Rookies Destined to be Overdrafted

Bradley Ylitalo Posted On May 13, 2018

I’m here to warn you. These players are destined to be overdrafted. Don’t be a victim of their hype. They’re all big names who look nice on paper, but I don’t see them necessarily becoming viable producers. Before you begin your rookie drafts, let’s go over some names you need to think twice about taking.

Royce Freeman, RB DEN

DLF Rookie ADP: 8

Royce Freeman is a solid talent who landed in a fantastic spot. I’m not telling you to take him off of your board. He’s clearly worth investing a first round pick in. The eighth pick though? There’s better talent available if you’re asking me. C.J. Anderson was a top ten rusher for Denver in 2017, but other than that, Bronco rushers have been fairly unreliable of late. Freeman may be able to put an end to that, but he’s not a game-breaking talent. If you draft the former Duck, you’re betting on him winning the starting job and holding on to it long-term.

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Michael Gallup, WR DAL

DLF Rookie ADP: 13

Was Dallas the best potential landing spot for receivers? They are a team with a franchise quarterback and no strongholds out wide, so you can see why many think so. Sure, Gallup could very well be an immediate starter for the Cowboys. But this kid was a third-round talent, and if he doesn’t succeed early, I won’t be surprised if Jerry Jones decides to get serious by going with a receiver in round one or two of the 2019 draft. I know there are some big believers in Gallup, I’m just more inclined to take the likes of James Washington, Dante Pettis, and Anthony Miller before I take a chance on him.

Equanimeous St. Brown, WR GB

DLF Rookie ADP: 18

If you come away with anything from this article, it’s to not draft Equanimeous St. Brown. His DLF ADP has him as a mid-second rounder, and that just scares me. In rookie drafts, I just know I’m not going to get him. He’s a late fourth-round prospect in my eyes, and because of his name, he won’t be there that late. Listen, ESB was a compensatory sixth round pick for a reason. I think he’ll make the Packers roster, but I’ll be surprised if he’s an instant or future impact receiver for Aaron Rodgers.

Deon Cain, WR IND

DLF Rookie ADP: 32

Deon Cain’s ADP isn’t erroneous to me. I understand why owners like him. He was a big part of a very successful Clemson team, and is entering a thin wide receiver room in Indianapolis. There aren’t many more positives after that. Cain, taken in round six by the Colts, isn’t what I or many others call an elite talent. Despite his fast forty, I’m not convinced he’s going to be able to create ample separation from NFL corners. He is projected to go in the mid to late third round. I would advise not taking him until round four.

Dallas Goedert, TE PHI

DLF Rookie ADP: 27

I actually like Dallas Goedert. I hope I’m not conveying that I don’t. Philadelphia is just a terrible landing spot. Zach Ertz is a clear top-five tight end, and at 27 years old, isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. If you’re hoping Ertz’s contract is up soon, you’re fresh out of luck. He’s locked in through 2021. If you want to take a chance on Goedert’s talent I get it, but don’t count on production for a long, long time. Expect him to be targeted early in round three in your rookie draft, but I’d value him in the late round three to early round four territory.

John Kelly, RB LAR

DLF Rookie ADP: 31

ADP wise, John Kelly is a mid third round pick. Is he talented enough to go there? Absolutely. He just so happens to be behind the best back in the NFL, who’s just entering his prime at 23 years old. It’s true, Kelly’s ability as a receiving back should fit very well in Sean McVay’s offense. I just don’t see how he can become a starter in LA. Kelly was a big riser and popular name, but there are backs of similar talent who landed in much better spots.

Auden Tate, WR CIN

DLF Rookie ADP: 39

Please, unless you’re in a draft with five or more rounds, just forget about Auden Tate. I thought his 4.68-second forty would be enough to bring his hype train to a stop, but he’s still hanging around. Damion Ratley, Dylan Cantrell, Russell Gage – recognize anyone of those names? They were all receivers taken before Tate. Cincinnati is far from loaded at wideout, but I’ll be surprised if the FSU product is finding steady playing time early on.

Please leave a comment or question about a specific prospect, or fit for your team, below. Feel free to shoot me a question on Twitter (@NFL_Drafthub), I’m always happy to interact with football fans. See you next time!

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