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Field YatesESPN Insider
I’m a firm believer that there is hardly a player in fantasy football I will not draft. There’s way too much unpredictability in the game to avoid players at all costs — it’s just about the right cost.
But the point of this piece is to identify players I am motivated to draft based on my personal outlook for the season and their current average draft positions (ADP). These aren’t names you haven’t heard of or sleepers — these are household names in some cases — but you can find our picks for sleepers and more in our ESPN Fantasy Draft Kit.
Let’s take a look at Field’s Favorites.
Note: Current average draft positions (ADP) are as of 10 pm ET on Monday, Aug. 29.
Russell Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos (ADP: 84.8, QB11)
The notion of Wilson finishing as a top-five quarterback this season isn’t preposterous — it’s plausible. Wilson, who had an eight-year run of top-10 finishes at the position that included being the highest-scoring quarterback in all of fantasy in 2017, takes command of a Broncos offense with two exceptional receivers in Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, comparable to his time in Seattle with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Prior to last season, Wilson averaged just over 500 rushing yards per season, as his mobility helps raise his floor and ceiling. Playing in a conference where offense is everywhere, the Broncos will have to throw a ton.
Leonard Fournette, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ADP: 20.8, RB10)
Fournette finished in the top four last season in running back targets, receptions and receiving yards, numbers that figure to sustain as the lead back in a high-octane Tampa Bay offense. He was the third-highest-scoring running back prior to his injury late last season, and while his passing game value is elite, his rushing is important: He had 20 goal-to-go touches last season, 11 more than any other Buccaneer . He’s in line for another major year.
Hunter Renfrow, WR, Las Vegas Raiders (ADP: 78.1, WR32)
There are some things working against Renfrow this season that have mitigated the optimism after his breakout season in 2021: Davante Adams’ arrival and Darren Waller’s return, most notably. But there’s something I just keep coming back to that makes me want to push Renfrow way up my rankings: he’s a stone cold baller. He’s a route-running magician who has the respect of defensive backs all over the league, and maybe the pieces around him actually lead to more favorable opportunities. Additionally, it’s my belief we’re going to see a few more teams consistently churn out three fantasy-relevant pass-catchers with offensive firepower all over the NFL.
Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos (ADP: 57.3, WR23)
Sutton is such a good player, but he has been let down for much of his career by substandard quarterback play. Now he’ll play alongside Wilson, one of the best deep throwers in the NFL. Sutton led all players in the NFL in 2021 in terms of air yards per target, as he is among the best vertical receivers in the league. It’s a perfect match, and the reports from the training camp suggest an early rapport has quickly developed. While I’m convinced both Sutton and Jeudy have a real shot at finishing as top-20 wideouts this year, I lean — slightly — toward Sutton as the best bet to lead the duo in fantasy points.
Gabriel Davis, WR, Buffalo Bills (ADP: 68.7, WR25)
Fantasy analysis is a blend of several factors, including numbers and instincts. The numbers for Davis prior to the playoffs last year aren’t eye-popping, but his four-touchdown performance against the Chiefs in the divisional round was a PSA that he’s ready for liftoff this season. I’ll boil it down simply: He’s a physically imposing 6-foot-2 red zone threat who plays with the quarterback I predict as the NFL’s MVP this season. Beyond the red zone upside, Davis has a real shot to be the team’s second-highest-targeted player and has flashed throughout training camp. I’m bullish on the player and see top-15 wide receiver upside.
Dalton Schultz, TE, Dallas Cowboys (ADP: 63.9, TE6)
While 2021 was his best season yet, Schultz has produced as one of the game’s best tight ends for a two-year stretch — he’s not a fluke. He had 10 games in 2021 with at least five catches while playing in an offense that included Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson Jr. and a healthy Michael Gallup. Cooper and Wilson are gone, while Gallup (ACL) is likely to miss time early in the year. It should come as no surprise if Schultz surpasses the 80-catch mark this year and finishes second for the Cowboys in targets. He’s an awesome safety valve for Dak Prescott and a strong value for fantasy managers.
Robert Woods, WR, Tennessee Titans (ADP: 120.8, WR46)
I’m a huge fan of Woods as a player in general, but I really love the situation he finds himself in right now…even as he returns from an ACL tear in the middle of last season. Woods is slated to play a huge role for the Titans’ passing game following the departure of AJ Brown this offseason. While Tennessee is as run-heavy as any offense in the league, Woods could command a target share that approaches 25% and yields him yet another 90-catch, 1,000-plus-yard season. While touchdown upside has never been a major strength of Woods’ game, given that he’s going in the 13th round on average, it would be hard to argue against a player who could slide into your flex slot weekly.
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