24. Josh Allen, Bills
Some could argue that Allen is a potential sleeper with high upside. After all, there are few quarterbacks in the league with more arm strength and he proved last season that he has good athleticism and mobility, so he’s capable of scoring points with his legs. In fact, Allen was a top-20 fantasy quarterback in some leagues last year despite only playing 12 games.
However, Buffalo’s receiving corps isn’t exactly an impressive group. The Bills also need to provide Allen with more protection than they did a year ago. Those are two big red flags. At best, you can take him in the late rounds on the off chance he blossoms.
Top Target: John Brown
Secondary Target: Cole Beasley
23. Mitchell Trubisky, Bears
Trubisky proved last year that he can win with a good defense and a strong running game to support him. But he’s not yet proven he’s a good fantasy quarterback. Some people are expecting a big year out of him in 2019, but we may want to pump the brakes on the hype train.
Chicago is still going to focus on running the ball and playing good defense. Allen Robinson will give Trubisky one reliable receiver and Taylor Gabriel is a nice complementary piece. But until youngsters like Anthony Miller and Riley Ridley emerge, Chicago’s passing game won’t be that dynamic and Trubisky won’t be anything special as a fantasy option.
Top Target: Allen Robinson
Secondary Target: Taylor Gabriel
22. Matthew Stafford, Lions
Say what you will about Stafford’s chances of taking the Lions to the playoffs, but the guy can sling it. His numbers took a little dip last season, and so his fantasy stock is down. But he’s more than capable of having a bounce-back season and becoming a viable starter if you want to start the season with him on your bench.
A lot will depend on what he gets from his receivers with a couple of key guys coming back from injury. When healthy, the trio of Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, and Danny Amendola are good enough for a quarterback with Stafford’s arm talent to put up some impressive numbers.
Top Target: Kenny Golladay
Secondary Target: Marvin Jones
21. Sam Darnold, Jets
If you want to take a chance in the later rounds, considering drafting Darnold. He flashed enough potential last season that it’s not impossible to see a breakout season. The Jets will obviously be looking to run the ball a little more with Le’Veon Bell, but Bell will also catch plenty of passes and add to Darnold’s passing totals.
The caveat with Darnold is his interceptions, which nearly matched his touchdowns last season. He was turnover prone in college too, so it’s a problem that could always follow him around. You also have to decide how you feel about the receiving trio of Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, and Jamison Crowder. It’s not the most formidable group, but it could be enough to help Darnold rack up some fantasy points.
Top Target: Robby Anderson
Secondary Target: Le’Veon Bell