Fantasy fans now have a clear look at how all 32 NFL teams stack up as we head into the summer months, which makes average draft position (ADP) values closer to what they’ll be in actual fantasy drafts. After all, draft season is almost here! With that said, let’s look at ADPs at Underdog and check out which players’ values have risen lately. The best-ball drafts I’ve examined have occurred in the last week, so it’s the most up to date information available right now.
Here are 10 of the biggest best-ball risers, in order of the most recent ADP data.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons
ADP: 7.8
This should come as a surprise to no one, as Robinson is considered the best rookie in the 2023 class (and it’s not close). In fact, he is currently the second running back coming off the board on average at Underdog, behind only Christian McCaffrey! You might think that’s a bit too high for a player who’s never played a down in the NFL, but it’s proof positive that Robinson’s value is skyrocketing.
Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers
ADP: 9.7
Ekeler has moved back up a few spots into the top three at running back, which of course coincides with the increased contract incentives he’s reached with the Chargers. Let’s not forget, no runner in the league has scored more total touchdowns or fantasy points in the last two seasons than Ekeler, so he’s proven to be a star. He’ll be a top-10 overall pick in best-ball leagues.
Chris Olave, WR, Saints
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
ADP: 20.7
Olave has moved into the top 12 among fantasy wide receivers, ahead of the likes of DeVonta Smith, Tee Higgins and DK Metcalf. I’m not sure I’m as bullish on Olave with Michael Thomas back in the fold, though who knows how many games we can actually depend on Thomas playing this season. Regardless, Olave is making a move upward in the minds of best-ball participants in recent weeks.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
ADP: 32.2
Jackson’s stock is on the rise after he re-upped with the Ravens, as he’s now the fourth quarterback off the board behind only Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen. It’ll be interesting to see what their offense looks like under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, as the Ravens will throw the ball more often than under previous OC Greg Roman. Still, Jackson is a mover in best-ball formats.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Jaguars
ADP: 32.7
Best ballers don’t seem to be worried about the fact that Ridley hasn’t played much football in the last two years, as he’s coming off the board in the top three rounds on average. What’s more, Ridley is going ahead of Deebo Samuel, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins. He’s still in the prime of his career at the age of 28, so Ridley could emerge as Jacksonville’s top fantasy wideout.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, free agent
ADP: 39.8
This seems strange because Hopkins was just released by the Cardinals and is currently without a team. Still, best ballers are drafting him higher on average in the last week. Maybe that’s because managers are expecting him to land with either the Chiefs or Bills, who are among my five best fantasy landing spots for Hopkins. Stay tuned, everyone.
Marquise Brown, WR, Cardinals
Michael Chow/USA Today Sports
ADP: 69.7
This isn’t a surprising move for Brown, who is now the No. 1 wideout in Arizona after the release of Hopkins. He was a fantasy star during the first six games of last year when Hopkins was suspended, averaging more than 18 PPR points. Over the final six games, all with Hopkins on the field, Brown’s stats dropped to below eight points. His stock could rise even more in the coming weeks.
Rachaad White RB, Buccaneers
ADP: 80
White’s stock is on the rise after the Buccaneers released Leonard Fournette and didn’t draft a running back to replace him. In fact, White doesn’t have significant competition for the top spot on the depth chart at this point. That could change of course, but for now White is in the RB2 conversation. He’s being picked ahead of James Conner, David Montgomery and Javonte Williams.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Vikings
ADP: 82
Mattison, the current No. 2 running back in Minnesota, is being drafted ahead of projected starters like Conner, Montgomery, Javonte Williams and James Cook. That’s due to the possibility that the Vikings will move on from current starter Dalvin Cook, which would leave Mattison as the team’s unquestioned starter. In that sort of scenario, Mattison would be a solid No. 2 fantasy back.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts
Richardson is considered a breakout candidate in fantasy leagues, as the mobile Florida product is considered one of the most athletic quarterbacks to come out of college maybe ever. That’s obvious in his ADP, as Richardson is coming off the board as the QB10, ahead of the likes of Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa and Kirk Cousins. He’s maybe the biggest boom-bust pick in 2023.
