Rookies Destined to be Underdrafted

Bradley Ylitalo Posted On May 16, 2018

This is going to be fun. It’s time to gush about some prospects that will consistently be steals in rookie drafts. Some of them are household names, while others you might know little about – those are the ones you want to pay special attention to. Overhyped names come and go, but talent lasts. Before your drafts begin, let’s talk about some prospects who are destined to be underdrafted, so you can make sure you take advantage.

Calvin Ridley, WR ATL

DLF Rookie ADP: 10

The number two receiver across from Julio Jones in an offense led by Matt Ryan? Yes. Please. Calvin Ridley is set up for nothing but success. Staying close to home, I’m expecting big things out of him. The downside with Ridley is very well spoken. He’s old, especially for a receiver. He’ll turn 24 in December. In comparison, JuJu Smith-Schuster, the exuberant second year Steeler, will turn 22 this November.

Calvin Ridley is far from the most undervalued prospect in this class. Ranked tenth, he’s getting some much-deserved respect. But if you’re sitting at the 1.08 (PPR) with Royce Freeman, Kerryon Johnson, and Ridley available, you’re not crazy at all to grab the Bama product.

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Which players do you think are going to be underdrafted? Check out our Complete Dynasty Rookie Rankings for constantly updated rookie values!

Baker Mayfield, QB CLE

DLF Rookie ADP: 19

Take away the pressure of being the number one pick, and there’s not much reason to think Mayfield won’t bloom in Cleveland. That feels weird to say, but it’s the truth. The Browns offense is set up beautifully. Mayfield’s talent and production will be maximized with several weapons at his disposal. Tyrod Taylor is the starter for now, but Mayfield will be the franchise in no time. Don’t miss out on adding a young star to your quarterback position.

ADP has Mayfield as a mid second rounder. I’m a happy camper if I can get him in the 13-16 range.

Josh Rosen, QB ARI

DLF Rookie ADP: 22

Semi-shaky landing spot and cocky attitude aside, I love the prospects of Josh Rosen’s career. I don’t think he looks back for one second when he inevitably takes over for Sam Bradford. He just has too much natural talent. If Mike McCoy can run an offense that keeps Rosen upright and looking downfield, his elite ability as a pocket passer will take things from there.

If you’re landing Rosen at the end of round two, you’re a smart owner. This kid should be a franchise quarterback in no time and is well worth the second round investment.

Hayden Hurst, TE BAL

DLF Rookie ADP: 30

Why on earth would I spend a pick on a tight end who will turn 25 before the season starts? I’ll tell you why. This isn’t your typical situation for a rookie tight end. Hayden Hurst is in Baltimore to be the starter, and be one right off the bat. Yes, he’s at an advanced age but it’s not unrealistic at all to think he’ll be the Ravens number one TE for the next eight to ten years. My advice: forget about the age for a second, and look at the talent. Hurst’s athleticism, hands, and route running just don’t come around every year.

Hurst is placed as a mid-third rounder, I feel you can take him at good value five picks earlier.

Keke Coutee, WR HOU

DLF Rookie ADP: 37

I thought Keke Coutee landed in about as good of a spot as he could have hoped for. With a young franchise quarterback in place in Houston, Coutee can take the number three receiver role in a budding offense and produce instantly. The former Red Raider’s quickness off the ball in the slot and magic after the catch will add an exciting element in the Texans passing game. I really think Coutee can shine.

Is Coutee’s ADP of 37 terrible? No. But don’t hesitate to pull the trigger for him a half a round earlier. Whether you’re looking for immediate or long-term impact, target this kid as much as you can.

Daurice Fountain, WR IND

DLF Rookie ADP: 42

GM Chris Ballard landed Daurice Fountain in round five before taking Deon Cain in round six. But Cain, the bigger name coming from Clemson, is going significantly higher in rookie drafts. Fountain is an unrefined route runner but has all the size, speed, and vertical ability he needs to succeed. I won’t be surprised to see him as the long-term number two option across from T.Y. Hilton.

Fountain is a mid fourth rounder according to ADP, but you can feel confident taking him in the later portions of round three.

Ito Smith, RB ATL

DLF Rookie ADP: 47

I highly doubt the Falcons are going to have the cap space to keep Tevin Coleman in town after 2018. Once Coleman is gone, Ito Smith is suddenly more than just intriguing. Smith, like Devonta Freeman, is a smaller back and smooth runner who can catch the ball out of the backfield. In three or four years, as Freeman starts to age, don’t be surprised to see Smith shoulder more and more of the load at tailback.

If I’m a rebuilding team with an early pick in the fourth round, I’m ecstatic to spend it on Smith. His early contributions will be meek but his production should continually improve. DLF’s ADP has Smith pegged as a late fourth rounder if you can get him there, count your lucky stars.

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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