With The First Pick
Fansided

2017 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top Fantasy Football Options in the Draft

By Jon Dove

November 5, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs against Oregon State Beavers safety Jalen Moore (33) and cornerback Treston Decoud (14) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 5, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs against Oregon State Beavers safety Jalen Moore (33) and cornerback Treston Decoud (14) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The NFL Draft is an opportunity for every team to add some significant talent but it can also be seen as a fresh crop of playmakers for fantasy football players.

There is a major difference between evaluating a player for fantasy value and actually football value. Players who offer more versatility, have a knack for scoring touchdowns and can carry the load offer more fantasy upside.

This list below doesn’t represent how I rank the players based on their football potential but their upside in the fantasy realm.

Related Story: Jason Pierre-Paul back to the New York Giants

1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

  • McCaffrey tops the list because he’s versatile threat capable of making an impact in the running game, passing game and as a returner. He should quickly become a difference maker for what ever team lands his services.

2. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

  • Fournette is going to be drafted early in the 1st round and thus will be counted on as a major part of the drafting team’s offense. He’s a bigger back capable of carrying the load and moving the chains. This is a guy who should average over 20 carries per game.

3. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

  • Cook is an extremely explosive athlete who is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He is capable of not only contributing as a runner but also in the passing game.

4. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

  • Davis gets the nod over Mike Williams because he’s a more well-rounded player. He is someone capable of taking the top off a defense, winning in contested situations as well as creating separation with his route running.

5. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

  • Williams is a big-play waiting to happen thanks to this blend of size and speed. He is someone who will put up big numbers in the red zone.

6. Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo

  • Hunt is an underrated prospect who could quickly become the featured back in the NFL. He’s another player capable of helping both as a receiver and runner.

7. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

  • Tight ends usually take awhile to make an impact, but Howard is a special type of talent. He has excellent size and the pass-catching skills needed to make an immediate impact. At the very least he’ll put up numbers in the red zone.

8. D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas

  • Foreman is a big-bodied back who also features a top-end second gear. He’ll be able to both move the chains and break off long runs.

9. Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee

  • Kamara is a burst of energy who always works down field. He has the no nonsense running style that will help him make a quick impression.

10. David Njoku, TE, Miami

  • Njoku is a bit of a projection but he possesses rare size and speed. He’s the type of player a coach will get on the field and let him figure it out on the fly.
Home/NFL Draft News