As the fantasy football season heats up, it’s time to dive into draft strategies and pinpoint players who might not live up to their current Average Draft Position (ADP). Based on the latest insights, here are six players to steer clear of at their current draft slots due to concerns about their situation, competition, or potential regression.
Michael Pittman Jr. WR (IND)
ECR: 89th Overall
Michael Pittman Jr. has been a reliable wide receiver in the past, but his 2025 outlook is murky. The Colts have a crowded receiver room, featuring Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and sophmore Adonai Mitchell, which dilutes Pittman Jr’s target share. The quarterback situation—Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson—lacks stability, with neither showing the consistent ability to support a high-volume WR1. With additional competition from tight end Tyler Warren and a healthy Jonathan Taylor, Pittman’s ceiling is limited. Consider alternatives like Stefon Diggs or Travis Etienne, who offer higher upside at similar ADPs.
Jaylen Warren RB (PIT)
ECR: 96th Overall
Jalylen Warren is a talented NFL running back, but his fantasy value is capped. Despite Najee Harris’ departure, the Steelers invested high draft capital in Kaleb Johnson, signaling he’s their running back of the future. In Arthur Smith’s offense, Johnson is likely to command a significant share of carries, leaving Warren in a committee role. Warren’s smaller stature and the team’s historical reluctance to use him as a workhorse further dim his outlook. At his ADP, players like Justin Fields, and Jauan Jennings offer higher upside around the same spot in the draft.
Jared Goff QB (DET)
ECR: 101st Overall
Jared Goff enjoyed a solid 2024, but 2025 brings red flags. The loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was instrumental in Detroit’s offensive success, is a major blow. The Lions also lost their defensive coordinator, which could shift game scripts and impact offensive opportunities. The Lions’ run-heavy approach with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery may limit Goff’s passing volume. Look for quarterbacks with more stable situations in similar ADP ranges.
Cooper Kupp WR (SEA)
ECR: 103rd Overall
Cooper Kupp’s move to the Seahawks marks a new chapter, but his fantasy relevance is fading. Coming off an injury-plagued 2024 with the Rams, where he was outshined by Puka Nacua, Kupp faces challenges in Seattle. The Seahawks’ offense, led by Sam Darnold, already features a slot-heavy receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN), limiting Kupp’s role as a primary slot target. At 32, injuries remain a concern, and his ADP is inflated by name value. Players like Jakobi Meyers, Evan Engram, or Khalil Shakir, available around the same range, offer better value and clearer roles.
Travis Hunter WR (JAX)
ECR: 72nd Overall
Travis Hunter is an electrifying talent, but his unique two-way role makes him a risky fantasy pick. As a rookie splitting time between wide receiver and cornerback, his offensive snap count is unpredictable. Hunter’s long-term potential is immense, especially in dynasty leagues, but in redraft, his split role and lack of guaranteed volume make him a fade at his current ADP. Monitor preseason reports to gauge his offensive usage before considering him.
Amon-Ra St. Brown WR (DET)
ECR: 7th Overall
Amon-Ra St. Brown was a fantasy superstar in 2024, but his first-round ADP in 2025 is too rich. The loss of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could disrupt the Lions’ offensive rhythm, as seen with other teams undergoing coordinator changes. Detroit’s crowded target hierarchy, including Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery, threatens St. Brown’s elite volume. While he’ll likely remain the team’s top target, his ceiling may not justify a top-10 pick. Alternatives like Puka Nacua, Malik Nabers, Derrick Henry, or Christian McCaffrey offer higher upside in the first round. St. Brown is a safer bet in the 2nd round.
Final Thoughts
Drafting in fantasy football is all about balancing upside and risk. These six players—Michael Pittman Jr., Jalen Warren, Jared Goff, Cooper Kupp, Travis Hunter, and Amon-Ra St. Brown—carry significant risks at their current ADPs due to competition, team changes, or uncertain roles. Look for players with clearer paths to volume or better situational upside in similar draft ranges to maximize your team’s potential. Stay tuned for more fantasy football insights as the season approaches!
