Value Picks

Thu Jun 5 10:37am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Ridley could rack up the targets


It is early but trends are forming. You are starting to get a good feel for ADP, seeing where players are normally getting selected. And we think some are really good value right now. Things could change some as the season gets closer but the following players could end up being great gets for fantasy owners. Their current ADP is in parenthesis after their name.

Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets (39.14). Wilson was a hot pick last year because Aaron Rodgers was throwing him passes. Well, Rodgers and the entire Jets offense was a bust but that didn’t stop Wilson from having his first season with 100-plus receptions. He was still an elite fantasy option. This year, he gets college teammate Justin Fields throwing him passes and will be the clear top option in the offense with Davante Adams gone. With that all said, he is going even later in drafts, falling to the fourth round in most drafts. This seems like an insane value for Wilson, who is capable of being a top-five fantasy receiver.

Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans (83.33). Ridley had quarterback issues to deal with in Tennessee last year but still managed to produce well once again. He hit the 1,000-yard mark and was 27th overall in fantasy receiver scoring. He is going to be the clear top target in this offense and gets a new quarterback with a ton of potential in Cam Ward throwing him passes. Things are looking up for Ridley and you can get him cheap, going in the seventh or so round of most drafts. You won’t find many No. 1 receivers for teams going that late. Ridley could have a career-best season with the way things are setup for him.

Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers (123.43). The quarterback position is really deep this year in fantasy season and Herbert is a good example of this, being the 13th quarterback off the board right now. He started the year slow last season but still ended up 12th in fantasy quarterback scoring. After Week 7, Herbert had six of 11 games with 21-plus fantasy points. He had 26-plus fantasy points each of his last three games. Herbert has more weapons to work with in the passing game this year with the addition of a top tight end and a solid rookie receiver. Herbert can be a top-10 fantasy quarterback.  

Jordan Love, QB, Packers (142.59). Love was a disappointment for fantasy owners last year, finishing just 17th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring. Remember, he was an elite option just two years back, having 36 total touchdowns compared to 26 last year. Love is more than capable of getting it going to be a top fantasy option once again and you can get him based on what he finished last year, being the 17th quarterback drafted currently. The Packers also added some help for him at receiver, taking Matthew Golden in the draft. Love seems set for a solid rebound season.

Javonte Williams, RB, Cowboys (85.89). Williams is a risk right now but you can’t ignore that the Cowboys have very little behind him at running back. He is the clear top dog in what could be a very good offense. And how many No. 1 backs can you get in the eighth round of fantasy drafts? Not many. This makes Williams a risk worth taking for many fantasy teams. You can draft him as a player that starts the season on your bench and plays his way into the lineup if all goes well for him. Williams certainly seems worth the price at his current value.

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens (104.22). Andrews had a horrible start to his season last year but finished strong and had another really good season for fantasy owners. He had double-digit fantasy points 10 of his last 12 games, including six straight to end his season. Andrews had a career-best 11 touchdowns. He remains the starter in the Ravens top offense and is a top-10 fantasy tight end. He seems to be getting a little disrespected right now at this current ADP. If you want to wait on a tight end come draft day, Andrews seems like a great target for fantasy owners.

Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars (92.82). Etienne is another back that carries plenty of risk but his current price tag makes him worth that risk in our eyes. He is going in the eighth or ninth rounds of most drafts. Etienne remains atop the Jaguars depth chart, starting in an offense that could be much better this year. Etienne is no sure thing but much like Javonte Williams, he is great value for a player that could end up being the full-time starter. Why not take a chance on Etienne at that price tag?

Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots (99.12). Diggs signed a big deal to be the No. 1 receiver for the Patriots this year, a role they desperately need to fill. Diggs is returning from a torn ACL but has looked great in offseason workouts and could even be ready to play early in the year. Diggs should get a ton of targets as the top receiver for Drake Maye. He is getting older but has shown in recent years he can still get it done. We wouldn’t count him out for a big season in the Patriots offense. And his value is great right now because of his injury concerns, being able to get him as a WR3 for your roster.

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Browns (71.35). Jeudy finally had that big season last year, finishing 13th overall in fantasy receiver scoring. Fantasy owners don’t seem to be buying into that big season last year, though. He is going in the sixth round of most drafts. Owners seem to be worried about the quarterback situation in Cleveland and just the entire offense in general. The reason for optimism for Jeudy should be he dealt with the same stuff last year and still produced big. He remains the top target in an offense that could be playing from behind, needing to throw often. And you have to remember his fantasy numbers were held down because he found the end zone just four times. Jeudy is likely a top-10 receiver if he scores just six or seven touchdowns. Don’t be scared of drafted Jeudy because of concerns at quarterback in Cleveland. 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Chimere Dike Jun 7 2:50pm CT
Chimere Dike

