Yesterday I took the time to cover the fantasy impact for every teams’ draft picks in the AFC. Today, lets look at the NFC.
NFC East
Dallas – The Cowboys’ main focus in this draft was the defense. However, Dallas managed to draft a younger Cole Beasley in WR Ryan Switzer and a project WR in Noah Brown. Switzer has value as a returner but neither receiver has much value this season beyond that.
New York – The Giants have needed a TE for years and they may have finally got that in first round pick Evan Engram who has been described as a Jordan Reed type, giving Eli Manning plenty of targets to throw to. New York also drafted Clemson’s RB Wayne Gallman who may split time with Paul Perkins this season.
Philadelphia – The Eagles’ offensive additions came late in the draft as they added a couple of down field WRs in Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson, however, both are a ways behind Alshon Jeffrey and Jordan Matthews. The Eagles also added the electric Donnell Pumphry to be the eventual replacement for Darren Sproles who could provide special teams value.
Washington – Another team focusing on defense, the Redskins built up their defensive backfield before drafting Samaje Perine, RB from Oklahoma. There are rumors that Perine could immediately be in competition with Rob Kelley for the lead back position with Matt Jones on the trading block. The Redskins also drafted WR Robert Davis, a big bodied receiver who could play into the offense, especially if Josh Doctson is still having issues getting healthy.
NFC North
Chicago – Mitchell Trubiski is not likely to get much playing time The for the Bears outside of the pre-season and will not be fantasy relevant. TE Adam Shaheen is a small school product that can catch the ball but is also known for his ability to help block along the line of scrimmage. An interesting pick for the Bears was RB Tarik Cohen. Nicknamed “The Human Joystick” for his ability to make defenders look silly, Cohen could provide third down receiving back production as well as in special teams.
Detroit – The Lions grabbed some interesting picks in this draft. Many assumed they would look at adding a RB, which they didn’t. Instead, Detroit tried to bolster their defense while adding a few offensive pieces. Kenny Golladay is a tall, athletic and speedy WR who can make catches over defenders as well as outrun them on a seem route. Michael Thomas is a massive redzone target for Stafford at 6’6″, 270lbs with good hands.
Green Bay – The Packers were desperate for defensive back help after last season and they addressed that early. As far as fantasy football goes, keep your eyes on the RB battle between converted WR Ty Montgomery and draft picks Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones. While Montgomery could still be the preferred pass catching option out of the backfield, either Williams or Jones could work their way into being the one to carry the ball between the tackles.
Minnesota – The Vikings are hoping to have found their RB of the future in Dalvin Cook, whcih could provide an interesting dynamic with newly signed free agent Latavius Murray and Jerrick McKinnon already in the backfield. The Vikings also drafted one of the top centers in the draft in Pat Elflein to try and solidify the offensive line.
NFC South
Atlanta – The Falcons already had one of the most electrifying offense in the league last season. But what they are remembered for last year was a defensive melt down in the Super Bowl after leading 28-3. The Falcons focused on their defense in the draft but did pick a RB in Brian Hill who, for now, should be considered more of a dynasty pick. It will be hard for the Falcons to resign both of their young RBs as their contracts both end over the next two seasons.
Carolina – The Panthers tried to take pressure off of Cam Newton in the offense by giving him weapons with their first two picks. Christian McCaffrey could be PPR gold this coming fantasy season, especially if Jonathan Stewart has problems staying healthy. Curtis Samuel had a hybrid role at Ohio State playing both RB and WR. With McCaffrey in the fold, look for Samuel to play more of a “Percy Harvin” type of role, which could stunt his fantasy value. Carolina also added an offensive lineman to help protect Cam Newton.
New Orleans – The Saints are trying to protect Drew Brees for as long as they can. They added OT Ryan Ramczyk to bolster the line in both run and pass blocking. The Saints also drafted Mark Ingram‘s replacement in Alvin Kamara who could be the receiving back opposite Adrian Peterson in the coming season.
Tampa Bay – The Buccaneers bolstered up their offense by adding TE OJ Howard who could make for a great duo with Cameron Brate. They also added another WR in Chris Godwin who has big catch ability and plays bigger than his 6’1″ frame could be a solid 2nd receiver for Jameis Winston in the years to come. The sleeper pick for the Bucs was RB Jeremy McNichols. The Boise State product is a dual threat out of the backfield and could work himself into the RB rotation with Doug Martin‘s issues and Charles Simms only production coming as a pass catcher.
NFC West
Arizona – The Cardinals have a fair amount of offensive weapons and used a lot of draft capital to improve the defense. However, third round pick Chad Williams could be an interesting addition to the WR corps with Fitzgerald getting older, and a lack of consistent production from the other WRs. The Cardinals also added a RB in TJ Logan who could spell workhorse David Johnson on occasion, but his fantasy relevance would rely on a Johnson injury.
Los Angeles – The Rams have been desperate for offensive talent for years now. They tried to address the issue in this year’s draft by selecting TE Gerald Everett in the second round and WR Cooper Cupp in the third. The Rams also added WR Josh Reynolds a couple picks later who could be used as a deep threat. FullBack Sam Rogers does not have any fantasy value himself, but could help protect Goff and lead block for Todd Gurley in the run game.
San Francisco – The 49ers had a lot of holes to address in this draft as the new coaching staff and GM look to rebuild the franchise. Addressing the defensive issues with many of their picks, the 49ers did select RB Joe Williams who could provide fantasy value with the new regime’s dislike for Carlos Hyde‘s injury history. San Francisco also added a TE in George Kittle to the mix but is more of a blocking TE.
Seattle – The Seahawks spent many of their picks on the identity of their franchise: the defense. They loaded on safeties, cornerbacks and defensive lineman to build depth behind the “Legion of Boom”. Seattle did add a tall WR in Amara Darboh out of Michigan, but his fantasy relevance could be limited behind Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and late season breakout Paul Richardson in a run first offense. They also added to a crowded RB room in power-runner Chris Carson who could have value if Eddie Lacy does not work out and Thomas Rawls has trouble staying healthy and on the field.
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