If you’re looking for an article that outlines sexy studs and no-brainer picks, move on. We’ve got plenty of those available at FantasyPros, but this ain’t one of them. Today, I’ll be naming those players who make it through your fantasy drafts without hearing their names called. Unless you’re in a 20-team league, these players will start the season on your waiver wire, but they’ve got some value. Oh yes, they’ve got some value. Sit back, relax, and get ready to delve into the outlooks of eight players who comprise the Deep-League All Undrafted Team of 2021.
All players have an ADP of 250+
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Tyrell Williams (WR – DET) ADP: Overall 261 WR88
Williams has seemingly been forgotten heading into the new season, but he shouldn’t be. He tore his labrum in August of 2020 and missed the entire season as a result. Prior to sustaining the season-ending injury, Williams posted a 69/1,059/7 receiving line in 2016 while with the Chargers and averaged 42/677/5 over the following three seasons while a member of the Chargers and Raiders. As a member of the Lions’ depleted receiving corps, Williams has a realistic shot at leading the team in receiving. His competition for targets will come from Breshad Perriman, T.J. Hockenson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, and if he develops an early rapport with new quarterback Jared Goff, Williams could soar past his current ADP.
Mo Alie-Cox (TE – IND) ADP: 265, TE33
The tight end landscape is a total disaster area, so we’ve got to look for upside at the position. That’s where MAC Daddy comes in. With Trey Burton gone from Indy, Alie-Cox and Jack Doyle are the two remaining tight ends for a new quarterback who has favored the position throughout his career – Carson Wentz. MAC Daddy posted the best statistical campaign of his career with a 31/394/2 line in 2020, which included a huge stretch from Weeks 2-4 where he went 9/174/2. This is a homerun swing for sure, but the former VCU basketball star has the hops to be a lethal red-zone threat.
Cordarrelle Patterson (WR – ATL) ADP: Overall 275, WR92
This may seem like a really big stretch, but hear me out. Patterson was utilized as a running back with Chicago last season and set new career marks in rushing attempts (64) and rushing yards (232). With Atlanta, he’ll likely be the primary backup to Mike Davis, and with Julio Jones gone, Patterson could find opportunities as both a running back and a receiver on offense. He’ll likely remain a kick returner for his new team, a role that has yielded four All-Pro selections over his career. Patterson has scored at least one KR touchdown in each of his last three seasons and led the league in KR yards for two years straight. His ability to make plays on offense and special teams provides a unique opportunity for fantasy production.
Teddy Bridgewater (QB – DEN) ADP: Overall 301, QB34
All Bridgewater has to do is Lock up the starting job in Denver, and he could return major fantasy value. Traded to the Broncos this offseason, Bridgewater will look to make a name for himself in yet another locale, and after another disappointing season in the Mile High City, the team could be looking to make a change at the most important position. Equipped with a fully-loaded arsenal of quality pass-catchers in Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, Melvin Gordon, and Javonte Williams among others, Bridgewater has the team around him to put up some meaningful numbers for your fantasy squad.
Jerick McKinnon (RB – KC) ADP: Overall 305, RB96
McKinnon might not be an attractive option due to his inability to stay on the field in recent seasons, though he still has some pretty appealing upside. McKinnon missed the entire 2018 and 2019 seasons but returned to make an impact in 2020. As San Francisco dealt with mounting injuries at the running back position, McKinnon was able to carve out 114 total touches (33 receptions), 572 yards, and a career-best six total touchdowns. He could see the field as a change-of-pace behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire or ascend to an even bigger role if CEH is forced to miss any time. He’ll compete with Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson for touches, but McKinnon is the superior talent, and has the most upside of any back with an ADP this low.
Randall Cobb (WR – HOU) ADP: Overall 311, WR101
Opportunity, opportunity, opportunity! Cobb should have it in spades in 2021, with Will Fuller now a member of the Dolphins. Houston’s top wideouts are Brandin Cooks and Cobb, with very limited depth at the position behind them. Cobb’s 38 receptions and 441 receiving yards in 2020 were enough to finish third on his team in those categories, and he should be in for a much larger role in 2021. Houston has one of the worst rosters in football, and if Deshaun Watson doesn’t play this season, the team will likely be playing from behind most weeks, which is good news for Cobb’s outlook as a pass catcher.
Keelan Cole (WR – NYJ) ADP: Overall 333, WR106
Cole certainly has some competition for looks in New York, but with a rookie starting quarterback, target distribution is anyone’s guess. Last season with the Jags, Cole posted career highs in targets (88), receptions (55) and touchdowns (5). He flashed big-play ability as a rookie and showed that he can be a more complete receiver in 2020. He’s got momentum on his side heading into the new season, and if he can put together a strong training camp, there’s no reason to doubt that he can pass Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore on the depth chart.
D’Wayne Eskridge (WR – SEA) ADP: N/A
The 56th pick in this year’s draft, Eskridge will step into a great opportunity with the Seahawks right out of the gate. The Western Michigan product will assume the vacated WR3 role in Seattle, one that netted David Moore a 26/388/4 receiving average across the last four seasons. D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are established as the Seahawks’ homerun hitters, but Eskridge can make an impact in the short passing game thanks to his top-notch speed. As long as Russ gets cookin’ again this season, Eskridge could be an undrafted diamond in the rough.
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Zachary Hanshew is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Zachary, check out his archive and follow him @zakthemonster.