The Tennessee Titans have signed fourth-round rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike to a four-year contract. Financial details have not yet been disclosed. Dike spent four seasons at Wisconsin, but culminated his collegiate career with the Florida Gators in 2024, recording 42 receptions for 783 yards and two touchdowns. The 23-year-old is a burner, capable of separating early in the route with his speed, and offers Tennessee's offense a dimension they haven't displayed in some time. It's unlikely he plays a significant role in the early going, but the Titans' WR corps doesn't offer much competition for targets behind teammates Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. Furthermore, Treylon Burks has yet to come on in his three seasons, and Dike provides more speed and explosiveness than Van Jefferson. He's a nice stash in dynasty formats for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Dillon Gabriel Jun 7 2:30pm CT
Dillon Gabriel

The Cleveland Browns have signed third-round rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel to a four-year contract. Per Sports Illustrated, the deal is worth roughly $6.2 million and includes a $1.16 million signing bonus. That leaves No. 36 overall selection, running back Quinshon Judkins, as the last pick to sign his rookie contract. Gabriel is set to battle it out with fellow signal-callers Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Shedeur Sanders for a chance at manning the helm of Cleveland's offense. Neither rookie projects to make an impact early on, though one of, if not both of them, could see snaps by season's end. Flacco figures to get the first crack at the starting job unless Pickett can outduel him leading up to the regular season. Still, unless Pickett has drastically improved from his time as a Steeler, he won't hold Gabriel or Sanders off for long. All four of them may see time on the field in 2025.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Jun 7 2:10pm CT
James Cook

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted on The Adam Schefter Podcast that he would not be surprised if Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not attend the team's mandatory minicamp next week. "I don't believe that these two sides are anywhere close to a deal at this point in time," said the NFL Insider. Cook is in the final year of his rookie deal and rightfully wants a new contract. However, he's looking to get paid upwards of $20 million annually, which would put him on par with the Eagles' Saquon Barkley. The 25-year-old was excellent in 2024, but he'll likely need to drop his expectations somewhat as he looks for a new agreement. It wouldn't be ideal for him to miss time, considering we've seen what lengthy holdouts can do to a player's early-season production. We'll learn more when Buffalo holds their next organized activities in a few days.

From RotoBaller

Luther Burden III Jun 7 12:50pm CT
Luther Burden III

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed) was still missing from offseason practices this week due to an undisclosed soft-tissue injury. It's unclear exactly what Burden is dealing with. Although he could be ready to go by training camp in late July, the 21-year-old pass-catcher is losing valuable developmental reps this offseason heading into his first NFL season in 2025. In addition to his injury, he has yet to sign his rookie contract. When healthy, Burden could be the Bears' No. 3 receiver in the slot alongside DJ Moore and second-year man Rome Odunze. He will likely be competing with Olamide Zaccheaus for the No. 3 role, but even if he wins it, Burden could be fighting an uphill battle for consistent targets in his rookie season on a Bears offense that now has six players that were former top-50 picks.

From RotoBaller

Jaquan Brisker Jun 7 12:30pm CT
Jaquan Brisker

Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) missed most of last season with a concussion. Brisker sought and underwent treatment at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he was told that he had a vestibular concussion. He retrained his nervous system after appearing in only five games in 2024. The 26-year-old is back on the field during offseason workouts, though, and has been flying around like he did before his concussion, according to The Athletic's Adam Jahns. The former second-round pick (48th overall) in 2022 will be a big piece of the secondary that the Bears will be getting back this year, as he had 100-plus combined tackles in both of his first two seasons in the NFL in 2022 and 2023. Brisker had 40 tackles (23 solo), a sack, an interception and a forced fumble in his five games last year. If fully healthy, he should be in play as a DB streamer in IDP fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Jun 7 12:20pm CT
Devaughn Vele

The Denver Post's Troy Renck writes that Denver Broncos second-year wide receiver Devaughn Vele has been turning heads during voluntary organized team activities this offseason and looks like he could be the future replacement for Courtland Sutton. The 27-year-old was a seventh-round pick (235th overall) last year out of Utah but served as the team's slot receiver in his first year in the NFL for most of 2024, finishing with 41 receptions on 55 targets for 475 yards and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games (seven starts). Vele is old for a second-year wideout, but if he continues to impress the coaching staff, he could continue to have a big role in Year 2 alongside Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr., but he's going to have to fight off Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant. The Broncos also added tight end Evan Engram, who could very well be the No. 2 receiving target for quarterback Bo Nix.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Jun 6 10:30pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins said that he changed his offseason regimen looking to prevent injuries while also focusing on both speed and strength. "Get my muscles right. Make sure I know what I'm doing muscles-wise," said Higgins, who returned to his usual offseason trainer in Miami. "I did a lot of everything. I was on the track a lot. I was in the weight room a lot weightlifting." Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson writes that the 26-year-old is looking as sleek as ever after missing five games in 2024 due to soft-tissue injuries. Despite missing five games last year, Higgins caught 73 passes (one shy of his career-high) for 911 receiving yards and a career-best 10 touchdowns in 12 games (nine starts). There will be even more expectations on Higgins to stay healthy after he signed a four-year, $115 million extension in March. Higgins has never played in a full season, but if he does, he should have a great shot at reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in six seasons.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Jun 6 10:20pm CT
Lamar Jackson

