It’s August, and that means the 2023 NFL preseason is here. Why does that matter? Because this is the time of year when most fantasy football leagues have their draft. The closer we get to opening night, the more fantasy football drafts will occur.
However, there is new information every day, sometimes by the hour. Not only does that information impact the NFL teams, but it also affects the fantasy football average draft position (ADP).
Let’s look at which players’ ADP is rising and which are falling.
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Fantasy Football Draft Risers
Rankings referenced using FantasyPros consensus half-PPR ADP
ADP Risers
David Montgomery (RB – DET): Overall No. 70 | RB30
Everyone is excited about Jahmyr Gibbs. The rookie running back has a late third-round ADP, nearly 3.5 rounds earlier than Montgomery. However, the veteran’s ADP is rising. Head coach Dan Campbell recently said that the Lions will feature a two-headed monster at running back with Montgomery and Gibbs. The team also views the former Chicago Bear as a co-starter with the rookie. More importantly, the veteran is taking over for Jamaal Williams in Detroit. Last year Williams had over 1,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns despite D’Andre Swift having a top-24 finish. While Gibbs is the better draft pick, especially in PPR leagues, Montgomery is underrated.
James Cook (RB – BUF): Overall No. 79 | RB31
The Bills have been non-stop talking about the second-year running back. Josh Allen recently said Cook would have a large portion of the rushing attempts and play a critical role in the passing game. Despite being a popular breakout candidate, the former Georgia running back still has an ADP outside the first six rounds. Furthermore, he is getting drafted behind Isiah Pacheco and Rachaad White. Meanwhile, Cook showed big play ability last season, leading all running backs in breakaway run rate (12.1%). If the second-year running back’s ADP does creep into the top 65 by the end of the month, I’ll be surprised.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SEA): Overall No. 88 | WR36
Many were unhappy when the Seahawks drafted Smith-Njigba. The team already had two talented wide receivers on the roster – DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. However, the rookie’s ADP is quietly rising the closer we get to the start of the regular season. The former Ohio State star has reportedly been the best wide receiver at training camp. Meanwhile, Geno Smith said he texted Pete Carroll before the NFL Draft, saying the Seahawks had to pick Smith-Njigba. While no one other than Metcalf and Lockett has earned more than 63 targets any year since Seattle drafted Metcalf in 2019, that trend will end this season.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
