I hope everyone out there had an enjoyable temporary return to semi-normalcy during the draft. As usual, there were some picks that were too predictable, values that fell too far, and adrenaline-releasing, destiny-changing moments. Let’s look at how the top 100 rookies for dynasty IDP leagues got shook up.
The Bloom 100 is ranked with the following type of dynasty fantasy football league in mind:
- Full IDP lineups including DT and CB
- PPR, start 3 WR
- Deep starting lineups and rosters
Of course, depending on your league scoring and settings, the placement of some positions can change, but the rankings within position should be good to use across all league formats.
(Pre-draft ranking in parenthesis)
1(3). Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, KC - The Chiefs used the last pick of the first round on Edwards-Helaire, making him the first running back taken in the draft. Patrick Mahomes II reportedly hand-picked him. Andy Reid reportedly said he was better than Brian Westbrook. The fit in the offense is perfect. We’ve seen what Damien Williams can do in this role. Edwards-Helaire will probably be in a committee with Williams this year, but he could take off at some point in the season or no later than 2021. Being in one of the truly elite offenses cinches Edwards-Helaire as the #1.
2(1). Ceedee Lamb, WR, DAL - Lamb’s upside is limited for the next two years with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup sharing the targets, but he will eventually arrive for fantasy and be worth the wait. Congratulations to Dallas for being smart enough to go best player available at #17.
3(4). Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND - Taylor landed in a perfect running scheme behind a line that is well-prepared to run it when he was selected with the 41st pick. The Colts liked him enough to move up three picks, although not enough to take him over Michael Pittman at 34. If the Colts had Patrick Mahomes II, or maybe even Dak Prescott, he would be a more viable choice at #1 or #2, but the reality is that their quarterback situation is uncertain from 2021 on and that could cap his production.
4(5). JK Dobbins, RB, BAL - Dobbins will have to share with Mark Ingram this year, but don’t overthink this. He gets to be paired with Lamar Jackson for the long haul and should be set up for success. The Ravens didn’t need him at 55, but Eric DeCosta couldn’t pass up the opportunity to add a runner who will maximize the potency of the Baltimore running game.
5(2). Jerry Jeudy, WR, DEN - Jeudy fell into the Broncos laps at #15, a perfect complement to Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant. The Denver pass offense’s cup runneth over with good targets, which could hold Jeudy back initially, and if Drew Lock doesn’t hit, who knows who his quarterback will be in a year or two (Aaron Rodgers?). Jeudy’s refined talent is still too good to let him fall too far.
6(6). Cam Akers, RB, LAR - Akers lands in a spot where he can be a feature back by year two. I wouldn’t have put him clearly higher than Darrell Henderson as a prospect at the time of each player’s draft, but the Rams seem to have, and this isn’t a good sign for Henderson, obviously. I still believe in Henderson, and he could lower Akers ceiling if he comes on this year, but Akers is the favorite to be the long-term starter.
7(9). Denzel Mims, WR, NYJ - Mims fell farther than some of his 2020 draft receiver class peers, but the 59th pick is high enough to project him as a starter for the Jets as long as he can beat out Vyncint Smith, and Breshad Perriman is only signed to a one-year deal. Mims has the talent to do everything Robby Anderson did for Sam Darnold.
8(7). Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN - Jefferson will immediately replace Stefon Diggs, although his game is much more like Adam Thielen’s. The Vikings two tight end, run first offense will hold Jefferson back a bit for fantasy, but taking him in the second of the first round of rookie drafts is still an easy call with Thielen turning 30 this summer.
9(8). Henry Ruggs III, WR, LVR - Ruggs going off of the board as the first receiver taken at 12 wasn’t a shock (Al Davis Lives!), but the landing spot isn’t great with Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota as his quarterbacks. Hopefully he can get a large helping of touches on screens, slants, and jet sweeps to offset the reduced vertical passing capacity of this offense.
10(16). Tee Higgins, WR, CIN - The Bengals used the 33rd pick on Higgins, the first of the second round, which is a decent sign that neither of John Ross and AJ Green will be back in 2021. Higgins can project as the top downfield outside target for Joe Burrow, which should be very fun to watch. He’s like Auden Tate at the catch point, but with speed to get vertical.
