O'Leary was considered a Day 2 pick for a long time, so Buffalo
gets good value here. One of Jameis Winston's favorite targets
at Florida State, O'Leary will probably only fall into redraft
fantasy value in the event that Charles Clay gets hurt. Jack Nicklaus'
grandson did not have a single reception over 25 yards as a Seminole
and backed that lack of big-play ability up with a slow 40-time
at the combine. Still, O'Leary is a feisty competitor who catches
just about everything and holds his own as a blocker, so he could
see some time in two-tight sets right away. However, he is limited
in fantasy by the Bills' run-heavy offensive attack and the presence
of Matt Cassel. There is no redraft value here, but he could be
worth a later-round pick in rookie drafts.
6.28 BAL - WR Darren Waller
Just about any receiver that gets drafted by Baltimore has a
chance at immediate playing time, so the fact that Waller is 6-6,
240 with mid-4.4 speed should draw some interest in fantasy circles.
Waller is the typical Georgia Tech receiver that is incredibly
raw as a route-runner but blocks his tail off in the run game.
He's going to need a lot of time to develop, but could contribute
immediately as a red-zone target on fades and jump balls. There
is no redraft value here, but is worth a flyer late in rookie
drafts given the Ravens' unproven receiving corps.
6.29 IND - RB Josh Robinson
The Colts land perhaps the most physical inside runner left on
the board in Robinson, who could be in line for a handful of early-down
touches in Indy whenever Frank Gore needs a breather. The Mississippi
State product is a grinder that can contribute a bit in the passing
game, but he is not a threat to become a starter with the Colts
anytime soon. His only redraft value is as a potential handcuff
for Gore, but with the ex-Niners' advanced age, it is possible
Robinson could have a bit of dynasty value down the line after
Gore retires.
7.16 KC - WR Da'Ron Brown
Brown is going to a be a 24-year-old rookie, but the Chiefs have
receiver spots to fill and there is no reason why he can't challenge
third-rounder Chris Conley or 2014 find Albert Wilson for a starting
spot opposite Jeremy Maclin. The Northern Illinois standout will
be no more than a possession receiver in the NFL, but has strong
hands and should be a chain-mover. It will help his cause that
Alex Smith loves to throw short. Once again, he'll have no redraft
value, but the fact he could challenge for significant snaps right
away means he is worthy of a late-round rookie draft pick.
7.28 TEN - WR Tre McBride
It's about damn time. McBride is a small-school receiver that
needed to go in the fourth or fifth round and has a realistic
chance to outperform Dorial Green-Beckham given how much of a
project he might end up being. The William & Mary standout
is supposedly a bit of a diva, but catches everything, runs 4.4
(plays slower than that though) and has impressive ball skills.
Tennessee is deep in talent at receiver, but the Titans cannot
count on DGB or Justin Hunter to give them anything significant
anytime soon. That means McBride could easily be a long-term possession
receiver opposite Kendall Wright and could be an end-of-draft
consideration in yearly formats. In rookie drafts, he warrants
a late-second pick.
Doug Orth has written for FF Today since 2006 and appeared in
USA Today’s Fantasy Football Preview magazine in 2010 and
2011. He is also the host of USA Today’s hour-long, pre-kickoff
fantasy football internet chat every Sunday. Doug regularly appears
as a fantasy football analyst on Sirius XM’s “Fantasy
Drive” and for 106.7 The Fan (WJFK – Washington, D.C).
He is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association.