There’s really no type of panic like Fantasy Football Draft Panic.
Something about the running clock, the chat going wild and the list of names you’ve gone over and over again just makes your brain turn to mush. Which is exactly why we’ve put together this list of players who are getting drafted way too high.
My guy Prince Grimes put together a similar list of players who are getting drafted too low. Between the two of these posts, there’s no reason to fall into that panic trap.
Let’s dive in using FantasyPros Average Draft Position tool with standard scoring in place.
Christian McCaffrey, RB
ADP: 2.7
We’ve written about CMC plenty this preseason. The TL;DR is that he’s just downright untrustworthy, even if his upside is exceptional. Certainly he shouldn’t be going ahead of proven (and more durable) stars like Derrick Henry, Najee Harris and Cooper Kupp.
Don’t make CMC the centerpiece of your roster with a top three pick.
Saquon Barkley, RB
ADP: 18.7
Running backs are mostly overrated in fantasy football. Barkley is already a bit of question mark and not exactly worth taking when the likes of Aaron Jones, James Conner and Cam Akers are going several picks later on average.
David Montgomery, RB
ADP: 35.3
I get it. He’s the starting tailback on offense with one receiving threat in Darnell Mooney. But how often are the Bears going to be in a position to facilitate handoff after handoff? Not many if their tank goes according to plan.
Breece Hall and Elijah Mitchell should still be on the board if you’re committed to taking an RB here.
Brandin Cooks, WR
ADP: 59
Why give yourself hope that Cooks can transform back into his former self when rising stars like DeVonta Smith, Treylon Burks and Chris Olave won’t even go for a few more rounds?
Antonio Gibson, RB
ADP: 62.0
No. Just no. Let someone else fall into the trap of grabbing Gibson in the middle round. Most likely it’ll be someone who either hasn’t seen how Washington has been using him this preseason or someone who doesn’t care.
You might as well reach for Clyde Edwards-Helaire or Damien Harris—both RBs who should still be available.
Russell Wilson, QB
ADP: 79.7
You’re gonna sit there and tell me you’d rather reach for Wilson on a new team over the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Trey Lance, Derek Carr and Mac Jones in much later rounds?
Get out of here.
Justin Tucker, K
ADP: 153.3
Buddy, if you’re panicking over taking a kicker in the 12th round of a 12-team league, this list might not even benefit you. Fantasy football just might not be for you.
Go take a timeout.