Now that the 2021 NFL Draft is over a week old, we’ve had time to sit back and analyze how it impacts veteran players. Which players’ fantasy stock went up after the draft? The biggest winners are Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Tua Tagovailoa. Their teams use a first and second-round pick on a wide receiver and an offensive lineman. The three second-year quarterbacks should take a jump forward in their developmental this season because of the additions made in the draft. Let’s take a look at the 10 biggest veteran winners from the 2021 NFL Draft.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
After missing out on several veteran wide receivers in free agency, the Ravens spent two of their top five draft picks on the position. First-round pick Rashod Bateman should start opposite Marquise Brown as a rookie. Fourth-round pick Tylan Wallace will push Sammy Watkins and Miles Boykin for snaps. When the 2020 season ended, Jackson had one wide receiver he could count on in Brown. Now, he has plenty of fast weapons at his disposal. Furthermore, the Ravens spent a third-round pick on guard Ben Cleveland. His physical play style fits the Ravens’ run-first mindset perfectly.
Sam Darnold, Carolina Panthers
Instead of selecting Justin Fields with the eighth pick, the Panthers added help on defense. However, they spent their second and both of their third-round picks on offense. The Panthers picked Terrace Marshall in the second round. He should easily win the third wide receiver role as a rookie. Furthermore, he is a long-term replacement for Robby Anderson, who is entering a contract year. The Panthers then used their third-round picks on offensive tackle Brady Christensen and tight end Tommy Tremble, giving Darnold protection and another receiving threat.
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers used the majority of their draft picks on offense. They spent a first-round pick on Najee Harris, finally giving Big Ben a running game. The Steelers then used their second-round pick on Pat Freiermuth, which gives Roethlisberger a red zone threat and another weapon. Then, the Steelers used their third and fourth-round picks on the offensive line. Most importantly, the Steelers didn’t draft a quarterback, giving Big Ben 100 percent control of the starting quarterback job in 2021.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Washington Football Team
Entering the draft, Washington was a favorite to trade up for a quarterback. Instead, they were the one quarterback-needy team that didn’t select one. Instead, Washington focused on depth and plugging holes on offense. Washington spent their second-round pick on left tackle Samuel Cosmi. Then they used one of their third-round picks on Dyami Brown, giving Fitzpatrick a fast trio of Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Brown at wide receiver. For the cherry on top, Washington added tight end John Bates and wide receiver Dax Milne on day three. With no threat to his starting job and plenty of explosive weapons, Fitzpatrick’s fantasy value skyrocketed after the draft.
Mike Davis, Atlanta Falcons
Even after signing Davis in free agency, everyone expected the Falcons to use an early pick on a running back. Instead, they didn’t use any of their nine selections on the position. The only running backs the Falcons have added were undrafted free agents Javian Hawkins and Caleb Huntley. While the Falcons could add a running back before the start of the season, the worst-case scenario for Davis is a co-starter role. Unless the Falcons pull off a massive trade for a running back like James Robinson or Melvin Gordon, expect Davis to have weekly starting appeal this season.
Devin Singletary & Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills
Last season the Bills had 14 rushing touchdowns. However, Josh Allen led the way with eight. Moss had four, while Singletary and Antonio Williams had two each. Many expected the Bills to add a running back during the draft, as early as the first round. However, the Bills didn’t spend a single pick on a running back. The Bills want to lighten the hits on Allen, which will lead to more work for Singletary and Moss. Had the Bills selected Javonte Williams in the first round, Singletary and Moss would have limited value. Instead, both are flex options in 2021, with Singletary getting the nod in PPR and Moss in non PPR.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team
In the final two weeks leading up to the draft, there were rumors that Washington would add a running back with one of their first couple of picks. Furthermore, Pete Schrager’s final mock draft had Washington selecting Travis Etienne with their first-round pick. Instead, Washington didn’t use any of their 10 draft picks on a running back. While Washington could add a running before the start of the season, Gibson is in line for a featured workload. He should have over 270 touches this season.
Tyrell Williams, Detroit Lions
After the Lions let Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones walk in free agency, they signed Williams and Breshad Perriman as replacements. Then, despite having four picks in the first three rounds of the draft, the Lions didn’t spend a single one on a wide receiver. Even with seven draft picks, the Lions only used one on the position. Rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown will likely lead the Lions’ wide receivers in targets this season. However, if Williams can stay healthy, he has the potential to turn into a WR3 with upside.
Nelson Agholor, New England Patriots
With Julian Edelman’s retirement, Agholor takes over as the No. 1 wide receiver in New England. Not only did the Patriots use their first-round pick on Mac Jones, but they also waited till the seventh round to add a wide receiver. While Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith will have a massive role in New England, Agholor is in line for 100 plus targets this season. Unless N’Keal Harry or Jakobi Meyers takes a massive step forward in year three, expect Agholor to lead the team’s wide receivers in catches and receiving yards.
A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans
Despite losing Corey Davis, Kalif Raymond, Adam Humphries, and Smith from last year’s team, the Titans waited till the fourth round to add a wide receiver. While the rookie Dez Fitzpatrick and Josh Reynolds will lighten the free agent losses, the Titans didn’t invest a day one or two pick at wide receiver. Last season, Brown had a career year with 70 catches on 106 targets for 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns. With 207 targets gone from last year’s team, Brown has a real chance to lead the league in targets despite playing on a run-first offense.
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