Every year, there are guys who are drafted higher and lower than they should be. To start this series, I want to discuss four guys who should be drafted much higher. The ADP’s that I am using can be found here on ESPN.
Average Draft Position Analysis
Players I like more than their current ADP
Markus Wheaton, WR PIT
Current ADP: 143.6
My rank: 120
In 2013, Emmanuel Sanders had 67 receptions for 740 yards and 6 TD’s. Jerricho Cotchery had 46 receptions for 602 yards and 10 TD’s. Both of those guys are gone. Markus Wheaton is currently the number 2 receiver in Pittsburgh. As long as Big Ben keeps scrambling and finding open guys, someone will have to catch those balls. Obviously, I don’t expect Wheaton to take those stats and have over 1,300 yards and 16 TDs. However, Wheaton should have more than 100 points this year, and is being drafted too low.
Andre Ellington, RB ARI
Current ADP: 51.3
My rank: 30
It is a shame that Bruce Arians does not simply let Ellington play the entire game in 2014. He was that good last year, and deserves it even more this year. Ellington averaged 5.5 yards per rushing attempt, and he had 118 attempts! He simply ran around defenders at will with his blazing speed, and if a big role for him isn’t carved out in 2014, Arizona needs a new coach. The Cardinals also loves to throw the ball, and Ellington is great out of the backfield, as he had 39 receptions for 371 yards and 9.5 yards per reception. I understand that Ellington may lose goal line carries to powerful runners Jonathan Dwyer and Stepfan Taylor. However, there is no excuse for Ellington being drafted in the 50’s. I would take him in anywhere after 25 and be excited.
Jay Cutler, QB CHI
Current ADP: 104.7
My rank: 75
Jay Cutler is in an offense that works miracles. Marc Trestman is arguably the best offensive coach in the game, as he turned an average Bears’ offense into one of the leagues best, even without Cutler! Cutler has so many weapons that it simply isn’t fair. Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffrey and Brandon Marshall should help Cutler thrive and finally have an elite season in 2014. Sure, there is risk here because Cutler has often underperformed. However, that will change with so many weapons, and Cutler will have a great year.
Rashad Jennings, RB NYG
Current ADP: 63.1
My rank: 48
The hype in New York is all about Andre Williams. As Jennings’ becomes forgotten, owners are getting better and better deals. Many people forget Jennings’ second half in 2013 where he had 5 games in double digits (3 over 20) in 7 games, and was a fantasy force. That is a huge reason why the Giants signed him. In a Giants offense that needs to run the ball to stop having Eli throw interceptions, Jennings’ will see plenty of work that makes him worth a late pick in the 40’s.
Check back soon for my players that I think should be drafted lower!
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