think he can hit. Just probably on his second team.
23(13). Ardarius Stewart, WR, NYJ - Like Westbrook, Stewart’s destination brought a sigh. The Jets have a ton of #2/#3 types, no long-term quarterback, and a likely overhaul in the coaching staff and front office coming. I’ll be happy to scoop Stewart up in the 20s and wait and see, but lots of waiting will be necessary to see what rewards are awaiting a choice of him in rookie drafts.
24(20). Ishmael Zamora, WR, OAK - Zamora going undrafted was no surprise after the video incident of animal cruelty. He landed with a good quarterback on a roster with a weak enough depth chart at the bottom for him to easily crack if he has a good camp and preseason. His ceiling is as high as any receiver outside of the top three, and he’s a perfect target if you are a boom/bust drafter.
25(31). Taywan Taylor, WR, TEN - Taylor has a better chance of becoming what the Titans wanted Kendall Wright to be than Wright does. The presence of Corey Davis limits his long-term target share, but he can be deep ball and run after catch specialist for Marcus Mariota. One of the better landing spots among the second tier wide receivers.
26(25). Jamaal Williams, RB, GB - Williams doesn’t have the “take over the backfield” upside in Green Bay, but he can be the primary between the tackles back and collect most of the rushing touchdowns. I might have had him ten spots higher if the Packers hadn’t taken another good back, Aaron Jones, on the third day.
27(23). Jamal Adams, S, NYJ - How much do safeties move the needle in your scoring system? Adams might be justifiable in the top 10-12 in the right scoring, but then again, viable fantasy safeties can often be found on the waiver wire. Adams
28(37). DeShone Kizer, QB, CLE - Kizer was my #1 quarterback, and he has a lot of upside in fantasy leagues due to his running ability and arm. He also has a low floor, but Hue Jackson is an optimist and could help his confidence. The supporting cast is very good, including the offensive line. Kizer could be a fantasy QB1 sooner than later, and if he takes the Cleveland organization, he could be starting this year. Like the Browns, I’ll be trying to slow play him and scoop him up later in rookie drafts.
29(39). Patrick Mahomes, QB, KC - You’re probably waiting until 2018 or even 2019 for Mahomes to be usable in your fantasy league, but he has a coach that should put him near the top end of his range of outcomes, even if the situation isn’t perfect. He has a solid chance to be a low QB1 for a long time in fantasy leagues.
30(36). Tyus Bowser, LB, BAL - Bowser can be an excellent pass rusher and off ball linebacker for the Ravens. I’m not sure how often he’ll be used as an inside linebacker, but if it is a core part of his role, I might be underestimating his IDP upside. Love the player, love the landing spot (except as a Steelers fan)
31(41). Zach Cunningham, ILB, HOU - We might have to wait a year to realize Cunningham’s value in IDP leagues. Brian Cushing and Benardrick McKinney have the ILB spots for now, but Cunningham will replace Cushing in short order. I wasn’t as high on Cunningham as others in the draft community, but his landing spot was outstanding for fantasy.
32(24). Budda Baker, S, ARI - How much did the Cardinals want Baker? They gave up two fourths and a sixth-round pick move up for nine spots for him. He is similar to Bob Sanders and while he doesn’t have the bad team tackle upside of Adams, he is a natural playmaker and he is on a team that is ready to use his multi-faceted physical and football talent.
33(55). Marlon Mack, RB, IND - Mack isn’t going to be an everydown back in any scenario, but he has a wide open long-term situation and good offense/setting for his skills. The Colts are surely going to add another good next year in free agency or the draft, but Mack can be the Tevin Coleman to that player if he hits.
34(56). Jeremy McNichols, RB, TB - When I saw McNichols falling despite a good measureables/production combination, I felt like the NFL had him correctly pegged as a limited back, but now that he’s in Tampa, he has a chance to displace Charles Sims as a receiving back and flourish in a good offense. I’m still far from sold on the talent, but it can be enough to rise in this situation, so I am struggling with not moving him up higher.
35(50). Joe Williams, RB, SF - Williams won over John Lynch after being off of the 49ers board, and he is an excellent fit for a Kyle Shanahan running game. I’m not sure that he’ll ever be more than an explosive committee back and the 49ers don’t scream running game success while the team is under construction, but Williams value was definitely inflated by his landing spot.
