The Late-Round Fantasy Football Podcast

JJ Zachariason likes Josh Downs in the 10th round, noting that he has been highly efficient, ranking 14th and 40th in fantasy points per route run over his three-year career. With Alec Pierce banged up and a lack of outside threats, Zachariason believes Downs could expand his role beyond the slot, potentially developing into a solid WR3 or WR2.

JJ Zachariason targets Jonathan Brooks in the ninth round as a pure upside play. He contrasts Brooks' strong college pass-catching profile (83rd percentile adjusted receiving yards per team play) and tackle-avoidance metrics (94th percentile) against Chuba Hubbard, who has a career 0.85 yards per route run. Zachariason prefers Brooks over other options like Jake Ferguson in this range.

JJ Zachariason identifies Parker Washington as a high-upside target in the eighth round. Following Travis Hunter's injury, Washington posted a 78% route share and 15.6 PPR points per game, with his yards per route run jumping from 1.45 to 2.69. Zachariason notes that Washington fits the profile of efficient, low-volume players who historically outperform their ADP, and he benefits from Liam Coen's slot-friendly offensive scheme.

JJ Zachariason prefers Rhamondre Stevenson over TreVeyon Henderson at their respective costs. Stevenson showed strong late-season usage with a 71% snap share, 55% route share, and 13% target share during the playoffs. Zachariason views him as a safe, reliable pass protector who will stay on the field, especially if New England faces a tougher schedule that limits trailing game scripts.

JJ Zachariason is in on Mike Evans, noting he saw a 27% targets per route run rate last year, which is above his career average. While acknowledging age concerns, Zachariason argues Evans is a perfect dart throw in the sixth round as a WR3 or WR4 in wide receiver-heavy builds, noting that his high touchdown rate potential provides significant upside.

JJ Zachariason identifies Mike Evans as a highly undervalued player in fantasy drafts. Despite a minor quad injury, Zachariason argues that Evans remains the clear primary receiver in his offense with little competition for targets. He notes that Evans' efficiency metrics last year were hampered by poor catchable target rates from Baker Mayfield, but he remains a high-upside down-the-field threat.

JJ Zachariason is very high on Zay Flowers, noting his year-over-year efficiency improvements and better performance against press coverage. Zachariason anticipates increased passing volume for Baltimore, which could lead to a breakout season for Flowers, potentially including more red-zone usage similar to how Detroit utilizes Amon-Ra St. Brown.

While JJ Zachariason acknowledges Michael Wilson is a good player, he believes the situation and value are significantly better for Parker Washington in fantasy drafts.

JJ Zachariason is high on Parker Washington, noting significant ADP discrepancies between best ball and season-long platforms. He ranks Washington as his WR29 and believes the offense will prioritize 11 personnel to keep him on the field, as Liam Coen's offenses often feature slot receivers.

JJ Zachariason is drafting Rhamondre Stevenson heavily, viewing him as a better value than Travion Henderson. Zachariason argues that if New England faces more negative game scripts this season, Stevenson is likely to see more field time, and he notes that Stevenson improved his ball security significantly over the final 13 games of last season.

JJ Zachariason identifies Terrence Ferguson as one of his two highest-rostered tight ends, alongside Kenyon Sadiq, indicating he is a preferred target in current drafts.

Despite a minor setback following hernia surgery, JJ Zachariason remains high on rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq for redraft leagues. Sadiq is an elite athlete drafted in the middle of the first round who is currently available in the double-digit rounds. Zachariason notes that Frank Reich's offenses historically favor tight ends and the team lacks a locked-in second pass-catching option.

JJ Zachariason identifies Kamani Vidal as a good player who has already received praise for his pass protection, suggesting he could carve out a role as the team's primary third-down running back.

JJ Zachariason remains interested in Keaton Mitchell due to his fit in the Mike McDaniel offense, noting that speedy, smaller backs like De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert have historically thrived in these zone-based systems. While Mitchell has the archetype of a third-down change-of-pace back, Zachariason cautions against overstating his pass-catching role given the presence of other backs in the backfield.

JJ Zachariason identifies Chig Okonkwo as a late-round target due to his history of slot usage and the Commanders' lack of established wide receiver depth, though he notes potential value fluctuation if Stefon Diggs signs.

JJ Zachariason has cooled on his fade of Jonathan Taylor, noting that while regression is likely, Taylor remains an elite talent and the outlook for the Colts' offense improves if Daniel Jones is healthy.