11(10). Michael Pittman, WR, IND - Like Taylor, Pittman has some uncertainty at quarterback, but the Colts went after him at #34 to fill the outside receiver spot opposite TY Hilton and he should flourish in that role. Pittman is refined and should be ready to start Week 1 despite the lack of offseason team activities and minicamps this year.
12(11). Laviska Shenault, WR, JAX - Shenault landed with a good offensive coordinator in Jay Gruden who should be creative getting raw route runner but handful after the catch the ball. There’s a reasonable chance that he’ll be paired with one of the top 2021 draft quarterbacks as a starter next year, especially the Jags holding an extra first round pick if they need to trade up. Only DJ Chark is under contract in 2021 among the Jags top four receivers, so they were looking ahead when they took Shenault at 42.
13(17). Jalen Reagor, WR, PHI - The Eagles made a point of adding speed at wide receiver, with Reagor headlining at the 21st pick. He can win downfield on double moves and make things happen after the catch and should leapfrog JJ Arcega-Whiteside immediately. His inconsistency keeps him from being higher on this list and chances are I won’t end up with him in any rookie drafts.
14(12). D’Andre Swift, RB, DET - Swift was significantly lower than the top four backs because of his good at everything but not great at anything profile. He landed with Detroit at #35, pairing him with a back that is similar, spelling fantasy headaches. Maybe Swift emerges as the clear lead back if Kerryon Johnson can’t stay healthy, but just like before the draft, my advice here is to let someone else take him.
15(13). Joe Burrow, QB, CIN - Burrow would be a top 10 pick in many rookie drafts, but the glut of upside wide receivers pushes him down. The Bengals also went and got Tee Higgins for him in a good sign of their commitment to keeping Burrow’s weapons stocked.
16(14). Patrick Queen, LB, BAL - It hurt to have Queen fall on this list, but enough wide receivers added value via draft capital and landing spot to push the 28th overall pick down a couple notches. If your scoring system favors IDP (such as two points per tackle), Queen is worth a look in the top 10. He couldn’t have landed in a better spot.
17(15). Chase Young, DE, WAS - Good luck NFC East tackles. Young is worth a higher pick in big play leagues. Washington got offers to trade down from #2, but none were as good as the feeling of adding him to the roster.
18(18). Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, ARI - The Cardinals got one of the best values of the top 10 when Simmons fell to them at #8. It’s still difficult to know how his play will translate to IDP stats, but his rookie draft price will be cheap enough to take the plunge in big play leagues.
19(21). Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF - Aiyuk was my least favorite of the second tier rookie receivers and the 49ers willingness to trade up to #25 for him didn’t move the needle that much because that pass offense will still run through George Kittle and Aiyuk won’t be ahead of Deebo Samuel.
20(19). Tua Tagovailoa, QB, MIA - The Dolphins got their guy without having to trade up in one of the big wins of the draft. If Miami can develop some of their offensive line picks, he should be in good shape in 2021 after Ryan Fitzpatrick gracefully bows out.
21(23). Antonio Gibson, RB, WAS - Gibson doesn’t have a path to immediate opportunity in Washington, but the team obviously loves him, spending the #66 pick on the thickly built speedster despite not having another pick on the second day.
Update: Being in a few rookie drafts and weighing Gibson and Duvernay gave me strong FOMO with Gibson so I realized he should be higher on the late second round target list.
22(26). Devin Duvernay, WR, BAL - The Ravens got a steal at #92. Duvernay has vertical speed but he can also block and otherwise add dimensions from the slot that Willie Snead doesn’t provide. If Marquise Brown can’t stay healthy, Duvernay has a much higher ceiling than his modest draft cost indicates.
Update: I like Duvernay more every time I look at his situation and realized that he should have been ahead of Jefferson, who has a more uncertain path to opportunity.
23(33). Van Jefferson, WR, LAR - The Rams were willing to take Jefferson at #57 even though they have Cooper Kupp, a receiver with similar strengths. This opens the door for Kupp to be let go in free agency next year, giving Jefferson a very juicy fantasy role. That they would do this despite Jefferson having a broken foot speaks volumes about how much they like him.
