Fantasy football champions are crowned for one simple reason: maximizing value in the draft. If two players have similar value, always select the one available later. The fastest way to lose is by reaching early for a player and sacrificing value elsewhere.
Caleb Williams has everything he needs to have a dramatic improvement from last season. An improved offensive line, skilled offensive weapons, and a new offensive mind at Head Coach with Ben Johnson. All of these things combined give Williams the opportunity to reach his full potential.
Williams is the 15th quarterback being selected in most fantasy drafts, and if he reaches his potential in his sophomore season, he could end up being a top 5 QB. Other QBs who have good value late in drafts include CJ Stroud (QB18) and Michael Penix Jr (QB25).
Jaydon Blue was drafted in the fifth round by the Dallas Cowboys and could earn himself a big role in the offense during his rookie season. His competition is former Broncos running back Javonte Williams and Veteran Miles Sanders. Blue has lost some ground in the battle due to an injury, but should earn the starting job sooner rather than later.
Blue is currently being drafted as the 43rd RB in fantasy drafts, and if he gets promoted to a bigger role in the offense, he will certainly outplay that. Other RBs who have great value include RJ Harvey (RB22) and Chase Brown (RB12).
Ricky Pearsall is benefiting from strange circumstances regarding the San Francisco 49ers receiver core. Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders in the offseason, Brandon Aiyuk is projected to miss a chunk of the season, and Jauan Jennings has contractual issues. Getting what could be a number one receiver late in fantasy drafts is tremendous value.
Pearsall should be fantastic in PPR leagues as the main receiver while Aiyuk is out of the lineup. He is being selected as the 42nd WR in fantasy drafts, which is overall way too low for a potential high-volume receiver who should see tons of targets. Cooper Kupp (WR41) and Khalil Shakir (WR45) also have great value, especially as flex options.
Colston Loveland was the first tight end drafted in the 2024 NFL draft, and he is entering a stacked Bears offense. He should see plenty of targets in Johnson’s new offense and will become a favorite weapon of Williams.
Loveland will be dependent on his quarterback’s progression, but if everything goes right, he should get tons of opportunities. He is being selected as the 12th TE in fantasy drafts. Other TEs with value who could benefit from their new situations are Mason Taylor (TE26) and Theo Johnson (TE35).
Value is a word that every fantasy football player looks for, but not many successfully find it. There is always a gem at each position late in drafts and busts in the early rounds. Avoiding big names early while sniping lesser-known players late in drafts is always the way to win.
All of these players are ranked lower than bigger-name players who will almost certainly have worse or similar seasons than the players listed. Instead of taking the big name like Derrick Henry in the first round, take a guy like Chase Brown in the second.
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