Every year, there are a few players who get no hype during the offseason but put up huge fantasy performances. These guys normally become league winners and the steals of fantasy drafts. We should expect the same to happen this season. Here are five players with an ADP over 100 who could be steals this draft season.
RB Kyle Monangi | Chicago Bears
ADP: 101 (RB34)
Kyle Monangi is coming off a solid rookie campaign in Chicago. In 17 games, he rushed for 783 yards on 169 carries with five touchdowns. He also had 18 catches for 164 yards. He also had six games in which he recorded double-digit fantasy points. But his most impressive stat was a 4.1 explosive run rate. He profiles as the big-play back in an offense. The type of player who gets opportunity early and in long-yardage situations to try to break off big gains.
Last season, he had a 41.5% opportunity share. He should find himself in a similar situation this year, with him splitting time with D’Andre Swift. While it’s usually a risk to take a running back two, this does not apply to Ben Johnson’s offenses. We have seen time and time again that two backs have huge fantasy seasons with Johnson running things. If Monangi gets a slight increase in snap share and finds a bit more consistency, he can easily average double-digit points per game, with a few breakout performances.
TE Isaiah Likely | New York Giants
ADP: 122.5 (TE14)
For years, we have been expecting Isaiah Likely to take the next step and become a tight end one in fantasy. But for years he always fell just short of that mark. He has never broken the 500 receiving yard mark or averaged eight points per game in a fantasy season. This can cause many to feel that the breakout his never coming. But a large reason for this is he has been stuck behind Mark Andrews, one of the most consistent tight ends of the last few seasons.
But things are different this season. For starters, Likely is not stuck behind Andrews, having left Baltimore to sign with the New York Giants. He is slated to be the tight end one for the first time in his career. Not only that, but he should be the second receiving option behind Malik Nabers. He also could be the top receiving option early in the season with Nabers’ health in question. Likely can quickly establish himself as one of the best fantasy tight ends, with the value of a fringe player.
WR KC Concepcion | Cleveland Browns
ADP: 128.6 (WR53)
KC Concepcion was one of the most explosive receivers in this year’s draft class. In 13 games with Texas A&M, he caught 61 passes on 104 targets for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. But what drew everyone to Concepcion was his 15.1 yards-per-catch average. He also was a bit of a gadget player early in his college career, so it is something that could come up again in the NFL. Overall, whether it’s his big-play ability or his solid athleticism, he has the making of a wide receiver.
While most talks about Concepcion involved his dynasty value, he could be a steal this season. Sure, there are concerns with the Browns offense, but it might be a good opportunity for Concepcion to break out from day one. The only established receiver on the roster is Jerry Juedy, who took a step back last season. Regardless of who is under center, Concepcion could be the go-to receiver within the first month of the season. His big-play ability could make him a good FLEX option and a solid receiver two.
QB Kyler Murray | Minnesota Vikings
ADP: 127.5 (QB17)
Kyler Murray has been one of the most frustrating quarterbacks over the last few seasons. Early in his career, he was a top-ten fantasy quarterback and finished as high as quarterback three back in 2020. But since 2023, his numbers have taken a step back. He has only played one full season, finishing as quarterback 12. Injuries have taken their toll on this quarterback. Last season he suffered a foot injury that cost him 12 games. That plus the ACL injury he suffered back in 2022-23, there are real questions whether he can stay on the field.
However, with Murray signing with the Vikings he has the making to be Kevin O’Connell next reclamaition project. O’Connell is a big reason why guys like Sam Darnold have turned their NFL career around. If he is able to beat out JJ McCarthy during training camp, we could see him get back to how he played early in his career. With the weapons in the Vikings offense, plus Murray rushing upside he easily can put up top ten quarterback numbers again. Allowing you get a starting quarterback late in your fantasy draft.
WR Josh Downs | Indianapolis Colts
ADP: 105.5 (WR46)
Over the past few seasons, Josh Downs has established himself as a decent NFL wide reciever. While last season was not as good as his 2024 season he still put up decent numbers. In 16 games last season he caught 58 catches on 87 targets for 566 yards and four touchdowns. Sure these numbers do not look great on paper. But this can be chalked up to Downs being the wide reciever three in the offense, and the inconsistency of the Colts passing game.
With Michael Pittman having been traded to the Steelers, Downs will be the reciever two going into the season. This will do wonders for his fantasy value. Downs also gets a solid amount of work in the redzone, getting 15 targets last season. With an increase role, that number should go up as well. Downs could easily see an increase in his reciving and touchdown numbers. Downs could be someone who can beocme a staple of your fantasy roster at a discount cost.