24(22). AJ Dillon, RB, GB - Dillon going in the second at #62 was a surprise, and going to a team that has Aaron Jones was an even bigger surprise. He is set up to be the team’s lead back on early downs in 2021 assuming Jones is allowed to walk in free agency, but he won’t be the receiver Jones is, and the team seems to prefer a committee approach, so Dillon doesn’t move up despite the strong draft capital spent on him.
25(20). Bryan Edwards, WR, LVR - Edwards wasn’t even the highest drafted receiver on his team (that’s Henry Ruggs). He went at #81 pick to Vegas and should be an excellent replacement for Tyrell Williams in 2021, but how much will that be worth with the Raiders underwhelming quarterback situation?
26(27) Kenneth Murray, LB, LAC - Murray should get to be a seek and destroy weakside linebacker for Los Angeles, but he may prove to be a liability on passing downs, so I’m not much higher on him for fantasy than I was pre-draft even though Los Angeles traded up to #23 for him.
27(64). Logan Wilson, LB, CIN - Wilson projects as an everydown linebacker after the Bengals took him at #65. He would have been higher on this list if they hadn’t taken another possible everydown backer in Akeem Davis-Gaither at the top of the fourth round.
Update: See Below
28(75). Willie Gay Jr, LB, KC - The Chiefs loved Gay’s game enough to take him at #63, which projects to a big role in the defense sooner than later.
Update: After doing a few drafts and reviewing more about the fit with Wilson and Gay and immediate opportunity I realized they should be ranked well ahead of my initial post draft rankings. I'm not as worried about Davis-Gaither as I was immediately after the draft and I think Gay will get a lot of big play opportunities in Kansas City's defense.
29(29). KJ Hamler, WR, DEN - Hamler going to the Broncos at #46 was absolutely ideal for fit as he’ll get good a ton of room to roam with so many other threats in the Denver offense, but all of those mouths to feed and the wide range of possibilities for Drew Lock’s development still limits his fantasy upside.
30(28). Chase Claypool, WR, PIT - It’s difficult to argue against the Steelers track record at developing wide receivers, although Claypool needs to be in the slot to do the most damage and he’s not the type that they have helped hit their ceilings in the past. He has big time quarterback uncertainty looming but he could become a top vertical target for Ben Roethlisberger right away.
31(24). Justin Herbert, QB, LAC - Herbert went #6 overall, but to a run-first team with a solid bridge quarterback. It’s hard to picture taking him over a non-quarterback until the third round of rookie drafts unless you need one badly and miss on Burrow and Tua.
32(32). Adam Trautman, TE, NO - The Saints traded four picks to the Vikings to move up to 105 and get Trautman, who has tantalizing speed to eventually replace Jared Cook in the pass offense. New Orleans usually hits when they get fixated on an offensive skill position player.
33(40). Devin Asiasi, TE, NE - Bill Belichick gave up an extra fourth round pick to move up to 91 for Asiasi, who can become the team’s primary passcatching tight end as soon as he’s ready.
34(30). Quintez Cephus, WR, DET - Cephus predictably fell to the #166 pick, but he landed in a spot that will give him a chance to be a starter outside very soon. The Lions are unlikely to keep Marvin Jones after this year, and he might even be traded by the deadline if he can stay healthy that long. Cephus isn’t fast, but he can run routes and win at the catch point like a seasoned pro.
35(31). Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, WAS - Gandy-Golden’s size/speed/catch point/RAC ceiling is up there with receivers going in the late first/early second of rookie drafts and he doesn’t have any obstacles between him and a long term starting spot outside for Washington after they used the 142nd pick on him.
36(60). Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, TB - There’s no doubt that Vaughn going to the Bucs at #76 greatly increased his fantasy value, but still not nearly as much as you’ll see in rookie drafts. He’s just a checkdown receiver, not a true pass-catching back, and he’s not a better runner than Ronald Jones II. Look for Tampa’s backfield to remain a stay away for fantasy and the team to eventually draft a lead back to overtake both Jones and Vaughn.
