Rankings about each position are great, but in the real world there aren’t drafts that are only quarterbacks, running backs, or linebackers, etc. I will do sort the top 44 fantasy relevant players within a two to four-year window. I will base my rankings on a points per reception format, four points per passing touchdown, 6 points for all other touchdowns, sacks worth two and a half times what a tackle is worth, and turnovers on offense minus two with plus two for the defense.
23. RB Storm Johnson, Jaguars- This might be quite high to some, but I like this young back who only has career backup Toby Gerhart and converted quarterback Denard Robinson in his way. Johnson is shifty, has good hands, and runs well. That is enough for me.
24. WR Jared Abbrederis, Packers- Much like Devonte Adams, Abbederis gets the opportunity to play with Aaron Rodgers with cloudy futures for most of the Packer veteran wide receivers. The receiver is a great route runner and catches everything.
25. RB Terrance West, Browns- This rugged back from Towson didn’t play against tough competition, but he is physical enough to be a difference maker in the NFL. If Crowell wasn’t there, I would have him ranked higher. Ben Tate is too injury-prone and an opportunity for fantasy production will arise from defenses concentrating on Johnny Football.
26. QB Derek Carr, Raiders- Carr has a strong arm and good mobility for a drop back passer, but isn’t NFL ready yet. Hopefully he can learn from Matt Schaub for a year and grow into the position.
27. TE Jace Amaro, Jets- The opportunity and targets are there for him to have fantasy production right away. It’s his surrounding cast that weak outside of Eric Decker and the fading Chris Johnson. If he draws a lot of the defenses attention, his production may be limited initially.
28. DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney, Texans- He is one of the most physically gifted defenders of the last ten years. There are a few questions: is the want there for him to be great, and will he stay on the defensive line or moved to an outside linebacker position? If Clowney moves to linebacker, his fantasy value takes a huge tumble.
29. WR Josh Huff, Eagles- Huff gets reunited with his college coach, so he knows the system. Is this enough of an advantage? I’m not convinced Jeremy Maclin can stay relevant, the Eagles didn’t either with his one year prove it deal.
30. WR Allen Robinson, Jaguars- The former Big ten receiver seemed to step up his game against lesser competition. I like him as the WR3 in Jacksonville, but will there be enough targets to go around there? It might be a little lite for a season or two.
31. TE Troy Niklas, Cardinals- Perhaps he is a poor man’s version of Heath Miller, but I think that Arizona has plans for him. Niklas needs to grow as a receiver, because he has the blocking covered already.
32. RB Lache Seastrunk, Redskins- Multi-back guru Jay Gruden loves throwing wrinkles to defenses. After pounding Alfred Morris for 20 carries, Seastrunk has that make you miss agility and body control. He is a must own for Morris owners or teams that want to go upside.
33. QB Logan Thomas, Cardinals- Thomas is a big, athletic quarterback that will get to work with the man who shaped Ben Roethlisberger into the pro he is today. It’s a high-risk, high reward gamble that won’t lose you a league this late. In a year or two, it could win you a fantasy title.
34. OLB Khalil Mack, Raiders- He was one of the most physically dominating defenders in this year’s draft. Oakland is full of older play makers, but Mack could lead the team in tackles, sacks, and turnovers. If your league rewards, sacks more than two times what it does tackles, more Mack up about ten spots.
35. ILB Ryan Shazier, Steelers- I guess the Steelers finally listened to Warren Sapp who said their defense was old and slow. Shazier is neither. He will work on the inside perhaps moving Lawrence Timmons to the buck role, so Shazier will be free to roam.
36. ILB C.J. Mosley, Ravens- Baltimore resigned Daryl Smith and drafted Arthur Brown last season, but Mosley is the most athletic linebacker Baltimore that has put on a Ravens jersey. He is a touch less physical than Shazier which is why I have him slightly lower.
37. WR Cody Latimer, Broncos- My ranking will probably be the lowest you see on the newest Broncos receiver. I saw a player that struggled with physicality and was more of a WR3 or 4 than a starter.
38. ILB Chris Borland, 49ers- This under-sized, all effort dynamo gets to learn from two of the greatest modern era linebackers in Navarro Bowman and Patrick Willis. He is a solid tackler, can rush the passer, or cover tight ends or running backs for a while down the field. Playing time might be an issue once Bowman recovers from his knee injury.
39. QB Tom Savage, Texans- Houston waited on drafting their new quarterback until the fourth round. Savage was up and down to say the least. This pick is more about opportunity, especially in larger (14-32 teams), super-flex, and/or two quarterback start leagues.
40. S Calvin Pryor, Jets- This is a Rex Ryan pick. Pryor likes to hit people, causing mayhem and havoc. The Jets need a new leader and Pryor can step right in and grab the reigns. He is the only defensive back worthy of a top 40 ranking.
41. WR Martavis Bryant, Steelers- The former Clemson Tiger receiver has a lot of physical gifts: height, speed, and adjusting to the ball mid-air. Too bad he is raw with concentration issues. Bryant is a developmental pick, sure he could see a few targets this season, but don’t expect a lot until year two.
42. LB Kyle Van Noy, Lions- Van Noy is good at everything: playing the run, rushing the passer, or covering a tight end or running back. He, however, lacks the physicality to smash people. Smoothness and elusiveness aren’t always the best qualities in a Sam linebacker, but from what I saw at the Senior Bowl practices, I think he will turn out fine.
43.CB Justin Gilbert, Browns- Thanks to his pairing with Joe Haden, Gilbert might be the most popular corner in town. The rookie is great at causing turnovers and is quite dangerous with the ball in his hands. Gilbert isn’t afraid to stick his head in against the run, so think of him when you consider the rookie cornerback rule.
44. WR Jeremy Gallon, Patriots- He may be short on the field, but Gallon is not short on heart or play making ability. Whenever the Wolverines needed a play, it was Gallon that they relied on. The Patriots are still looking for an upgrade at receiver, why not take a chance with another U of M graduate?
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