36(49). Wayne Gallman, RB, NYG - Gallman is a solid enough all-around back to have a role in all facets of the Giants offense, and he is a good shotgun runner. I won’t be surprised if he overtakes Paul Perkins eventually, although Shane Vereen or another similar back in the future will keep this a RBBC. I really love the fit even though his upside is modest and might move Gallman up further with more reflection.
37(73). James Conner, RB, PIT - The best story of the 2017 draft was the Steelers keeping Conner in Pittsburgh after he beat cancer. If he gets back to the player he was before chemo, he will be a quality NFL running back. If Le’Veon Bell strikes out in the league drug program or gets hurt or has problems getting long-term deal with the team, Conner could be the steal of 2017 rookie drafts. He’ll be overlooked because of Bell, but he has as much fantasy upside as any back outside of the top four, especially in this situation. I have a feeling a lot of us could end up regretting passing on Conner in our rookie drafts, but Bell’s presence makes it hard to push him up higher.
38(51). Haason Reddick, LB, ARI - The Cardinals are a perfect spot for Reddick, who can play a Daryl Washington role, which was good for top-end IDP numbers in the past. I’m still not sold on the player and would rather take Bowser, but have to acknowledge the landing spot and draft capital merit a second-round pick in some scoring systems.
39(40). Mitchell Trubisky, QB, CHI - Even though Trubisky was the first quarterback drafted and the Bears paid a premium for him, I have my doubts about him in an organization that will likely get a new coach soon, and one that will rush the work-in-progress passer onto the field.
40(71). Donnel Pumphrey, RB, PHI - The Darren Sproles clone will get to learn on site from his archetype, and maybe rise to the top of this backfield by the end of the season. There’s an outside shot he’ll seize control of the backfield, but chances are Pumphrey will remain an exciting, but limited fantasy option, like the latter-career Sproles. I won’t blame you for taking him higher because he is competing with similar backs, but has much more juice than them
41(29). Josh Reynolds, WR, LAR - The Matt Waldman favorite is stuck in Los Angeles with a questionable young quarterback, although he can definitely have an inside track to an outside wide receiver role with the lack of good personnel there on the Rams roster.
42(35). Ryan Switzer, WR, DAL - Switzer can do more with Cole Beasley’s targets than Beasley, but the reality is that he is still limited to being a good bench/injury wideout in that role. He probably won’t be a core fantasy receiver because of his role and not being in a perfect offense for a slot receiver to produce.
43(70). Aaron Jones, RB, GB - Jones isn’t quite the right size to be an everydown back and the drafting of Jamaal Williams ahead of him limits his outlook, but he still landed in a good offense with opportunity in the backfield. He’s the kind of back that will impress if given the chance, but probably will never lock down a starting role for good.
44(34). Zay Jones, WR, BUF - Some might move Jones up because of his high draft slot and the possibility that he becomes the Bills #1 if they move on from Sammy Watkins, but this is still one of the least productive passing games in the league and I was never sold on Jones translating. The bottom line of this ranking is avoid at ADP, as Jones might get into the first round of some rookie drafts.
45(53). D’Onta Foreman, RB, HOU - I don’t know if Foreman will ever play up to his measureables or 2016 production, but he can be good enough to backup Lamar Miller. He won’t be a three-down back in any event, but if Miller burns out in a year or two and Deshaun Watson hits, I’ll regret having him so low. Like Jones, he won’t be available anywhere near this slot in rookie drafts, so this amounts to an avoid ranking.
46(52). Jonnu Smith, TE, TEN - Smith has a great mentor in Delanie Walker, and obviously he is with a good quarterback, but the stocking up on wide receivers will limit the upside of the tight end in this offense, and Smith has to refine his receiving skills to really unlock his fantasy upside.
47(43). Gerald Everett, TE, LAR - The Rams liked Everett enough to spend their first pick of the draft on him in the mid-second. Head coach Sean McVay wants two tight-end sets badly, so Everett can be a quasi-starter long-term, but the shakiness of the quarterback and presence of Tyler Higbee, who is an equal receiving talent, makes it tough to love Everett’s outlook despite his clearly fantasy-friendly skillset.
48(26). Bucky Hodges, TE, MIN - The league didn’t love Hodges despite having a Kelvin Benjamin-esque game and projection as a tight end. The Vikings don’t have a YOLO quarterback in Sam Bradford, and that’s what Hodges needs to hit his fantasy ceiling. I still have a nagging feeling that Hodges will be regarded a steal in time and maybe even stay at wide receiver, but the signs all point down after his draft day fall and mediocre at best destination.
