Once the rookie draft is over, there can still be players with fantasy potential left over, you just have to know where to look!
The NFL rookie draft is over, and so is your fantasy rookie draft. Maybe you find yourself wondering if there is anyone left worth adding? The truth is, there are several players you should add. Below is my list of players you don't want to leave on waivers.
Tyler Badie, RB, Batlimore Ravens
Tayler Badie was drafted out of Missouri by Baltimore in the sixth round. The Ravens already have J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards, both of whom are recovering from ACL tears last preseason and should be ready to go by training camp. The team also brought in Mike Davis as a depth piece to help them get through off-season workouts.
Badie makes this list because, according to his IDP Guys rookie profile, he excels at running in a zone-blocking scheme the Ravens employ. Badie is an excellent pass catcher and is on a run-heavy team who traded away their best wide receiver. He is a solid handcuff who could develop into an RB2, should Dobbins miss time.
Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns
Jerome Ford is another talented back who went to a team with a lot of talented backs already. Drafted as the 156th player off the board, he was selected as a depth piece behind Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, and D'Ernest Johnson. Over the last two seasons, Chubb has missed six games and Hunt has missed nine games.
Johnson has filled in well for both during those games. However, he signed a one-year deal this off-season, and Hunt will be a free agent after this season, leaving a large hole to be filled for the 2023 season.
Ford is great in short-yardage situations and has a nose for the endzone. He has 20 total touchdowns while only being the #1 back on his team for a single season. Ford is an excellent wavier wire pick-up to stash on your taxi squad for next season, which could return value this season.
Danny Gray, WR, San Fransico 49ers
Danny Gray is an intriguing addition to your taxi squad. Drafted at 105 by the 49ers, Gray is an older rookie with a unique journey to the pros. He lands on a team with a lot of question marks at the WR position. Behind Deebo Samuel is Brandon Aiyuk who has not done anything to truly secure his role as WR2.
Gray has blazing speed, clocking 4.33 40-yard dash time, that speed shows up on the field. He is a skilled route runner, who can win at all levels of the field. One of the biggest pluses I see that will win him time on the field is his willingness to be a blocker. Gray could become a WR3 with boom game potential for your team.
Snoop Conner, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Snoop Conner is a physical runner who could become a 3-down back. Conner fell to the Jaguars in the fifth round due to a poor combine showing and not a lot of game tape. The plus side for Conner is that the Jags' top two running backs are returning from significant injuries.
That gives Conner a chance to earn playing time right off the bat. If that doesn't happen, James Robinson will become a free agent after this season. Snoop Conner is a great Taxi stash who potentially could crack your starting lineup this year.
If, by miracle, these players were missed in your draft, pick them up:
Velus Jones Jr, WR, Chicago Bears
Velus Jones Jr is the most unlikely player on this list to be relevant, and he is also in one of the best situations. Jones Jr is the second-fastest WR in this draft and has excellent hands, but that's it. He lands on a team totally devoid of talent at the WR position, with a bad offensive line.
This could lend well to his excellent run-after-the-catch ability, and his ability to complete a catch during contact is better than average. Velus Jones is likely not much more than a WR3 in PPR leagues if he gets the chance to be a WR.
Brian Robinson, RB, Washington Commanders
Brian Robinson is a great running back who is backing up Antonio Gibson who has injury issues. Robinson will have value for your team. Pick him up if he was;t drafted
Calvin Austin, WR, Pittsburg Steelers
This pick is based purely on Mike Tomlin and his track record of drafting talented WRs. Calvin Austin is super similar to Tavon Austin in size and skill set, making an him excellent Boom Bust Flex option. With good coaching, I could see Austin developing into a Wes Welker-type player for the steelers.
Thank you for investing some time in my rookie draft article. If you’d like to read more, you can visit my IDP Guys author page or follow me on Twitter at @FF_Skinnychef. If there is something you would like to see written, DM me. May the waivers be forever in your favor.
