Players I Want in Every Draft: Third Round Choice

Players I Want in Every Fantasy Football Draft: Round Three

When you get into the third round of fantasy football draft, snagging elite players in great situations turns into deciding between consistency and breakout potential. These choices come in the form of guys like Amari Cooper or Travis Kelce. It’s easy to be attracted to the next big thing, but don’t ignore the consistent studs. This area of the draft is the ideal spot to find guys that have typically produced first round value, but went through a tough stretch so they’ve fallen down draft boards.

Just last year both Keenan Allen and Deandre Hopkins carried a third round ADP. It’s a great opportunity to land top end talent other owners are frustrated with.

Our first two selections were Zeke Elliott and Melvin Gordon. If you want to check out why, click on either of their names above. It’s time to pivot to the receiver position and lock down a stud:

Third Round Selection: Doug Baldwin, WR – Seattle Seahawks

Baldwin is one of the most consistent players in a fantasy football draft and his outlook for 2018 is beautiful. He finished as the WR8 in 2016 and was going off the board in the early second round. The only thing that changed in 2017 was Jimmy Graham stepping up and taking an enormous percentage of targets inside the red zone.

Just how lopsided was it in terms of target percentage? So lopsided that I had to make sure I hadn’t stumbled upon a website that randomly inserts Gronk data for other players:

I could honestly stop right there. Let me drive this home:

36% of the Seahawk’s red zone targets are now in Green Bay.

Their primary red zone weapon is not.

Doug Baldwin will score touchdowns. 

Touchdowns give you fantasy points. 

We’re looking at a bona fide WR1 this season. His overall production over the course of the last two years screams consistency. There’s only a slight hiccup in 2017. Let’s play ‘spot the outlier’:

Nothing about the upcoming season projects any differently than his 2016 campaign where he finished as a top ten fantasy asset. He’s seen over 110 targets in each of the last two years, and remains Russell Wilson’s best friend when times are tough.

The first receiver on your fantasy team should have a high floor, projected upside, and a great quarterback. Check, check, double check.

Next: A Look at Jay Ajayi 2018

Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for all the latest fantasy football draft news and analysis as he inch closer to the start of the NFL season!