37(25). Zack Moss, RB, BUF - They’re gonna love Moss in Buffalo after the Bills made him the #86 pick. He can be a passing down and short yardage back right away to complement Devin Singletary, but he won’t pass Singletary in fantasy value.
38(86). Anthony McFarland, RB, PIT - I’m not the biggest fan of McFarland’s game outside of his speed, but he combines more contact balance with it than Kerrith Whyte and he is a better use of a fourth round pick than Benny Snell. The #124 pick isn’t going to become a true lead back, but he can be the most valuable Steelers running back for fantasy if he breaks a few long runs and gives them the hope of chunk plays on bread and butter running plays.
39(34). Jordan Love, QB, GB - Love went in the first round at 26 to Green Bay and they even traded up for him, but his path is either waiting behind Aaron Rodgers for 3-4 years or prematurely taking over a run first offense when Rodgers demands a trade next year. He has fantasy upside as a runner, but will take patience to see any return in fantasy leagues.
40(43) K’Lavon Chaisson, DE, JAX - Chaisson gets to be a defensive end in Jacksonville’s 4-3, a boost to his value, and as long as Yannick Ngakoue gets dealt soon, he should project in at least the role that helped Brian Burns get off to a hot start last year. Many had him going higher than the 20th pick.
Update: Chaisson looked more attractive than any safety once drafts got underway because of the depth at safety and lack of DE depth in this class, so he moved up a few spots.
41(39). Grant Delpit, S, CLE - The Browns had one of the best drafts of any team, in part due to Delpit falling to #44. Safety was a huge questionmark for them and Delpit should start right away and be a force whether he’s in the box or in centerfield
42(36). Antoine Winfield Jr, S, TB - The Bucs passed on Cam Akers and JK Dobbins to take Winfield at #45. He has a legitimate shot to start right away and projects as a strong all-around safety.
43(47). Jeremy Chinn, S, CAR - The Panthers liked Chinn enough that they gave up a fifth-round pick to move up five spots for him to #64. He should replace Eric Reid in a very fantasy friendly box safety role.
44(45), Kyle Dugger, S, NE - Dugger was drafted at #37, meaning he should project as a long term starter for the Patriots, although he won’t be more than a third safety for now. He has a high ceiling athletically but the Patriots haven’t given us top IDP safeties recently.
Update: I went back and watched Dugger and felt I like I was selling his fantasy potential short in the post draft 100.
45(49). Isaiah Coulter, WR, HOU - The Texans didn’t need to take a wide receiver early after they dealt #57 to the Rams for Brandin Cooks, but that didn’t stop them from taking a high ceiling small school prospect at #171 in Coulter. He could be an outside starter for the team as soon as next year if Brandin Cooks concussion problems resurface.
46(42). Lynn Bowden Jr RB, LVR - Bowden was announced as a running back when the Raiders took him at 80, which limits his opportunity behind Josh Jacobs, and he’s not getting a lot of time in the slot over Hunter Renfrow. He’s a discount (and less dynamic) Antonio Gibson, where you take the talent and hope they can play themselves into a fantasy relevant role.
47(50). Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, CAR - Gross-Matos didn’t quite get into the first round, but the #38 pick was a significant investment by the Panthers and he’ll line up with Brian Burns, Kawann Short, and Derrick Brown once he is ready. He’s far from a finished product but could be a Chandler Jones type in time.
48(51). AJ Epenesa, DE, BUF - The Bills waited until the #54 pick to make their first selection and they got a player many had in the first round. Epenesa is a grinder who can set the edge vs. the run and kick inside on passing downs to wreak havoc next to Ed Oliver.
49(53). Malik Harrison, LB, BAL - JK Dobbins wasn’t the only Ohio State product to become a Raven on the second day of the draft. Harrison projects as a two-down thumper next to first round pick Patrick Queen and could be more in time.
50(63). Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, CIN - Davis-Gaither projects as a potential three-down backer after the Bengals took him at 107, although he might be a bit light and behind Logan Wilson as a tackler on Sundays. It’s still a great spot for his fantasy value.
