The 2018 NFL Draft is complete and now we have a clearer picture of what each team’s roster will look like heading into the 2018 season. I have already given my thoughts on the skill players selected on Day 1 and Day 2, so this piece will complete the trifecta. There are a lot of players to cover, so let’s get right to it. Once again, videos are courtesy of Andy Singleton and John Laub.
4.01 – Ian Thomas, TE, Carolina Panthers
Ian Thomas is an excellent athlete and a solid dynasty hold, but he will not be worthy of drafting in redraft leagues. Incumbent Greg Olsen has re-signed with Carolina and Thomas will have to wait at least a year for his chance to start.
4.03 – Keke Coutee, WR, Houston Texans
Keke Coutee has great speed and run after the catch ability. He also excels in the return game. He should see some reps in the slot in Houston, but he will not be a trustworthy source of production this season.
4.04 – Nyheim Hines, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Nyheim Hines was the fastest back at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.38 40. He is a straight-line runner and will probably never be a bell-cow back. But he is on a Colts team that lacks a proven running back. I believe that makes Nyheim Hines a very intriguing late-round stash in both redraft and best ball leagues.
4.05 – Antonio Callaway, WR, Cleveland Browns
Antonio Callaway is a dynamic playmaker who had nearly 1,400 receiving yards as a true freshman. However, Callaway’s draft stock has plummeted since then. He has faced multiple suspensions and sat out the entire 2017 season. Callaway now joins a crowded Cleveland team that seems to have plenty of weapons. With a year away from the field and with Cleveland having plenty of mouths to feed, I just do not see Callaway making any fantasy noise in 2018.
4.07 – Chris Herndon, TE, New York Jets
The New York Jets have long had a black hole at tight end and hope to plug that gap with the selection of Chris Herndon. Herndon runs good routes and caught 35 balls out of the slot last year. He is someone to keep an eye on as he recovers from a torn MCL, but he is not worthy of a fantasy draft pick.
4.08 – Kyle Lauletta, QB, New York Giants
The New York Football Giants passed on a quarterback with the second overall selection in this draft but look add depth behind Eli Manning with the selection of Kyle Lauletta in Round 4. Fighting for a backup role, Lauletta can safely be ignored in all leagues this season.
4.12 – Mark Walton, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Mark Walton profiles as a receiving threat who could push Giovani Bernard for passing-down work behind Joe Mixon. If Cincinnati keeps Walton and cuts Bernard, the former will be worthy of a late-round fantasy pick this season.
4.13 – DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos selected DaeSean Hamilton in the fourth round after taking Courtland Sutton in Round 2, addressing their need for depth at wide receiver. Hamilton could make a name for himself in the slot, but he will not see enough targets in this offense to be counted on in fantasy leagues.
4.20 – Will Dissly, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Will Dissly is an in-line blocker who will probably never catch more than two passes in an NFL game. Nothing to see here from a fantasy standpoint.
4.23 – Durham Smythe, TE, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins drafted two tight ends who they expect to fill distinct roles. Mike Gesicki will be the team’s receiving threat, and Durham Smythe will stay in to block.
4.26 – Ito Smith, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Ito Smith has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and break tackles. However, his landing spot makes him a tough sell. Atlanta already boasts arguably the best one-two punch in the league with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Barring injury, Smith is not worthy of rostering in fantasy leagues.
4.31 – Kalen Ballage, RB, Miami Dolphins
Kalen Ballage played as part of a committee in college and figures to do the same in the pros alongside Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore. If he can somehow usurp Gore, Ballage can be an upside pick in the latter rounds. If not, he can remain on the waiver wire.
4.32 – Jaleel Scott, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Jaleel Scott combines a long frame with decent speed for a 6’6” receiver. However, he is a project that is buried on the Ravens’ depth chart. He is intriguing in dynasty formats but can be safely ignored in redraft leagues.
4.33 – J’Mon Moore, WR, Green Bay Packers
J’Mon Moore has tremendous agility and an elite catch radius. Moore steps into a great situation with the Green Bay Packers. Moore has a chance to help the Packers replace the released Jordy Nelson. Moore is still a bit raw and will lack week-to-week consistency, but he has huge upside towards the end of 2018 fantasy drafts.
4.34 – Chase Edmonds, RB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals drafted Chase Edmonds to help fortify their running back group behind David Johnson. Edmonds could be a decent handcuff as a likely replacement for Kerwynn Williams, but he does not have any standalone value.
