Fantasy Football Late Round Players You Need to Know: Kimani Vidal, Dontayvion Wicks, Demario Douglas and More
All of these skill-position players can be drafted beyond the 10th round and may end up helping you win a fantasy football championship in 2024. If you've never heard of them, it's time to take notice.
FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 22: New England Patriots Wide Receiver Demario Douglas (81) makes a catch during the NFL game between Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots on October 22, 2023, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire)
This is a guy you are going to hear us talking about a lot this summer. He was highly touted entering the 2023 NFL and we had him ranked as the RB3 in his draft class. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his rookie campaign in a major way and he didn't truly flash until the last week of the season.
Coming into this season, we expect him to handle the lead rushing duties for the Saints. It's a role we've seen many backs, including Mark Ingram, have a ton of success with in New Orleans in the past. Alvin Kamara will continue to handle the passing downs, but he was horrific as a runner last season and Miller will earn the early-down touches.
As for Jamaal Williams, he should be viewed as an afterthought who is only still on the roster because financially it makes more sense to keep him than cut him based on the way his contract breaks down.
The rookie will be in the mix competing for touches with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins in Los Angeles. While we are high on Edwards, there is a world where he is simply past his prime and Vidal wins this job this summer.
In Dobbins' case, we don't even know if or when he'll be able to play at any level close to what he was before all the injuries piled up. Vidal is a player you should be monitoring closely over the next two months because there is a shot he becomes the RB1 in what is expected to be a very run-heavy offense. He'll far outperform his draft position even if he ends up as the RB2 for the Chargers.
There were three special rookie running backs last season when it came to speed, explosion and efficiency. They were De'Von Achane, Chase Brown and this man Keaton Mitchell. However, as Mitchell began to break out, he suffered a torn ACL which cut his rookie season short.
He will be a guy you may have to wait on, but will be worth stashing in an IR slot. All reports are that he is on schedule but is not expected to be ready for Week 1.
Last season, through eight games he averaged 8.4 yards per carry, which are video game numbers. Once he returns, he will form a dangerous duo as the lightning to Derrick Henry's thunder and could be a league winner.
With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams gone, Palmer is the only wideout left in LA with any proven chemistry with Justin Herbert. At worst, he will be the WR2 and most likely lead the offense in targets this season. Expect him to play nearly every snap and he's shown he can have massive games both with volume and with big plays.
This is a player with proven fantasy value who has low-end WR2 upside and you can draft him as a WR6. You won't be getting a league winner, but you could be getting a guy who ends up a staple in your weekly lineup.
While everyone is debating about Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs this summer, don't forget about Wicks. As a rookie in 2023, he quietly went for 581 yards and four TDs while topping 90 yards in two games and adding a two-TD game.
This is a player to keep your eye on and perhaps take a flier on late in drafts. With the way Jordan Love spreads the ball around and the injury issues that the receivers in Green Bay deal with, Wicks could shock a lot of people this year. If he can carve out a role in this offense that keeps him on the field, then he may end up as a spot starter for your flex spot.
Demario Douglas, New England Patriots
ADP: WR72 177th Overall
Douglas is another player you're going to hear about a lot this summer. He costs essentially nothing and will be locked into the WR1 spot in New England this season. The talent is evident on film and we've heard nothing but rave reviews out of camp so far this offseason.
Fantasy owner's fear and disdain for the Patriots' offense has driven his value down into the basement. However, don't forget this is a new regime with a new system. There was also an upgrade at QB for the Pats this offseason, even if the position is still an area of concern.
Jacoby Brissett is better than Mac Jones and has proven that he can sustain a fantasy-viable wideout. If Drake Maye develops quicker than expected and lives up to his potential, then the sky may be the limit for Douglas. There is too much upside to pass on him this late in drafts.
