It happens in every single fantasy football draft. Every single year.
When drafts begin, there are stars galore. The first few rounds are choked with household names. Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.
As we move a bit farther into the proceedings, the fantasy superstars may dry up, but the players available are still expected to be solid weekly starters. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift. Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore.
However, once drafters get outside the top 100 picks, their smiles are replaced by furrowed brows. The players being drafted are as much dart-throw as dominant. For every breakout, there are two busts.
Fantasy managers have entered the land of the scrubs.
It is a domain that can be as frustrating as it is depressing—a barren hellscape devoid of joy and filled with perils. Or I could be overstating things just a tad. Whatever. But while the back end of drafts can be difficult, it can also be a place where leagues are won.
Find a scrub in the later rounds who goes on to become a fantasy star, and it can make all the difference in the world.
QB Malik Willis, Miami (ADP: 137)
It's fixing to be a long first season for Willis in South Florida—he signed a three-year, $67 million contract only to watch the Dolphins gut the skill position players around him. But as Pat Fitzmaurice wrote at Fantasy Pros, while Willis' supporting cast may be blah, his upside as a runner is intriguing.
"Willis is an electric runner," he said. "In six career starts, Willis has averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game and has run for four touchdowns. And Willis seems to have made considerable strides as a passer. Over 11 appearances and three starts in Green Bay in 2024 and 2025, Willis completed 78.7% of his throws and averaged 10.9 yards per pass attempt, with six TD passes and zero interceptions. Willis will be hard-pressed to match that sort of passing efficiency with the Dolphins, who might have the worst collection of pass catchers in the league. But Willis' running ability should make him fantasy-viable even if his passing numbers are mediocre."
Willis isn't going to repeat his per-game production while in Green Bay with the Dolphins, who might well be the worst team in the NFL. But he's also going to be at the helm of an offense that will perpetually be playing from behind. Garbage time meets rushing yards could make for significant value, even if the Dolphins don't win many games.
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington (ADP: 116)
Croskey-Merritt was a trendy "sleeper" pick as a rookie a year ago, and "Bill" had his moments, topping 800 rushing yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, scoring eight touchdowns and posting two games with over 100 yards on the ground and multiple scores. RotoBaller's Wyatt McClintock believes that Croskey-Merritt could be on the verge of bigger and better things in Year 2.
"In 2026, his situation has drastically improved with Daniels healthy, an improved offensive line, and a new offense that favors his running style," he wrote. "The Commanders did not acquire a big-name running back this offseason, which highlights their faith in Croskey-Merritt to take his game to another level. Croskey-Merritt can take his biggest fantasy jump with his touchdown production. Similar to James Cook III's situation in Buffalo, there is no overwhelming red zone threat through the air in the Commanders' offense. This gives Croskey-Merritt a clear path to hit double-digit touchdowns this season in an offense with lofty expectations."
This season, it appears that free agent addition Rachaad White is getting more buzz in fantasy circles than Croskey-Merritt—White is coming off draft boards about a round earlier. But Croskey-Merritt is expected to be the lead back and is a good bet to handle most of the goal line work. If he sees 220 touches and maintains his per-carry efficiency, RB2 numbers are a real possibility.
