NFL: Top late-round targets in fantasy football

Drafting a player in the early rounds of fantasy football is easy as many players across multiple categories are available but this can not be said for the later rounds as the choice of players gets shrunk and this is only where leagues are won. 

Making the best late-round picks could be the difference between winning and losing.

Also Read: NFL fantasy football: Drafting from the 10th spot in 0.5 PPR leagues

The late rounds of fantasy football are generally from the 10th round onwards all the way up to the 16th round in a standard-size 12-team league.

Also Read: NFL fantasy football: Drafting from the 9th spot in 0.5 PPR leagues

Here are five of the best fantasy football late-round picks: –

1) Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins has 11-round ADP (Average Draft position). Cousins averaged 19.2 fantasy points per game in 2021 and 20 fantasy points per game in 2020. He’s the typical backup quarterback1 in fantasy football. If a drafter waits for too long for a quarterback and misses out on guys like Trey Lance, Dak Prescott, or Matthew Stafford, Cousins is a good option for him.

2) Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets

Michael Carter is a starting running back for the New York Jets along with rookie Breece Hall but seeing him drafted in the later stages of fantasy football should not come as a surprise. He should be a standalone RB3 all season, with RB2 upside if Hall is injured. He is an excellent bench running back and one of the best late-round fantasy draft pick.

Also Read: NFL fantasy football: Drafting from the 11th spot in 12 team leagues, 0.5 PPR

3) Darrell Henderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Darrell Henderson was RB1 for half of the 2021 season and with Cam Akers in the Rams, many have potentially written off Henderson. When operating as the primary running back, he is capable of producing RB1 numbers and definitely a late-round pickup in fantasy football.

Also Read: NFL: What is the Waiver Wire?

4) Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints

Last season, Mark Ingram appeared in seven games for the Saints. He averaged 9.7 carries and 3.7 targets per game in those games. If Ingram averaged 10-12 touches per game this season, he would be a viable RB3 option. Ingram also has an RB2 upside in case of Alvin  Kamara is injured.

5) Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Jalen Tolbert will start the season as the Cowboys‘ WR2, not their WR1. Dak Prescott will have no choice but to develop a quick rapport with Tolbert with Amari Cooper in Cleveland and James Washington out. With an ADP in the 14th or 15th round, he’s one of the best late-round picks this season.