Fantasy: Late-round players to target
The truth about late-round picks is, more often than not, they end up back on the fantasy waiver wire.
Outside of the final two rounds, which should be reserved for selecting a kicker and a defense, the end of the draft is the place to swing big in hopes of getting lucky and landing a difference-maker. Hitting on one of those picks can bolster your starting lineup and give you the depth that'll enable you to get creative on the trade market.
With the last week of drafts upon us, let's take a look at some of the players available after the 10th round who have the potential to significantly exceed their current value.
Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of FantasyFootballCalculator and based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.
Quarterbacks
Carson Palmer, Cardinals
(Late 11th round)
The veteran has weapons that rival almost any offense in the league, including emerging stars Andre Ellington and John Brown, who are capable of racking up big yardage after the catch. As long as he can stay healthy, Palmer has a chance to sneak into the low-end QB1 conversation. Look for him to get off to a hot start against the Saints and Bears in the first two weeks.
Alex Smith, Chiefs
(Undrafted)
Smith finished as the 13th fantasy quarterback in 2013 before dropping to 19th last year. The Chiefs finally have a true No. 1 receiver in Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce might be the best tight end in the NFL not named Gronk. Add in Jamaal Charles catching passes out of the backfield and Smith could have a career year.
Running Backs
Reggie Bush, 49ers
(Mid-12th round)
Bush is getting no love in fantasy drafts, but he could easily prove to be as valuable as Shane Vereen or Danny Woodhead, who are going off the board three rounds earlier. The 49ers are likely going to lose more games than they win this season. When they're trailing and forced into comeback mode, Bush will see more work than Carlos Hyde.
Matt Jones, Redskins
(Mid-13th round)
It's tough not to come away impressed after watching Jones play. The rookie isn't going to usurp Alfred Morris this year, but he may take over the job in 2016. For now, Jones is an perfect stash at the end of your bench. He'll see some third-down work and will be ready to detonate if Morris is ever sidelined.
Denard Robinson, Jaguars
(Late 14th round)
T.J. Yeldon was drafted to be the starter and maybe even a three-down back. However, Robinson is extremely dynamic and will have a role in the Jaguars' backfield at the start of the year. If Yeldon isn't ready for a full workload, Robinson could take on more than just third-down duties.
Wide Receivers
Kendall Wright, Titans
(Mid-11th round)
One year removed from a 94-catch season, Wright hasn't forgotten how to play football, though his current ADP suggests as much. Entering his fourth year in the league, Wright appears to be on the same page with his new quarterback Marcus Mariota and is primed to bounce back. The Titans' offense isn't overly exciting, but Wright could easily lead them in receptions and yards.
DeVante Parker, Dolphins
(Early 12th round)
It's not fun obsessing over injury reports, but in the case of Parker it might be worth it. The rookie returned to practice this week after being held out following foot surgery in June. The first-round pick has plenty of talent. It's just a matter of how long it takes him to get back to full speed and carve out his role in the Dolphins' potent offense.
Phillip Dorsett, Colts
(Mid-15th round)
Dorsett's path to playing time isn't quite as clear as Parker's. The Colts signed Andre Johnson, who will start opposite T.Y. Hilton. Dorsett can beat out Donte Moncrief as the team's third receiver, but he'll also be limited by how often the Colts use two-tight end sets. It may take a teammate's injury for Dorsett to pay off in his rookie year.
Tight Ends
Kyle Rudolph, Vikings
(Late 11th round)
In four seasons, Rudolph has never eclipsed 500 yards. So what makes this year different? The Vikings' offense is much improved, in part due to Teddy Bridgewater's development at quarterback. Bridgewater has been talking Rudolph up since OTAs and the pair connected several times in the preseason. Health is the only thing that could hold Rudolph back from a breakout.
Zach Ertz, Eagles
(Mid-12th round)
Groin surgery has put Week 1 in doubt for Ertz. The idea of carrying two tight ends early in the season isn't appealing, since at that point roster spots are better spent on potential season-changing waiver wire pickups. However, Ertz is coming off a year in which he had 700 yards while playing limited snaps. The injury isn't going to help him in his quest to earn more playing time, but the potential is there in the Eagles' high-volume attack.