Update: I moved Davis-Gaither down a few spots after realizing I wasn't high enough on Logan Wilson in the post draft 100.
51(85). Deejay Dallas, RB, SEA - The Seahawks surprised everyone by not taking a running back on the first or second days of the draft despite the injury questions about Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson. They did take Dallas in the late fourth at #144. He could be a starter at some point this year and can help as a receiver and on special teams in the meantime.
52(38), Brycen Hopkins, TE, LAR - The Rams seemed to tip their hands about the plans for Gerald Everett when they took Hopkins, who projects in the same move tight end role that Everett fills right now. Tyler Higbee is still the #1 fantasy tight end here, but they could make Hopkins fantasy relevant with a thinner wide receiver group in 2021.
53(44). Cole Kmet, TE, CHI - Kmet falls even though he was the first tight end taken at #43. The Bears have a logjam at tight end and Kmet is a limited talent in the passing game. He might get over the low bar of TE1 by pure volume in a year or two, but that’s a low payoff.
54(35). Tyler Johnson, WR, TB - Johnson didn’t test before the draft to quiet worries about subpar athleticism, so he was doomed to fall to #166. Tampa Bay doesn’t have any opportunity coming up at wide receiver, so true believers will have to take Johnson and hold him for a few years (at least) to get any sustained results.
55(41). Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, CLE - The NFL didn’t bite on Peoples-Jones superior athleticism, letting him fall to Cleveland at #187. He won’t get any opportunity in the short term unless another Odell Beckham trade happens, but his high ceiling makes it worth stashing him in deep leagues.
56(46). Ashtyn Davis, S, NYJ - Getting Davis for Leonard Williams looks very good for the Jets. Davis’s ceiling is as high as any safety in the draft and if the team keeps Jamal Adams, Davis is an excellent rangy complement, although Adams presence lowers his fantasy ceiling.
57(52). Jeff Thomas, WR, NE - Thomas went undrafted because of character concerns, but he projects as one of the most dynamic speed receivers on the Patriots roster if he can make the team.
58(59). Eno Benjamin, RB, ARI - Benjamin stays in the state of Arizona at the #222 pick, and his all-around contributions should allow him to stick as the #3 back with some Kenyan Drake/Chase Edmonds injury upside.
59(73). Josh Uche, LB, NE - The Patriots know how to use versatile players on defense, which should help Uche’s development from an NFL and IDP standpoint. The investment at #60 also indicates a large role for him down the line.
60(57). Zack Baun, LB, NO - The Saints wanted Baun badly enough to trade next year’s third so they could move up 14 picks for him to #74. Some had the Wisconsin product going in the late first. His combination of coverage and pass rush ability makes it difficult to project his fantasy value.
61(58). Xavier McKinney, S, NYG - McKinney was a first round pick on some boards, but he fell to #36 for the lucky Giants, who can pair him with Jabrill Peppers, who probably has the better role for IDP leagues.
62(68). Darnell Mooney, WR, CHI - The Bears gave up an extra fifth round pick to move up for Mooney, who has exciting vertical speed and loose athleticism. He could fill some of the role Taylor Gabriel vacated when he was released.
63(72). Darryton Evans, RB, TEN - The Titans did spend pick #93 on Evans, so they have a plan for him to contribute, and he’s a bet on the team not giving Derrick Henry a long term deal next year, but if that happens, they probably will draft/sign another back and not rely on Evans speed over power game.
64(UR). Jordyn Brooks, LB, SEA - Seahawks gonna Seahawk as they took at run-stuffing linebacker at #27 overall. He could develop into more in time, but chances are someone in your draft will take him earlier than they should because he was a first round pick.
65(71). Derrick Brown, DT, CAR - Brown is surrounded by good pass rushers on the Panthers line and could have a nice impact on the stat sheet in IDP leagues after going #7 overall.
66(76). Joshua Kelley, RB, LAC - The Chargers traded out of the second and third rounds to get Kenneth Murray, but they made sure to address the backfield as soon as they got back on the clock when they took the hard-nosed powerful Kelley at pick 112. He will battle Justin Jackson for touches behind Austin Ekeler.
