Late-Round Fantasy Football Gems You Should Consider 💎

Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes

As the fantasy football draft season heats up, many players look for hidden gems in the later rounds. Finding a player who can genuinely contribute at this stage can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, some candidates may surprise you with their performance potential. Let's dive into some intriguing options to consider for your fantasy team!

Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (ADP: 15.12)

Trevor Lawrence experienced a notable high in 2022, throwing for 25 touchdowns while adding five rushing scores, resulting in a solid 12th-place finish in fantasy points per game. Despite the ups and downs, 2023 saw some fluctuation in his performance as he registered higher passing yards but fewer touchdowns.

His trajectory took a hit in 2024 when he faced more challenges on the field. Although his statistics appeared underwhelming, it's crucial to remember that injuries played a role, leading to limited performance in key games.

Why Take a Chance?

Lawrence will be adapting to a new offensive system under head coach Liam Coen, which brings positivity based on Baker Mayfield's success using this scheme. There’s potential for Lawrence to rediscover his groove given the changes in his receiver lineup and a reduction in deep-ball attempts.

Key Point: The Jaguars have revamped their receiving corps, adding Travis Hunter and acclaimed speedster Dyami Brown, positioning Lawrence to have his best year yet.

Trevor Lawrence could be a worthwhile gamble as a high-upside backup.

Running Back: Braelon Allen, New York Jets (ADP: 15.07)

Braelon Allen made headlines during his collegiate career and now finds himself in a prime opportunity with the Jets following the departure of Dalvin Cook. Breece Hall's early injury gave Allen a chance, allowing him to flash his skillset.

Although he averaged only 3.6 yards per carry, his performance in short-yardage situations was impressive, where he was lethal, successfully converting 14 of 16 such attempts.

Future Outlook for Allen:

With the departures in the backfield and limited competition (primarily from Breece Hall and rookie Isaiah Davis), Allen’s role may expand significantly in 2025, especially given his size and ability.

Need-to-Know: The acquisition of Justin Fields might complicate things, particularly in short-yardage situations, but if utilized effectively, Allen can become a solid addition to your roster.

Tight End: Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (ADP: 19.02)

Chig Okonkwo, drafted in 2022, quickly showed his speed and athleticism, making him one of the most promising tight ends in the league. While he faced challenges in gaining a consistent role early in his career, he significantly improved his route-running efficiency last season.

Despite some ups and downs, Okonkwo demonstrated consistent flashes of brilliance late in the season. His key contributions during the fantasy playoffs hinted at enormous potential if he can secure his position consistently.

What Makes Okonkwo Stand Out?

With the Titans restructuring their tight end lineup and expectations to utilize him more in various formations, Okonkwo appears primed for a breakout year. His ability to generate big plays, coupled with increased snaps, can position him well in your fantasy lineup.

Pro Tip: If he maintains his health and develops continuity with Cameron Ward as the quarterback, Okonkwo could emerge as a top-12 tight end in fantasy.

Running Back: Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars (ADP: 15.08)

Bhayshul Tuten's journey from North Carolina A&T to Virginia Tech paints a picture of resilience. Despite facing challenges with offensive line support, he displayed explosive plays and raw talent throughout his college career.

Joining the Jaguars' backfield, he finds himself amidst a competitive landscape with Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. The mere fact that Tuten was drafted in the fourth round by the new coaching staff speaks volumes about the expectations for him.

Outlook for Tuten:

If he can outperform established names like Bigsby, Tuten stands to gain a solid share of the carries. Given his prowess in short-yardage situations during college, predicting his role in the new regime is essential for fantasy managers.

Heads-Up: Keep an eye on Tuten’s preseason performances as he continues to battle for playing time, which can turn into valuable opportunities.

Wide Receiver: DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (ADP: 19.08)

DeMario Douglas was a promising sixth-round pick in 2023, expected to fill the void left by JuJu Smith-Schuster. Although his initial season showed fluctuations, injuries shaped his playing time more than performance did.

As the Patriots overhauled their wide receiver room, Douglas emerges with potentially less competition. His ability to create separation and evade tackles showcases significant upside for the coming season, especially under a new scheme with Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator.

Why Douglas Could Be a Secret Weapon:

Douglas has appeal based on the new potential for volume in the offense, along with historical tendencies of McDaniels to produce highly productive slot receivers.

Fantasy Nugget: If he’s utilized correctly, Douglas could transform into a top-30 wide receiver option, making him an excellent late-round flyer.

Conclusion 🎉

The end of your fantasy football draft isn’t merely a throwaway segment; it can be a treasure trove of hidden talent! Whether it’s a rebound year for Trevor Lawrence, Braelon Allen finding stability in a shifting backfield, Chig Okonkwo capitalizing on improved opportunities, Bhayshul Tuten's potential breakout, or DeMario Douglas being the surprise star, each of these players can contribute significantly to your roster.

Remember, selecting wisely in late rounds can often define your championship run. Happy drafting! 🏆