It is finally draft day! At long last, I am so excited to sit down with some wings and watch the first round unfold.

There is going to be a ton of movement on Thursday. Rumors are flying everywhere about which teams may want to move up or down. I have a few different trades projected in this mock. They are as follows:

Denver trades 1.9, 2.40 and a 2022 first-round pick to Atlanta for 1.4, 6.188

New England trades 1.15, 2.46 and 2022 first-round pick to Detroit for 1.7

Washington trades 3.74 and a 2022 conditional third-round pick to Denver for Drew Lock

Washington trades 1.19 and 4.125 to Arizona for 1.16

I also want to make it clear, this is what I think should happen and what I would do if I were the general manager for each team. I do not believe this is how the draft is going to unfold.

Check back in throughout draft weekend as I will be recapping the biggest surprises and best players still available after each day of the draft.

And so, the 2021 draft season is finally coming to an end. After countless hours of work, here is my final mock draft for the 2021 NFL draft.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15) – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
This pick has been all but set in stone since January. Trevor Lawrence definitely has some room for improvement, but most of the mechanical issues we’ve seen in his game are easily correctable. He would give the Jaguars a fresh start and a whole new outlook as a franchise.

2. New York Jets (2-14) – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Yup, I’m a bit different than the masses here. I really like Trey Lance. I think his mobility, arm strength and big-play ability will translate well to the NFL. Make no mistake, he is a project. With only 17 career games and tons of technical flaws, he will need to spend at least a year learning how to play the position at an NFL level. When he does put the pieces together though, his potential is incredibly high. I think New York can afford to be patient for a year or two while it continues to rebuild the roster around Lance.

3. San Francisco 49ers via Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans (6-10) – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
49ers fans would be ecstatic if this was not Mac Jones. In Zach Wilson, they would get a quarterback with incredible arm talent, capable of throwing off platform and on the move. The biggest knocks on Wilson are his success against a weak schedule in college and durability concerns. He has a very slight frame that could struggle to hold up in the NFL. He already suffered one shoulder injury and does not do a great job of protecting himself as a runner.

4. Denver Broncos via Atlanta Falcons (5-11) – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
What happens at No. 4 is going to impact the rest of the draft. Atlanta could easily stay put and take Kyle Pitts, but I think this team is way more than one player away from competing. Trading down with Denver to net some extra picks while staying in the top 10 would be a great move. For the Broncos, they can reset the clock on their franchise quarterback. Justin Fields could sit for most of the year behind Teddy Bridgewater while the former Ohio State quarterback gets up to speed. His physical traits make him an enticing pick. The opportunity to get him should be too good for new general manager George Patton to pass up.

5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Don’t overthink this. I know that Joe Burrow really wants to be reunited with his former college teammate Ja’Marr Chase, but Penei Sewell has the potential to completely change the outlook of this offensive line. He is incredibly athletic and only 20 years old. Starting him at left tackle would allow Cincinnati to push Jonah Williams inside to guard, which is where many felt his NFL future lied anyway when he was coming out of college. There will be plenty of receivers to draft in the second round.

6. Miami Dolphins via Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
This is exactly what Miami was hoping for when it traded up to this spot: the chance to select either Ja’Marr Chase or Kyle Pitts. I prefer Chase here. He has great speed, plays way bigger than you would expect and can make opposing corners look foolish downfield. Finding a true No. 1 receiver for Tua Tagovailoa to grow with has to be the priority for Miami in this draft. Chase might be the best receiver prospect since Julio Jones. It is hard to pass that up.

7. New England Patriots via Detroit Lions (7-9) – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
What New England decides to do at quarterback is one of the most interesting points of conversation in this draft. I think moving up to grab Mac Jones would be a great move. He feels like he fits a lot of what the Patriots traditionally like to do on offense. I know they have built this team to be successful with Cam Newton at the helm, but I think Jones would be more than capable of making the most of the weapons the Patriots have acquired. His ball placement is next level and his consistency at the position would be a huge stabilizing factor for the whole team.

8. Carolina Panthers (5-11) – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
After going all defense in the 2020 draft, Carolina finds a new weapon for Sam Darnold to work with. Kyle Pitts is an anomaly with the way he is able to move at his size. This would essentially be like drafting another receiver for the offense. The Panthers have tried to get by with Ian Thomas at tight end ever since Greg Olsen left, but Pitts would be a huge upgrade over anyone currently on the roster. An offense featuring him, Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore and Robby Anderson would be explosive.

9. Atlanta Falcons via Denver Broncos (4-12) – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
I know Atlanta drafted a cornerback in the first round last year, but I think they reached in doing so. A.J. Terrell had a decent rookie season and looks like he could be a solid No. 2 corner, but the Falcons still need to find their top guy in the secondary. Patrick Surtain is the best all-around option in this class at the position. He comes from Alabama very polished with tons of experience against elite competition. He faced Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle in practice over the past two years. I think he would be a great addition to this Falcons defense.

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-10) – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
With Surtain off the board, Dallas can still go corner here. Jaycee Horn is the best press man corner in the class. I know that has not always been the Cowboys style defensively, but Horn has tons of experience in other coverages as well. South Carolina lined him up all over the place at varying depths. I think he is pro ready and has the physical traits to keep up with NFL receivers. He has long arms, good long speed and an impressive vertical. Horn and Trevon Diggs would give the Cowboys an exciting cornerback tandem.

11. New York Giants (6-10) – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Despite their best efforts to surround Daniel Jones with playmakers, he has never had anyone around him like Jaylen Waddle. That might be because there are few players like Jaylen Waddle. His speed, agility and change of direction are incredible. He would add a whole new element to this Giants offense that has been lacking in recent years. Waddle’s big-play ability perfectly complements players like Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and even Evan Engram. No more excuses for Daniel Jones if this is the pick.

12. Philadelphia Eagles via San Francisco 49ers (4-11-1) – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
With the top two corners off the board, this should be an easy pick for the Eagles. DeVonta Smith is a fluid route runner with a great catch radius and reliable hands. If he weighed 185 pounds, he might be the first receiver taken. His small frame is a concern for a lot of people, myself included. His talent is undeniable though and very much worth betting on at this point in the draft. The comparison I’ve been making for a while now is that he is Chad Johnson (aka Chad Ochocinco) without the on-field antics. I would sign up for that in a heartbeat if I were the Eagles.

13. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Building the trenches to protect Justin Herbert is Los Angeles’ priority. Especially with the top receivers off the board, there should be no hesitation in taking Rashawn Slater. He is a rock solid tackle with elite potential at guard. His versatility and consistency make him a great selection in this spot. The Chargers’ line would quickly start to look like one of the best in the league with Slater, Corey Linsley and Bryan Bulaga. They could still use some help at the guard spots.

14. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
While edge rusher has been a popular projection here, I don’t think the Vikings can afford to pass up on Alijah Vera-Tucker. He is the best interior lineman in this class, except for maybe Slater, but I expect him to line up at tackle. Vera-Tucker played tackle as well in his final season at USC, but his arm length makes me think he would be much better suited to play on the interior. The Vikings still need to solve their left tackle issues, but the interior of the line would be in great shape.

15. Detroit Lions via New England Patriots (5-11) – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
I would consider the Lions taking Micah Parsons with the seventh pick. To acquire more draft capital and still land him would make Brad Holmes look like a genius. Parsons is an instinctive linebacker with great speed and size. Detroit’s defense has been a mess in recent years and Parsons’ presence would signal the sign of a major refresh. As the top off-ball linebacker in this draft, you can expect him to make an immediate impact.

16. Washington Football Team via Arizona Cardinals (7-9) – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Washington needs to find its replacement for Trent Williams. It is actually two years late in doing so, but better late than never. Christian Darrisaw is a massive tackle who can anchor in pass coverage and lock down the left side of this offensive line. After re-acquiring Ereck Flowers, this Washington offensive line would suddenly look much better than it did a few weeks ago. There are still plenty of question marks, but after acquiring Drew Lock in this mock, this team looks set to defend its division title in 2021.

17. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame
Big school? Check. Position of need? Check. That has seemed to be the Raiders only criteria in drafting players in the first round in recent years. That being said, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would be an awesome addition to a terrible defense. He could line up all over the formation and could immediately improve Las Vegas’ ability to cover tight ends and running backs. I know the Raiders have invested a lot of money at linebacker in recent years, so Owusu-Koramoah could start out at strong safety instead. He has enough range to play there and it would give him the freedom to drop down into the box and wreak havoc on a regular basis. The Raiders might have had the worst safety duo in the league a year ago, so the need for an upgrade is huge.

18. Miami Dolphins (10-6) – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Miami could go a number of directions here, but I think it is hard to pass up on the top running back in this class. Najee Harris can work between the tackles, has great hands out of the backfield and would give the Dolphins another offensive weapon to help Tua Tagovailoa’s development. Add in the fact that Harris and Tagovailoa shared the Alabama backfield in 2019 and this just seems like a great fit for the Dolphins.

19. Arizona Cardinals via Washington Football Team (8-8) – Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern
Arizona moves down a few spots to acquire a late-round pick, which is important for a team without a third or fourth-round selection. The Cardinals can still address a big position of need as well by taking Greg Newsome. I am a huge fan of Newsome and I think he will develop into a starter very quickly in the NFL. He is a good athlete who showed a good understanding of how to time his arrival to make a play on the ball. He is not a ballhawk with only one collegiate interception, but he looks like he could be one of the better cover corners in this class.

20. Chicago Bears (8-8) – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
This is a bit early for Samuel Cosmi, but with a number of teams that need a tackle picking soon after the Bears, I don’t think Chicago could afford to trade down. Cosmi has a massive frame that could use some filling out. He moves extremely well for someone measuring in at 6’7″. He needs to develop some better play strength, which I think will come with building a stronger base. If Cosmi hits the squat rack early and often, he has the potential to be a great left tackle in the NFL.

21. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) – Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Indianapolis needs a left tackle, but a lot of the top remaining tackles on the board at this point project best as right tackles. The Colts also have a big need at their defensive end spot with Justin Houston still a free agent. Kwity Paye would fit really well into a 4-3 scheme. He is very raw, but possesses impressive physical traits. At worst, he could be a reliable run stopper in his early days while he works to refine his pass rushing moves.

22. Tennessee Titans (11-5) – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
He would have to add some weight to his frame, but I think Gregory Rousseau could be an excellent fit as a 3-4 defensive end. He has the room to do it as well, standing nearly 6’7″ and only 266 pounds. If you turn on his film, you will see Rousseau dominate against interior defensive linemen on a regular basis, while struggling a bit when he lines up on the outside. The Titans still need some pass rushing help even after signing Bud Dupree, who is coming off a torn ACL. I think Rousseau needs some time to develop after only one year on the field in college after switching from being a wide receiver and safety in high school. There is a ton of untapped potential there though.

23. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks (2-14) – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Injury concerns push Caleb Farley way down the board. If he was healthy, he would probably be a top-10 pick. While the issues he is facing are very serious, I think the Jets should take the risk in this spot. If Farley is able to recover, he would be a steal and give the Jets a true No. 1 corner, something they have lacked since Darrelle Revis left town. Farley’s physicality and size makes him a great fit for Robert Saleh’s defense and would completely change the outlook of the secondary.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
I will stand by this pick no matter what. Liam Eichenberg is going to be successful in the NFL. He might not be a great player, but he will be an above average starter that can play for 10 to 12 years, if he stays healthy. Pittsburgh desperately needs to revamp its offensive line after watching injuries and poor play decimate it last season. Adding Eichenberg on the right side would be a huge stabilizing factor. This probably should not be the only pick the Steelers invest into their offensive line either.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams (1-15) – Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Jacksonville has an interesting collection of edge rushers but no one to man the middle of that defensive line. Christian Barmore has tons of potential and showed how dominant he can be in the national title game as he split blocks and outworked Ohio State’s offensive line. He definitely needs some coaching to reach his full potential, but as a redshirt sophomore, I feel like Barmore has only scratched the surface of what he could become.

26. Cleveland Browns (11-5) – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Cleveland has one of the best offenses in the league. That did feel weird to type. However, their defense is not quite at the same level yet. Zaven Collins would give them a big, off-ball linebacker capable of making plays in space. He flashed some pass rushing ability as well in his time at Tulsa. His versatility and size makes him a good value at a position of need for the Browns.

27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Baltimore was involved in contract talks with several receivers during free agency, but came away with just Sammy Watkins when the dust settled. They need to find some reliable possession receivers to get the most out of Lamar Jackson. Rashod Bateman would bring some much-needed size to this receiver corps. Bateman has yards-after-the-catch ability as well. He dominated the Big Ten in 2019 before playing in about half of Minnesota’s 2020 season. I think he would thrive in Baltimore.

28. New Orleans Saints (12-4) – Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
New Orleans can stay in the Bayou for this one. The Saints have been searching for linebacker help in recent years. Jabril Cox would be a great fit in their 4-3 defense. He can diagnose the run and he excels in coverage. New Orleans would have no concerns leaving him on the field on passing downs. After four years at North Dakota State and a year with LSU, Cox feels NFL ready with the speed and instincts to help right away.

29. Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
I know the Packers have managed to find success without investing in the wide receiver position, but Kadarius Toney would add a new element to this offense that has been lacking in recent years. His route-running ability and short-area quickness presents a different skill set than anyone currently on Green Bay’s roster. He could line up in the slot or out wide. I think this move would also go a long way in showing Aaron Rodgers the team is willing to listen to his concerns. It is usually a good idea to keep your MVP quarterback happy.

30. Buffalo Bills (13-3) – Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
This is a bit early for Eric Stokes, but I have a very specific reason in mind for this. The Bills came up short against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. A big reason why was Tyreek Hill had nine catches for 172 yards. Stokes might not be as fast as Hill, but he is one of the speediest corners in this class. He ran a 4.31 40 at his pro day and that speed shows up on film, too. His four interceptions in 2020 points to his ability as a difference maker as well. I think he would be a perfect complement to Tre’Davious White and give Buffalo an exciting starting combo at corner.

31. Baltimore Ravens via Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) – Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
I have other edge rushers higher on my board than Jayson Oweh, but this just feels like such a Ravens pick. He has elite physical traits, but lacks the college production to back them up. Baltimore has a fantastic track record of developing edge rushers as well. With Matt Judon gone, this also feels like a need. The Ravens would have to feel pretty good walking away from the first round with Bateman and Oweh.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Medical concerns are the only red flag regarding Jaelan Phillips. His talent is that of a top-20 player. He showed out in his one year at Miami after transferring from UCLA. However, he has already suffered two concussions and previously retired from football for medical reasons. If there is a team that this should not matter to, it is the Buccaneers. Not that they won’t be concerned with his overall health, but if Phillips only plays a few seasons before deciding to protect himself from future damage, I think that would be fine. Tampa is in win-now mode and will be happy to get an immediate contributor as they make the most of this title window.

33. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15) – Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
For fans of more traditional, inline blocking tight ends, Pat Freiermuth is your guy. He works the middle of the field well and provides a consistent target for his quarterback. Jacksonville desperately needs an upgrade at the position as well with one of the worst tight end rooms in the league.

34. New York Jets (2-14) – Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
After grabbing Wilson and Farley in the first round, New York can bolster its offensive line with Wyatt Davis. He is a beast as a run blocker who has some room for improvement in pass protection. He will help Joe Douglas do what he loves to do: build in the trenches.

35. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) – Joe Tyron, EDGE, Washington
Atlanta grabbed the top corner in the draft in the first round. Now they can invest along the defensive line. Joe Tryon has great play strength and incredible size for the position. I think he will seamlessly to a a 4-3 defensive end in the Falcons defense.

36. Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (10-6) – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
This would be the perfect landing spot for Azeez Ojulari. He is a speed rusher that could excel in a 3-4 outside linebacker role. He needs to diversify his game, but I think Brian Flores will help get the most out of him. It also fills a position of need for the Dolphins after they cut Kyle Van Noy.

37. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1) – Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
The Eagles could easily go corner here, but Jamin Davis is going to be a starting linebacker in the NFL. He has elite speed for the position and would immediately be the best linebacker on the Eagles roster. The combination of Davis, T.J. Edwards and possibly Eric Wilson could be a solid starting trio for Philly.

38. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) – Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
They passed on one of Joe Burrow’s former teammates in the first. The Bengals won’t do it again. Terrace Marshall had a great season with Burrow, catching 13 touchdowns in 2019. His size and long distance speed makes him a fun fit in a Cincinnati offense that already has Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.

39. Carolina Panthers (5-11) – Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Carolina continues to rebuild its offense. Jalen Mayfield is a big offensive tackle with the potential to eventually start on either side of the line. He definitely needs a bit of seasoning, but he could replace Greg Little in the starting lineup in 2022.

40. Atlanta Falcons via Denver Broncos (4-12) – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Using one of the picks acquired in their trade down, Atlanta grabs a game-breaking running back. Travis Etienne is a home run hitter with good hands out of the backfield. After Todd Gurley failed to take hold, this feels like a great value for the Falcons.

41. Detroit Lions (5-11) – Carlos Basham, DL, Wake Forest
I don’t think it is an overstatement to call Detroit’s defense awful in 2020. The Lions re-signed Romeo Okwara, traded for Michael Brockers and still have Trey Flowers to build a solid defensive line. Carlos Basham could finish the job. He has the size and speed to excel as a 4-3 defensive tackle and versatility to line up at defensive end as well.

42. New York Giants (6-10) – Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
The Giants turn to the defensive side of the ball and grab a raw, athletic pass rusher. Joseph Ossai is still learning how to play on the edge. He spent his earlier years at Texas in more of an off-ball role. I could see Ossai turning into a solid pass rusher capable of dropping into coverage as needed.

43. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) – Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Even with Robert Saleh gone, I believe the 49ers are going to continue to prioritize long corners in their defense. Tyson Campbell measures in at 6’1″ with above average arm length. He ran an impressive 4.4-second 40 at his pro day as well. Size and speed is often a winning combo in the NFL.

44. Dallas Cowboys (6-10) – Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Dallas’ rapid decline along their offensive line is more about injuries than anything else, but I think it showed the importance of depth. Not to mention, Tyron Smith and La’el Collins are coming off serious injuries. Dillon Radunz has the versatility to play tackle or guard, and I think will be a long-term start in the league.

45. Jacksonville Jaguars via Minnesota Vikings (1-15) – Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Jacksonville franchised Cam Robinson for 2021, but could use tackle help for the future. Teven Jenkins projects best as a right tackle, but his movement skills could allow him to move to the left side. Either way, Jacksonville needs to invest in protecting Trevor Lawrence.

46. Detroit Lions via New England Patriots (5-11) – Nico Collins, WR, Michigan
Pretty much all of Detroit’s receivers left in free agency this offseason. At some point, the Lions will need to restock. Keeping Nico Collins close to his alma mater could be a great move. He had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl and could be a reliable target for Jared Goff.

47. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) – Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
The Chargers signed Jared Cook to lessen the blow of losing Hunter Henry, but that is a short-term fix. Brevin Jordan can make plays in space and can almost operate as another receiver in this offense. After going offensive line in the first round, Los Angeles can grab a receiving threat to aid in Herbert’s continued development.

48. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) – Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa
Somewhat surprisingly, the Raiders cut Maurice Hurst. That creates a major need at defensive tackle. Daviyon Nixon has all the physical tools and standout athleticism. He just needs to put those things together more consistently to find success at the next level.

49. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) – Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
Reuniting Kyler Murray with his former college center would be good for his long-term health. Creed Humphrey is a perfect fit for the Cardinals offense as pass blocking, mobile interior lineman. You could plug him in at guard for a year before taking over for Rodney Hudson in 2022 at center.

