Fantasy football players are always mining for values and sleepers, especially in the later rounds of their drafts. But values can be found at all points of drafts, even in the early rounds. So, having already made our late-round picks, now we focus on the earlier rounds and spotlight players who may exceed expectations in the first 10 rounds of drafts. Average Draft Position data is via fantasypros.com.
Round 1: Davante Adams (No. 10 player off the boards according to the latest ADPs): Adams is no longer being viewed as a top 3 fantasy wide receiver because he gets a quarterback "downgrade" from Aaron Rodgers to Derek Carr. But Adams and Carr have a familiar connection, having been college teammates at Fresno State.
Adams also was heavily responsible for a lot of his own success in Green Bay, too. It's hard to identify a true value pick in the first round, but Adams could perform to the level of a top 5 overall selection in 2022.
Round 2: Saquon Barkley (No. 24): If Barkley simply stays healthy, he could regain RB1 status in fantasy football. A new coaching staff can revive the Giants' offense with Barkley as a centerpiece.
He must run the ball well while also operating as a safety target for his mediocre quarterback, who needs to simply get the ball into Barkley's hands often.
Round 3: A.J. Brown (28): Brown didn't play with a star quarterback in Tennessee, and if Jalen Hurts improves, he should remain in fantasy WR1 territory. Brown does need to help his own cause, including delivering big plays in the open field and consistently making tough catches.
He doesn't need a standout QB to elevate his value, but a breakthrough passing year from Hurts would make Brown soar even higher.
Round 4: Travis Etienne (46): Etienne is a candidate to perform at a high-end fantasy RB2 level this season. He has drawn comparisons to Alvin Kamara as a top receiving RB who can be very efficient in the running game. Make sure you draft Etienne in the top 15 at RB.
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Round 5: Courtland Sutton (57): Sutton should be the new No. 1 WR for Russell Wilson, which means he could leap into fantasy WR1 territory. He already has a 1,100-yard season under his belt and Sutton is a big downfield target who will immediately click with his new QB.
Round 6: Allen Robinson (70): Robinson is being undervalued for a guy that will now slot in as the No. 2 wideout for Matthew Stafford. Robinson is thrilled to be out of Chicago and will be at least a very good fantasy WR2 this season. He is getting the most significant quarterback upgrade of his career.
Round 7: Gabriel Davis (73): Davis is a polarizing player in fantasy circles. Let's not overthink this one. He is a big-play receiver who is ticketed to be a No. 2 WR in one of the NFL's best passing games. A guy who catches four TDs in a postseason game is sending a clear signal that he is ready to ascend.
Round 8: Chase Edmonds (91): Edmonds should be the top fantasy running back in the revamped Miami offense. He is a quality receiver out of the backfield and has big-play potential. He may get some touchdown chances stolen away in shorter range, but he has versatility and upside. Miami has recognized Edmonds' talents and should give him a prominent role in their game plans.
Round 9: Derek Carr (107): If you wait on a quarterback, Carr should be a prime target. He is working with the best receiving crew of his career with Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Darren Waller. Carr could be headed for a career season and has a realistic shot of finishing as a fantasy QB1 this season.
Round 10: Chris Olave (111): Olave is being touted as the best all-around receiver from the 2022 NFL Draft class. The Saints may let Jameis Winston open things up more this season in his return to a starting role over a projected full season. Olave should be one of his top targets.
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