Preseason football is in full swing and so is fantasy football draft season. After spending the entire offseason prognosticating about running back roles and draft values, we have finally gotten our first glimpses into how players may be used. Or at least we think we have.
Who will lead the committee in Philadelphia? It looks like it could be Kenneth Gainwell, if you subscribe to the idea that coaches won’t play their starters in the first preseason game. Then again, maybe Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift both needed to play because they were new to the system. Either way, fantasy football managers took note and draft values changed. Javonte Williams took snaps this weekend, which is an encouraging sign, and a couple of veteran free-agent signings also impacted draft day values.
Here are the biggest risers and fallers in average draft position (ADP) since August 14. You may have to move a few players up your board if you want to draft them, while a few others are falling into more of a value tier.
ADP Risers
Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots
Current ADP 148
Former ADP 175
The veteran running back signed a one year contract with the Patriots last week and is expected to steal goal-line touches from Rhamondre Stevenson (who makes the Fallers list here).
Deuce Vaughn, Cowboys
Current ADP 190
Former ADP 212
Who is going to spell Tony Pollard? Maybe it’s Deuce Vaughn, who has looked impressive in both preseason games.
Khalil Herbert, Bears
David Banks/USA Today Sports
Current ADP 96
Former ADP 112
Herbert made a big splash-play in his first preseason game, catching his single target and taking it 56 yards to the house. He also rushed four times for 15 yards on the ground.
Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles
Current ADP 145
Former ADP 159
Gainwell didn’t take a single snap in the first preseason game, causing those of us at home to wonder if he was going to be the leader of this committee in Philadelphia. He’s also taking the majority of first-team snaps at practice, suggesting Gainwell could be the best value of this committee even at an ADP of 145.
Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, Dolphins
Mostert Current ADP 144
Moster Former ADP 158
Wilson Current ADP 167
Wilson Former ADP 177
I have grouped these two veterans together as they are in a full-blown committee. Their ADP bump has everything to do with the fact that Miami didn’t sign Dalvin Cook and then promising rookie De’Von Achane left the field on a cart this weekend.
James Cook, Bills
Current ADP 77
Former ADP 85
Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey is talking up Cook’s three-down upside, which is great for PPR, and Damien Harris is likely more of the veteran that will get the tough early-down work.
Jaylen Warren, Steelers
Current ADP 126
Former ADP 134
Warren has simply been too impressive, both last season and in the preseason, not to steal a few touches from Najee Harris this year. At minimum, he’s a handcuff for a bell-cow back.
Dalvin Cook, Jets
Current ADP 93
Former ADP 99
The veteran has found a new home in New York where the threat of Aaron Rodgers keeping the ground game in play. However, the threat of Breece Hall could be a bigger issue. Hopefully we will know more after Tuesday’s Hard Knocks.
ADP Fallers
D’Onta Foreman, Bears
Current ADP 174
Former ADP 162
Khalil Herbert made the bigger impression in preseason and is expected to lead this backfield committee. And with buzz about rookie Roschon Johnson, that lowers Foreman’s value even more.
Breece Hall, Jets
Ed Mulholland/USA TODAY Sports
Current ADP 44
Former ADP 34
The signing of Dalvin Cook has caused the promising sophomore’s ADP to drop; however, Hall looked sharp in practice this week and is expected to be ready for Week 1. I am pouncing on this value.
Damien Harris, Bills
Current ADP 135
Former ADP 126
James Cook is expected to be ”the guy” and Harris has been dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of practice.
Rashaad Penny, Eagles
Current ADP 110
Former ADP 103
Injury concerns, a committee approach and appearances in both preseason games have caused Penny’s ADP to dip.
Miles Sanders, Panthers
Current ADP 71
Former ADP 64
A groin injury is expected to keep Miles Sander sidelined until Week 1, causing fantasy managers to feel squeamish at his previous ADP.
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots
The honeymoon is over for those who thought Stevenson would have the entire backfield to himself in New England. Ezekiel Elliott is expected to vulture Stevenson’s goal-line value.