50. Miami Dolphins (10-6) – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
This is all about putting Tua Tagovailoa in a position to be successful. Alex Leatherwood blocked for him for two years. He definitely has some major areas for growth, but he could take over at right tackle and allow Robert Hunt to kick inside.

51. Washington Football Team (7-9) – Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
Washington added to its offensive line in the first round and acquired a young quarterback to develop via trade. Now it can address the backend of its defense. Jevon Holland would have a field day making plays behind this front four. He can line up at nickel corner, strong safety or even free safety. That versatility is enticing.

52. Chicago Bears (8-8) – Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
And here comes the move for a quarterback. Chicago is desperate to turn things around and I think the front office and coaching staff will be willing to take a shot on the toolsy Davis Mills. After just 13 career games in college, Mills is basically an unknown. I don’t think the Bears will be in a position to land one of the top five quarterbacks, so this is plan B.

53. Tennessee Titans (11-5) – Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
Tennessee’s secondary is a bit of a work in progress. Signing Janoris Jenkins gives the Titans a capable starter on the outside with Chris Jackson across from him. 2020 second-round pick Krisitan Fulton is still in the mix too. I still think this team could use some help on the outside still. Paulson Adebo has not played football in a long time, but I think he has the physical tools to develop into a starter.

54. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) – Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
At this point, the Colts can no longer rely on Paris Campbell to provide speed and playmaking for this offense. If he can stay healthy, his presence will be a nice bonus. Elijah Moore would give Indy a dynamo out of the slot capable of taking over a game. His upside is limited due to his height. I don’t think he will ever start on the outside, but he can still provide tons of value to this offense.

55. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – Javonte Williams, RB, UNC
The Steelers need to get back to running the football. After adding Eichenberg in the first round, Javonte Williams would give them a physical runner to take the pressure off Ben Roethlisberger. Williams is not much of a pass catcher, but Pittsburgh already has Anthony McFarland to play in a third-down role.

56. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) – Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
Russell Wilson made it clear this offseason that the Seahawks need to do a better job protecting him. Landon Dickerson could be a great value at this point in the draft. He is recovering from a serious knee injury, but if he can get back to full strength, he could be Seattle’s starting center in Week 1.

57. Los Angeles Rams (10-6) – James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati
The Rams desperately need to invest in their offensive line. Jared Goff struggled because he lacked the mobility to make plays when the protection broke down. Matthew Stafford is not much faster. James Hudson could be the Rams starting left tackle in 2022.

58. Kansas City Chiefs via Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Kansas City has done an excellent job rebuilding its offensive line through free agency and trades. Now it can afford to grab a pass rusher to help its defense. Rashad Weaver has a great first step and a good array of moves. I even think he could kick inside on some passing downs to give opposing offensive lines a different look.

59. Cleveland Browns (11-5) – Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Back-to-back Pittsburgh picks here. Patrick Jones had a phenomenal career with the Panthers, recording 17 sacks over his final two seasons. He has good initial burst, but needs to get better at keeping his balance. We saw him struggle with that at the Senior Bowl.

60. New Orleans Saints (12-4) – Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
Rumors are flying around that the Saints want to trade up for a corner in the first round. If they decide to wait until the second round, I think Ifeatu Melifonwu would be a great selection. He has the length and explosiveness needed to play the position in the NFL. He is probably better suited to be a zone corner at this stage.

61. Buffalo Bills (13-3) – Walker Little, OT, Stanford
This would be a great landing spot for Walker Little. He would not need to start right away, allowing him to get up to speed and get fully healthy. Injuries plagued Little in college before he ultimately opted out of the 2020 season. He has moments of greatness on film, but Buffalo’s job will be to pull those out and help him do it consistently.

62. Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
Think back to the NFC Championship game and it will be easy to remember the Packers needing help in the secondary. Kelvin Joseph could be a great No. 2 corner on this defense across from Jaire Alexander. He is aggressive, sometimes a bit too much so, but possesses great makeup speed. He also understands positioning at a high level.

63. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) – Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State
I don’t think there is a receiver worth going here that fits what Kansas City is looking for, but the team definitely could use a boost at linebacker. Pete Werner has sideline-to-ideline ability and diagnoses plays quickly. His range and sure tackling fills a huge void for the Chiefs.

64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) – Jay Tufele, DL, USC
Tampa continues to plan for the future. Jay Tufele definitely fits the mold of a 3-4 defensive end. He had a strong 2019 season before opting out of 2020. With Ndamukong Suh on a one-year deal and recently turning 33, Tufele could be the 2022 starter.

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Just when we started to feel like we had a good handle on what to expect in the NFL, the league threw us a massive curveball. Pittsburgh was taken the distance by Garrett Gilbert and the hapless Cowboys. Carolina pushed Kansas City to the limit. New Orleans battered Tampa Bay in a shocking 38-3 win. Josh Allen blasted the high-flying Seahawks.

Those were the top four teams in my power rankings last week. They all either won ugly or took tough losses. As a result, the rankings underwent a massive shakeup.

3. Baltimore Ravens: 6-2 (Last Week: 5)
Won 24-10 at Indianapolis
It might not be MVP-mode Lamar Jackson, but he was efficient in a solid win. The defense deserves way more of the credit in the defensive struggle. Chuck Clark returned a fumble for a touchdown as the Ravens continue to lead the league in scoring defense. Baltimore contained Philip Rivers and the passing game, holding them to just 5.2 yards per play. Weirdly enough, the Colts actually had more success per play running the ball. It is clear this team is talented, but it feels like Baltimore is not clicking yet. That could be a good thing if Jackson and the offense can recapture its 2019 form.

4. Green Bay Packers: 6-2 (Last Week: 7)
Won 34-17 at San Francisco
No one ever wants to face Aaron Rodgers, but you really never want to face him coming off a loss. He went off for 305 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Packers to their sixth victory of the year. In a game where the running game was not at full strength due to injuries and COVID-19, Rodgers stepped up and dominated with Davante Adams. He got plenty of help from the defense too. Green Bay led 34-3 before San Francisco punched in two garbage-time touchdowns. The 49ers are the most banged up team in the league, but this was still a great win to get back on track.

5. New Orleans Saints: 6-2 (Last Week: 8)
Won 38-3 at Tampa Bay
Mic drop. People have loved to compare Drew Brees and Tom Brady this year as the two trade the NFL’s all-time touchdown title back and forth. Brees gave himself some breathing room with four scores. The defense made sure he held that lead too, keeping Brady out of the end zone. New Orleans rolled out the perfect plan to shut him down, generating pressure without having to blitz. Brady looked uncomfortable all night long. Maybe the Saints just have the Buccaneers’ number right now, but this was a huge win to show they still deserve to be considered Super Bowl contenders.

