The RotoWire Blog has been retired.

These archives exist as a way for people to continue to view the content that had been posted on the blog over the years.

Articles will no longer be posted here, but you can view new fantasy articles from our writers on the main site.

ADP Trends: The Undrafted

Labor Day has come and gone, which means most leagues have held their annual selection meetings, so it's time to examine those players who have no ADP — the undrafted. These players are going 150 or later in Yahoo, ESPN and/or NFFC drafts, but still have a chance to impact fantasy leagues. Odds are, most of the following names are sitting on the waiver wire in 10 and 12-team formats.

Quarterbacks

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans
Yahoo: n/a
ESPN: n/a
NFFC: 181.9
Fitzpatrick gets first crack at running Houston's new uptempo offense and I fully expect the 31-year-old to run it as efficiently as coach Bill O'Brien's old quarterback in New England. That's right — Matt Cassel. In 2008, Cassel threw 516 times for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns while filling in for an injured Tom Brady. It's unknown how closely related O'Briens scheme will be, but Houston has some very good pass-catchers and Fitzpatrick could put up surprising fantasy numbers if he nears the 600-plus attempts that New England's offense is known for. Newly acquired Ryan Mallett is looming, however, if Fitz should falter.

Michael Vick, New York Jets
Yahoo: 121.5
ESPN: n/a
NFFC: 256.8
When healthy, Vick has always been a valuable fantasy asset. If starter Geno Smith were to see time on the bench due to injury or poor play, Vick would instantly become QB2 worthy. We'll see how patient head coach Rex Ryan is if Smith gets off to a slow start.

Watch List: Teddy BridgewaterBlake Bortles


Running Backs

Robert Turbin, Seattle Seahawks
Yahoo: n/a
ESPN: n/a
NFFC: 257.2
Turbin has been completely lost in the Christine Michael love-fest that occurred this offseason. The truth is, while Michael's talent is legit, he's never been higher than third on Seattle's depth chart and is currently nursing a bad hamstring. Marshawn Lynch's backup continues to be Turbin, who is physically gifted in his own right.

Alfred Blue, Houston Texans
Yahoo: n/a
ESPN: n/a
NFFC: 286.4
Arian Foster's injury history dates back to his college days at Tennessee and he's only managed to play a full season twice in his pro career. Oh, and he's coming off back surgery while also nursing a strained hamstring. The rookie Blue is currently listed as the No. 2 back and it's a good bet he'll see plenty of action as the season goes on . Johnathan Grimes is in the conversation for touches as well, but it looks like Blue is the handcuff to own entering week 1.

Watch List: Johnathan GrimesC.J. Anderson

 

Wide Receivers

Cody Latimer, Denver Broncos
Yahoo: n/a
ESPN: n/a
NFFC: 166.89
First, if Latimer is still available in your league after news of Wes Welker's suspension, stop reading this and go pick him up. I'll wait. Was he there? Good. The 6-foot-2 rookie, who physically resembles the departed Eric Decker, was already in contention to see red-zone work, but now has a chance to be an every down contributor in the leagues most prolific offense.


Kenbrell Thompkins
, New England Patriots
Yahoo: 125.6
ESPN: n/a
NFFC: 210.5
This could easily become Aaron Dobson or Brandon LaFell, but Tom Brady has expressed confidence in Thompkins and the second-year receiver is above them on the unofficial depth chart. The No.3 or No. 4 option in New England's passing game is still valuable, so monitor who starts outside in week 1.

Watch List: Aaron DobsonAndre CaldwellMarqise LeeAllen HurnsJohn BrownOdell BeckhamJarvis Landry


Tight Ends

Richard Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Yahoo: n/a
ESPN: n/a
NFFC: 197.1
I wrote about how ignored Rodgers was in fantasy leagues when examining rookie ADP's two weeks ago. The rookie third-round pick has only slightly moved up since then even though he's been named the starting tight end in Green Bay.

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Yahoo: 135.2
ESPN: n/a
NFFC: 191.8
Kelce's raw tools alone put him on the breakout radar at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds with 4.6 speed. Anthony Fasano is currently the starter in Kansas City, but Kelce played so well this preseason that the Chiefs have no choice but to put him on the field given their lack of receiving talent.

Watch List: Mychal RiveraBrent Celek