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that a contract extension for star quarterback Lamar Jackson is on the docket for the Baltimore Ravens. "We're in the introductory stage of looking at what an extension looks like," general manager Eric DeCosta said. As things stand right now, Jackson is the 10th-highest paid QB in the NFL. The 28-year-old four-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro and two-time MVP not only deserves a new contract, but the Ravens want to get one done so that they can lower his high salary cap number. If Jackson becomes the highest-paid signal-caller in the league, which is probably likely, he'll make more than $60 million per year. He was incredible last year as the QB1 in fantasy with a career-high 4,172 passing yards, 41 TDs and only four picks in 17 regular-season starts while adding 915 rushing yards and four more TDs. As long as he stays healthy, he's pretty much a lock as a top-five QB.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Jun 6 7:50pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) will not be cleared to catch passes until August. The 31-year-old wideout is working his way back from wrist surgery he underwent earlier in the offseason. This wrist injury bothered Hill at times during the 2024 campaign, but he did not miss any games. Last season, Hill had a disappointing campaign by his standards as he tallied just 959 yards and six scores on 81 receptions. Hill saw his production drop with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing time with a concussion. During his first two seasons in Miami, Hill was an elite wideout in fantasy as he tallied at least 1,700 yards per season and found the back of the end zone 21 total times. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression during training in camp, in case he faces any setbacks. If Hill were to miss time with this injury, fantasy managers should expect Jaylen Waddle and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who the team acquired in free agency, to operate as the top wideouts. Even though he had a down season in 2024, given his elite speed, Hill should be well-positioned to return to form in 2025, provided he remains fully healthy.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Jun 6 7:30pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze believes he's going to take a major step forward in his second professional season. Odunze had high expectations after being drafted as the No. 9 overall pick during last year's draft. He finished with 54 receptions, 734 yards, and three touchdowns across 17 games last season. To be fair, nothing seemed to go right for the Bears offense last season. They tried to get Odunze involved with over 100 targets, but the poor play of the offensive line made it difficult for them. Despite that, the Bears believe Odunze is a special player that can take a big leap this next season. Odunze said his goal is to get at least 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns. The Bears have added talent on offense, so we'll see if that goal is achievable, but regardless fantasy managers should probably hold Odunze and see what happens.

From RotoBaller

Keilan Robinson Jun 6 7:10pm CT
Keilan Robinson

The Philadelphia Eagles have claimed running back Keilan Robinson off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. The Jags decided to move on from Robinson after drafting him in the fifth round of last year's draft. Robinson basically only played special teams, but deserves a chance to prove himself as an offensive player. He'll have an uphill battle to earn a spot in camp, but it's possible he makes the team as a special teams player. In a corresponding move, wide receiver Ife Adeyi has been waived by the organization.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Jun 6 7:00pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey dealt with multiple injuries last season, but still only missed one game during the regular season. The rookie wideout seemed banged up throughout most of the season, but still put up strong numbers. He finished with 1,149 receiving yards with 82 receptions and seven touchdowns in 16 games (14 starts) with the Chargers last season. Now, McConkey is focusing on the art of falling down in order to protect himself from injury. McConkey wants to learn how to fall safely to avoid serious injury and stay on the field as much as possible. It's nice to see such a young player taking care of his body this early in his career. McConkey was a stud last season and his value figures to only go up.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Jun 6 3:00pm CT
Gardner Minshew II

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew II (collarbone) has been throwing during voluntary organized team activities. Minshew broke his collarbone in 2024 while with the Las Vegas Raiders and was limited to 10 games (nine starts), in which he threw for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his only year in the desert. Now that he's recovered from the injury, the 29-year-old signal-caller is expected to open the 2025 season as the backup to starter Patrick Mahomes, with Bailey Zappe likely being named the third-stringer. Minshew was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts, but he'll be off the fantasy radar completely in his seventh season in the NFL as long as Mahomes stays healthy.

