Draft season is in full swing, and players who were sleepers a week ago might be going much higher these days because of the preseason and wall-to-wall fantasy coverage. It’s also important to remember that talent isn’t everything; coaches and injuries play a major role in determining what happens on draft day and beyond.
Here are five players who have seen their stock rise thanks to an injury or a coach who believes in them. All average draft position (ADP) numbers are courtesy of FantasyPros.com.
Davante Adams, WR, Packers (ADP: 75)
Jordy Nelson’s season-ending injury stinks for the Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers, but it ripped Adams right off everyone’s deep sleeper list, and thrust him into the top-30 among wide receivers. This man put up unreal numbers in college—131 catches, 1,719 yards and 24 touchdowns in his final year at Fresno State—and solid production for a rookie third option last year (38 catches, 446 yards, three touchdowns).
In fact, he may still be a cheap buy as the No. 28 receiver off the board. He has arguably the top QB in the NFL throwing it his way, and Randall Cobb can’t catch everything.
Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers (ADP: 46)
Olsen is getting a big boost because he’s suddenly the clear-cut No. 1 option for QB Cam Newton in Carolina’s passing game. Olsen had a career-year in 2014 with 83 catches and 1,008 yards. He should blow past those numbers this year with the next-best option being second-round rookie Devin Funchess.
Still, taking Olsen this high is probably a mistake. Even if he is the second-best tight end in fantasy—and he probably won’t be thanks to Jimmy Graham—picking him ahead of starting running backs and No. 1 wide receivers is not a smart way to build a deep roster.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions (ADP: 66)
Abdullah was not one of the most talked about rookies before the NFL Draft. That honor belonged to Todd Gurley (Rams) and Melvin Gordon (Chargers). Abdullah has the buzz now though, and he’s passed his backfield mate Joique Bell in ADP because Bell’s missed the preseason until Tuesday, when he was activated off the PUP list.
The damage may be done though. Abdullah has already shown he is faster and quicker than Bell, and he’s healthier too. Bell might hang on to the starting job at the outset because of his veteran status, but make no mistake, this job will be Abdullah’s in no time. Draft him here comfortably.
Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers (ADP: 65)
V-Jax had a down year in 2014, scoring just two touchdowns and annoying his owners. At SWN though, we’ve preached patience with V-Jax; he had awful quarterback play holding him back, and bad TD luck His receptions (70) and receiving yards (1,002) are right around his career norms. Mike Evans’ hamstring problems have owners looking hard at Jackson again, and realizing he’s not a bad option.
Tyrod Taylor, QB, Bills (ADP: 234)
Taylor is a no-name to most fantasy players, but he will be one of the fastest, if not the fastest, players at the quarterback position in 2015. Rex Ryan loves the speed and running threat Taylor provides, and in four-point passing TD leagues QBs that can run have much more value.
Taylor has LeSean McCoy in his backfield to take pressure off him, and a top WR in Sammy Watkins at his disposal. Taylor is a solid QB2 in leagues where you start two, and a decent flier in the last three rounds.
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