4.37 – Dalton Schultz, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Dalton Schultz is not the flashiest tight end and does not have elite skills, but he suddenly finds himself thrust into an enviable (fantasy-wise, at least) position as Jason Witten’s likely replacement in Dallas. Schultz is still not a TE1, but he should be a decent option for those in leagues that start two tight ends.
5.07 – Justin Watson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Justin Watson is a physical receiver who has excellent speed and burst. Watson makes for a very intriguing dynasty pick. However, he will be buried on Tampa Bay’s depth chart at wideout and thus is not an option for 2018 redraft leagues.
5.19 – Troy Fumagalli, TE, Denver Broncos
Troy Fumagalli has a nice catch radius and could carve himself out a minimal role in the Denver passing attack, but it is not enough to draft him in fantasy.
5.20 – Tyler Conklin, TE, Minnesota Vikings
Tyler Conklin is the latest in a growing line of basketball players who have made the transition to NFL tight end. Conklin is an interesting prospect but will not have any fantasy value as long as mainstay Kyle Rudolph is in Minnesota.
5.22 – Daurice Fountain, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Daurice Fountain is 6’2” with long arms and huge hands. He has the ability to make a name for himself in the NFL as a situational deep threat. However, he struggles to separate from defenders and is not likely to be a reliable weekly option this season.
5.25 – Jordan Lasley, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Jordan Lasley had an excellent junior season at UCLA, but he lacks strength and agility. Lasley also struggles with drops and has had off-field issues. There is no reason to expect Lasley to make any noise in fantasy circles this season.
5.28 – Jaylen Samuels, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaylen Samuels is not your typical running back. He is more of a hybrid running back/wide receiver/tight end. He is a capable offensive piece, but does not figure to have much of a role in a Pittsburgh offense that is pretty clearly defined.
5.32 – Jordan Wilkins, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Jordan Wilkins joins Nyheim Hines as running backs selected by the Indianapolis Colts. Wilkins is probably better suited than Hines for an early-down role, but lacks Hines’ speed and upside. I do not think Wilkins is worth a look in fantasy leagues this season.
5.34 – Mike White, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Mike White has a huge arm and good size, but he is not on the fantasy radar as a third-string NFL quarterback.
5.37 – Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Green Bay Packers
Marquez Valdes-Scantling is 6’4” and runs a 4.37. That alone will earn him multiple looks at the NFL level. However, his ball skills and route running leave a lot to be desired. He could develop into a decent wide receiver, but it will not happen this year.
6.01 – Damion Ratley, WR, Cleveland Browns
Damion Ratley earned himself a chance at a job with an excellent showing at his Pro Day, but he is extremely raw and is not likely to see significant snaps in 2018 with the Cleveland Browns.
6.02 – John Kelly, RB, Los Angeles Rams
John Kelly hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow Tennessee Volunteer Alvin Kamara. Kelly will fall short of making the kind of impact this season that Kamara made last season, but he is an excellent pass catcher and has drawn comparisons to Kareem Hunt and Devonta Freeman. Kelly can make an impact as the shiny new toy in Sean McVay’s explosive offense. I would feel confident selecting John Kelly as a bench player who has the potential to be much more than that if things break his way.
6.11 – Deon Cain, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Deon Cain is a solid wide receiver who has above-average size, speed, and separation skills. I believe Cain is more likely to make an impact for Indianapolis in 2018 than fifth-round pick Daurice Fountain. Cain may be a worthwhile flier late in drafts on the chance he earns reps opposite T.Y. Hilton.
6.13 – Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, Buffalo Bills
Ray-Ray McCloud is a decent playmaker who can catch and run, but I question his ability to make an impact at the next level. He is undersized and does not have great quickness. Despite Buffalo’s questionable receiving corps, McCloud is unlikely to contribute much in 2018.
6.17 – Dylan Cantrell, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Dylan Cantrell combines a large frame with exceptional athleticism. His measurables earned him the highest marks of any wide receiver according to 3sigmaathlete.com. Cantrell projects as a possession receiver and could help fill the void left by the loss of Antonio Gates. I like Dylan Cantrell as a flier late in drafts.
6.20 – Russell Gage, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Russell Gage is a converted defensive back who makes his bones as a gunner on special teams. The end.
6.25 – Luke Falk, QB, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee selected Luke Falk with the 199th overall pick, the same slot that produced Tom Brady. That is where the comparisons end. If Tennessee is lucky, Falk will never see the field in a meaningful spot.
6.27 – Boston Scott, RB, New Orleans Saints
Boston Scott will not have much of a chance to make an impact behind Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara but can one day hope to etch out a Darren Sproles-like role in Sean Payton’s offense. For now, though, Scott is safe to ignore.
