George KittleRyan Kang/Getty Images
RB James Conner (ADP: RB26)
The selection of Trey Benson would seem to indicate that Conner’s days as the lead back in Arizona are numbered. But the 29-year-old set a career high last season with 1,040 yards on the ground, averaged five yards per tote and was a top-20 fantasy RB option. In three years in the desert, Conner has hit 1,000 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns.
QB Matthew Stafford (ADP: QB19)
Not all that long ago (2021) Stafford was a top-five fantasy quarterback. He hasn’t been as productive the past two seasons, but in Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, Stafford has one of the better one-two punches at wide receiver in the league. Add in Sean McVay’s offensive acumen, and you have a real chance at top-10 QB numbers on the cheap.
TE George Kittle (ADP: TE8)
Kittle’s ADP is likely a function of his age, a loaded San Francisco offense and the belief that it will be difficult for the 30-year-old to back up last year’s 1,000-yard campaign. But Kittle has three straight top-six PPR finishes among tight ends—he’s an excellent target for managers looking to exercise a little draft-day patience at the position.
WR Tyler Lockett (ADP: WR51)
The fantasy community apparently sees a changing of the guard coming in the Emerald City—second-year pro Jaxon Smith-Njigba is coming off draft boards ahead of Lockett. But as recently as 2022, Lockett topped 80 catches and 1,000 yards, scored eight touchdowns and finished as a top-15 fantasy receiver. Don’t give up on the veteran just yet.
Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.