6. Buffalo Bills: 7-2 (Last Week: 9)
Won 44-34 vs. Seattle
After two lackluster weeks, Josh Allen and the offense woke up. The former Wyoming star aired it out for 415 yards and scored four total touchdowns. Buffalo’s defense came to play as well with five sacks and four forced turnovers from Russell Wilson. More than halfway through the season now, the Bills seem to be well on their way to a playoff appearance and potentially a division title. Miami is keeping things interest, but Buffalo has to feel really good about the football it is playing right now.

7. Seattle Seahawks: 6-2 (Last Week: 4)
Lost 44-34 at Buffalo
Someone get the Seahawks a defense. Seattle was always likely to give up more points with the team letting Russell Wilson air it out, but this unit might be the worst in the NFL. Surrendering the third most points and most yards per game this season is cause for major concern. The offense had been able to make up for most of that this year, but even Wilson could not cover up the deficiencies against Buffalo. Wilson tossed a pair of interceptions and took five sacks in the game. His counterpart, Josh Allen, threw for 415 yards and three touchdowns. He also added one of the ground. For as good as this Seahawks offense has played this year, Seattle has no chance of wining the Super Bowl with its current defense.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-3 (Last Week: 3)
Lost 38-3 vs. New Orleans
What in the world was that? This was touted as the clear game of the week. Tampa Bay didn’t get the memo. Tom Brady played one of the worst games of his career. He finished with three interceptions, no touchdowns and just 5.5 yards per attempt. The Buccaneers made no effort to establish the run, finishing eight yards on five attempts. One of those was a kneel down by Blaine Gabbert as well. Four called running plays is not going to cut it. Defensively, the Bucs disappointed again. Drew Brees carved them up for four touchdowns. Tampa got away with one against New York the week before. It clearly did not make the necessary adjustments. For as good as they have looked at times, going 0-2 vs. the Saints is a bad sign.

9. Tennessee Titans: 6-2 (Last Week: 10)
Won 24-17 vs. Chicago
This defense finally showed up. It got a bit of a boost in the form of facing the Bears offense, but it was still an impressive performance. Tennessee held Chicago to just 2.8 yards per carry and forced two fumbles. One of those was returned for a touchdown as well. It turns out that it was the defense’s turn to carry the load. The Titans’ offense struggled with less than 250 yards. Ryan Tannehill only completed 10 passes the whole game. Tennessee still doesn’t seem like it is truly back on track, but this was an important win to pick up with the Colts coming to town on Thursday.

10. Miami Dolphins: 5-3 (Last Week: 12)
Won 34-31 at Arizona
Tua Tagovailoa is undefeated as an NFL starter. Now, the sample size is just two games, but the former Alabama quarterback settled in nicely after a rocky debut. He led his team to a shootout victory over a talented Cardinals offense. Miami’s defense did just enough to hang on for the win. It is a huge swing for the Dolphins, who go from being happy to be above .500 to holding a playoff position. There is still room for improvement, but without their top two running backs, this a great sign for things to come.

11. Arizona Cardinals: 5-3 (Last Week: 6)
Lost 34-31 vs. Miami
Kyler Murray is solidly in the MVP conversation after another stellar outing. He should have a shot at winning as well if this is the kind of help he is going to get from his defense. It is hard to argue any one player is more valuable to their team right now than Murray, who scored four touchdowns, completed 21-of-26 passes for 283 yards and racked 106 yards rushing. He did lose one fumble and that really was the difference in the game. Zane Gonzalez’s game-tying field goal fell short at the end of the game as Arizona suffered a biter defeat. There is no doubt this team is heading in the right direction, but the defense still has a lot of growing up to do.

12. Las Vegas Raiders: 5-3 (Last Week: 13)
Won 31-26 at Los Angeles
Las Vegas was lucky to win this one. Los Angeles nearly hauled in the game-winning touchdown on the final play of the game, but it was overturned on a review. Derek Carr had a ho-hum kind of afternoon, finishing with just 165 yards passing but adding two touchdowns. The run game was reliable and effective as the Raiders rumbled for 160 yards on the ground. It wasn’t perfect and the win does not count for any less because it was close. However, Vegas looked like the worse team for much of this game. Jon Gruden has work to do with two more pivotal divisional games coming up.

13. Indianapolis Colts: 5-3 (Last Week: 11)
Lost 24-10 vs. Baltimore
Another failed test for the Philip Rivers-led offense. Baltimore’s defense is one of the best in the league, but 10 points is not good enough for a team with playoff aspirations. There might have been some controversy regarding the late-game interception Rivers threw, but that was not the real issue of the game. Indy cannot lean into the run enough right now to compensate for it’s lackluster passing game. Frank Reich might need to change the approach for the unit heading into an important divisional game.

14. Los Angeles Rams: 5-3 (Last Week: 14)
Bye Week
The identity of the Rams has drastically changed over the past two years. Los Angeles shifted from the high-flying, offensive-minded team that reached the Super Bowl in 2018 to this gritty, lockdown defensive group we have seen in 2020. The defense is allowing the second fewest points per game this year. However, the offense has been hit or miss. Los Angeles has followed just about every impressive showing with a troubling performance. If Sean McVay can find any consistency in the second half, the Rams should be in good shape.

15. Cleveland Browns: 5-3 (Last Week: 17)
Bye Week
Who are the 2020 Cleveland Browns? No, this isn’t an Alex Trebek tribute, although he will be sorely missed, it is a genuine question. Cleveland has a winning record at the midway point and is solidly in the playoff hunt. However, the Browns offense has been anything but reliable and the defense is struggling to contend with injuries. Cleveland has won some close games, but the losses have all been lopsided, especially in terms of offensive performance. It is hard to know exactly what to make of this group at this stage, but they will be one of the most interesting teams to watch in the second half of the year.

16. Chicago Bears: 5-4 (Last Week 15)
Lost 24-17 at Tennessee
Remember when the Bears were 5-1? That feels like a lifetime ago after three straight losses. Each one has shared a similar theme as well. Chicago’s defense does just enough keep things close but the offense cannot pull it out. Nick Foles actually put up some solid numbers. However, he threw the ball 52 times. That is a not a winning recipe for the Bears. Foles needs more than 2.8 yards per carry from his running game and Matt Nagy needs to think about handing the playcalling duties to someone else.

17. Atlanta Falcons: 3-6 (Last Week: 20)
Won 34-27 vs. Denver
Atlanta let Denver climb back into their game on Sunday just enough that you though another collapse was on the horizon, but the Falcons closed it out for their third win in four games. Matt Ryan looked sharp with 284 yards and three touchdown passes. Defensively, the Falcons held the Broncos out of the end zone for the first three quarters of play. Perhaps this truly was just a matter of them taking their foot off the gas. Atlanta is far from one of the league’s elite clubs at this point, but it is proving to be a tough out under Raheem Morris.

