Undervalued Players Entering 2018 Drafts
Everyone wants to find an edge in their drafts. And the best way to gain an edge is to get a player whose production is likely to far outpace what would be expected given that player's average draft position. Below are five players who should give you a great return on investment this season, when compared to the draft pick you will have to invest. All results are taken from Fantasy Football Calculator's ADP data for 12-team non-PPR leagues as of August 25, 2018.
Allen Robinson. Robinson costs more in draft capital than any other player on this list. He is going as the seventh player off the board in the 5th round. But think back to 2015, the summer leading up to his breakout year. Back then, he was being pegged as a 4th round pick. You're telling me his value is lower now than before he ever showed us he could put it all together? You should pounce at this price. I would be comfortable taking him at the end of Round 3.
Michael Crabtree. Crabtree is going as the fourth pick of the 7th round. Take him a half round earlier and plug him in as your WR3, and wait for his inevitable 8 TDs. The guy just has a knack for touchdowns.
Cooper Kupp. Kupp is going as one of the first players off the board in the 9th round. I'd feel comfortable taking him in the 7th. He had a good rookie year, and has established himself as Goff's safety blanket adn primary red zone target. It would not be surprising to see him flirt with 85 catches, 950 yards, and 6-8 TDs, with last season's 62-869-5 as a floor.
Nick Chubb. Chubb is going as one of the last picks of the 9th round, a full five rounds earlier than his backfield mate, Carlos Hyde. Chubb is the better player, though, and thus the better value. He's a strong keeper candidate for 2019.
Chris Godwin. Godwin is being selected as one of the first picks of the 14th round. Apparently no one remembers how he finished 2017 (10 receptions, 209 yards and a TD in his final 2 games), or his 4.42 forty yard dash at the combine. This guy is an elite athlete and really good football player. I'd be comfortable taking him as high as Round 10, as the reward at that point is definitely worth the risk. The coaching staff has all but confirmed he'll start over DeSean Jackson in 2018, and the Bucs' offense has the pieces to be really, really good upon Jameis Winston's return from suspension.