Second and Third Day Draft Fantasy Impact

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Let's take a whirl around the league to see which second and third-day picks could have a fantasy impact in 2022 and beyond.

AFC East

Buffalo

Would the team have taken James Cook (RB-Georgia) in the second round if J.D. McKissic had not changed his mind and returned to Washington? Probably not. While he's not as big a threat to Devin Singletary's early-down work as Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker would have been, he does have promise for 2023 and beyond and is one of the biggest winners in dynasty rookie drafts, probably getting into the late first round Fifth-round WR Khalil Shakir (Boise State) has some overlap with Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie, but in time he can emerge as the leading slot receiver in a good offense, adding a lot of value after the catch.

Miami

Fourth-round pick Erik Ezukanma (WR-Texas Tech) gives the Dolphins offense size at wide receiver and could benefit from a lot of looks against opponents' lesser corners in time with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle occupying the minds of opposing offensive coordinators. Cedrick Wilson and Preston Williams will be between him and playing time on the depth chart.

New England

The Patriots took Tyquan Thornton (WR-Baylor) a round or two before most pundits thought he would go. He has length and speed and gives the group an element he lacks, but isn't as interesting for dynasty as a second-round receiver usually is The team added speed to the running back room in the fourth round with Pierre Strong (RB-South Dakota St.), further complicating the running back picture and keeping a four-headed beast in play Sixth-round pick Kevin Harris (RB-South Carolina) is a between the tackles grinder who should end up on the practice squad, poised to produce on early downs if injuries force him into a role.

NY Jets

The team's roster makeover continued in the second round when they gave up a fifth-round pick to move up two spots and take Breece Hall (RB-Iowa State) at #36. The presence of Michael Carter limits his pass-catching upside, which is a bummer because it's one of Hall's strengths, but he'll still get to be the primary early-down back and should remain in the top two of rookie drafts on the strength of his measurables and draft capital Fourth-round pick Jeremy Ruckert (TE-Ohio State) was a favorite sleeper of some after he was underutilized in the passing game in college, but with Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah signing free-agent deals this offseason, he probably won't see playing time until year three.

AFC South

Houston

The Texans gave up a third and two-fourths to move up for John Metchie (WR-Alabama). The opportunity is certainly there for him to have fantasy relevance as a reliable slot receiver, but his ceiling is still limited Fourth-round pick Damion Pierce (RB-Florida) could emerge in Houston after being part of a committee in college. This backfield was one of the best for possible opportunity, good enough to make Pierce an instant redraft sleeper worth monitoring from day one.

Indianapolis

Second-round pick Alec Pierce (WR-Cincinnati) projects as a long-term #2 with some speed to threaten downfield and game to win when the ball is in the air. He'll be worth a second-round pick in rookie drafts Third-round pick Jelani Woods (TE-Virginia) is a great understudy for Mo Alie-Cox with his huge frame and rare athleticism. This draft capital/landing spot combination will give his dynasty value a bump. If Woods falters and sixth-round pick Andrew Ogletree (TE-Youngstown State) makes the team, he could be a name to remember as a huge converted wide receiver who is a long-term project a la Alie-Cox.

Jacksonville

Fifth-round pick Snoop Conner (RB-Ole Miss) could get a chance to impress the new staff with Travis Etienne and James Robinson both coming off of serious injuries. He could even enter the season as the backup with Robinson working against a late-season Achilles injury recovery timeline.

Tennessee

The Titans third day included a few intriguing picks on offense. Fourth-round pick Haasan Haskins (RB-Michigan) is a workhorse who can keep the offense on schedule if Derrick Henry goes down, even if he isn't going to add the kinds of big runs that Henry does to make the offense go Fifth-round pick Kyle Phillips (WR-UCLA) is a quarterback's best friend in the slot and could be important in this pass offense right away if first-round pick Treylon Burks struggles and Robert Woods has a slow start coming back from an ACL tear.

AFC North

Baltimore

Fourth-round pick Isaiah Likely (TE-Coastal Carolina) is a pure pass-catching tight end and the Ravens have used two-tight-end sets enough often enough that he should get a chance to show his stuff even though Mark Andrews will keep him from breaking out during his rookie contract as long as he is healthy Sixth-round pick Tyler Badie (RB-Missouri) is going to make the team for his pass-catching prowess if he lasts on the final 53, but he might also get a chance to win some first-team carries in camp if J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards start out on the PUP list.

Cincinnati

The Bengals didn't do anything on offense, but their draft showed a clear emphasis on adding speed to the secondary and versatility and production on the defensive line The Bengals were thought to be in the market for a tight end but didn't add one, so free-agent Hayden Hurst has a clearer path to fantasy relevance.

Cleveland

The addition of third-round pick David Bell (WR-Purdue) probably forecloses the possibility of bringing Jarvis Landry back, if there was any possibility going into the draft. He'll eventually be Deshaun Watson's security blanket in the slot if he hits, so this is a solid spot for him to land with second-day capital Jerome Ford (RB-Cincinnati) was good enough to end up at Alabama but didn't want to toil behind a plethora of NFL-bound backs. If the Browns keep the fifth-round pick as a fourth running back, it bodes well for his chance to become the backup to Nick Chubb in 2023 with both Kareem Hunt and DErnest Johnson hitting free agency.

