Everyone is hoping to hit on that high-upside value pick in the late rounds, but that is often easier said than done. Sometimes the way to go is the well-seasoned veteran that could have just enough left to still make an impact. Maybe making a play for that second quarterback that could take a couple steps forward and put together a surprise breakout is the correct decision. And in other instances, those supremely athletic wide receivers fresh off the college campus that have fallen through the cracks on fantasy football draft day ultimately deliver the best return. Let’s take a look at a few options from that last group heading into the 2017 season.
Cooper Kupp (LAR) - Kupp was selected in the third round (69th overall) of this year’s NFL Draft after four monstrous statistical seasons at FCS Eastern Washington in which he received a plethora of accolades for his performance on the field. Now, Kupp is in quite a questionable situation in Los Angeles, as the potency of the Rams passing game will be determined by the progression of second-year quarterback Jared Goff.
If this past Saturday’s preseason contest against the Raiders serves as any indication, Kupp, who hauled in six passes for 70 yards and a touchdown in that game, is ready to contribute right out of the gate, particularly in a high-percentage slot role. With the addition of homerun hitter Sammy Watkins via trade from Buffalo, Kupp is likely to see many favorable coverages as long as his new oft-injured teammate can remain on the field.
Kenny Golladay (DET) - Also selected in the third round of this year’s draft, but 27 picks after Kupp, Golladay has stepped aboard the annual hype train this summer. The 6-4 rookie made two impressive touchdown grabs during the Lions first preseason game back on August 13, officially putting the fantasy football world on alert. His combination of size and athleticism is certainly appealing as it could lead to him becoming an immediate red-zone threat for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Golladay is indeed gaining in popularity. However, his Mock Draft Army ADP still has him at pick 212 overall (WR #73), so there is still little risk taking the Northern Illinois product during in the last round or two of fantasy drafts. He does have company amongst his teammates at the position, but let’s be real, after Golden Tate, the pecking order of Lions pass catchers could be quite volatile until someone steps up and shows consistency. Why not Golladay?
Juju Smith-Schuster (PIT) - Even further down the MDA ADP Report, Smith-Schuster currently comes in at 235 overall (WR #81). The former USC star has been dealing with a bone bruise in his knee over the past few days, but the issue is not thought to be serious, meaning he should return to the field soon.
Second-year pro Eli Rogers likely has the upper hand on the starting slot role for the Steelers right now due to his experience advantage of Smith-Schuster. However, the Steelers did not use a second-round pick (62nd overall) on the All-Pac-12 talent to simply leave him on the sideline. If, and probably when, he eventually beats out Rogers for snaps, Smith-Schuster has the tools to become an effective weapon in a pass-happy offense.