Take These Late Round Rookies To Win Your Draft!

Upper Hand Fantasy10mMay 4, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The host of Upper Hand Fantasy argues that the real value in rookie drafts isn't in the first-round picks, but in late-round sleepers who are overlooked due to draft capital. He highlights a list of under-the-radar players across multiple positions—wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends—whose landing spots, skill sets, and team needs make them ideal targets in dynasty leagues. Key names include Antonio Williams, who could thrive in the Commanders' two-receiver sets; Elijah Surratt, whose elite route-running metrics and Ravens' clear vision for him as a slot weapon make him a high-upside pick; Nick Singleton, a three-down back with a bigger frame than Tony Pollard and a likely path to the starting role; and Jonah Coleman, whose size and receiving ability position him as a future 1A back under Sean Payton. The tight end segment features Eli Raritan, a true every-down option with a clear path to replacing Hunter Henry; Justin Jolly, a high-production receiver-type tight end who could challenge Evan Ingram; and Tanner Koziel, who ranks as the most productive tight end in the class since 2014 across multiple metrics and lands in a perfect offensive system with Liam Cohen. The episode is a masterclass in identifying players whose potential is undervalued by the market due to draft position, not performance. The core thesis is that late-round picks often outperform expectations when they land in ideal systems with clear roles and minimal competition.

Key Takeaways
1

Target late-round wide receivers like Elijah Surratt and Antonio Williams who have clear roles in teams moving away from three-wide sets.

2

Nick Singleton has a higher ceiling than Tony Pollard due to his three-down skill set and bigger frame, with a likely path to the starting role.

3

Tanner Koziel is the most productive tight end in the class since 2014 across every major receiving metric and deserves a top-tier dynasty draft pick.

4

Elijah Surratt’s 2.71 yards per route run and 14% first down rate make him a top-tier slot receiver with elite efficiency.

5

Jonah Coleman’s size and receiving ability position him as the future 1A back in Baltimore, especially if J.K. Dobbins leaves in 2027.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

The Value in Late-Round Rookies

You had guys from the last two years like Cam Scadaboo, Bucky Irving, Basial Tootin, Harold Fannin. I was high on all these guys as prospects. So I came back from this draft with 12 more names that could fit the same mold.

Highlight
1:40
2 min

Antonio Williams: The Commanders' Dual-Role Receiver

Williams, drafted in the third round, has the versatility to play both slot and outside, which gives him a higher floor in teams moving away from three-wide sets.

3:20
2 min

Elijah Surratt: The Ravens' Slot Vision

They also picked up Jacoby Lane on day two, and in my draft kit I described Lane as a raw player, and DaCosta agreed after the draft. He called him a ball of clay with a lot of upside.

Highlight
5:00
2 min

Nick Singleton: The Three-Down Back with a Bigger Frame

Singleton’s three-down skill set and larger size compared to Tony Pollard position him as the likely future lead back, especially with Pollard’s contract expiring.

6:40
2 min

Jonah Coleman: The Future 1A Back in Baltimore

He should be the goal linebacker. He can earn targets at a higher level than someone like Dobbins because of how natural and efficient he was as a receiver in college.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
know, Koziel is simply the most productive tight end in this class. The most productive tight end in my entire database that goes back to 2014.
Upper Hand Fantasy Host10:10
Viral: 90.0
He should be the goal linebacker. He can earn targets at a higher level than someone like Dobbins because of how natural and efficient he was as a receiver in college.
Upper Hand Fantasy Host3:35
Viral: 82.0
You had guys from the last two years like Cam Scadaboo, Bucky Irving, Basial Tootin, Harold Fannin. I was high on all these guys as prospects. So I came back from this draft with 12 more names that could fit the same mold.
Upper Hand Fantasy Host0:08
Viral: 78.0
Speakers

Host

Upper Hand Fantasy Host
Topics Discussed
late round rookies95%dynasty fantasy football90%wide receiver value85%tight end prospects80%draft capital vs performance75%team fit in fantasy70%yards per route run65%target rate in fantasy60%
People & Brands

Elijah Surratt

person

6xPositive

Jonah Coleman

person

5xPositive

Antonio Williams

person

4xPositive

Nick Singleton

person

4xPositive

Tanner Koziel

person

4xPositive

Skyler Bell

person

3xPositive

Catron Allen

person

3xPositive

Eli Raritan

person

3xPositive

Justin Jolly

person

3xPositive

Sean Payton

person

3xPositive

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