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🏆 Draft These Players Before the Hype Hits
9 MONTHS AGO • 13 MIN READ

🏆 Draft These Players Before the Hype Hits

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03/12/26

Howdy Reader,

Welcome in.

If you’ve been doing this a while, you know the edge doesn’t come from chasing the latest hot take. It comes from showing up, staying sharp, and stacking small wins before your league even realizes what’s happening.

Today, we’ve got exactly that kind of content:

🎯 - Underrated WRs that seasoned managers are circling early
🤫 - Sleeper TEs who won’t stay quiet for long
⚠️ - Overrated RBs that look better in theory than in your lineup
🚀 - 8 Breakout Players you’ll want to plant your flag on now. Before the hype (and the rest of your league) catches up.

Plus, Bob Harris delivers the News and Notes that longtime Footballguys know to never skip.

Whether you’ve been with us for 20 seasons or just joined the family, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead. Every single day.

Let’s dig in,

J

What's New At Footballguys

Footballguys 2025 Rookie Draft Guide

The NFL Draft is in the books, and our Rookie Draft Guide is ready. Version 3.0 includes new team fits, depth chart projections, refined scouting intel, and — for the first time — the Post-Draft Bloom 100. It’s your complete blueprint for dominating dynasty rookie drafts.

You’re on the clock. Make the right call.

📣 Voice Of The Footballguy 🎤

📊 POLL RESULTS: In our last issue of the Daily Update, we asked you Footballguys:

Which rookie RB takes control of his backfield first?

And the Footballguy says: I trust TreVeyon Henderson more than the Patriots do.

TODAY: Clayton Gray’s deep dive into how player values are shifting in high-stakes NFFC drafts reveals one clear trend — quarterbacks are climbing.

Among the biggest movers this week: Lamar Jackson surged 6 spots, Jayden Daniels climbed 4, and Bo Nix jumped 8. But which of these rising QBs most deserves the boost?

So today, we ask you Footballguys:

🗳️ POLL: Which rising QB most deserves their recent NFFC ADP surge?

When you vote in the Poll below, you'll see the current standings, and we'll post the final results in the next edition of the Daily Update.

1. SF: George Kittle may see more targets

Source: NinersWire - Kyle Madson

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle may receive more routes this upcoming season because the team can use TE Luke Farrell as a blocking tight end in two-tight end sets, according to general manager John Lynch.

Our view: Last year, Kittle stayed in to pass block on 11.6 percent of the team's passing plays -- his highest mark since 2021. In 2023, when they played more multi-TE personnel, he was on pass blocking on 7.0 percent of the team's pass plays. As USA Today's Kyle Madson suggests, with question marks at wide receiver, having Kittle, who led the team with 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches last year, available as often as possible makes sense. His consistent production over time makes his TE3 average draft position and fourth-round price this summer appealing.

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2. JAX: GM explains Travis Hunter WR offseason work

Source: JaguarsWire - Paul Bretl

Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter received more time at wide receiver during offseason workouts because the team believes his more natural position is cornerback, according to general manager James Gladstone. 'Our understanding that Travis is most naturally comfortable, most naturally in-tune on the defensive side of the ball.' Gladstone said. 'We wanted to load him offensively throughout this window to ensure that by the time we got to training camp, we had a runway built up on that side because there is so much more nuance.'

Our view: As USA Today's Paul Bretl explained, once training camp arrives, we will start to see a lot more of Hunter playing both sides of the ball during a single practice. As we explained in an item published here Tuesday, when it comes to how much time Hunter will spend at receiver versus cornerback in-game once the regular season arrives remains to be seen. As Gladstone mentioned, the Jaguars will remain fluid in that regard, with the opponent and week-to-week game plans dictating where Hunter's playing time could come from. Despite that uncertainty, Hunter is being drafted as WR29.

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8 Breakout Players to Draft in Fantasy Football (2025)

By Alfredo Brown and Dave Kluge - Exclusive to Footballguys

The following feature is a free preview of our content. If you like it, click here to sign up for access to our Footballguys Premium Subscriptions, and you'll get all of our content. We're so sure you'll love it that we have an industry-leading 30-day MoneyBack Guarantee, so there's zero risk.


