NFL Draft 2021 2nd Round Fantasy Analysis

The 2021 NFL draft is in the books, and while the 1st round was one for the ages, the 2nd still delivered plenty of fantasy punch.

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NFL Draft 2021 2nd Round Fantasy Analysis

The 2021 NFL draft is in the books, and while the 1st round was one for the ages, the 2nd still delivered plenty of fantasy punch.

Here is an overview of the most valuable fantasy relevant NFL draft picks in order of their selection (or in fantasy twitter parlance; Draft Capital) of the 2nd round. The 1st round can be found here.

NYJ — #34 WR Elijah Moore — An underrated, smaller slot-style receiver. Moore has drawn comparisons to Carolina’s great WR Steve Smith. If Moore can live up to that the Jets will be thrilled, and there won’t be a ton of competition for targets. Fellow ’19 2nd rounder Denzel Mims, Corey Davis & Jamison Crowder are all competing for targets in what likely will be a bottom 5 offense.

Prediction: WR4 (Flex) with WR2 upside if offense clicks and/or Moore captures a significant target role.

DEN — #35 RB Javonte Williams — This was a surprise selection as the Broncos didn’t have a glaring need at running back. We can assume they were that high on the underrated, 3 down back. A hard runner with good hands, a run-first offensive mentality. You don’t take a back this early if you’re not going to give them 200+ touches.

Prediction: RB3 floor with upside to RB2.

ARI — #49 WR Rondale Moore — A similar player to Elijah Moore, presumably this selection is to handle the slot duties vacated by Larry Fitzgerald and elevate the outside guys DHop & Christian Kirk. The diminutive playmaking Moore will add a dynamic element to the Cardinal’s offense. The challenge is there simply aren’t enough targets to go around, which will keep Moore from having consistent fantasy value.

Prediction: WR5 w/ Flex (WR4) upside if Arizona offense takes the next step or injuries hit others ahead of him.

PIT — #55 TE Pat Friermuth — The best in-line blocker pass-catcher combo in this draft. Friermuth is more of a run game benefit to start his NFL career than a fantasy threat but like the Kelce & Gronk types of recent vintage, he could evolve into a dual-threat over the next couple of years.

Prediction: TE2, roster able in most formats; low-end TE1 in dynasty formats long term.

SEA — #56 WR D’Wayne Eskridge — Eskridge is an immediate upgrade to the Seahawk’s special teams and a threat from the slot. A national sprint champion, he immediately brings speed and big playability. The challenge for fantasy owners is that impact likely will come in sporadic douses and often times on special teams on a team that has big dogs at wideout.

Prediction: Rosterable in deep leagues; WR3 in dynasty formats long term.

LAR — #57 WR Tutu Atwell — Built in the Rondale & Elijah Moore mold (5’9” & 165 lbs), Atwell is a playmaker with a unique acceleration in the open field. With a new arm in town, HC McVay could open up the air game next year enabling a rookie to explode. But this offense is deep with veteran receivers Robert Woods & Cooper Kupp so the opportunity to make a fantasy impact will be limited.

Prediction: Rosterable in deep leagues; WR5 with WR2 in dynasty formats in 3 to 4 years.

CAR — #59 WR Terrace Marshall — A big receiver who has the potential to develop into a lead outside receiver. Marshall excelled playing 3rd fiddle to Justin Jefferson & Ja’Marr Chase in ’19, he didn’t shine with a jump in targets. The question remains whether he can evolve into a difference-maker or whether he’ll also be a strong secondary option.

Prediction: WR4/flex; WR3 in dynasty formats depending on the Panthers finding stability at quarterback.

TB — #62 QB Kyle Trask — The Florida quarterback surprised many by having a strong final year leading the Gators to a New Year’s day game. He demonstrated noticeable improvement the past few years at ideal size (6’5” & 238 lbs.). With Tom Brady locked in as the current starter Trask has a wonderful opportunity to sit and learn. The challenge I see with Trask is he looks to have average arm talent, was mediocre in the pocket and with Kyle Pitts and Kedarius Toney being selected in the 1st round a legitimate question of whether it was Trask or the surrounding talent.

Prediction: Not roster able in ’21; QB2 potential in dynasty formats in 2 to 3 years.