However, if we take a minute to look at trends in average draft position (ADP), we'll see some players who have slipped off the radar of far too many drafts.
With that in mind, let's examine six players whose metrics, role and coaching provide them a chance to far exceed their current ADP.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans (ADP: QB19)
Currently, Mariota is the 19th quarterback being taken. Makes sense, right? After all, he can't stay healthy and is coming off a very disappointing 2017 campaign, so he is what he is at this stage of his career. Um, actually, he finished last season as QB19, has missed just one game each of the past two seasons, and his new offensive coordinator worked under Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay as the OC who helped Jared Goff make a huge leap in 2017. Add in a consistent veteran offensive line, an expected increase in play-action use off of Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis, and a promising schedule, and he is sure to outpace his ADP.
Mark Ingram II, RB, New Orleans Saints (ADP: RB26)
I get it: Ingram will miss a quarter of the fantasy season due to a four-game suspension, and backfield-mate Alvin Kamara clearly looks like something special. Those facts are why Kamara should be off the board in the first round of PPR drafts. But let's not forget that fantasy championships are won during the final month of the season, not the first month. Ingram is only 28 years old, will be extra fresh for the stretch run, and the Saints' offense always racks up gobs of fantasy points. Draft Ingram, forget about his season-long totals and focus on the per-game upside he carries when it matters most - especially if Kamara gets hurt or has a second-season slump.
Tarik Cohen, RB, Chicago Bears (ADP: RB35)
Cohen is a small (5-foot-6, 180 pounds) pass-catching running back with electric moves and blazing speed who will be coached by Matt Nagy this season. Yes, Cohen is too small to be a workhorse back, but you don't need to have such a role to make a big impact in PPR leagues (think Darren Sproles). As OC for the Kansas City Chiefs, Nagy proved he knows how to utilize pass-catching backs, and word out of camp is Cohen is being used all over the field. He caught 53 passes as a rookie in John Fox's system, so he could make a big PPR leap under Nagy.
Michael Crabtree, WR, Baltimore Ravens (ADP: WR28)
I've always been the guy who has eschewed boring veteran players who are heading down the other side of their career arcs, but on occasion there is a guy who I think is being undervalued. I suppose Crabtree's ADP is relatively low because he is older and playing with a boring quarterback. But it's not out of line to think he can catch 80-plus passes again; Steve Smith Sr. caught 79 in his first season with Joe Flacco - and Smith was four years older than Crabtree is now (31 on Sept. 14). More importantly, Crabtree is a red zone maven, who is fully capable of double-digit TDs if things click.
Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets (ADP: WR44)
Speaking of boring, the Jets haven't exactly been a bastion of fantasy excitement lately. In 2017, Anderson ranked 17th in PPR formats with 63 catches for 941 yards and 7 TDs. Yes, his ADP should be depressed since he could face an in-season suspension due to off-field issues, but WR44 is too much. That's fine for us, though. We can snag him as a value pick who has the upside of a WR2.
David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns (ADP: TE12)
If you don't snag one of the elite tight ends like Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce and opt to wait until later to roll the dice on a potential breakout player, Njoku could be your man. There is no doubting his amazing physical gifts, and even on a Browns team that had horrid quarterbacking and failed to win a single game, he ranked seventh among tight ends with eight red zone targets in 2017. Imagine the potential upside he sports in Year 2 with Tyrod Taylor or Baker Mayfield under center.