These are the players that Dave Kluge and I believe could have career-best seasons and massively outperform their ADP. We each revealed four players, and I took direct quotes from our recent podcast and put them in an easy-to-read article with timestamps that link to the discussions on YouTube.

1. Jameson Williams, WR – Detroit Lions (Dave)

Watch this discussion on YouTube

  • Current ADP: WR24
  • Dave's Rank: WR20
  • "Over the last 8 games of last season: 7 targets, 73 yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game. Extrapolate that over a full season and you're looking at potential WR1 production."
  • "I think Jameson Williams already kind of broke out over the last 8 games. He could legitimately not just finish as a WR1, but be a top-five or top-three player. He is that type of talent."
  • With Ben Johnson gone, "we might see a shift in target share from Amon-Ra to Jameson."
  • Dave compared Williams to Tyreek Hill in upside: "Early-career Tyreek is a good comp for Jameson Williams."

2. Rome Odunze, WR – Chicago Bears (Alfredo)

Watch this discussion on YouTube

  • Current ADP: WR38
  • Alfredo's Rank: WR34
  • "The offensive line is improved, and we should see more pre-snap motion and play action to get Caleb Williams comfortable in the offense."
  • "Odunze's catchable target rate was second-worst among all NFL WRs over the last three years."
  • "Keenan Allen took so many high-value targets in the intermediate and middle of the field from Odunze because of the pressure getting to Caleb. He just needed to get easy completions to someone.
  • "Odunze reminds me of Nico Collins – not a speedster, but a vertical winner with sure hands."
  • "DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland will be moving all over the formation. It'll be hard to figure out their roles. But we know that Odunze will primarily be the X-receiver on the outside."
  • "ADP has him at WR38, and he could easily beat that with Ben Johnson running the offense."

3. Tyjae Spears, RB – Tennessee Titans (Dave)

Watch this discussion on YouTube

  • Current ADP: RB41
  • Dave's Rank: RB36
  • "In his one start last year: 20 carries, 4 targets, 103 total yards."
  • "ADP has dropped even further this year despite more opportunity last year."
  • "Brian Callahan wants a two-headed backfield; Spears could be a contingent bet."
  • "He has burst, quick-twitch ability, and long speed for breakaway runs."
  • "The Titans remind us of the Texans two years ago – a team no one expected to produce value."

CONTINUED...

3. BAL: DeAndre Hopkins Making A Strong Impression On His Quarterback

Source: Profootballtalk.com - Josh Alper

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is wrapping up his first offseason program with the Ravens, and he’s made a strong impression on at least one of his new teammates. It’s an important one. “That guy is dope. He is different,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said via the team’s website.

Our view: Hopkins made a sliding, one-handed grab of a pass that Jackson threw behind him in Tuesday's minicamp practice, and Jackson raved about what would come from Hopkins' ability to make plays like that when he spoke to reporters after the session. "That's some super vet type of stuff," Jackson said. "I am looking forward to throwing a lot of touchdowns to him this year." As PFT notes, Hopkins, currently being drafted as WR72, and Jackson will continue working on that at training camp before hitting the field against the Bills on the first Sunday night of the regular season.

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4. WAS: Noah Brown may not miss much time

Source: CommandersWire - Bryan Manning

Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown's (undisclosed) injury is not believed to be serious but there is no official word on the injury, in the opinion of ESPN.com's John Keim.

Our view: As USA Today notes, Washington isn't required to report on injuries during the offseason, so information is thin. Considering the medical cart came onto the field for Brown, many assumed it was a serious injury, at least initially. While his comments suggest things may not be as bad as they appeared, it's important to note that Keim had no specific news on the injury and that it was only his belief that it was not serious. Brown was Washington's second-leading receiver last year before he injured his kidney in Week 13 and missed the remainder of the season. We'll follow up when camp opens.

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5. NYG: Darius Slayton has good offseason

Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan

New York Giants WR Darius Slayton was one of the standout performers during offseason workouts, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Jordan Raanan.

