The 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland is complete. There are some obvious risers and fallers like Mike Davis, Lamar Jackson, James Robinson, and Melvin Gordon. I wanted to cover some less obvious post-draft risers and fallers. I hope this can help guide you in your drafts, trades, and waiver wire pickups.
Stock Up
Jared Goff
Many thought Jared Goff‘s stock went to zero when he went from a contending team like the Rams to a rebuilding team like the Lions. With an offensive line with names like Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and now Penei Sewell, the Lions could have one of the better O-lines in the NFL. Adding an exciting receiver like Amon-Ra St. Brown doesn’t hurt either. He still may not be someone you’d want to start as your QB1 but he could have streaming value and could be a QB to roster in 2QB or Superflex formats.
Sam Darnold
Quarterback Sam Darnold‘s stock value has been on a roller coaster lately. We were expecting the Jets to draft a QB and many assumed Sam would fall into backup-QB-land. Then he was traded to the Panthers, which looked like a chance for him to revitalize his career. But as people started making their 2021 NFL draft projections, there was talk that the Panthers might take a QB, especially with Justin Fields being available. But now that the dust has settled, Darnold is still the clear starter, they’ve added to their O-line depth, and Terrace Marshall Jr. is a great new weapon for him. Like Goff, I doubt he’ll be someone to regularly start in 1QB leagues but he could have value for streaming and for deeper leagues.
Darnell Mooney
One big concern facing Darnell Mooney going into the draft was if they’d find a receiver who could compete with him. They drafted Dazz Newsome in the sixth round, but I’m not expecting him to be a serious threat to Mooney. Not only did he survive the draft, but they also drafted quarterback Justin Fields and offensive tackle Teven Jenkins, both of whom could help improve the passing offense in Chicago.
Stock Down
Eric Ebron
Veteran Eric Ebron was a streamable Tight End last year. Even though he may still remain the TE1 on the Steelers, Pat Freiermuth‘s arrival probably kills Ebron’s streaming value. This may also signal the impending end to Ebron’s career as a Steeler. Freiermuth was one of the top TE prospects in this class, though he was obviously overshadowed by Kyle Pitts. Pat could be a great replacement for Ebron next year.
Miles Sanders
Miles Sanders was one of the top-drafted running backs not too long ago. However, I think his days as an RB with RB1 upside are gone. The signs were there, but this draft seemed to be the last nail in the coffin. The Eagles are already a team with a rushing QB, but they also have a super deep running back room with names like Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Kerryon Johnson, and Jordan Howard. Despite that, they still felt the need to add Kenneth Gainwell. This screams a lack of confidence in Miles Sanders to carry the load. I expect him to join the ugly running-back-by-committee situations that plague teams like Arizona, Buffalo, New England, and Tampa Bay.
Wrap-Up
Hopefully, this list of post-draft risers and fallers helps you as you figure out where to draft these players, whether to trade for them, or whether to trade them away.
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