Veteran Players Who Could Lose Value After The Draft
by Alan Seslowsky

Every year after free agency there are veterans who look like they are set up for fantasy success. RosterWatch has identified a list of players who are vulnerable to having their fantasy value negatively impacted if their team drafts a rookie with a premium pick.

 

Ronald Jones, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jones is the most likely starting RB likely to lose value after the draft. He has largely disappointed during his first two seasons in the NFL. Tampa Bay is sitting in the pole position to draft a pro-ready runner, with pick number 45 overall.

 

Darrell Henderson, RB L.A. Rams

When Todd Gurley was released by the Rams, Henderson’s ADP shot up to the 7th round of best ball drafts. He is getting picked as if there is no threat to a healthy market share of touches. RosterWatch believes LA is a prime candidate to take a runner with a meaningful pick. This would be “nuclear vaporization” to Henderson’s fantasy outlook. The Ram’s first pick is number 52 overall. There are likely to be very appealing RB options at that spot.

 

Damien Williams, RB Kansas City Chiefs

Damien Williams is not a special talent. RosterWatch analysts believe there is a better than 50% chance The Chiefs could use a premium pick on a running back. Pick 32 overall, in the first round, is certainly a possibility. The next pick they own is number 63, and could still be looking at a running back more talented than Williams.

 

Dante Pettis, WR San Francisco 49ers

Last preseason, Head Coach Mike Shanahan didn’t hide his disappointment for then-2nd year WR Dante Pettis. Demotion down the depth chart, public criticism, and lack of involvement in the offense throughout the season, are clear signals the 49ers are going to attack the WR position. San Fran traded away DeForest Buckner to acquire the 13th overall pick from the Indianapolis Colts. They very likely could use that pick on a top WR prospect. This all bodes extremely poorly for Pettis.

 

Tyrell Williams, WR Las Vegas Raiders

Tyrell “The Gazelle” may have been the number 1 WR on The Raiders in 2019 in name only. Tight End Darren Waller led the teams in receptions (92) and receiving yards (1,145.) Then-rookie Hunter Renfrow had more catches than Williams as well. Raiders GM Mike Mayock identified WR as a prime position of need for the upcoming draft. Las Vegas owns the 12th overall pick and are likely to draft the first WR off the board. No matter which style wideout the Raiders take, Tyrell Williams is the most likely player to move down the target projection list.

 

Allen Lazard, WR Green Bay Packers

A feel-good story from the 2019 season, there is no denying his 6’5″, 227 lbs. frame is impressive. RosterWatch scouts did not think Lazard stood out at the 2018 Senior Bowl, but interestingly Lazard was good enough to play ahead of college standout Hakeem Butler at Iowa State. Pass catching is one of Green Bay’s biggest needs. It is reasonable to project they will take a WR in the first round (30th overall.) They also need a TE, but none of the 2020 class appears to first-round worthy. RosterWatch is projecting pro-ready Justin Jefferson from LSU to go off the board around the time the Packers select. This would be kryptonite to Allen Lazard‘s fantasy prospects.

 

Todd Gurley, RB Atlanta Falcons

There is a lot of market optimism about Todd Gurley from a fantasy perspective. The must-win-now front office gave Gurley a one-year deal, which indicates they are going to run him until the wheels fall off. His 4th round ADP makes his well-documented downside palatable. However, the Falcons own pick 47 overall and could draft an elite RB prospect in that spot.