18. Philadelphia Eagles: 3-4-1 (Last Week: 21)
Bye Week
Philly took a week off an watched as the rest of the NFC East crumbled around them. Every other team in the division has at least six losses at this point, giving the Eagles a very solid cushion. What’s more is that this team should finally be getting healthy. Alshon Jeffery, Miles Sanders and Lane Johnson are all expected to practice this week with a chance to play against the Giants. If Darius Slay can get back to full strength on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles will be a much tougher team to deal with than the one we have seen in recent weeks.

19. Carolina Panthers: 3-6 (Last Week: 18)
Lost 33-31 at Kansas City
Close isn’t going to cut it a whole longer in Carolina as the losing streak now hits four. However, taking the defending champs to the wire is an impressive feat. Christian McCaffrey was flying around in his return to action, although he could be back on the sideline with a shoulder injury. Teddy Bridgewater played great, posting three total touchdowns. Unfortunately, this young defense could not slow down Patrick Mahomes. It is easy to feel a lot better about the Panthers this year than last year. This are simply growing pains in the rebuild process.

20. Minnesota Vikings: 3-5 (Last Week: 24)
Won 34-20 vs. Detroit
It is amazing what fresh legs will do for you. Dalvin Cook sat out Week 6 before enjoying his bye week. In his past two games, he has racked up 479 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns. He is now drawing MVP attention and carrying the Vikings back into playoff contention. Minnesota still has a long way to go before it can seriously think about the postseason, but there is no question this team’s outlook feels very different than it did three weeks ago.

21. San Francisco 49ers: 4-5 (Last Week: 16)
Lost 34-17 vs. Green Bay
Injuries caught up with the 49ers again. With Jimmy Garoppolo and George Kittle both out against the Packers on a short week, the offense laid an egg. San Francisco managed just three points through the first three quarters. Defensively, the 49ers had no answer for Devante Adams, who finished 173 yards and a touchdown. This has been one of the few times this year that this banged up squad has been noncompetitive. That’s a credit to Kyle Shanahan, but it is hard to see how San Francisco turns things around with so many injuries at key positions.

22. Denver Broncos: 3-5 (Last Week: 19)
Lost 34-27 at Atlanta
It was another slow start and this time the Broncos could not overcome it. Denver trailed by three touchdowns in the fourth quarter before finally starting to make things competitive. In fact, Drew Lock actually led three touchdown drives in the final quarter, but Atlanta did just enough to hold on. Denver has shown it has a talented offense and a defense capable of making big plays, but it needs to solve the issues surrounding these massive first-half deficits.

23. New England Patriots: 3-5 (Last Week: 22)
Won 30-27 at New York
That was the opposite of convincing. The Patriots snapped a four-game losing streak but needed a last-second field goal to outlast the winless Jets. Cam Newton struggled to stretch the field all night, missing a few passes downfield. Joe Flacco pulled apart the defense without Stephon Gilmore. Once again, the running game showed up though as Damien Harris and Rex Burkhead each carried the load. It was an important victory for New England to keep its playoff hopes alive, but not one that made you feel better about the direction this team is headed.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: 2-5-1 (Last Week: 25)
Bye Week
Hopefully, Joe Burrow is just spending his bye week in an ice bath. Only Carson Wentz has been sacked more than Burrow has this season. His offensive line has struggled in pass protection all year. However, the offense seems to hitting its stride. A win over the Titans was a showing of the potential this team holds under the former Heisman winner. With Joe Mixon given an extra week to get healthy and his receiving corp looking deep, Burrow should be in a position to put up some big numbers in the second half.

25. Detroit Lions: 3-5 (Last Week: 23)
Lost 34-20 at Minnesota
As you read this, Dalvin Cook is still running past helpless Lions defenders. After quietly climbing back to .500, Detroit has suffered back-to-back losses where it was clear it was outmatched. The absence of Kenny Golladay clearly impacted the offense as Matthew Stafford faltered against a young Vikings secondary before exiting with a concussion. The odds that Matt Patricia is coaching this team next year continue to shrink as Detroit seems headed for another season of mediocrity.

26. Houston Texans: 2-6 (Last Week: 27)
Won 27-25 at Jacksonville
Houston has proven it is capable of beating Jacksonville this year and not much else. To be fair, that’s something the Colts cannot claim at this point, but being 0-6 against the rest of the league is not a great look for the Texans. Deshaun Watson put together another strong performance. It was almost blown by a defense facing a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. Had the Jaguars converted their two-point conversion, we would have been looking at a tie game with a minute and thirty seconds left to play. All in all, it is hard to feel super confident in the Texans right now.

27. Los Angeles Chargers: 2-6 (Last Week: 26)
Lost 31-26 vs. Las Vegas
Another week, another narrow Chargers loss. Justin Herbert is trying his best to drag this team to a win, but the defense has not cooperated in recent weeks. Los Angeles was gashed on Sunday for 6.2 yards per carry by Las Vegas. The Chargers may have slowed down Derek Carr, but it came at the expense of defending the run. It looked like the streak was final over with a late-game touchdown, but that was overturned. Los Angeles is showing a good amount of fight this season despite long odds, but it would be good to see them win a close game at some point.

28. New York Giants: 2-7 (Last Week: 29)
Won 23-20 at Washington
Don’t look now, but the Giants trail the Eagles by just one game in the win column. A win over Philadelphia in Week 10 would actually breathe life into chances of a potential playoff appearance. New York was a bit lucky to hang on for this one though. Daniel Jones was hounded all day long, taking sacks and fumbling twice, although both were recovered by the Giants. It was another impressive outing for the revamped New York defense. It forced five turnovers on Sunday to seal the victory. The Giants feel much closer to a top-five draft selection than a playoff run, but they are squarely in the mix at this stage.

29. Washington: 2-6 (Last Week: 28)
Lost 23-20 vs. New York
It was a tough loss for Washington. Kyle Allen seems set to miss a large chunk of games, thrusting Alex Smith into the starting role. While he is the feel-good story of the NFL season regardless of how he plays, his takeover in the game went anything but smoothly. Three interceptions marred an otherwise impressive performance. If Smith can return to his reliable ways, at least in his decision making, Washington should still be at least competitive in the second half of the year.