Pittsburgh

The Steelers are known for outstanding wide receiver picks on the second day. We'll see if George Pickens (WR-Georgia) continues the trend. He's got length, speed, and playmaking ability downfield when the ball is in the air, but is coming off of an ACL tear and had some character questions When the team used a fourth-round pick on Calvin Austin (WR-Memphis) that could have spelled the end of Diontae Johnson's tenure with the team after he hits free agency next year. Austin can replace Johnson in the slot, with Pickens pairing up with Chase Claypool outside.

AFC West

Denver

Third-round pick Greg Dulcich (TE-UCLA) could be an obstacle to Albert Okwuegbunam breaking out this year. He's a good pass-catcher. Whether new head coach Nathaniel Hackett wants to run more three-wide-receiver sets or two tight end sets will be something to watch Fifth-round pick Montrell Washington (WR-Samford) looked like a future NFL starter against Florida last year. If he makes the team and K.J. Hamler suffers another injury, Washington could get some looks.

Kansas City

Second-round pick Skyy Moore (WR-Western Michigan) will try to get snaps in a nondescript wide receiver group. His reliability and toughness could break into the rotation at the position and create chemistry with Patrick Mahomes II. Mecole Hardman is a cautionary tale about buying into a potential future starter with Mahomes, but the landing spot and second-round draft capital should push Moore into the first round of rookie drafts.

Las Vegas

The Raiders got impatient enough to move up four spots in the fourth round for Zamir White (RB-Georgia). The explosive power cutter has potential for value growth in dynasty leagues with the Raiders declining Josh Jacobs' fifth-year option and Kenyan Drake also hitting free agency in 2023. The Raiders didn't pick up the fifth-year option on any of their three 2019 first-round picks. Jacobs' number was only around eight million and he has played well, so declining his option was more surprising than turning down DL Clelin Ferrell and DB Jonathan Abram.

LA Chargers

The team has thrown a lot of picks at finding a running mate for Austin Ekeler in recent years. Isaiah Spiller (RB-Texas A&M) was added as the team took a back on the third day for the third straight year. Spiller is the most talented and should have a path to a role in 2022 even though falling to the third day was a hit to his dynasty stock.

NFC East

Dallas

Third-round pick Jalen Tolbert (WR-South Alabama) will compete with free-agent pickup James Washington for snaps in place of #2 receiver Michael Gallup. Gallup might be blocking him long-term after getting 27 million guaranteed this offseason, but Tolbert could show his stuff early in his rookie year and boost his dynasty value like Tony Pollard did (and continues to do) behind Ezekiel Elliott Jake Ferguson's athleticism is nothing to write home about, but neither was Dalton Schultz's and he's a startable fantasy tight end in this offense. If the Cowboys and Schultz can't reach a long-term deal before July 15, Ferguson's dynasty profile will get a plus.

NY Giants

The selection of Wan'Dale Robinson (WR-Kentucky) in the second round may signal the end of the line for 2021 first-round pick Kadarius Toney, who has a lot of overlap with Robinson's strengths and potential role. He could only end up being Brian Daboll's Isaiah McKenzie, but the second-round draft capital shows that the team sees some Deebo Samuel in him.

Philadelphia

Sixth-round pick Grant Calcaterra (TE-SMU) was a top draft prospect once upon a time before he retired due to concussions. He was medically sound enough to merit a pick, so the quality pass-catcher could outproduce his draft capital in time, but Dallas Goedert is blocking his way for the foreseeable future Second-round pick Cam Jurgens (C-Nebraska) gives the team their Jason Kelce replacement and a good chance at keeping this interior offensive line quality intact through roster turnover.

Washington

The Commanders were sniffing around a lot of backs in the pre-draft process, so it wasn't a surprise that they took Brian Robinson (RB-Alabama) in the third round, even though it was dismaying for Antonio Gibson dynasty teams. Robinson is a good inside zone runner and could threaten Gibson's exclusive hold on early-down work with J.D. McKissic's return in free agency limiting Gibson's upside in the passing game Fifth-round pick Sam Howell (QB-North Carolina) was higher on boards going into last season, and maybe even going into this draft. He can give the team an alternative to Carson Wentz if Wentz snatches defeat from the jaws of victory too often this season Fifth-round pick Cole Turner (TE-Nevada) is a massive converted wide receiver who is a bit of a longshot, but the low bar for fantasy relevance at his position should keep him on our radar

NFC North

Chicago

Third-round pick Velus Jones (WR-Tennessee) and sixth-round pick Trestan Ebner (RB-Baylor) will compete for return game snaps - both were standouts in college - and Ebner could also push for snaps in the slot. We'll be watching in camp to see if either one can earn a role in a rebuilding offense.

Detroit

The Lions are likely to lock up TE T.J. Hockenson long-term, but if they don't, remember the name James Mitchell (TE-Virginia Tech). Mitchell had an arrow pointing up before a knee injury ended his 2021 after only two games. The team spent a fifth-round pick on him even though he might not contribute much this year.

Green Bay

The Packers gave up two second-round picks to move up and take Christian Watson (WR-North Dakota St.) at #34. The size/speed prospect will have to adjust after playing at a small school, but he could be the #1 wide receiver for the team if he hits his ceiling. This was just about as good as Watson going in the first to the Packers even though they chose to take two defenders from national champion Georgia in the first and go after Watson in the second Fourth-round pick Romeo Doubs (WR-Nevada) has some of the traits of a starter in the NFL, along with competitive toughness and ball skills, but he projects as a complementary receiver at best.

Minnesota

The Vikings selected Ty Chandler (RB-North Carolina) on the third day. His pass-catching ability and kick return prowess could help him push 2021 fourth-round pick Kene Nwangwu for the #3 running back role in training camp Sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor (WR- Michigan State) isn't exactly a future replacement for Adam Thielen, but he is fast and could make the team and even climb the depth chart with no established WR4 or WR5 on the roster.

NFC South

Atlanta

Desmond Ridder (QB-Cincinnati) fell to the third round, but he will still have a chance to start if Marcus Mariota falters. If he plays well as a rookie, he'll get a chance to tighten his hold on the job like Davis Mills will this year in Houston. The fall to the third shows a lack of belief that he's a franchise quarterback, but the NFL has been wrong about quarterback scoring before and they'll be wrong again. He's one to keep an eye on in Superflex leagues and we might forget about his draft capital sooner than later Tyler Allgeier (RB-BYU) isn't flashy (that's why he fell to the fifth round), but he landed in a good situation for fantasy opportunity, with Cordarrelle Patterson and Mike Davis only temporary answers. The team could easily draft or sign another back next year, but Allegeier has a chance to endear himself to the staff this year Second-round pick Troy Anderson (LB-Montana) is a high-end athlete and should have a chance to inherit Foye Oluokun's very valuable IDP spot in the middle of the defense.

Carolina

The Panthers got Matt Corral (QB-Ole Miss) in the third round, and that should close the door on Baker Mayfield coming over in a trade. Corral will become the popular guy in Charlotte if Sam Darnold doesn't improve. Carolina gave up a fourth this year and third next year for Corral, landing him despite not having a second or third round going into the draft, so they probably see him as better than a third-round value.

New Orleans

The Saints added a long, speedy corner in the second round, and Alontae Taylor (CB-Nebraska) needs to be a good pick, because they only had two more picks on the third day, and neither were on the offensive side of the ball. The team is pushing a lot of chips into the center of the table gambling on first-round picks Chris Olave (WR-Ohio State) and Trevor Penning (OT-Northern Iowa) to be long-term starters.

Tampa Bay

Third-round pick Rachaad White (RB-Arizona State) should get a chance to push Ke'Shawn Vaughn to back up Leonard Fournette, but like Vaughn, it's tough to project him as a future starter Fourth-round pick Cade Otton (TE-Washington) could start as soon as next year and should move up the board after drawing early third-day draft capital and landing in a spot with future opportunity coming soon, especially if Rob Gronkowski doesn't come back to play this year.

NFC West

Arizona

Don't let Zach Ertz's presence get you down on second-round pick Trey McBride's (TE-Colorado State) dynasty prospects. Ertz's deal is easy to get out of after two years and the draft capital indicates that the Cardinals see the first tight end taken as a future starter Sixth-round pick Keontay Ingram (RB-USC) was once a top recruit at Texas and he could be the primary backup to James Conner, who tends to wear down as the season goes on when he is a lead back.

LA Rams

The Rams moved up 11 picks in the fifth round to take Kyren Williams (RB-Notre Dame), who can help in the passing game in a potential small ding to Cam Akers value, but is no threat to push Akers for early-down snaps and carries.

San Francisco

Kyle Shanahan can't resist adding to the running back room. This year, he took Tyrion Davis-Price (RB-LSU) in the third round. Davis-Price is enigmatic and will have to come correct to displace Elijah Mitchell. This pick could be more about Trey Sermon than Mitchell, although obviously dynasty teams with Mitchell would have preferred a later pick at the position Third-round pick Danny Gray (WR-SMU) has drawn some Darnell Mooney comparisons and he could move into a big role in 2023 if Deebo Samuel isn't a 49er.

Seattle

Second-round pick Kenneth Walker is the kind of workhorse Pete Carroll loves to feed, and next year (at the latest), he'll get a chance to show what he can do. The quarterback situation is still a big unknown long term, but this was a good spot for Walker to land in Dynasty If the team is planning on trading DK Metcalf or letting him walk in free agency next year, they didn't tip it off with their picks, only taking two wide receivers (Bo Melton, Rutgers and Dareke Young, Lenior Rhyne) in the seventh round.