This piece is part of our article program that features quality content from experts exclusively at FantasyPros. For more insight from Geoff, head over to GoingFor2.com.
This is a Superflex Rookie target article, but I’m going to refrain from talking about quarterbacks because let’s face it, you already know who to target. Instead, I’m going to look at some players that have been pushed too far down in ADP because of the number of quarterbacks going early in drafts, and a few guys whose value took a hit because of landing spot or off-field drama. Here are four guys worth taking at their current value…
Can you draft the perfect 2020 team? Try our Perfect Draft Game 
Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)
Let me set the scene. It’s April 2nd, every fantasy mock draft has this guy in the top 5 at the wide receiver position — with visions of the perfect landing spot. There are Twitter debates on just how high he should go in dynasty rookie drafts, debates on whether or not he should be a first-round pick in the NFL, and some “hot-takers” are calling him the best receiver in the draft. Draft weekend happens, he gets the high draft capital, but it’s to a run-heavy offense with a quarterback whose passing ability has been questioned. The fantasy community lets out a collective groan, and almost everyone immediately lowers him in their rankings…and now A.J. Brown is a consensus Top 5 wide receiver for the Titans.
Don’t let landing spot trump talent. Everyone hated D’Andre Swift‘s landing spot too, but we all expect him to be great this season. Yes, Bateman goes to a run-heavy team, but if he can be efficient on limited usage, he will still be a monster in fantasy — and now you can get him at a discount. He was mocked as a mid-to-late first-round pick pre-draft, now I’ve seen him as low as a mid-second or lower in Superflex leagues. Bateman also steps into a situation where he is clearly the No. 1 wide receiver on the team. The same can’t be said with 100 percent certainty about Ja’Marr Chase with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd; the same can’t be said with 100 percent certainty that DeVonta Smith is the No. 1 in Philly; the same can’t be said with 100 percent certainty that Jaylen Waddle will be the top option either. I would be surprised if Bateman isn’t the No. 1 option by Week 1 for the Ravens.
Amari Rodgers (WR – GB)
Rodgers is an interesting case. His value rose when he was drafted by the Packers in the third round, the highest they’ve drafted a wide receiver since 2015, but his value fell almost immediately when the Aaron Rodgers saga didn’t go away. If you believe as I do that Aaron Rodgers will be a Packer in 2021, then jump all over this discount for Amari Rodgers. The slot position for the Packers has been lucrative during the Aaron Rodgers era, and Amari Rodgers could step into an immediate role with an explosive offense and arguably the best quarterback in the league — and you can get him in the late second early third in Superflex drafts.
Josh Palmer (WR – LAC)
Palmer was a true head-scratcher in the NFL Draft. I don’t think anyone saw him coming. I hadn’t scouted this kid, in fact, when they called his name on draft day, I had no idea who it was. The fact remains, however, the Chargers took him in the third round and obviously believe he can develop into an NFL-caliber wide receiver, and therefore he is worth the risk at his current third-round ADP in Superflex leagues.
Not to mention, Mike Williams is in the last year of his contract, Keenan Allen isn’t getting any younger, and tight end Hunter Henry is gone. There will be an opportunity for Palmer to step into a big role sooner rather than later. He will have his work cut out for him in 2021, but by 2022 he could very well be the first or second option in the passing game for a team that threw it a ton with Justin Herbert under center in 2020.
Gerrid Doaks (RB – MIA)
I had to get at least one running back into the mix, and I choose to reach deep on this one. There is a good chance Doaks isn’t even drafted in your rookie drafts, and you’ll be able to add him with some FAAB. This is more about the players in front of him than it is an endorsement of Doaks. That’s not to say Doaks isn’t talented, he just isn’t going to blow anyone away.
Here is the Dolphins’ current depth chart per OurLads.com — Myles Gaskin, Malcolm Brown, Patrick Laird, and Salvon Ahmed. Not exactly the who’s who of stud running backs. Not to mention, when the former Lions running back, Kerryon Johnson, was cut, the Dolphins but in a bid to sign him. The Eagles had priority and ended up with him, but we now know they aren’t satisfied with their backfield. The door is wide open for Doaks — making him a free dart throw with good upside.
Can you draft the perfect 2020 team? Try our Perfect Draft Game
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Trade Analyzer – that allows you to instantly find out if a trade offer benefits you or your opponent – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
