Making sense of all the fantasy-relevant picks from Day 2 of the NFL draft.
After an unconventional selection experience last year, the 2021 NFL Draft returns to a sense of normalcy.
Fantasy football draft season may not be close to hitting its crescendo, but hardcore gamers have been selecting players prior to the conclusion of bowl season.
The real thing is finally upon us! Follow along for real-time analysis the NFL draft’s Day 2 impact on fantasy football plans for 2021.
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Round 2
Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
34) WR Elijah Moore, New York Jets: The Ole Miss product plays a lot like Seattle’s Tyler Lockett, a teammate of Moore’s former receiving mate in DK Metcalf. The 5-foot-9, 178-pound Moore is an explosive slot receiver who blazes a sub-4.40 40-yard dash and has excellent route-running skills. It’s unclear if he’ll see immediate playing time in 2021, since Jamison Crowder stands in his way at present time. The veteran could be released with just a $1 million penalty vs. the cap in 2021, and he’s in the final year of his deal. For now, expect Moore to effectively redshirt his rookie year, but keep tabs on Crowder’s situation. Should he be traded or cut, then Moore has a hint of appeal as a late-round flier. He’s an exciting pick for 2022 and beyond.
Rounds 2 and 3 offer a wealth of fantasy football prospects.
The 2020 NFL Draft’s Day 1 is in the books, and there are plenty of players who will make great fantasy football additions still on the board.
Fantasy football draft season may not be close to hitting its crescendo, but hardcore gamers have been selecting players prior to the conclusion of bowl season. Join us for real-time analysis the NFL draft’s second day’s impact on fantasy football plans for 2020.
Round 2
(USA TODAY Sports Images)
33) WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals: No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow gets a new target in the lanky Higgins. His body control is exceptional, and few receivers have a catch radius to match Higgins’. While he lacks the breakaway speed, Higgins can catch the ball anywhere, in any situation, with the best of them. He will have the difficulty of learning an NFL offense without OTAs and possibly no training camp, which is tougher for a receiver. Having A.J. Green to mentor him is a huge plus. Higgins may struggle to see the field as more than a situational player in 2020, barring a personnel change or injury, although the future beyond his rookie year positions him as a potential low-tier WR1 in fantasy.
(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)
34) WR Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts: Pittman has Mike Evans-like traits and joins an offense that desperately needs help for T.Y. Hilton. The son of 11-year NFL running back Michael Pittman, the younger comes into the pros as one of the most decorated receivers in USC history. Philip Rivers gains a dangerous threat in the red zone, and the Colts now have another talented second-rounder (Parris Campbell last year) to fill out the top three wideouts. Pittman’s skill set profiles as a reception hog at the next level, suggesting crazy upside in PPR leagues as soon as 2021. His rookie year may be rocky, given the lack of an organized offseason, but don’t write him off. Pittman Jr. has late-round flier value as a rook.
(Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports)
35) RB D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions: The Motor City gets the top back in the draft and one whose explosiveness is going to make an immediate impact in this offense. He’ll mix in with Kerryon Johnson, but it may be only a matter of time before Swift takes over one way or another. KJ has missed 12 games in the last two years and doesn’t offer the dynamic traits of Swift. Running back is among the easiest positions to learn in the NFL, and Swift’s pass-catching talents allow him to be utilized as a satellite player until he gets the nuances down. Darrell Bevell’s offense has produced several elite fantasy seasons at the position through the years, and Swift’s dynamic ways will have the veteran play-caller scheming up new plays. PPR gamers will find more value in the Georgia star — who has basically no mileage on the engine. Swift is an RB3 or flex in 2020, and he has potential for much more with Johnson’s injury history.