JJ Zachariason warns that drafting Malik Nabers ahead of Drake London is premature given his ongoing injury recovery and the uncertainty of a new offense, placing Nabers as an early-to-mid third-round pick.

JJ Zachariason expresses skepticism regarding Quinshon Judkins' pass-catching role in the Todd Monken offense, citing historical tendencies to split backfields and concerns about the overall team environment.

JJ Zachariason acknowledges Denzel Boston's positive camp reviews and athletic profile but caps his ceiling at a player like Courtland Sutton, preferring Concepcion as a prospect.

JJ Zachariason expects Deebo Samuel to start opposite Mike Evans and move around the formation, noting that while he will benefit from easy, low-A-dot looks in the Shanahan offense, he does not view him as a ceiling play.

Ricky Pearsall is out for the year, which has triggered a significant shift in the 49ers' wide receiver depth chart and ADP landscape.

JJ Zachariason maintains a cautious stance on Wilson, ranking him only two wide receiver spots lower than the market and keeping him in a tier where he is not considered a worthwhile draft pick at his current cost.

JJ Zachariason notes that while McLaurin remains a target in his draft guide, he is no longer the high-priority value he once was due to ADP shifts; Zachariason is now only one or two wide receiver spots ahead of the market.

JJ Zachariason predicts that Chris Godwin will lead the league in receptions this season, citing a bounce-back for the Buccaneers' offense and Baker Mayfield's motivation as key factors.

JJ Zachariason suggests that Malik Nabers is a more attractive draft option than George Pickens when both are available in the same range.

JJ Zachariason is nervous about George Pickens at his current ADP, noting that second wide receivers in an offense rarely pay off when drafted at the 2-3 turn. He argues that while Pickens has a high ceiling, the current premium cost is difficult to justify compared to previous years.

JJ Zachariason is fading Devon Achane in best ball and season-long formats due to systemic concerns, including uncertain quarterback play, a new play-caller, and a first-time head coach. He notes that while Achane is talented, the current draft cost makes him a fade.

JJ Zachariason explicitly states he wants to be overweight on Brock Bowers in drafts this year, identifying him as a preferred target in the second round.

JJ Zachariason is actively targeting Kenneth Walker III in drafts, citing the Chiefs' shift away from bargain-shopping at running back as a signal for the offense's potential. He views Walker as a key player to be overweight on in the second round.

JJ Zachariason highlights Saquon Barkley's high usage, noting he had 14 goal-line rushes last year despite scoring only once within the five-yard line. He expects the Eagles' offense to be a top-five unit with a healthier offensive line, making Barkley a player he is overweight on in drafts.

JJ Zachariason identifies Dallas Goedert as a strong value pick, noting he averages over 2.9 yards per route run when AJ Brown is off the field. He is recommended as a solid TE1 for 3-4 tight end builds, benefiting from the expectation that the Eagles' offense will be significantly more efficient this season.

JJ Zachariason is mixing in more Trey McBride now that his ADP has fallen to the mid-to-late third round. While he prefers Loveland at cost, he warns against over-regressing McBride, who remains a solid pick at the right price.

JJ Zachariason is high on Colston Loveland's talent but notes his rising ADP makes him less of a value than earlier in the offseason. He prefers Loveland over Trey McBride at their respective costs.

JJ Zachariason is selective with Josh Allen, avoiding him at the 2-3 turn but finding value if he falls to the late third or fourth round. He acknowledges Allen's elite production and Week 17 matchup upside but is wary of the cost.

JJ Zachariason is targeting Keenan Allen in late rounds, envisioning a scenario where he signs with the Colts and provides closing line value. He believes Allen's talent was underrated last season.

JJ Zachariason notes a shift from negative offseason news to positive reports, with Nabers now expected to be ready for Week 1. While a 3-4 week ramp-up is possible, Nabers remains a high-upside target in the 4th-5th round range, though his rising ADP into the second round makes him a difficult chase.

JJ Zachariason mentions Trey McBride as a player he is considering increasing his exposure to, noting that the mid-round tier is relatively flat.

JJ Zachariason mentions Chris Olave as a player he is considering increasing his exposure to, noting that the mid-round wide receiver tier is relatively flat.

JJ Zachariason notes that Jacob Cowing is currently being drafted in the 140s range alongside players like Isaiah Pacheco and Woody Marks, making him a viable pick if the price remains stable.

JJ Zachariason uses Keenan Allen's situation last year as an example of why it is acceptable to 'eat the CLV' and draft a player even if you missed the optimal price, provided they continue to outperform their ADP.