Every year, we put together a DO NOT DRAFT list that is basically hating on some players, but in the service of trying to get you to win a title.
Too often, we’re caught being negative in fantasy football. But that’s how it is, right? You have to avoid the busts if you want a chance for a trophy, so weighing upside in sleepers against players with downside is part of the game.
So as we’ve done in years past, we’re doing a DO DRAFT list, a look at the players I love — irrationally or otherwise — heading into draft season.
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Let’s go:
1
RB Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 28: Isiah Pacheco #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
I don’t get why he’s rated so low in cheat sheets. Dude gets the ball in the red zone, he catches passes, he’s a solid runner … and Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a distant second on the depth chart. I will be drafting him where I can this year.
2
WR Tank Dell, Houston Texans
Sep 24, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Tank Dell (3) during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, Nico Collins is WR1. Yes, Stefon Diggs will get his looks.
But I think C.J. Stroud loves throwing to Tank. So, I’ll grab him at a discount.
3
WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 22: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs participates in OTA Offseason workouts at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex on May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Obviously, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice will get looks, and when Hollywood Brown is healthy, so will he. But the Chiefs didn’t draft the speedster in the first round earlier this year for nothing. He might be a big-play threat for a team that desperately needs it.
4
QB Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Sep 25, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles out of the pocket as Los Angeles Rams defender Aaron Donald (99) chases him at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-Arizona Republic
What is there NOT to love? He’ll throw touchdowns. He’ll run a lot. He’s got a better set of weapons than you think. I’m in!
5
RB Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
Nov 19, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs with the ball past Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, Najee Harris is still there. But talent wins out. And Warren has LOADS of talent.
6
WR Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers
Nov 20, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (5) celebrates scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs with quarterback Justin Herbert (10) at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
I know the Chargers will run the ball a bunch. But at some point, Justin Herbert will have to throw to someone he trusts. Is that rookie Ladd McConkey? New addition DJ Chark Jr.? Second-year WR Quentin Johnston?
Nope. It’ll be Palmer. Thank me later.
7
RB Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) breaks the tackle of Denver Broncos cornerback Fabian Moreau (23) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Alexander Mattison doesn’t inspire confidence. Ameer Abdullah doesn’t either. White looked good last season. There you go.
8
TE Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
Oct 26, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
OK, so Dawson Knox is still there. But there are so many targets up for grabs with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis gone. I bet Kincaid gets a bunch.