Our view: As Newsweek noted, Slayton has been consistent for the Giants since being drafted in the fifth round in 2019. That said, shifting starting quarterbacks last season resulted in his production taking a hit. Across 16 appearances, he totaled 573 yards (his lowest since 2021) and two touchdowns (ties career-low). This year, Slayton seems excited to get to work with former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson. With a more reliable talent like Wilson under center, it could result in a rebound as Slayton, currently carrying a WR78 average draft position, works alongside talented youngster Malik Nabers.

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6. KC: Travis Kelce Says Decision To Return This Year Was Easy

Source: Profootballtalk.com - Myles Simmons

While there was plenty of speculation that Chiefs TE Travis Kelce could retire a few months ago, the 35-year-old elected to stick around for at least one more season. In his Wednesday minicamp press conference, Kelce told reporters that the decision to return wasn't that hard for him. "I love football," Kelce said. "It wasn't a very tough one for me. I know I'm getting older, but at the same time, I still feel like I got a lot that I can prove in this league. With that being said, it really wasn't that hard of a decision for me."

Our view: The next question is whether 2025 will be the last season for the storied tight end, who will turn 36 in October. "I got one year on this contract, I know that," Kelce said. "And we'll try and figure out something for next year." This year, Kelce's TE6 ADP keeps him in starter territory while reflecting his disappointing 2024 season. For the record, Kelce remains one of the most prolific tight ends in the NFL. His 97 catches ranked third among all tight ends.

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7. BAL: Lamar Jackson not interested in talking deal

Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson said he is not interested in talking about his contract situation at this time.

Our view: GM Eric DeCosta said earlier this month that contract negotiations have started with Jackson, including during OTAs. Minicamp would be a convenient time for the two sides to continue those conversations. Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million deal during the 2023 offseason that made him the NFL's highest-paid player at the time. Dallas' Dak Prescott currently tops the NFL with a contract averaging $60 million per season. Head coach John Harbaugh said in March that Jackson's next contract will again put him at the top of the salary scale. "Sounds good," Jackson said when asked about Harbaugh's comments.

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8. BAL: Baltimore adds Jaire Alexander

Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz

Free-agent CB Jaire Alexander (Packers) signed with the Baltimore Ravens Wednesday, June 18. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Our view: Subsequent reporting indicates Alexander signed a one-year contract for $4 million with $2 million in incentives. Alexander boosts a corner crew that includes All-Pro Marlon Humphrey, 2024 first-rounder Nate Wiggins and veteran Chidobe Awuzie. If he remains healthy, Alexander and Wiggins outside and Humphrey in the slot make for a very good trio. Of course, health has been an issue for Alexander. With the Packers unable to count on him week in and week out, they didn't want to pay $16.5 million in base salary. Now, however, the Ravens get Alexander at a considerable discount.

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9. DEN: Marvin Mims in line for solid role

Source: BroncosWire - Brandon Walker

Denver Broncos WR Marvin Mims will be used on kick and punt returns this upcoming season and is also expected to have a role in the offense.

Our view: While Mims struggled to find his place on offense as a rookie in 2023, that started to change last year when he caught 39 passes for 503 yards and six touchdowns while rushing 13 times for 42 yards. With Mims playing at a high level on special teams, the Broncos will continue to use him on kickoffs and punt returns but expect him to play a greater role on offense as well. That doesn't make him a draft-worthy fantasy prospect, but he'll be a player to watch once the season starts.

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That’s it for today, Folks.

Thanks for reading. And for being part of the Footballguys family. Whether you’re a founding member of a 20-year home league or just the one everyone turns to for trade advice, we see you. And we’re proud to roll alongside you.

Fantasy football isn’t just a game. It's a community, and for many of us, a thread that runs through every year. We’re here to help you keep it strong.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more to keep you sharp.

Peace, Love and Fantasy Football,

J

Joe Bryant

Guide

Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom, Bob Harris, and Cecil Lammey

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March 8th • Vol. 28, #7 • 🏆 The Free Agents Bob Harris Is Targeting Right Now
March 5th • Vol. 28, #6 • 🏆 Sigmund Bloom With The News You Need + 2026 Rookie Guide Update
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February 15th • Vol. 28, #1 • 🏆 A.J. Brown: "Change is not a bad thing"

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