Every year, we fade players in fantasy football we fully expect to be replaced in the NFL draft by younger rookies. And every year, a few of those fades end up getting out of the draft without any direct competition added, and it significantly affects their value immediately. Here are three players I think you should be targeting now, before the draft, while they still come cheap.
1. Emanuel Wilson-Seattle Seahawks
This one is fun because he’s essentially free right now in fantasy football circles. You can get him for a 4th round pick or as a throw-in on another deal. When Wilson had to replace Josh Jacobs last year when he was injured for the Green Bay Packers, he excelled. The Seahawks are heavily believed to be drafting a rookie RB this year after the loss of Kenneth Walker III in the offseason. The current depth chart only shows Wilson, and 2nd year player George Holani as healthy options.
But with only 4 draft picks, they may not be allowed that luxury. Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL last season, and his return date is unknown. Even if the Seahawks do draft an RB, it seems likely that Wilson would get the first opportunity at starting, which can always lead to him just running (no pun intended) with the job.
2. Ray Davis-Buffalo Bills
I’m not sure Ray Davis is going so cheap because no one believes he will be replaced in the draft, but he is still an absolute steal in both redraft and dynasty at the moment. He is the clear-cut handcuff in one of the most elite rushing offenses in the league, and I will guarantee that the Buffalo Bills will not be drafting at the RB position this week. Star RB James Cook has stayed healthy his full career, but in the two games he did miss (1 injury, 1 rest), Davis had really good games.
Some think Ty Johnson would cut into that role more, but he is the 3rd-down back, and that is it. When Cook has not been in the lineup, Davis has been the workhorse, and there is zero reason to think that would change in 2026. With a change in offensive coordinators and possibly some strategy adjustments now that coach Sean McDermott is gone, Davis may be thrown into the mix of the normal game plan more than in the past, even when Cook is healthy.
3. Devaughn Vele-New Orleans Saints
If you read my NFL Power Rankings: Vibes Edition, you’d know I am super high on the New Orleans Saints and their offense this year. Last year, from Weeks 12-15, Devaughn Vele ranked 21st in PPR points at the WR position. It is expected that the Saints take a WR early in the NFL draft to go opposite star WR Chris Olave. But as a team with many needs, do they possibly avoid early WR and see if Vele can hold that role for another year?
Without the addition of one of the Top 3 WRs available, it would be safe to say the rookie would have to compete with Vele for starting snaps. Even if the Saints do draft one early, Vele can still have a role as the number 3 option in what should be an explosive offense.
These are just 3 examples of guys you should be targeting this week, leading into the NFL draft. Making bets on guys now can pay off big time if they avoid competition in the draft. These guys make particular sense because they are basically free bets, and you might be able to cash out for double the value in just one week.