30. Dallas Cowboys: 2-7 (Last Week: 30)
Lost 24-19 vs. Pittsburgh
Garrett Gilbert almost sparked a magical win for the Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliott was hampered by a hamstring injury, leaving the offense squarely in the hands of Gilbert. He handled the task about as well as you would want for a recent practice squad member. Dallas is already thinking about the future. This team has been ravaged by injuries this season and it is time to focus on 2021.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars: 1-7 (Last Week: 31)
Lost 27-25 vs. Houston
Jake Luton’s NFL debut actually went surprisingly well, even if Jacksonville was unable to finish the job. 300-plus passing yards a touchdown and an interception are pretty solid numbers to open his career. He also added a touchdown on the ground. The Jaguars are lacking in talent, but at least they are competitive at this point. There is a good chance this team will start fresh in the offseason, but these games are still important to figure out which player are worth keeping around.

32. New York Jets: 0-9 (Last Week: 32)
Lost 30-27 vs. New England
Just when you thought the Jets could not find a way to disappoint anyone, they found a way to do it. Joe Flacco turned back the clocks to sometime in 2012 with three touchdowns against an undermanned Patriots’ secondary. New York led by 10 points heading into the fourth quarter, but ran all of four offensive plays as New England staged a massive comeback. The two drives the Jets had in the fourth quarter resulted in an interception and a three-and-out. The misery just continues for this franchise.

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We are entering the home stretch of the fantasy football regular season. Injuries once again rule the fantasy world with stars such as Christian McCaffrey and Michael Thomas set to return. On the other side, Kenny Golladay and George Kittle could miss some time. While the return of McCaffrey and Thomas crushes the fantasy value of players like Mike Davis and Tre’Quan Smith, Jordan Reed and Marvin Jones Jr. should see a nice boost in fantasy value with Kittle and Golladay out.

With so many moving part, let’s dive in to this long list of potential additions for your fantasy roster this week.

Drew Lock, QB, DEN
It is not a great week to need quarterback help, but if you are truly desperate, I am high on Drew Lock for this week. He faces a Falcons defense that has struggled a lot this year. Atlanta is still allowing the second most points to opposing quarterbacks, but this defense has not been quite as porous since Dan Quinn got fired. Lock is coming off his best game of the season and finally seems to be healthy. He also has Jerry Jeudy, DaeSean Hamilton, Noah Fant and KJ Hamler to throw to, plus a good running back tandem. I don’t love playing Lock this week, but if you are dealing with bye weeks or injuries, he is my favorite widely-available option for Week 9.

Damien Harris, RB, NE
Harris has appeared on this list a few times. He seems to be settling in as the top option in this Patriots backfield. Now, there is a risk that comes with every New England running back that he will suddenly disappear from the gameplan. It has been that way for years. He is a better option in standard leagues with just two catches this season. Coming off his best game yet, he finished with 100-plus yards and a touchdown, he is worth adding to your bench as a potential flex play going forward.

Tyler Ervin/Dexter Williams, RBs, GB
Jamal Williams and A.J. Dillon are on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Aaron Jones is a long shot to play on Thursday with a calf injury. Someone has to carry the ball for the Packers, right? Special teams star Tyler Ervin and practice squad rookie Dexter Williams are the only two running backs left for Green Bay. Neither is a proven commodity. Ervin has 10 total touches this season. Williams has never even registered a carry. Based on sheer volume alone, they both could be flex options if you are dealing with bye weeks or struggling to find a replacement for Mike Davis. They definitely would not be my first choice against a talented 49ers front seven, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Zack Moss, RB, BUF
Moss has ramped up each of the past two weeks since returning from injury. Week 8 was his best game yet with 81 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. He is still splitting snaps with Devin Singletary, but Buffalo has seemed determined to establish the run in recent weeks. If that trend continues and Moss can resume his role as a pass catcher, he should have some value. Depth is hard to come by at running back, so it is never a bad idea to add more.

Matt Breida/Jordan Howard, RBs, MIA
It was a bit of a surprise, but Myles Gaskin will be out for three weeks with a knee injury. That opens the door for Breida and Howard to see extended action against the Cardinals. Neither one has been overly productive this season. Howard is purely a goal line back and Breida has been ineffective. Still, with Gaskin out and a rookie quarterback making his second start, Miami will likely given them opportunities. I’m not super high on either, but the potential volume makes them intriguing.

Allen Lazard, WR, GB
Welcome back from the IR Allen Lazard. Green Bay is on a short week, so he might not be heavily involved in Week 9, but Lazard is definitely a player worth stashing. He put up 50 fantasy points over his first three games. Just for some context, his 17.3 points per game average is better than Tyler Boyd’s and just trails Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen. That is the type of player we are talking about here. Perhaps you aren’t ready to start against the 49ers, but you better believe you will be when he plays the Jaguars in Week 10.

Mike Williams, WR, LAC
If you are playing Mike Williams roulette, you likely aren’t doing very well. After a huge performance against the Saints in Week 5, he was a popular add. Many excitedly started him against the Jaguars following the bye week only for him to post a woeful one-catch, four-yard stat line. With people moving on from him after looking like a flash in the pan, Williams naturally put five catches for 99 yards and a touchdown in Week 8. He is a tricky player to navigate right now, but his upside in any given week makes him worth having on your roster.

Darnell Mooney, WR, CHI
The rookie from Tulane has carved out a role for himself in this Bears offense. Since Week 3, Mooney has earned at least five targets in every game. His production has been a bit more hit-and-miss, but he draws a favorable matchup with the Titans secondary this week. Coming off his best game of the season, I think you could consider making Mooney a flex play in Week 9. There is definitely some risk here given Nick Foles’ inconsistent play, but I like Mooney’s upside.

Danny Amendola/Marvin Jones Jr./Marvin Hall, WRs, DET
Kenny Golladay will be out for Week 9’s matchup with the Vikings. Minnesota is allowing the third most points to opposing receivers in fantasy. That opens the door for Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola to have meaningful roles in the offense against a favorable matchup. If you are in a standard league, grab Jones, who is a red zone threat that can score a lot of touchdowns. Amendola is probably a better fit in PPR settings given his style of play. The wildcard here is Marvin Hall, who emerged as Detroit’s big-play threat after Golladay exited. He had four catches for 113 yards against the Colts. If you are looking for a boom-or-bust option, I would target Hall.

Kendrick Bourne, WR, SF
I might actually give 49ers receivers a boost with Jimmy Garoppolo out. Nick Mullens looked comfortable in relief and Bourne benefited. With George Kittle out as well, Bourne figures to star again. He racked up 59 yards in garbage time, which is significant because that is when Mullens took over at quarterback. He and Brandon Aiyuk are the clear top two options in this passing game heading into Thursday’s matchup with the Packers. (Editor’s note: Bourne has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Thursday’s game against Green Bay. Trent Taylor and James Richie seem set to start at receiver.)

