Veteran Players Who Won the 2021 NFL Draft

by Theo Gremminger · NFL

The 2021 NFL Draft was three days for fantasy football. The draft began like a Dynasty Superflex startup- Three quarterbacks went off the board, followed up by TE Kyle Pitts and WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle. Of the draft’s first 15 picks, 12 were on the offensive side of the ball.

While the rookies ruled the weekend, several veterans gained value based on the picks their teams made and did not make. In this article, we will take a look at a few players whose fantasy values improved.

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Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears

Simply put, Justin Fields is the best QB Allen Robinson has ever played with. When Chicago drafted Fields as the No. 11 overall selection of the NFL Draft, Robinson’s value in dynasty and redraft leagues skyrocketed. With back-to-back seasons of 150-plus targets, he’s the unquestioned alpha in an ascending offense. He was already a top 12 WR in redraft, but is now safely in the top 6, with WR1 overall potential.

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta passed on a big-time QB prospect in Justin Fields, a Georgia native that would have been a tremendous addition to any team looking to rebuild, and instead took Kyle Pitts. Instead of drafting Matt Ryan’s replacement, they added the best TE he has played with since Tony Gonzalez.

Despite being only 20 years old, Pitts immediately steps into a big role in the Atlanta attack alongside WRs Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones (provided he is not traded). These moves should answer any doubts as to Atlanta’s commitment to Ryan. Despite being 35 years old, he has job security, and the 2022 class looks to be far weaker at the QB position. For drafters who want to wait on QB, Ryan is now a consideration. 

Myles Gaskin, RB, Miami Dolphins

Despite finishing as RB12 in PPG in 2020, Myles Gaskin was considered one of the safer bets to be replaced among all starting RBs this offseason. First, there were the reports that Miami would make a solid move to sign Aaron Jones. When Jones re-signed with Green Bay, the assumption was that the Dolphins would move their focus to the draft. With the No. 18 pick, they passed on both Najee Harris and Travis Etienne to draft pass rusher Jaelan Phillips. As Day 2 began, they were looked at as a potential spot for Javonte Williams at pick No. 36, and they again passed on an RB to draft another defender in safety Jevon Holland.

Gaskin continued to dodge RB after RB all draft long. Miami did not add anyone at the RB position. His backups are currently Salvon Ahmed and free-agent signing Malcolm Brown. Gaskin is now solidly an RB2 with receiving upside in what should be a much improved Miami offense. 

Tua Tagavailoa,  QB,  Miami Dolphins

Speaking of Miami, Tua Tagavailoa is also a big winner of the draft. Earlier this offseason, Miami added Will Fuller, and this past week they used the No. 6 overall selection on the explosive Jaylen Waddle. These two players should fit in well with DeVante Parker and upgrade a previously limited part of the team. At TE, Miami drafted Hunter Long, the FBS leader for receptions among all TEs, to go with Mike Gesicki.

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Tagavailoa has weapons all over the offense now, and Ryan Fitzpatrick has signed on with Washington. This is Tua’s team, and he looks to make a big leap in Year 2.

Justin Herbert/Austin Ekeler,  QB/RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler were already tremendous values at their respective positions, but the selection of Rashawn Slater should bolster the entire Los Angeles attack. At pick No. 13, The Chargers drafted one of the best offensive linemen in this class. Slater is a strong and physical lineman that will be a foundational piece of the Chargers offense for years to come. Much like last year’s No. 13 overall pick Tristan Wirfs, we might view Slater as the steal of the entire draft a year from now.

AJ Brown, WR, Tennessee Titans

Tennessee lost WRs Corey Davis and Adam Humphries, and TE Jonnu Smith. Those three players accounted for 192 targets in 2021 for one of the least pass-heavy teams in football. Analysts predicted that the Titans would draft a WR, even as early as the first round. They waited until the fourth round to select WR Dez Fitzpatrick and added sixth-round WR Racey McMath. Neither of these players looks to be a threat to see immediate targets.

Entering his third season, A.J. Brown should see one of the highest Target Shares of any WR in football. One of the most explosive and talented WRs in the game, he averaged 17.2 (No. 7) Fantasy Points per Game last season. This year, expect him to command double-digit targets every game. He is a locked-in second round pick in redraft and a first-rounder in dynasty startups.

D’Andre Swift,  RB,  Detroit Lions

This is clearly the D’Andre Swift show in Detroit. The second year back should be bolstered by a new coaching staff that has sung his praises all offseason, and the addition of franchise LT Penei Sewell this past draft. Expect Swift to have RB1 production in 2021. This is going to be the last year you can draft him in the second round in redraft.

Lamar Jackson, QB,  Baltimore Ravens

After two disappointing season-ending playoff losses, the Ravens needed to improve their WR corps. First-rounder Rashod Bateman has WR1 potential in his career, and fourth-rounder Tylan Wallace is an intriguing pick who was drafted with an injury discount due to a previous ACL tear. Bateman is potentially the best WR that Lamar Jackson has ever played with.

Baltimore will always have a run heavy approach, but we could see a slight shift to more balance. With Bateman and Marquise Brown, Jackson will have a pair of talented young WRs. He has a chance to finish closer to his QB1 overall from 2019 than his QB10 overall finish last season.  

Mike Davis, RB,  Atlanta Falcons

Much like Myles Gaskin, free agent signing Mike Davis was viewed as a complementary piece in Atlanta when he signed this past offseason. The assumption was that Davis would either be a backup, or in a committee with a rookie. The draft has come and gone, and he is now the clear RB1 for The Falcons.

Davis filled in admirably last year in Carolina when Christian McCaffrey went down to injury and now it looks like he will see the most significant role of his entire career in his age-29 season. There is a lot of time left before opening day, and a Leonard Fournette signing with Tampa Bay type of situation can always happen, but Davis is almost at the finish line.