67(77). Lamical Perine, RB, NYJ - Perine is an overachiever and will never be the most dynamic back on an NFL roster, but the use of the #120 pick indicates that he’ll be the backup to LeVeon Bell with a chance to be more next year after Bell likely leaves in free agency.
68(55). Gabriel Davis, WR, BUF - Davis went #128, which is promising in terms of draft capital, but for now he’s behind John Brown and Stefon Diggs, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be ahead of sixth-round pick Isaiah Hodgins at this time next year. His huge catch radius and downfield game will help Josh Allen’s scattershot accuracy.
69(56). Isaiah Hodgins, WR, BUF - Hodgins went at #207, significantly after Davis, but they offer the same strengths. If either was the only receiver the Bills drafted this year, they would be higher, so monitor this situation for some separation between the two.
70(65). Jauan Jennings, WR, SF - Jennings falling to #217 was no surprise because of his terrible combine, but if Jalen Hurd’s back issue continues to be a problem (he just now started running again) then Jennings projects as a nice big slot in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
71(69). Collin Johnson, WR, JAX - Johnson’s falls to #165 was farther than anyone would have projected at this time last year, but at least he ends up somewhere that could offer him a playing time outside eventually if #42 pick Laviska Shenault is used creatively in the Jaguars offense.
72(70). Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, DEN - This was an inspired pick by Denver, giving the team the ability to put a ridiculous amount of speed on the field in two tight end sets, but he’s not going to eclipse Noah Fant in fantasy value after going at #118.
73(54). Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI - Hurts could develop in Philadelphia and start somewhere else on his second contract (or maybe even get traded after year two or three), but that’s quite a gamble to stash on your roster for a while when no team was willing to take him in the top 50.
74(48). Harrison Bryant, TE, CLE - Bryant projects as a solid second tight end and the Browns will use two tight ends a lot, but David Njoku is still on the team and Cleveland just exercised Njoku’s fifth year option. Bryant’s upside is also low as a passcatcher even though he is consistent and skilled.
75(UR). Terrell Lewis, LB, LAR - Lewis is a great talent rushing the passer from the edge and he would have been a first rounder if he could stay healthy. Instead he falls to the Rams at pick 84 and has a chance to be a long term starter with a high ceiling in sack-heavy leagues.
Update: I underrated Lewis' upside and clear path to playing time in the post draft 100 and moved up from 92 to here.
76(UR). Davion Taylor, LB, PHI - Taylor is very athletic and he has a chance to win a big role in the future after the Eagles spent the 103rd pick on him
77(88). Justin Strnad, LB, DEN - Strand fell to the 178th pick, but he gained value nonetheless as he projects as one of the better passing down linebackers on the Broncos roster who will hit in IDP leagues if he can find a way to play on early downs too.
78(79). Javon Kinlaw, DT, SF - Kinlaw went at the 14th pick but he projects as the kind of player that creates opportunities for others more than himself, although the amount of talent around him could make Kinlaw a fantasy relevant defensive tackle.
79(80). Jeffery Okudah, CB, DET - The #3 overall pick should start right away and get tested enough to be fantasy relevant.
80(89). CJ Henderson, CB, JAX - David Caldwell turned down a third and fourth round pick to move down to 14 to take Henderson at #9. He’ll have fantasy value under the rookie corner rule
81(UR). Jeff Gladney, CB, MIN - Gladney should start right away after the Vikings took him at 31 and he might outproduce both of the top 10 corners. His approach and skillset is excellent for IDP leagues.
82(UR). Colby Parkinson, TE, SEA - Parkinson went higher than expected at 133 and he’s a pure receiving tight end. If Will Dissly can’t stay healthy, Parkinson could play a role in the offense as soon as next year.
83(UR). Damon Arnette, CB, LVR - Arnette was a reach at #19 but he has the right skillset for IDP leagues and he should have a target on his back as teams will choose to throw at him instead of Trayvon Mullen.
84(UR). AJ Terrell, CB, ATL - The Falcons took Terrell at #16 and he should be a starter right away with lots of chances to make plays as NFL offensive coordinators and quarterbacks welcome him to the league.