From RotoBaller

Rondale Moore Jun 6 2:40pm CT
Rondale Moore

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore (knee) has been participating in the team's voluntary organized team activities. Moore didn't play at all last year with the Atlanta Falcons after suffering a season-ending knee injury before the season started. The 24-year-old pass-catcher is now healthy and is trying to carve out a depth role in his first year with Minnesota behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor. The former second-round pick (49th overall) by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 out of Purdue caught 135 passes on 182 targets for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns (one each year) in his first three years in the NFL in Arizona. Not only will Moore probably not be on the field all that much if Jefferson, Addison and Nailor stay healthy, but he could have lost notable speed after his serious knee injury. Moore is off the fantasy radar for now in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Colston Loveland Jun 6 2:30pm CT
Colston Loveland

Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) was spotted in uniform during mandatory minicamp this week and could be getting closer to a return after having shoulder surgery, according to The Athletic's Adam Jahns. "I just knew the springtime here, he wasn't going to be available," head coach Ben Johnson said, "and at some point here in camp, we should get the green light." The 21-year-old 10th overall pick back in April has been around the team, but he's missing valuable on-field reps heading into his first NFL season. The Bears obviously like the Michigan product a lot, and the pass-catching TE becomes more attractive when paired with Johnson's offensive mind. There's a lot to like about Loveland long term, but it could be difficult for him to produce consistently with Cole Kmet still around. Losing development time this offseason is not a good start.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Jun 6 2:20pm CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that rookie seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai has "really stepped up" during mandatory minicamp, including catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams during a situational drill on Wednesday. "I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he's picking things up," Johnson said of Monangai. The 23-year-old Rutgers product doesn't have excellent speed or hands for a running back, but he could be an asset for the Bears in short-yardage and goal-line situations down the road. D'Andre Swift is Chicago's clear lead back still heading into the 2025 season, but Monangai could have a real shot to battle with Roschon Johnson for the backup role. And we all know that Johnson has a history of a two-back system from his time running Detroit's offense. Monangai won't be on the redraft fantasy radar, though.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jun 6 2:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) isn't dealing with any structural damage to his surgically-repaired right shoulder after he recently reported soreness in the same arm that he had surgery on in 2023 to fix his AC joint. Richardson went hard this offseason in terms of throwing the football and reported soreness at organized team activities, causing the Colts to shut him down through next week's mandatory minicamp. For now, the former first-rounder will rest up, and he fully expects to be ready for training camp at the end of July. This doesn't mean Richardson can't still win the QB battle with Daniel Jones in camp, but it certainly doesn't help his chances and puts him behind the eight ball. Richardson has the higher fantasy ceiling than Jones for sure, but injuries and questions about him as a passer have really tanked his value going into 2025.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Jun 6 12:00pm CT
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (ankle, knee) has been taking part in voluntary organized team activities this spring after injuring his MCL and spraining his ankle in the Week 18 regular-season finale last year. Guerendo, a fourth-round pick (129th overall) in 2024, should be a full-go for the start of mandatory minicamp on June 10. All-Pro Christian McCaffrey (knee) is also back and ready to roll after missing the majority of the 2024 campaign, so Guerendo will enter the 2025 season as the backup, but Jordan Mason was traded to the Minnesota Vikings and Elijah Mitchell left in free agency. The 24-year-old Guerendo had 5.0 yards per carry on his 84 rushing attempts last year for 420 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (three starts), adding 15 catches for 152 yards through the air. Consider him a high-upside handcuff behind the injury-prone CMC.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Jun 6 11:50am CT
Evan Engram

The Denver Broncos had high hopes for tight end Evan Engram when they signed him in free agency this offseason, and they are liking what they have seen so far from him during voluntary organized team activities. Engram was limited to nine games in 2024 with the Jacksonville Jaguars due to hamstring and shoulder injuries, but he's a two-time Pro Bowler who had 114 catches for 963 yards as recently as 2023. Head coach Sean Payton has a desire to add a Joker player to the offense, and he pitched the idea to Engram before he signed. Payton said Engram has shown "real good instincts" during workouts. The 30-year-old veteran has been impressed with quarterback Bo Nix and wants to help him take the next step in his development in his second NFL season. As the potential No. 2 target behind receiver Courtland Sutton, Engram has plenty of bounce-back potential as a TE1 in 2025 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Jun 6 11:40am CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) has not been participating in voluntary organized team activities this spring after missing the final three games in 2024 due to a groin injury. However, Kamara is expected to be recovered from the injury and should be back in action for the start of mandatory minicamp from June 10-12. There's no question that the 29-year-old will remain the team's lead back under new head coach Kellen Moore, but The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Matthew Paras writes that the competition behind Kamara is wide open between Kendre Miller, rookie Devin Neal and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Kamara is nearing the dreaded 30-year-old mark for RBs, but the volume should continue to be there in 2025 to make him fantasy relevant. Injuries are becoming more of a concern, but Kamara should continue to be a stud in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller