The consensus rookie rankings at Footballguys are one of the strongest features we produce each season. However, despite embedded commentary, the consensus rankings can be light on context. If you look carefully, you can see tiers, but it can be difficult to compare players within their position and across multiple positions.
Knowing Player X is the consensus RB3 is clear from the rankings. Knowing how nearly Player X was to being ranked RB2 or RB6, or how Player X compares to the WR5 or TE1 or LB2 is much less clear.
I prefer a more visual approach, one that tiers players by position but also shows the value of one position relative to another across my draft board.
NOTES ON THE DRAFT BOARD
- The first version of this feature is based on limited information. Coaching comments, mini-camp observations, debate within the fantasy community, and the clarity that comes from testing this board in my own drafts will bring changes to future versions.
- I build this draft board with the following league parameters in mind: 12-14 teams, PPR, balanced IDP scoring, and full IDP lineups that include defensive tackles and cornerbacks. The commentary that follows the draft board will sometimes address modifications for leagues that provide bonuses for tight end scoring, big play IDP systems, etc.
- There may be more than 12-14 players listed in a given draft round. That's a function of the tiering approach. It's also a natural reflection of the wide range of ADP valuations we always see as a rookie draft moves into the deeper rounds. In some years, there may be fewer than 10-12 players in a draft round. Drafting trends may change from year-to-year, but it’s important to recognize when to trade for a future pick than to reach for a clearly less valuable talent now.
- This board reflects my personal drafting philosophy. I prioritize upside over floor within tiers. I'm willing to accept a higher bust risk in all rounds. I prefer to draft players who are likely to be successful sooner if other variables are equal. And I'm not afraid to trust my evaluations of defensive players and draft a second-tier IDP over a third-tier offensive prospect -- regardless of positional scarcity.
- The offensive columns of this draft board are informed by the in-depth process and work of Matt Waldman, Matt Harmon, Sigmund Bloom, Cecil Lammey, as well as Josh Norris, Dane Brugler, Mark Schofield, Emory Hunt, Evan Silva, J.J. Zachariason, Gary Davenport, and many others. I have also relied on the rankings of Bob Henry, John Norton, and Jason Wood at Footballguys for years. If you have other evaluators on your shortlist and they differ greatly from this board, tweak accordingly.
The draft board is designed to be read top to bottom and left to right. Each position is tiered from top to bottom in its own column. Separations within the columns represent relative tiers and the players are ranked by preference within those tiers. Relative value between positions can be tracked from left to right. The "suggested" draft rounds are based on my view of a player's value, with some consideration given to keeping the number of players with a given draft round grade to a reasonable total.
Positional commentaries can be found after the draft board.
2020 Combined Draft Board
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Round 1
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Quarterback
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Running Back
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Wide Receiver
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Tight End
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Tackle
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End
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Edge Rusher
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Linebacker
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Cornerback
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Safety
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Edwards-Helaire, KC
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Lamb, Dal
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Taylor, Ind
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Jeudy, Den
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Dobbins, Bal
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talent gap
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Swift, Det
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Akers, LAR
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Mims, NYJ
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Jefferson
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Young, Was
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Young, Was
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Simmons, Ari
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Round 2
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Quarterback
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Running Back
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Wide Receiver
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Tight End
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Tackle
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End
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Edge Rusher
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Linebacker
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Cornerback
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Safety
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Dillon, GB
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Ruggs, LV
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Reagor, Phi
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Queen, Bal
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Burrow, Cin
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Aiyuk, SF
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Murray, LAC
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Tagovailoa, Mia
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Edwards, LV
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Pittman, Ind
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Vaughn, TB
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Shenault, Jac
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Round 3
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Quarterback
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Running Back
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Wide Receiver
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Tight End
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Tackle
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End
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Edge Rusher
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Linebacker
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Cornerback
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Safety
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Gibson, Was
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Higgins, Cin
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Wilson, Cin
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Moss, Buf
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Claypool, Pit
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Gay, KC
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McFarland, Pit
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Chaisson, Jac
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Herbert, LAC
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Kelley, LAC
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Jefferson, LAR
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Trautman, NO
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Kinlaw, SF
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Gross-Matos, Car
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Gross-Matos, Car
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Taylor, Phi
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Chinn, Car
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Round 4
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Quarterback
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Running Back
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Wide Receiver
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Tight End
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Tackle
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End
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Edge Rusher
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Linebacker
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Cornerback
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Safety
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Perine, NYJ
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Devernay, Bal
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Asiasi, NE
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Brown, Car
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Chaisson, Jac
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Dallas, Sea
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Hamler, Den
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Epenesa, Buf
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Love, GB
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Cephus, Det
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Round 5
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Quarterback
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Running Back
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Wide Receiver
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Tight End
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Tackle
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End
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Edge Rusher
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Linebacker
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Cornerback
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Safety
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Evans, Ten
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Bowden, LV
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Okudah, Det
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Delpit, Cle
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Warren, Phi
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Johnson, TB
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Muse, LV
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Benjamin, Ari
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Gandy-Golden, Was
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Brooks, Sea
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Baun, NO
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Lewis, LAR
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Davis-Gaither, Cin
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Round 6
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Quarterback
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Running Back
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Wide Receiver
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Tight End
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Tackle
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End
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Edge Rusher
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Linebacker
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Cornerback
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Safety
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Okweugbunam, Den
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Epenesa, Buf
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Bryant, Cle
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Taylor, Sea
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Greenard, Hou
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Eason, Ind
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Jennings, SF
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Uche, NE
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Hurts, Phi
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Mooney, Chi
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Kmet, Chi
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Harrison, Bal
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Arnette, LV
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McKinney, NYG
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Round 7 - Free Agents
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Quarterback
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Running Back
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Wide Receiver
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Tight End
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Tackle
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End
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Edge Rusher
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Linebacker
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Cornerback
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Safety
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Fromm, Buf
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Huntley, Det
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Davis, Buf
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Keene, NE
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Davidson, Atl
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Taylor, Sea
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Okwara, Det
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Strnad, Den
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Terrell, Atl
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Dugger, NE
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Gordon, Sea
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Hasty, SF
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Reed, LAC
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Moss, Was
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Madubuike, Bal
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Davidson, Atl
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Highsmith, Pit
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Phillips, Cle
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Gladney, Min
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Winfield, TB
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Dowdle, Dal
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Johnson, Jac
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Bryant, Det
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Zuniga, NYJ
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Walker, Atl
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Henderson, Jac
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Davis, NYJ
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Morgan, NYJ
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Anderson, Dal
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Parkinson, Sea
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Blacklock, Hou
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Okwara, Det
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Jennings, NE
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Dye, Min
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Luton, Jac
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Phillips, Hou
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Peoples-Jones, Cle
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Hopkins, LAR
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Davis, Mia
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Madubuike, Bal
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Weaver, Mia
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Diggs, Dal
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Burgess, Ind
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Montez, Was
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Williams, Bal
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Hightower, Phi
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Pinkney, Atl
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Gallimore, Dal
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Weaver, Mia
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Anae, Dal
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Lewis, LAR
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Johnson, Chi
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Wallace, Phi
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Watkins, Phi
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Deguara, GB
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Anae, Dal
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Uche, NE
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Fulton, Ten
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Lipscomb, KC
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Greenard, Hou
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Dantzler, Min
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Thomas, NE
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Igbinoghene, Mia
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***Email me at bramel@footballguys.com and I'll send a more easily readable Excel file so you can modify this draft board to better fit your player evaluations, draft philosophy, and league parameters.
THE BIG PICTURE
I hope everyone is well. We've all been touched by the coronavirus pandemic. Aside from the critical risk to personal health some have faced, the risk of social isolation to behavioral health and the financial struggles many of you continue to battle make this a very trying time.
This is where I usually ramble about which position makes sense where or how to attack the relatively deeper and weaker spots on the draft board. This year, I might also have discussed what fragmented OTA schedules could mean to rookie production.
But the big picture in 2020 is different.
My very best to your families. Stay well. When and where you can, look out for those you know and those you may not.
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Quarterbacks
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Tier
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Player
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Team
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Notes
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I
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Cin
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Poised and accurate. Begins career as a starter w/ strong supporting cast. High floor.
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I
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Mia
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Medical reports on hip reassuring. All-around talent. Rebuild not a major concern.
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II
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LAC
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Big body, big arm, rush ability. High ceiling, low floor.
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III
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GB
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Stuck behind Rodgers. Has tools but struggles w/ decision making.
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IV
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Ind
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Underrated prospect but crowded room w/ Rivers, Brissett, Kelly.
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IV
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Phi
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Valuable backup behind Wentz.
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Buf
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Questionable arm drafted to backup Allen.
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Sea
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Priority FA w/ talent. Thin depth chart allows a chance at a backup gig.