49(42). Alex Anzalone, LB, NO - Anzalone actually landed in a spot with great opportunity in New Orleans and his draft cost probably means they plan on him being an eventual starter. It went well for him in the draft, but he still falls on the post-draft 100 because of the number of mid-tier backs that landed in good spots. He will be a smart pick if he can stay healthy.
50(46) Solomon Thomas, DE, SF - Thomas is more Chris Long than Joey Bosa, and we should draft him accordingly. He’ll be a very safe pick to be a solid DE2 eventually, but that is probably his ceiling unless the 49ers somehow get good in the 2-3 years.
51(67). Kenny Golladay, WR, DET - There’s very little preventing Golladay from being a third receiver in an offense that puts three on the field often. He can be a decent downfield threat to complement Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, although I’m not sure he’ll be more than that.
52(65). Mack Hollins, WR, PHI - Hollins has a nice long-term ceiling with Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith on short-term deals, but later pick Shelton Gibson is a better speed threat, and Hollins is still a middling talent as receiver despite good size. He might level off as a Jermaine Kearse type, but in a larger role than Kearse ever got in Seattle.
53(90). Chad Williams, WR, ARI - The Cardinals liked Williams enough to take him in the third round, and there’s plenty of opportunity in Arizona on the horizon, even if the quarterback situation is a big question mark long-term.
54(27). Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR - This was a devastating spot for Kupp to end up in, as the Rams want to run two-tight ends, and already have a slot-type weapon in Tavon Austin. Kupp could battle with Josh Reynolds to play outside, but it is not his best projection.
55(28). Amara Darboh, WR, SEA - Darboh landed with a good quarterback, but he projects to be a possession #3 in this offense that has remained somewhat low volume in the passing game. Maybe he can be more if the speedy, small receivers ahead of him suffer injuries, but despite Russell Wilson being in Seattle, this was a bad place for Darboh’s fantasy prospects.
56(44). Adam Shaheen, TE, CHI - Shaheen was a clear target for the Bears, taking the tiny school product in the mid-second, but the long-term outlook is cloudy unless Mitchell Trubisky hits. He’s Vance McDonald with better hands, but I’m not sure Shaheen will fare much better than McDonald in fantasy leagues.
57(86). George Kittle, TE, SF - Speaking of McDonald, the 49ers opting for Kittle on the third day while shopping the recently extended by the lame duck administration McDonald is a great sign for Kittle’s future. Think Tony Scheffler with more toughness. I wish Kittle had landed in a better passing game, but Kyle Shanahan likes him and could make him a primary target in time. Kittle is a perfect target later in deep rookie drafts.
58(60). Malik Hooker, S, IND - Hooker should start right away and his ballhawking ability will be fun to watch against the young quarterbacks of the AFC South. He is willing, but not always able in run support, but there’s enough there for him to be a startable fantasy safety once he’s ready to take the field after offseason surgeries.
59(63), Takkarist McKinley, DE, ATL - McKinley has a path to start right away once he is over shoulder surgery, and he’s on a good team make use of his talents. He’s got a good skills to collect some tackles in run support pursuit, and if his shoulder injury was limiting his hand use at UCLA, there’s pass rush upside there.
60(47). Derek Barnett, DE, PHI - Barnett landed in a good defense to make use of his skills, but he is playing with other quality ends and will likely be a rotational player in the near future. I’m not sure his limited ceiling merits carrying him as a development defensive end.
61(64). Derek Rivers, LB/DE, NE - If I knew Rivers would stay classified as a defensive end, I might move him higher on this list. He is a perfect fit for New England, but they love to rotate players in the front seven. He might be their next Rob Ninkovich, but what would Ninkovich have been worth in IDP leagues if he was classified as a linebacker. I love the fit and landing spot, but positional designation and snap count gives me pause.
62(59). Raekwon McMillan, LB, MIA - McMillan could be a three-down backer in Miami in time, but I’m still not sure he is stout or athletic enough to get there.
63(61). Michael Roberts, TE, DET - I like this pick for NFL a lot more than for fantasy. Think a better Dion Sims, which hurts Eric Ebron and gives Matthew Stafford a great red zone target, but still doesn’t really pave the way for Roberts to relevant in fantasy leagues unless the Lions let Ebron walk in the near future.
64(54). Brian Hill, RB, ATL - Hill was one of the few third-day backs to not benefit from landing spot in dynasty leagues, unless you believe that the Falcons are going to let Devonta Freeman walk (I don’t). Still, he can stick as their third back and he’s the best power back on the roster. He might have fleeting fantasy relevance here and there with the injury history of Coleman and quality of the Falcons offense.
