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Fantasy Football: Which First Round Pick is a Must Draft?

By George Stockburger

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) makes a catch during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) makes a catch during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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When looking at the fantasy perspective of this years NFL Draft, it’s hard to find many effective first round players worth drafting. With the draft being such a defensive heavy one, the choices among the first round picks are slim.

Out of the three quarterbacks taken in the first round, only Jared Goff is expected to start the year at the number one guy. Carson Wentz is being kept on ice while Paxton Lynch is learning pro style offenses in Denver.

All three of these guys though I would save for a keeper league.

Ezekiel Elliott is the clear number one option when looking at fantasy draftable players. Behind the Dallas offensive line and the play calling expected to be in favor of protecting Tony Romo, Elliott could see a boat load of carries.

Of course, Elliott is a clear keeper league option if he is healthy and effective in the NFL.

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    • The wide receivers get interesting. Because of the questionable hands, I shy away from drafting Will Fuller of the Houston Texans. While DeAndre Hopkins will draw double teams and leave Fuller open for deep plays, I want a reliable guy on my side. He’s not undraftable, but he’s best saved for the later rounds or as a free agent pick up.

    Corey Coleman is in a somewhat similar situation. He isn’t undraftable, but he certainly won’t be a favorite on my board. The quarterback questions in Cleveland could lead to Coleman getting few catches down field where he excels. He will also draw a lot of double teams, as he is the only legitimate receiver for Cleveland at this moment.

    Josh Doctson should have success with an older Pierre Garcon and oft-injured DeSean Jackson playing around him. The secondaries in the NFC East are also atrocious, so Doctson could be a steal you could stash on your bench.

    Laquon Treadwell I am definitely considering drafting at some point. I think he will be Teddy Bridgewater’s favorite redzone option this season, which means a lot of points for fantasy football players.

    Again, other than Elliott I am not reaching for any of these first round picks in my fantasy football league this year. If Laquon Treadwell or Josh Doctson are still available with my last three picks and I have the room, they will receive considerable consideration.

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