Take These Late Round Rookies To Win Your Draft!
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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.
Target late-round wide receivers like Elijah Surratt and Antonio Williams who have clear roles in teams moving away from three-wide sets.
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.
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.
Elijah Surratt’s 2.71 yards per route run and 14% first down rate make him a top-tier slot receiver with elite efficiency.
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
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Host
Elijah Surratt
person
Jonah Coleman
person
Antonio Williams
person
Nick Singleton
person
Tanner Koziel
person
Skyler Bell
person
Catron Allen
person
Eli Raritan
person
Justin Jolly
person
Sean Payton
person
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