6.29 – Tanner Lee, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tanner Lee will likely be the Jacksonville Jaguars’ third-string quarterback.
6.30 – Trenton Cannon, RB, New York Jets
Trenton Cannon posted impressive measurables at his Pro Day but is undersized and is not guaranteed a roster spot with the New York Jets.
6.33 – Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Green Bay Packers
Last year, Green Bay selected a trio of running backs in Day 3. This year, they turned that focus to their group of wide receivers. Equanimeous St. Brown is probably the most polished of the group. He runs crisp routes and has a high ceiling if he can beat out the other rookies and gain time opposite Davante Adams. St. Brown has a chance to be an incredible value in 2018 fantasy drafts.
6.34 – Cedrick Wilson, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Cedrick Wilson is an ex-quarterback who has decent size and speed but needs to add some bulk to his frame. Wilson could be an asset to Dallas’ thin receiving corps in the future but is unlikely to be much of a factor in 2018.
6.36 – Braxton Berrios, WR, New England Patriots
Braxton Berrios is a small (5’8”) wide receiver who lacks speed and burst and has tiny arms. As a member of the New England Patriots, he will likely make multiple Pro Bowls and wind up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
6.37 – Jordan Thomas, TE, Houston Texans
After selecting Jordan Akins in Round 3, Houston doubled down on guys named Jordan who used to play other sports. Thomas has good size, but that’s about it. He does not figure to be long for the NFL.
7.01 – Danny Etling, QB, New England Patriots
Danny Etling will spend the season behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer. He will not see the light of day in New England.
7.02 – Alex McGough, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Alex McGough will compete with Stephen Morris for third-string reps in Seattle.
7.06 – Javon Wims, WR, Chicago Bears
Javon Wims is a poor route runner who struggles in press coverage. He is decent after the catch but does not have a lot of upside and is a nonfactor in 2018 fantasy drafts.
7.08 – David Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
David Williams is an early-down plodder who lacks agility and burst. He is not a fantasy prospect.
7.10 – Marcell Ateman, WR, Oakland Raiders
Marcell Ateman has decent size and ball skills but lands in a tough spot in Oakland, where he will be way behind established veterans like Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, and Martavis Bryant. Ateman should not see the field much if at all in 2018.
7.18 – Bo Scarbrough, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Bo Scarbrough struggled due to injuries this season but has shown flashes of potential in the past. He has elite burst and speed and has the potential to be a useful early-down back. Unfortunately, he will not get much of a chance to highlight his skills behind Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas. Scarbrough could be a viable handcuff if he can beat out Rod Smith for the backup job.
7.19 – Nick Bawden, RB, Detroit Lions
Nick Bawden is an elite blocker at fullback and a decent pass catcher but is not a consistent offensive threat.
7.22 – Richie James, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Richie James is an adept playmaker who caught over 100 passes in his first two seasons at Middle Tennessee. James is unlikely to beat out Trent Taylor and fellow rookie Dante Pettis for playing time, making him a fantasy nonentity this season.
7.31 – Logan Woodside, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Logan Woodside profiles as a backup quarterback who won’t embarrass himself if pressed into action.
7.32 – Ryan Izzo, TE, New England Patriots
Ryan Izzo caught just 56 passes in four seasons and will hope to make the New England Patriots’ roster as a blocking tight end.
7.33 – Justin Jackson, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Jackson became the second player in Big Ten history to record at least 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four collegiate seasons. Jackson might stick due to his athleticism and ability to catch the football, but will likely be fighting Austin Ekeler for scraps behind Melvin Gordon.
7.35 – Auden Tate, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Auden Tate is a big target (6’5”) with a huge catch radius but is not a great athlete and struggles to take advantage of that size. The Bengals have yet to find a suitable complement to star wideout A.J. Green, but Tate is unlikely to see any meaningful action in 2018.
7.37 – Austin Proehl, WR, Buffalo Bills
Austin Proehl is slight, but is extremely agile and has strong bloodlines, as his father Ricky carved out a very nice career as an NFL wide receiver. Proehl figures to do battle with fellow Buffalo draftee Ray-Ray McCloud and Jeremy Kerley to be the Bills’ primary target in the slot. Whoever wins that competition could be worthy of bye-week consideration in PPR leagues.
7.38 – Trey Quinn, WR, Washington Redskins
Mr. Irrelevant is actually a halfway decent prospect. Quinn has excellent hands and has proven to be a serviceable slot receiver. However, Jamison Crowder is firmly entrenched as Washington’s primary slot target, deeming Quinn, well, irrelevant.