65(30). Chad Hansen, WR, NYJ - Hansen has the projection of a nice #2 that can win downfield, but he’s in an offense that already has one of those (Robby Anderson) and drafted another (Ardarius Stewart) with no quarterback of the future on the roster. His talent might enough to overcome all of this, but I am staying away.
66(62). Carl Lawson, DE, CIN - Lawson is a very combative edge rusher, but there are concerned about his long-term durability and he’ll be blocked from initial playing time in Cincinnati. I don’t love spending picks on developmental defensive ends, although Lawson does have first-round pass rushing talent. I’m a little afraid of an Owa Odighizuwa replay on this pick.
67(57). Malachi Dupre, WR, GB - Dupre’s talent might have been masked by a terrible LSU passing game and he did land with Aaron Rodgers. There’s a path for Dupre to be the fourth or fifth receiver, but his draft slide and limited ceiling remove him from the priority late pick list. I’ll move him up quickly if he generates buzz this summer.
68(32). Isaiah Ford, WR, MIA - Another Matt Waldman favorite killed by destination, we also have to take into account the steep fall for Ford on draft day despite an NFL skill and trait set on film. Kenny Stills and Jarvis Landry aren’t going anywhere, and DeVante Parker will be around for at least two more years. I’m not willing to spend an earlier to wait around and see if Matt is right about Ford, but I understand if you do.
69(58). Josh Malone, WR, CIN - Malone has a high ceiling as a size/speed receiver, but he isn’t going to be more than the fifth option in this offense in the foreseeable future. A long term hold in deep dynasty leagues.
70(87). Elijah McGuire, RB, NYJ - The Jets didn’t dip into this deep running back class until late, but McGuire has an overachiever profile. He can make the team as their third back and if he impresses give them pause before spending big on a back once they move on from Matt Forte next year.
71(100). Chad Kelly, QB, DEN - Mr. Irrelevant became very relevant on a team that doesn’t have its long term quarterback situation settled. He has the arm and athleticism to be a fantasy QB1. If we start to hear that he’s taking to things in Denver, make Kelly a priority add.
72(66). Robert Davis, WR, WAS - Davis doesn’t play up to his measureables, but if Washington doesn’t keep Terrelle Pryor, he could be an outside starter sooner than later. The long-term uncertainty at quarterback here doesn’t help Davis’s outlook.
73(72). Tarik Cohen, RB, CHI - Cohen is the other Darren Sproles clone in this draft, but with Jordan Howard in Chicago, he’ll just be a role player. Maybe if Howard misses time, this pick will pay dividends, and on talent alone I wish I had Cohen higher. If he was in Philly instead of Pumphrey, he would be 30+ spots higher.
74(79). Adoree’ Jackson, CB, TEN - Rookie corners can help you win, especially when they are picked on unmercifully, as Jackson should be. He has some offense capabilities and will also help as a returner, so bump him up in leagues that give credit for return yards.
75(69). Elijah Hood, RB, OAK - I liked Hood’s tape as a power runner better than Foreman’s, but I’m not sure that there is a roster spot for him in Oakland. If there is, he could be a two-down heir to Marshawn Lynch. I actually like the landing spot and would move Hood up into the top 50 if I was sure he would be on the opening day roster.
76(74). Marshon Lattimore, CB, NO - Like Jackson, Lattimore should be tested a lot early and pay dividends in IDP leagues that start two corners.
77(95). Malik McDowell, DT, SEA - The Seahawks traded down three times before taking McDowell. Maybe they knew he turned teams off, so he would still be there nine picks after their original first-rounder. They certainly have the defense to unlock his fantasy value in start one defensive tackle leagues, and he can steal some snaps as a end, too.
78(77). Jabrill Peppers, S, CLE - Peppers should get on the field a lot for a team that is playing from behind. His role is still going to be fluid, although he could contribute on offense. He’s a fun late pick in IDP leagues, but I’m not sure how productive he will be.
79(80). TJ Watt, OLB, PIT - I wish I was more sold on my team’s first-round pick. He’ll be modestly productive and likely start next year, but I don’t see a high ceiling to go with the fantasy limitations of the 3-4 OLB role.
80(48). Josh Jones, S, GB - I like Jones the player a lot, but what is role with Morgan Burnett and Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix on this roster? When will he be a full-time player? I might be overreacting by dropping him this much, but I don’t like carrying developmental safeties in IDP leagues.
