NFL Draft Aftermath: Winners and Losers from the NFC South

Michael Zingone

Continuing our analysis of the top winners and losers from each division post NFL draft, today we’re going to take a deep dive into the NFC South. One of the best divisions in football from this past year, the NFC South has a lot of potential to bring success to your fantasy teams. In June ADP, this division had 15 players in the top 100.

Which veterans saw their situations improve from the NFL Draft to potentially move into/stay in this group? Conversely, which players saw their potential value this season take a hit? Let’s get into it.

Winners

Chris Godwin, WR TB

The hype train on Godwin was been rolling steadily ever since his true breakout performance in week 17 last season, where he registered over 100 yards in Tampa Bay’s last game. The truth is, Godwin had about as good a rookie season as anyone could have expected. While his game was developing the first eight weeks of the regular season, over the last eight weeks, he posted 26 catches for 450 yards. The Buccaneers added slot man Justin Watson late in this year’s draft, leaving a role on the outside for Godwin all the more realistic. The coaching staff and fantasy owners alike have faith in Godwin to make a big leap in year two.

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

Matt Ryan, QB ATL

Last off-season, Ryan was all the talk about how he was a regression candidate after and incredibly efficient 2016 season. As expected, the veteran QB took a step back in 2017, but also looks primed for a rebound in 2018. After adding talent wideout Calvin Ridley in the first round and pass-catching specialist running back Ito Smith in the fourth round, “Matty Ice” has a nice new set of weapons this year to complement the veterans already on the team. Trust him as a high-end QB2 heading into this year thanks in part to the new weapons the Falcons added in the draft.

Devonta Freeman, RB ATL

Speaking of the Falcons’ weapons, Freeman is another winner from this year’s draft. Make no mistake, Freeman is the man in Atlanta; he was the running back one overall just two years ago! Ito Smith looks to be involved as a pass-catcher, and Tevin Coleman is still there (very likely for just one more year), but Freeman will continue to be the main runner as well as goal-line back for what should be an explosive Atlanta offense. His receiving ceiling is likely a bit more limited with the addition of a few more pass-catchers, though he’ll more than likely be around the 40-50 catch mark yet again in 2018. Count on him as a top-tier running back again for this year and years to come.

Christian McCaffrey, RB CAR

Another top 15 running back according to DLF’s June ADP, McCaffrey looks to be another winner as a result of how the 2018 draft played out. The Panthers chose not to select any running backs in the draft. And while they did sign former Bronco CJ Anderson post-draft, he looks to be more of a change of pace back when McCaffrey needs a break. Yes, it’s odd to think of Anderson as a change of pace back, but the Panthers’ pace looks to be fast, quick-hitting passes with McCaffrey and newly acquired DJ Moore. Based on the Panthers’ strategy in this draft, I expect McCaffrey to get a similar if not greater workload in 2018 after a very strong rookie season.

Cam Meredith, WR NO

The Saints did draft rookie Tre’Quan Smith in the third round of this year’s draft, and he could certainly be a factor in year one. While I like Smith as a prospect, I don’t believe he impacts Cam Meredith’s potential this fantasy season as Cam looks to make an impact with his new team. Smith profiles more as a developmental player in my eyes and will likely steal snaps from Ted Ginn in a deep threat role in 2018. All that said, in addition to Mark Ingram’s early suspension and the lack of an established tight end, Meredith has all the makings of putting together a solid 2018.

Losers

Peyton Barber, RB TB

Dynasty owners never thought that Barber was going to command the full weight of the Buccaneers’ backfield, but the addition of Ronald Jones in the second round of the NFL draft certainly doesn’t help his chances at continued success in 2018. While the Bucs coaching staff has expressed that they’ll use both the aforementioned running backs in 2018, it’s hard to imagine Jones not taking command of that backfield at some point this year. Barber will more than likely be on waivers this time next year.

Adam Humphries, WR TB

The main loser in the Bucs passing game from this draft was Adam Humphries. He figures to start the season in the slot role, but I expect rookie Justice Watson to push him for a spot in the lineup sooner rather than later. Humphries has a fully guaranteed contract in 2018, so he’ll certainly be on the roster. However, he seems an unlikely candidate to be re-signed given the team’s new slot-man addition, Jameis Winston’s looming contract extension, and the presumed emergence of Chris Godwin. He can be a fine depth play at wide receiver in 2018, but his dynasty value is in serious jeopardy for beyond this year.

Curtis Samuel, WR CAR

A second round pick (though a surprising one) by the Panthers just one year ago, Samuel is still a relative unknown in terms of what he can bring to your fantasy teams. The team selected the first wide receiver in the draft, DJ Moore, and also selected a potential future tight end starter, Ian Thomas, later in the draft. While Christian McCaffrey’s role was established in year one and should continue to improve, Samuel seems like the likely loser from the Panthers’ 2018 draft. He may be on waivers sooner rather than later.

Mark Ingram, RB NO

I debated whether or not to include Ingram on this list, considering his value wasn’t particularly impacted by the NFL draft. The obvious value hit Ingram took was through his suspension for the first four games, but I also believe the Saints’ additions of Tre’Quan Smith and Cam Meredith could lead to fewer targets to Ingram in the passing game. Despite Alvin Kamara soaking up 100 targets, Ingram still managed to get 71 himself, a career high. Once he does come back from suspension, I don’t believe Ingram will keep this pace up given the changes to this offense this off-season. He still should be a solid fantasy contributor, but his overall value is certainly on the decline.

[/am4show]

michael zingone
Latest posts by Michael Zingone (see all)