Jordan Reed/Ross Dwelley, TEs, SF
George Kittle is out for the next eight weeks, so these two are more than just one-week fill ins. Reed had a huge two-touchdown game when Kittle was out in Week 2. Unfortunately, he got hurt the following week. He is expected return from IR in time to face the Packers, but he may be a bit rusty. Dwelley is not much of a pass catcher, but if Reed is unable to go for any reason, he should see enough volume to warrant consideration. I would prioritize Reed over Dwelley, but both could be valuable in deeper leagues.

Trey Burton, TE, IND
It is dangerous to chase touchdowns in fantasy football. Rarely is a reliable metric to predict player’s performances. However, Burton has scored in back-to-back games and is seeing a lot of attention in the red zone. He actually has a rushing touchdown in each of his past two games. Burton is part of a fairly crowded tight end room with Mo Alie-Cox and Jack Doyle both healthy now. Burton is still the clear leader though and could be an interesting depth option or starter in deeper leagues.

Let’s take a quick look back at how some of the top drafted players have done versus some of the top free agent pick ups this season.

Christian McCaffrey was the consensus first pick. He has not played since Week 2. James Robinson was an early season free agent add who has become a top-10, borderline top-five player at the position.

Lamar Jackson was probably one of the first two quarterbacks drafted and went in the first three rounds of your fantasy draft. He ranks 12th among quarterbacks in points per game. Justin Herbert started the season on the bench, but he took over the starting role in Week 2 and is now fourth in points per game, narrowly edging Patrick Mahomes.

If you drafted Michael Thomas, it was likely in the first round. So far this season, he ranks 160th among wide receivers in PPR scoring. Before the season started, almost no one knew who Travis Fulgam was. Now he is the eighth-best wide reciever in fantasy on a points per game basis.

The point of this is to illustrate the importance of the waiver wire. Obviously, you should not have drafted Justin Herbert over Lamar Jackson, or dropped Christian McCaffrey for James Robinson. The bottom line is just because you drafted well, you are not guaranteed a good season.

By now, we have hit the midway point of pretty much every fantasy league’s regular season. This would be a good time to check if your league has a trade deadline and starting making moves for the playoff push. Even if you think you are going to pull off a great trade, you should check out these players on the waiver wire.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, SF
The Jimmy G experience has been a bumpy one so far this season. Two weeks ago, he pulled apart the Rams defense for three touchdowns. This past week, he failed to find the end zone and registered a dud against New England. While he might be hard to trust in the long haul, this is the week to start him. Garoppolo faces a Seahawks defense allowing more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks than any other team in the league. Kyler Murray racked up 36 points on Sunday night. Garoppolo likely won’t hit those highs, but you should feel comfortable starting him as a bye-week fill-in.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, CAR
Few quarterbacks have impressed me more than Teddy Bridgewater has this season. He is consistently running for this life, but he is still able to make plays and put up points. He has feasted on weaker defenses this year, putting up at least 19 points in three of his past four games. Atlanta comes to town in Week 8. I view Bridgewater as a low-risk, high-reward option on Thursday, regardless of Christian McCaffrey’s status. He would get a boost though if McCaffrey returns.

Baker Mayfield, QB, CLE
How is the guy that just lost his star receiver on this list? Well, Baker Mayfield has weirdly been better this year when targeting pretty much anyone other than Odell Beckham Jr. He has been far from prolific this season, but Mayfield is coming off a huge 29-point outing and now faces a Raiders secondary that just got carved up by Tom Brady. If you are desperate for quarterback help this week, you could do much worse than Mayfield.

Carlos Hyde, RB, SEA
Under normal circumstances, Hyde would be locked in as a top-20 option at running back with Chris Carson expected to be out. Unfortunately, Hyde faces a stout 49ers defense that is allowing the fewest points to opposing fantasy running backs this season. That doesn’t make him unplayable, but you may want to temper your expectations for this week. Still, Hyde figures to be very valuable for each week that Carson is out. He should he your top running back add this week, unless Chase Edmonds is still available.

Jamycal Hastings, RB, SF
He might be in a timeshare with Jerrick McKinnon, but on a team that runs as much as the 49ers do, Hastings still has a ton of fantasy value. He looked good in mop up duty against the Patriots after Jeff Wilson Jr. got hurt, picking up 57 yards on nine carries. In an expanded role against a middle of the road Seahawks run defense, Hastings should be in starting lineups this week and stay there as long as he and McKinnon are the only two healthy backs.

Damien Harris, RB, NE
Yes, counting on Patriots running backs is risky. I just really like what I have seen from Harris so far. He has averaged better than five yards per carry in two of this three games. Unfortunately, the offense just has not run through him enough with New England getting down early and abandoning the run. I would recommend stashing him on your roster now. Even if you don’t start him this week against the Bills, you will want to in Week 9 when he plays the Jets.

Sterling Shepard, WR, NYG
Shepard finally got back on the football field after missing four weeks of action. He looked good in his return, hauling in six catches for 59 yards on eight targets and adding a touchdown. He is a must-have in PPR formats. I don’t know if I would recommend starting him quite yet with a visit trip to Tampa Bay up next, but he carries a lot of fantasy value going forward.

Cole Beasley, WR, BUF
I still don’t understand how, but Cole Beasley is a fantasy relevant wide receiver. He ranks 19th in PPR scoring, just ahead of Robert Woods. He has scored at least nine points in every game this season and just turned in his best performance yet with 22 points against the Jets. He is far from touchdown dependent either, only scoring two this season. If he starts finding the end zone, he could be locked into WR2 territory. He faces New England this week, but then gets Seattle and Arizona after that.

Corey Davis, WR, TEN
I have been touting Corey Davis as a fantasy relevant option all season. If you are in a PPR league, he is worth consideration. He is still struggling to put up a bunch of yards (just 35 against the Steelers), but he had six catches and a touchdown on ten targets. It is clear Ryan Tannehill trust Davis enough to look for him often. If he can start catching a few more balls downfield, he will work his way into starting lineups.

Richard Rodgers, TE, PHI
With Zach Ertz out and Dallas Goedert still on the mend, Richard Rodgers stepped into the starting role with six catches for 85 yards on eight targets. Carson Wentz loves throwing to his tight ends. With Miles Sanders potentially out again and the Eagles still are banged up at wide receiver, Rodgers figures to be involved again in Week 8. With a matchup against a reeling Cowboys team, Rodgers is a fringe starter this week.

Irv Smith Jr., TE, MIN
This is reaching deep into the tight end pool, but I really like Irv Smith Jr. Heading into Minnesota’s bye this past week, he racked up eight catches for 119 yards over his past two games. He seems to be emerging as the top option at the position, finally surpassing Kyle Rudolph. He has a bit of a tough matchup against the Packers in Week 8, so I wouldn’t recommend starting him, but if you are looking for a sleeper tight end or play in deeper fantasy leagues, he should be on your radar.