Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota – Tennessee Titans
The former Oregon QB is entering his third year in the NFL, but this should truly be a breakout season in his improving Tennessee Titans team. He has already proven to be ultra-safe with the ball, throwing only nine interceptions to 26 touchdowns last season, prior to breaking his leg against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.
The Titans have armed Mariota with more weaponry than ever before, drafting an out-and-out #1 receiver in Corey Davis with the fifth pick in this year’s NFL draft. The Titans have also added Eric Decker from the New York Jets, who will be a dangerous alternative to the likes of Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe and the outstanding Delanie Walker at tight end. Mariota isn’t a fashionable QB to have, so you’ll find him quite low in a lot of drafts, providing enough points to start him in your team.
Tyrod Taylor – Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills finally put paid to any doubts they may have had with Tyrod Taylor and have made him their starting quarterback for the season ahead. An ultimately wise decision, as he’s one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league when it comes to mixing throwing ability with running talent. Thanks to his ability to run the ball, it makes him an excellent fantasy addition with his dual scoring threat. Last year he threw for 17 touchdowns, but he also ran in six himself - along with gaining 580 yards over the ground.
Similarly to Mariota, Taylor will likely be outside of the top quarterbacks taken in your draft so will present serious value in the mid-rounds.
Running Backs
CJ Prosise – Seattle Seahawks
For a very brief period last year, CJ Prosise was looking like the most exciting running back in the league (21 carries, 142 rushing yards in Week 10 and 11). But then he got injured. He returns this year with some company in the backfield in Eddie Lacey, who joins from the Green Bay Packers, along with the steady but injury-prone Thomas Rawls. But Prosise is by far the most explosive talent they have, and if he’s injury free will get his fair share of chances to shine.
Prosise mixes running ability with the talent to catch the ball out of the back-field and steam ahead. He’s a very talented dual threat, but will last late into most drafts due to his crowded position and the fact he missed most of last season through injury. But if you can pick him up late on, as your 3rd or even 4th choice running back, you’ll be onto a winner if he can stay healthy.
Dalvin Cook – Minnesota Vikings
It’s easy to overlook rookie running backs for various reasons, but Dalvin Cook is entering a situation where he is likely to be starting immediately with high scope to make an impact. He was the fourth running back drafted back in April, and enters the backfield vacated by legendary Adrian Peterson who left for ventures new in New Orleans.
Cook is exceptionally talented as a runner, but is also able to catch the ball – and has one of the best check-down quarterbacks to feed him in Sam Bradford. His teammate at running back Latavius Murray is currently injured, so it’s full steam ahead for the Florida State player who was drafted in the second round back in April. Get ahead of your friends and pick him in the mid-rounds and see him flourish in the purple and gold.
Wide Receivers
Martavis Bryant – Pittsburgh Steelers
The 25-year-old is returning from a year’s suspension. He was getting progressively better, with 14 touchdowns in two seasons and a reliable, ultra-fast target for Ben Roethlisberger down the field. His return is much welcome and he’ll slot straight back into his role as the team’s #2 WR behind Antonio Brown.
There’ll be some misgivings about his year away from football which will hurt his draft stock, but if he’s available mid-way through your draft then definitely take him. If he plays to the best of his abilities, he’ll be an undropable option in your squad throughout the season and certainly has value as your third-choice wide receiver.
Sterling Shepard – New York Giants
The 2016 draft pick to the New York Giants caught the eye at times during his rookie season, scoring six touchdowns on his way to a 683 yard campaign. Opposite Odell Beckham Jr, Shepard was buoyed by the fact that defenses were set up to try and stop his superstar teammate, which left less focus on the boy out of Oklahoma.
This season the Giants have added the experienced Brandon Marshall to the wide receiver equation, a former league leader in yardage who is certain to see his fair share of attention from defenders. Along with Beckham, there won’t be enough defenders to cover everyone which will leave Shepard picking up the pieces for his quarterback Eli Manning. Much like Bryant, Shepard will be a very valuable third choice wide receiver in your squad if you can find him in the mid-to-later rounds. He’s not as fashionable as his two comrades, but don’t be surprised if his production surpasses that of Marshall’s and is on a par with Beckham.
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry – San Diego Chargers
A shallow position in fantasy terms, if you don’t pick Rob Gronkowski in one of the first few rounds then you’re picking at scraps for the remainder of the draft. It’s worth waiting til later in the draft and picking up a reasonable starter, but Hunter Henry of the San Diego Chargers could present the most value if he’s available in the fourth or fifth round.
The second round draft pick from last year caught eight touchdowns for the San Diego Chargers, proving to be a reliable target for Philip Rivers. He’s an athletic freak at 6’5” and just 22-years-of-age – if he can improve from last year then Gronkowski will have some company at the top table of NFL tight ends.
Cameron Brate – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 26-year-old exploded onto the scene last year after bouncing around the league for a while, proving to be a reliable target for Jameis Winston and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brate notched eight touchdowns in ten starts, and over 600 yards. He converted the highest percentage of red zone targets into touchdowns across the league, the kind of production that is a must for any decent fantasy tight end.
You should expect to see Brate late on in your draft, in which case he’s full of value for a pick.
