It’s Day Three of the NFL Draft and I will finish strong with my dynasty fantasy football thoughts. I listed these players as they got drafted.
Ascension- RB Devonta Freeman selected by the Falcons. He is a quick, tough smaller runner who can catch the ball well and run between the tackles. Freeman landed in a great spot to earn playing time immediately! Don’t worry about Jacquizz Rodgers.
Ascension-WR Bruce Ellington drafted by the 49ers. He is a good fit for the offense and works well in space. It might take Boldin retiring for his value to spike, but I like this for his long-term value. Ellington can contribute in the return game and plays similarly to his cousin Andre Ellington.
Havoc- The Giants grabbed RB Andre Williams. Call me crazy, I don’t see what Mayock sees with this back. He runs too upright, but has a lot of power. Williams is a limited pass blocker and might only be a two down back or a goal line specialist in New York.
Ascension- RB Ka’Deem Carey selected by the Bears. Matt Forte did not have a viable backup on the roster, so this pick makes sense. Carey is great in space and has some of the same wiggle that Forte does, plus he might be able to replace him in Trestman’s offense without missing a beat.
Havoc- WR Martavis Bryant drafted by the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger finally gets his big receiver, but he did not do enough in his entire college career for me to think of him as a value here. He produced for one year with Sammy Watkins on the other side of him. Bryant is a late pick for a patient dynasty owner.
Ascension- The Cardinals grabbed QB Logan Thomas. He is a great athlete that could get coached up by Bruce Arians and become a scary signal caller in time. If he is given the time to develop, Thomas could be a steal in your dynasty rookie draft. Carson Palmer isn’t getting younger and there are some great targets in Arizona (Fitzgerald, Floyd, Ellington, Ginn, and Niklas).
Ascension– RB/WR DeAnthony Thomas selected by the Chiefs. Andy Reid is up to no good again by getting an explosive play maker that is good in space. Thomas is a great complement to Jamaal Charles and he could also help out on special teams.
Ascension and/or Havoc- QB Tom Savage drafted by the Texans. In the last two weeks before the draft, his hype certainly grew. He will need time to grow into the position, so Savage might not start a game in 2014. The quarterback needs to get more consistent to make a fantasy impact and I’m not sure that will ever happen.
Ascension– The Jags grabbed LB Telvin Smith. While I am not his biggest fan due to his size and weight, this is an explosive sideline to sideline player. Smith might be better suited to play a hybrid safety/linebacker position. I look forward to see how he will be used in Jacksonville.
Havoc- TE Arthur Lynch selected by the Dolphins. He is a good inline tight end, but will probably get used primarily as a blocker with Charles Clay working the slot and outside. Lynch has almost zero fantasy value.
Ascension– DE/LB Chris Smith drafted by the Jags. He is a very versatile player who can pass rush and drop back into coverage. Smith fits the Leo role perfectly.
Ascension– The Chiefs grabbed QB Aaron Murray. He makes sense for Kansas City, so they can groom him behind Alex Smith. In 14-16 team leagues, he is a good reserve player that can help you for depth.
Ascension and/or Havoc- QB AJ McCarron selected by the Bengals. All he does is win games with super talented teammates. The situation could be similar in Cincinnati, but he is another reserve quarterback that teams with deep dynasty leagues need to roster.
Ascension– LB Jordan Tripp drafted by the Dolphins. He is a very versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside positions. Tripp can cover, rush the passer, and plays the run well. Remember him later in your rookie drafts.
Ascension– The Packers grabbed WR Jared Abbrederis. The wide receiver had a great Senior Bowl week, because he can catch anything. Abbrederis may spend most of 2014 on the sidelines, but should get his chance by 2015 with potential departures of Cobb and Nelson.
Ascension– QB Zach Mettenberger drafted by the Titans. The signal caller has a strong arm, substance abuse problems, and an ailing lower back. In Tennessee that might be enough to take the starting job from the underperforming Jake Locker. He is worth the investment in two quarterback and deeper dynasty leagues.
Ascension– WR Robert Herron selected by the Bucs. The young wide out should find plenty of cover with the three towers ( Jackson, Evans, and tight end ASF) taking most defenses attention. He might get a chance returning the ball too. Herron is a good late round flier in your rookie drafts.
Havoc- The Redskins grab Lache Seastrunk. This super-quick runner had a one-dimensional collegian career, but the younger Gruden loves to run multiple back offenses, so all is not lost yet, but it’s close.
Havoc- RB Marion Grice drafted by the Chargers. This pick is a bit troubling as he does a lot of the same things that Danny Woodhead does. This runner will not be valuable for another year or so, but that might be a blessing in disguise to let him recover from his injury.
Ascension and/or Havoc- QB Tajh Boyd selected by the Jets. The undersized athletic quarterback could be groomed in a few years to become a decent NFL starter. Not sure if or when his opportunity will happen with the other quarterbacks in town (Geno Smith and Michael Vick).
Ascension– The Jags grab RB Storm Johnson. The slashing runner stays with his college quarterback and just moves a few hours away. He is a lot more explosive than Toby Gerhart and might push him for carries by November.
Ascension– WR Jeremy Gallon drafted by the Patriots. The receiver is a smooth route runner, who uses his quickness to create separation despite his size. He can be used in the return game too. I like him for a late rookie draft target.
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