RADIO
Wai Sallas gives his initial reactions to the late rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft. Which picks will offer the most value to your fantasy football team for both redraft and dynasty leagues?
From Tarik Cohen bursting onto the scene in Week 1 to Jamaal Williams putting you in a position to win your fantasy football league, there is value to be found in the NFL Draft's late rounds.
2017 was unquestionably the year of the rookie running back and that wasn't reserved for just names at the top of the draft board. Samaje Perine, Cohen, Williams, Aaron Jones, Wayne Gallman, Marlon Mack, Elijah McGuire, Chris Carson and Dede Westbrook were all players that played a role in fantasy football redraft leagues. While the volume may not be there again this year, there are still names to look out for as you begin to prepare for fantasy football redraft leagues at the end of summer.
Let's recap the most fantasy-relevant picks from rounds 4-7 of the 2018 NFL Draft. If you missed it, Kyle Richardson broke down the first round and Chris Mangano looked at the second and third.
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Late-Round Running Backs
One of the first players off the board in the fourth round, Nyheim Hines has the potential to have an immediate impact in Indianapolis. He has the speed (4.38 40) and explosiveness to take it the house on any play. More than likely, Hines will be restricted to third downs and the return game, very similar to what Darren Sproles has been able to do throughout his career. For a more recent comparison, look no further than what Cohen was able to do with the Bears last year.
The Colts spent two out of their first three players on the interior line, showing Indy has rededicated itself to protecting its quarterback and opening holes for its running backs. Hines is not projected to spend much time between the tackles, but he is someone Indianapolis has pegged as a difference maker.
"Our offensive coaches were excited about him, about the role he's going to be able to play," said Colts General Manager Chris Ballard. "He's going to be able to play some multiple roles for us."
Kalen Ballage was a little inconsistent at Arizona State, but comes into a great situation in Miami. He did not produce eye-popping stats while in Tempe, but he has the size (6-1, 228) speed (4.46 40) and hands to etch out a long career in the NFL. He'll enter Miami third on the depth chart behind Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore. If he finds consistency, he has the potential to be another David Johnson. If he follows the same path he started at ASU, he may be out of the league in five years.
Arizona struggled last year, in big part to Johnson being lost for the entire year. While the third year running back is a three-down back with loads of potential, it will be interesting to see what the Cardinals do with him. If they decide to limit his touches to prolong his career, fourth round selection, Chase Edmonds could be in line for some touches. The former Fordham running back was a four years starter and rushed for nearly 6,000 yards in his career, while averaging 6.6 yards per touch and 74-all purpose touchdowns.
Late-Round Wide Receivers
Finding rookie wide receivers that can help you out in redraft leagues can be a tall task, and sometimes a fruitless one at that. Locating a pass-catcher in the late rounds--almost impossible.
One player who might change that is new Cleveland Brown Antonio Callaway. With Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman already on the outside, Callaway can step right in at the slot on day one. It was a shocking pick given Callaway's history off the field and the Browns' history dealing with Gordon's personal demons.
Callaway, selected in the fourth round and 105th overall, allegedly used stolen credit card information to fund accounts at the university book store. He also tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine. That is along with multiple marijuana charges during his college days.
Callaway has not played since 2016, and if it weren't for his many troubles, would have been a first or second day selection.
There are a lot of openings in Aaron Rodgers offense this year with both Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson no longer there. The Packers tried to address that in the draft with a trio of wide receivers, J'Mon Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown. All three have the potential to get playing time on day one. It's just a matter of time. If we had to choose one to back right now, St. Brown would be the guy.
Short, quick, route-runner, white. Those are the redeeming qualities that have separated New England's wide receivers from everyone else over the years. And the Patriots have been successful with that model. That should continue with their latest selection, Braxton Berrios. The sixth round pick will earn his living going across the middle. Think young Danny Amendola.
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