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NYJ
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Jac
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Was
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With the strong depth at other positions, I'm not likely to draft a quarterback. It's not that I don't believe in the QB1 upside for Burrow and Tagovailoa. I prefer the upside at the linebacker position at the end of the first round, a likely falling wide receiver, or the Chase Young prize. No other quarterback excites me - I've tiered them and slotted them on the draft board where I think their likely ADP may settle, but I'll be drafting other positions in that range, too.
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Running Backs
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Tier
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Player
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Team
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Notes
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I
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KC
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Has every-down upside in a high-powered offense. 1st round suggests priority for KC.
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I
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Ind
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Talented back behind elite OL. Committee now but Mack in a contract year.
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I
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Bal
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Ravens couldn't pass him up. Big talent w/ added upside next to Jackson.
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II
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DAndre Swift
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Det
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All-around talent drafted highly by OC not known for every-down RB usage.
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II
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LAR
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Depth chart crowded but no veteran frontrunner. Receiving upside provides edge.
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II
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A.J. Dillon
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GB
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Long-term upside w/ Jones in a contract year but Packers' QB situation muddy.
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III
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KeShawn Vaughn
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TB
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Arians likes every-down backs, but the depth chart has Jones and elite WR mouths to feed.
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III
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Buf
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Complementary back to Singletary but could become more.
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III
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Anthony McFarland
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Pit
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Crowded running back room but Steelers wanted more from Conner and company.
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IV
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LAC
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Talented w/ great chance to win a complementary role alongside Ekeler.
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IV
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Lamical Perine
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NYJ
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May not be bellcow NFL caliber talent but depth chart behind Bell is thin.
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IV
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Sea
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Durability concerns for Carson and Penny could provide an opportunity.
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V
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Ten
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Heir to Dion Lewis as a limited-usage change of pace behind Henry.
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V
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Michael Warren
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Phi
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Monitor for possible upside role as early-down thumper.
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V
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Ari
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Worth monitoring carefully despite Drake's and Edmonds' breakouts in 2019.
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SF
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Monitor during the preseason.
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Dal
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Durability and ball security concerns but favorite of multiple trusted scouts.
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Dal
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Cowboys bringing in multiple intriguing options to compete behind Elliott.
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Hou
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Monitor during the preseason.
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Ty'Son Williams
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Bal
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Waldman favorites always worth extra look during the preseason.
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I have no preference in the first tier. Edwards-Helaire reminds Andy Reid of Brian Westbrook, which could mean a majority target share if the rookie can prove himself reliable enough to protect Patrick Mahomes II when needed. Taylor has immediate and long-term upside behind a strong offensive line. Dobbins won't be an immediate hit but will soon remind you of Nick Chubb -- a rookie without a clear path to playing time whose talent won out sooner than later.
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Wide Receivers
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Tier
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Player
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Team
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Notes
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I
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Dal
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A versatile stud in an elite offense. Will be more than a third wheel to Elliott and Cooper.
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I
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Den
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Elite route runner complements Sutton well.
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II
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NYJ
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Aggressive and fluid w/ improving technical skill. The depth chart lacks true WR1.
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II
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Min
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Lacks downfield explosiveness but projects as skilled, well-rounded target hog.
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III
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Henry Ruggs
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LVR
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A deep threat, depth chart suddenly crowded w/ options for targets.
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III
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Phi
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Opportunity abounds but so do questions about craft and consistency.
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III
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SF
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Questions about separation skill but playmaker w/ ball. Depth chart favorable.
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III
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LVR
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WR1 upside if hands improve. Still lots to be sorted out on depth chart.
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III
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Michael Pittman
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Ind
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More technical than explosive. Colts graded very highly, see WR1 potential.
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IV
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Laviska Shenault
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Jac
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Boom-bust multi-use project w/ size and separation skill but durability concerns.
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IV
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Cin
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Athletic and explosive complementary receiver w/ upside for more.
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IV
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Pit
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Elite size-speed combination but route-running needs work.
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V
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LAR
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Polished route runner w/o elite speed. Questionable fit w/ Kupp on the roster.
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V
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Bal
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Has upside, especially if proves more than a movable piece in the creative offense.
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V
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K.J. Hamler
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Den
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Small, dynamic slot playmaker w/ immediate upside. Unlikely to rack up targets.
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V
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Det
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Underrated and well-rounded prospect waiting for a role behind Jones.
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Lynn Bowden
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LVR
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Dynamic playmaker but crowded depth chart limits opportunity.
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TB
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High floor slot option who could carve a role in a potentially explosive offense.
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Was
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May not have explosive speed or BCS polish but traits worth following.