81(98). Tim Patrick, WR, BAL - Be ready Patrick to rocket up rookie draft boards if he can stay healthy and win a spot on the Ravens roster. He is very athletic for a 6’4” 210 wideout and he played well against Adoree Jackson among others in the corner-rich Pac 12.
82(68). Joe Yearby, RB, SF - The Matt Waldman favorite wasn’t really expected to be drafted, but he landed in a good spot for his talents with Kyle Shanahan, although fourth-round pick Joe Williams looms even if Carlos Hyde isn’t with the team next year.
83(45). Jonathan Allen, DE, WAS - Other 3-4 ends have transcended the position to be relevant in IDP leagues, but Allen not landing in a 3-tech defensive tackle role really hurt the case for taking him in the top 50-60 in IDP rookie drafts.
84(NR). Duke Riley, LB, ATL - Riley has three-down range and he has been reunited with college teammate Deion Jones. He has an outside chance to start Week 1 on the weakside and get in some subpackages.
85(76). Blair Brown, LB, JAX - Love the player, but with Myles Jack and Telvin Smith Sr, we have cautionary tale of Shaq Thompson to give us hesitation before spending a pick in the top 50-60 on Brown.
86(NR). DeAngelo Henderson, RB, DEN - Henderson is a middle-class version of Aaron Jones, but if CJ Anderson can’t stay healthy and Devontae Booker can’t improve, he could get a look now that Kapri Bibbs is gone to San Francisco.
87(NR). Quincy Wilson, CB, IND - Wilson is big, physical, and aggressive, and he should start for the Colts, which means a lot of targets coming his way with Vontae Davis on the other side of the field.
88(NR). Shelton Gibson, WR, PHI - He’s a big of a one-trick pony with value in the deep passing game, but the Eagles wide receiver group has a lot of snaps up for the taking in the next few years.
89(NR). Jehu Chesson, WR, KC - Chesson was much better than Amara Darboh in 2015, but then his play really diminished this year. The Chiefs gave up two fifth-round picks to get him, but he would still be behind Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill in any event. I might be underrating Chesson, but he still has a #2 profile at best.
90(89). Jordan Willis, DE, CIN - The Bengals did a great job reloading at defensive end this year, but it means that both Willis and Carl Lawson will impede each other’s path to snaps. We probably have to wait until Carlos Dunlap’s walk year of 2019 to see what Willis can do.
91(75). Gareon Conley, CB, OAK - Conley didn’t fall out of the first round after a pre-draft rape accusation after all, but it’s still not sure he will start ahead of one of Sean Smith and David Amerson to open the season. Once he starts, he’s worth a roster spot, but he’s not worth carrying as a third corner to wait around for that eventuality.
92(NR). DeAngelo Yancey, WR, GB - Yancey has some toughness and a downfield receiving game. It’s possible that he and not Malachi Dupre capture the fancy of the team as a developmental project (or both). Stay tuned.
93(82). Kevin King, CB, GB - If we hear that King is starting to open the season, jump on him, as opposing quarterbacks will surely test him. For now, that is uncertain with Davon House back in Green Bay.
94(84). Taco Charlton, DE, DAL - As Jene Bramel said on our show “In Rod Marinelli We Trust”. He’s worth a late pick in leagues where developmental ends merit a roster spot.
95(85). Charles Harris, DE, MIA - Harris can be an excellent pass rush specialist opposite Cameron Wake, but to get startable fantasy numbers you might have to wait a while. I’m not sure about his ability to play with awareness against the run to supplement those sack numbers that are coming, which is a key in IDP leagues. A better NFL commodity than fantasy.
96(94). Chris Wormley, DE, BAL - Wormley can make the most of his talents in the Baltimore defense, although his upside for fantasy is limited as a 3-4 end.
97(88). Stacy Coley, WR, MIN - It’s hard to see a path to playing time, or maybe even a roster spot for Coley, but I like him better than Vikings fifth-round pick Rodney Adams.
98(96). Noah Brown, WR, DAL - Brown could push Brice Butler for a roster spot and Terrance Williams is good, but not impossible to unseat as a starter outside in time.
99(NR). Travin Dural, WR, NO - Dural was the lesser of the two LSU talents at wide receiver, but he landed in the offense with a clearer path to opportunity for a wide receiver and a record of making good on UDFA pickups.
100(NR). Fred Ross, WR, CAR - Ross was productive in the SEC and he landed in an offense with an outside wide receiver group that has largely disappointed.
