Last Minute Late Round Fliers
Now that the pre-season is complete and final cuts have been made, it’s time to prepare for the draft season's final stretch run. Everyone can easily handle the first ten rounds of your fantasy draft, but you can set your team up for future prosperity by drafting the right flier at the end of your drafts. This may vary by league size, but what you want to do is focus on drafting players who are an injury away in the depth chart from making a significant fantasy impact or a contributing player in a good offense that isn’t starting with a large role. Hopefully, these players will be available later in your upcoming drafts.
Jaylen Wright, RB Miami Dolphins
I know what you’re thinking why would I want to draft the third-string running back from the Dolphins? Well if you don’t draft him now you are going to miss out on potential league-winning talent for free. All rookie Jaylen Wright has done during the preseason is electrify the Dolphins offense when given the chance. Wright is a dual-threat player that many compare to fellow Tennessee Volunteer Alvin Kamara. Sure Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane are ahead of him on the depth chart but they both have injury concerns, especially Mostert. There are already reports that Wright will have a significant role in 2024. With his current ADP at 140.5 definitely consider adding him to your roster on the bench to start the year.
Bucky Irving, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another running back that you must come out of your draft with is Bucky Irving. Irving is an excellent all-around back that can pass protect, which is huge for rookie runners to get playing time. In college, he accumulated 2,937 yards rushing, 785 yards receiving on 95 catches and 20 total touchdowns. Only Rachaad White stands in Irving’s way to glory. White was very helpful for fantasy managers last season but that was mainly due to him not having any competition in the backfield. Through two seasons, White is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. Look for Irving to gradually increase his role in the offense as the season progresses. Irving is currently going between the 14th and 15th rounds at pick 172.
Ja’Lynn Polk, WR New England Patriots
Will the Patriots’ WR1 please stand up? Although there has been a huge turnover in the Patriots' hierarchy and talent, someone needs to step up and become the top dog of this receiving corps. With Kendrick Bourne on the PUP list still recovering from a torn ACL, only Demario “Pop” Douglas is the main wide receiver returning for the Patriots this Fall. This led New England to use a high second-round pick to draft Ja’Lynn Polk. In his final collegiate season with Washington, Polk brought in 69 receptions for 1,169 yards and nine touchdowns. Throughout training camp, Polk has been turning heads and even received some love from head coach Jerod Mayo when recently claimed that he has been very impressed with the rookie’s impact. With Douglas mainly playing the slot, look for Polk to make plays all over the field leading him to ultimately becoming New England’s WR1 of the future. He currently has an ADP of 174 making him an excellent flier in the 15th round.
Jalen McMillan, WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another Buccaneer that I’ve been constantly drafting at the tail end of my deeper league drafts is Jalen McMillan. The rookie wideout has already secured a starting role as Tampa Bay’s third receiver. McMillan was part of the Washington Huskies high octane offense over the last three seasons. With his versatility, he can line up all over the offense and is the heir apparent to Chris Godwin. Tampa’s slot man is in the final year of his contract and many think this is his final season with the Bucs. McMillan is coming off the board practically free, with an ADP of 252 with big upside.
What late-round fliers are you looking to draft at the end of your drafts? If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions you can reach me on Twitter @smooth1074.