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SF
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Possible upside as big slot receiver but lack of speed is a major limitation.
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Chi
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Small, but dynamic. Monitor during the preseason.
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Gabriel Davis
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Buf
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LAC
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Jac
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Cle
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Phi
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Phi
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KC
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NE
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Do not shy away from Lamb in the early first round. Explosive offenses can support multiple elite fantasy performers. Lamb has an elite skill set and opposing defenses will not be able to key on him. I'm partial to Mims and Jefferson as clear second-tier options but there are lots of intriguing options in the second round -- Edwards and Pittman in particular.
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Tight Ends
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Tier
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Player
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Team
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Notes
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I
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NO
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All-around talent w/ TE1 upside if traits translate to NFL.
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I
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NE
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Skilled but upside difficult to project w/ NE offense in transition.
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II
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Den
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Athletic prospect faces crowded depth chart to earn targets.
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II
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Cle
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Move tight end w/o elite athleticism behind Hooper.
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III
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Chi
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Reasonable floor but limited upside due to average athleticism and hands.
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NE
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Might be more of an H-back/fullback than a passing game contributor.
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Was
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Depth chart favorable but lack of vertical game limits upside.
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Det
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Upside limited by durability, average separation skills, Hockenson.
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Sea
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LAR
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Rookie tight ends are big producers and the two most attractive options this year have lots of long-term uncertainty. Trautman is blocked by Jared Cook for now and Drew Brees is retiring. The New England offense is a huge unknown for the foreseeable future, casting doubt on Asiasi's production. You can fully expect Kmet to be drafted long before I'll consider him.
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Defensive Tackles
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Tier
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Player
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Team
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Notes
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I
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SF
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Disruptive, quick, powerful. Elite if develops more consistent pass rush.
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I
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Car
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Athletic and explosive but more run stopper than pass rusher.
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II
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Atl
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Outside in base w/ potential to kick inside in passing situations. DE classification?
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II
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Bal
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Athletic and explosive rotational end/tackle w/ upside. DE classification?
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Hou
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Mia
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Dal
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I was too excited about Quinnen Williams and Ed Oliver last year. Kinlaw and Brown aren't in their class. In general, positional scarcity in DT-only leagues means you'll need to consider the one or two viable tackle prospects in the mid-third or fourth-round range.
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Defensive Ends
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Tier
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Player
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Team
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Notes
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I
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Was
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All-around edge prospect w/ elite and immediate upside.
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II
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Car
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Aggressive and quick off edge, willing run defender. Most likely classified DE.
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II
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KLavon Chaisson
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Jac
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More edge than power. Could see OLB snaps. Most likely classified DE.
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II
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Buf
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Powerful and technically skilled w/o elite speed rush. Defends run well.
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III
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Sea
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Speed rush w/ motor. May need to develop counter moves for consistent production.
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III
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Atl
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Outside in base w/ potential to kick inside in passing situations. DT classification?
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Det
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Boom-bust speed rusher. Could be classified at LB.
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Bal
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Athletic and explosive end/tackle w/ upside. DT classification?
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Curtis Weaver
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Mia
|
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Dal
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Young won't need any developmental time and is a plug-and-play fantasy stud. He's a first-round value. There aren't any other prospects with a clear path to immediate impact. I like Chiasson better in sack-heavy leagues but he'll move up here in 2020 if he is classified at DE but gets linebacker snaps.
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Edge Rushers
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|||
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Tier
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Player
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Team
|
Notes
|
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I
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Was
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All-around edge prospect w/ upside.
|
|
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II
|
KLavon Chaisson
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Jac
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More edge than power. Could see OLB snaps.
|
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II
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Car
|
Aggressive and quick off edge, willing run defender.
|
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III
|
LAR
|
Explosive, powerful, fluid off edge but raw w/ durability concerns.
|
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III
|
Buf
|
Powerful and technically skilled w/o elite speed rush.
|
|
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III
|
Sea
|
Speed rush w/ good motor. May need counter move for consistent production.
|
|
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III
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Hou
|
Quick, strong, relentless w/o much coverage upside.
|
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III
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NE
|
Undersized speed rusher and chase run defender.
|
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Det
|
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|
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Pit
|
|
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NYJ
|
|
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NE
|
|
|
|
|
Curtis Weaver
|
Mia
|
|
|
|
Dal
|
|
|
Young remains the prize in this group and is a no-doubt, first-round option in edge leagues. Lewis, Taylor, and Greenard all get sizable bumps in value in sack-heavy leagues and those that allow edge rushers as a separate position.