We’re always looking for the young explosive guys or the rookies, but with that logic, the older guys fall in ADP and that can turn into league-winning mid-round value picks. It is fine to spend some picks on the younger guys, but do not draft based on age. Don’t be afraid to draft a 30-year-old Mike Evans or 31-year-old Keenan Allen.
For some reason, this year all the old guys, who still have high production, are all falling into the middle to late rounds. The great thing is now you can grab Allen at the back end of the fourth round or Evans closer to the seventh or eighth round.
Let’s get into my top value picks to look out for in 2023. ADP is based on half-PPR scoring.
My Top “Old Guys” Mid-Round Value Picks
WR Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In a typical league, I would highly advise against this, but in a 2QB league, almost every top quarterback will be gone by the third round. Ideally, I would take a quarterback in the second round. You still want to grab a high-end running back or wide receiver in the first round. Chances are Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are gonna go in the first.
But, this will help you out. Those two picks could cause Ja’Marr Chase or Bijan Robinson to fall in ADP. So I would plan to draft Chase or Saquon Barkley in the first then go with Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, or Justin Herbert in the second. Then start filling out some depth at running back and wide receiver in the third and fourth.
Evans lost his quarterback this year which is another reason he is going late in drafts this year. But, to go in the seventh or eighth round is crazy. I know he did not have the best year last year, but Tom Brady wasn’t that great either.
The good thing for Evans this year is Baker Mayfield, who is a deep ball specialist. Since he has come into the league Mayfield has completed at least one 70-yard pass every season. This will pair well with Evans. Mayfield is the type to throw downfield rather than throwing quick slants to Chris Godwin.
If you draft Evans anear the seventh round that means he should be your WR3 or WR2 if you went running back heavy. The other guys around Evan at his ADP are Michael Pittman Jr., David Montgomery, Dak Prescott, Christian Kirk, and James Cook. Cook is the only one I’d draft over Evans.
WR Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
Allen has had injury problems his entire career, and he dealt with that last year. But, for him to drop to the WR19 and have an ADP around 47 is a steal for your draft. He is a great mid-round value pick who should be going in the third round still. Mike Williams had his hype, but he is way too inconsistent compared to Allen.
Also, let’s forget about last season. Allen was injured and Justin Herbert was banged up as well. Herbert had a down year, and he will not repeat that. Yet, when Allen came back in Week 11 he finished in the top 15 wide receivers, four times. Including a number-one performance in Week 18.
The thing is, even though Allen is 31 now and has missed some games. He still hasn’t lost his step, he will still drop 20-plus fantasy games for you consistently. And you can get him in the fourth round? That is a no-brainer.
RB James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
This is kind of an “old guy,” James Conner is 28 this year, but his average ADP is around 60, which leaves him around the sixth round. Conner finished at 63 last season and he missed four games. He still finished with eight total touchdowns as well.
And the players going around Conner, definitely won’t finish as high as him at the end of the year. Conner has been a solid RB2 his whole career and nothing will change this year. Keaontay Ingram is his backup this year, and I don’t see Ingram taking many reps away from Conner.
WR Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
This one is crazy. Tyler Lockett is going around 65-68 in ADP this year. This is a guy who had nine touchdowns last year and over 1,000 receiving yards along with 84 receptions.
The Seahawks are only going to get better, I know Jaxon Smith-Njigba is there but he is dealing with a wrist injury that could slow him down to start the season. The players going ahead of Lockett are absurd: Christian Watson, Jerry Jeudy, Drake London, Cam Akers, and DeAndre Hopkins.
Watson has Jordan Love and I will easily take Geno Smith. Jeudy is coming off an injury and does have upside, but he still has to prove he can be a WR2 every week. Drake London showed promise last year, but he is also dealing with a rookie quarterback and an offense that is going to run the ball. And Hopkins is still talented, but he is in a run-first offense.
Let the other people in your league draft these guys and you can grab a league-winning mid-round value pick in Lockett.
WR Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
So, this one isn’t necessarily a mid-round value pick, but this is a pick you shouldn’t be worried about drafting. Adams is in a great spot and if you could draft him in the middle of the second, you are getting a steal.
I know Jimmy Garoppolo is his quarterback, but let’s not forget when Adams still went off with Jordan Love and Jerrett Stidham. Adams will get open and he will get his receptions and touchdowns. Don’t be afraid to draft him, because he is getting up there in age.
Which mid-draft veterans are you targeting? Drop some names in the comments below. For more great rankings and analysis, make sure to check out our 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit!
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