When you get to the last round of your dynasty draft, it is like buying a scratch off lottery ticket. These are NFL drafted day 3 picks or undrafted free agents with long odds to pay off. Here are my favorite last round picks”lottery tickets”
Wide Receiver
The Seahawks took a chance on Horton at the end of the 5th round who suffered major knee injury that ended his 2024 season likely dropping stock. Horton has good ball tracking and instincts to make the catch. Plays outside/inside but underneath route running is specialty. Terrific speed for size. He’s an ideal replacement for DK METCALF, who was traded in the offseason. He reminds me of GEORGE PICKENS in terms of play style and upside. If he had not suffered an injury last year, he would likely have been a day two draft pick. Prior to his senior year injury, he was dominant in college. He had over 1100 receiving yards and 8 TDs in both of his previous 2 seasons in college. If he fully recovers can be a surprise NFL player and a draft steal.
Quarterback
DILLON GABRIEL 5’11” 200
There’s not much to love about the Browns QB room so this is more of a Superflex flier choice. Odds are JOE FLACCO starts the season under center and KENNY PICKETT the veteran favorite for the backup spot. All eyes are on SHEDEUR SANDERS because of the media hype and constant drama. However, Cleveland spent a day 2 pick on DILLON GABRIEL so I wouldn’t simply dismiss him. From a skill standpoint Gabriel is a solid athlete. Has a good (albeit not a great) arm but good accuracy at all levels. Patient in pocket & confident thrower. Lack of elite physical traits could be an issue. He’s 24 so considered an older prospect and real concerns over his height which lowered is draft stock. Compares to BRYCE YOUNG, so has a possible path to NFL success. If you are looking for a QB flier, he’s a worthy choice. In fact, a good chance you don’t have to spend a draft pick. He’s often overlooked and can be grabbed as a free agent to stash on taxi as a wait & see player.
Tight End
ORANDE GADSDEN JR 6’5” 243 - 4.62 / 40
2025 was a deep tight end class. In other years, I wonder if Gadsden goes higher than the 29th pick of the fifth round. Son of a former NFL tight end by the same name, the Chargers drafted Gadsden which is a terrific landing spot and why he is a nice sleeper pick. The former receiver converted to tight end had 73 receptions (school record) 934 yards and 7 TDs in 13 games in 2024. Displays good pass catching skills and moves fluidly. Profiles more like a big slot receiver than an every down tight end. Won’t be relied on as much of a blocker so will limit his snap count upside. Massive target and catch radius to be a solid safety valve underneath. He looks and moves like DARREN WALLER. I don’t know he will end up as prolific as Waller but considering his competition are aging veterans TYLER CONKLIN & WILL DISSLY, he has a shot to rise up the TE depth chart. I wouldn’t expect a big year one from Gadsden, but makes a nice taxi stash especially in TEP leagues.
Running Back
JACORY CROSKEY-MERRITT 5’11” 208 - 4.41 / 40
From a skill standpoint, there’s no reason JCM should have fallen to the 7th round. Has pro size, speed, and skillset to be an NFL starter. Good vision and cut ability. Runs with power and purpose. Terrific contact balance. Instincts as a finisher. He looks like former pro bowl RB MATT FORTE. So why did he fall in the draft? JCM missed most of senior season due to eligibility issues, playing in just one game. In addition he will be 24 as a rookie, considered old by NFL standards. But from what I saw, his skillset should not be dismissed and neither should his production. In 2023, his last full season, JCM amassed over 1200 yards and a whopping 18 TDs. The Commanders have 4 veteran running backs ahead of JCM led by BRIAN ROBINSON and AUSTIN EKELER. All 4 RBs are on final year of their contracts. Based on skillset, JCM could push for time this year. Based on landing spot, he could be an impact player for the Commanders in 2026.
Bonus player!
DAMIEN MARTINEZ 6’0” 220 - 4.51 / 40
He was a 7th round pick and lands in a bad spot behind KENNETH WALKER and ZACH CHARBONNET in Seattle. So why waste a roster spot on Martinez? Simply put, I love his old school style of play. He’s a smash mouth throwback in the mold of MARION BARBER. He’s a tough between the tackles runner. Initiates contact & can move piles. Not a pass catcher but has nice hands. Shows jump cuts & some agility but lacks creativity and elite speed you want at the next level. Has size & instincts to play as a short yardage or committee back but tools to feature if needed. Because of his draft capital and landing spot, he will be dismissed. But a lot can change on an NFL roster in a year. The Seahawks are building what looks like “Ravens west coast” from an offensive perspective. He could play that GUS EDWARDS role and end up a flex play in the coming years and his cost is basically zero.
Comments
Post a Comment