85(97). Jamycal Hasty, RB, SF - The 49ers success with undrafted backs is more than enough reason to keep tabs on Hasty.
Update: Many 49ers beat writers like Hasty's chance of making the team as a third-down back so I moved him up.
86(74) - Troy Dye, LB, MIN - Dye has a threedown skillset and could have IDP value down the line, although the Vikings have Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks ahead the #132 pick.
87(94). Micheal Warren, RB, PHI - Warren wasn’t drafted, but the Eagles have an opening at power back and Warren has the game to fill it. He could even project into a Mike Tolbert role with some development.
88(82). Quez Watkins, WR, PHI - The Eagles added even more speed at wide receiver on the third day, taking John Hightower (Boise State) in the fifth round, trading for Marquise Goodwin, and adding Watkins at pick 200. He has the best chance of sticking around in my eyes, but monitor this closely
89(81). James Proche, WR, BAL - Proche is more of a slot than outside receiver, but he wins at the catch point and could work his way into a role after the Ravens spent the 201st pick on him.
90(UR). Raymond Calais, RB, TB - Ke’Shawn Vaughn will get all of the ink, but Calais is a shifty, speedy back out of Louisiana-Lafayette and he could endear himself to the coaching staff in short order after the team spent the 245th pick on him.
91(UR). James Robinson, RB, JAX - Robinson was very productive at Illinois State and since the Jaguars are clearly moving on from Leonard Fournette next year (or earlier), he could be in line for more playing time if he can pass Ryquell Armstead and Devine Ozigbo
92(UR). Joe Reed, WR/RB, LAC - Reed has some versatility and the Chargers have some openings at wide receiver after their top three, so the 151st pick has a decent chance to make the team and carve out a role in time.
93(UR). Dezmon Patmon, WR, IND - The Colts have a lot of intriguing talent at the end of their roster at wideout including Reece Fountain and Ashton Dulin, and now we should add Patmon to the list after they took him at #212. Patmon is huge at 6’4” 225 and not that different than Chase Claypool. Watch to see who wins the final roster spots at wide receiver for the Colts.
94(UR). Jaylon Johnson, CB, CHI - Johnson was seen as a first-rounder by many, but the Bears were able to snag him at the 50th pick. If he can win a starting job to open the season, he’ll have excellent IDP value.
95(90). Lawrence Cager, WR, NYJ - Cager went undrafted, but the Jets outside receiver depth chart has some holes and he could make the team as a developmental prospect.
96(91). Trishton Jackson, WR, LAR - Jackson’s deep game should interest the Rams even though he went undrafted. He could be a vertical threat down the line as the team looks to replace Brandin Cooks.
97(99). Juwan Johnson, WR, NO - Johnson was a highly regarded size/speed receiver prospect two years ago and he landed in a Saints organization that has been excellent when looking for talents after the draft is over.
98(UR). Jacob Phillips, LB, CLE
Update: I added Phillips in place of Markus Bailey after mulling over the lack of need to stash Bailey in a redzone year and chance for Phillips to win playing time in an uncertain Browns linebacker group.
99(37). Hunter Bryant, TE, DET - Bryant fell out of the draft and TJ Hockenson is blocking him on the Lions roster, but he has excellent speed and if he sticks, it will be as a receiving tight end.
100(UR). Salvon Ahmed, RB, SF - Ahmed has speed to burn and could benefit from the 49ers ability to find diamonds in the rough at running back among undrafted players.
Dropped Out
Quartney Davis, WR, MIN (61)
Kalija Lipscomb, WR, KC (62)
Pete Guerriero, RB, FA (66)
KJ Hill, WR, LAC (67)
Jacob Eason, QB, IND (78)
Javon Leake, RB, NYG (83)
Reggie Corbin, RB, FA (84)
Jason Huntley, RB, JAX (87)
Jake Fromm, QB, BUF (92)
Aaron Parker, WR, DAL (93)
Ty’Son Williams, RB, BAL (95)
Sewo Olonilua, RB, DAL (96)
Rico Dowdle, RB, DAL (98)
Tony Brown, WR, CLE (100)
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