Fantasy Football 2015: Best Players To Draft In First Five Rounds

Aug 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Top Player in Round 4: Melvin Gordon

Looking at the ADP for this round, there isn’t much to really get excited about any more, as now we are fully in the range of picking for need. However, Gordon has a chance to be a top 10 running back as he not only has the pedigree of producing in college, but he also has a balanced offense with a good coaching staff that should help him hit the ground running in his rookie season.

Recent years haven’t been kind to the fantasy rookie running back, as the game has changed a bit to a more aerial attack style and a lot of coaches value backs that can also protect and read defenses for check downs. Rookies just take more time for that skill set to gel, so we haven’t seen one come out and dominate like we used to.

I see that changing a bit with Gordon and to an extent Todd Gurley, who would probably be going in higher rounds if he weren’t recovering from his ACL injury still. Considering my other options in this round, I feel I can get similar players later in the draft and I would rather take a chance on a lottery ticket like Gordon.

Other Players I Like: I really liked Carlos Hyde last year, but Frank Gore was just too established and reliable to create a true role for Hyde. I worry a bit about all the changes with the 49ers though, otherwise he probably would have been my choice for top guy in round 4. Kelvin Benjamin quietly had a great rookie year at WR, and will continue to be the Panthers’ top target.

Players I’d avoid: Lots of players here that scare me enough to where I’m not comfortable relying on them, hence me taking a shot on Gordon. Brees is still probably awesome, but I feel all the changes will have him more in the solid range, where you can get that production later with other QBs.  I’m on the fence with Emmanuel Sanders, I can see him being a solid number 2 on your team, or I can see him being on your bench in week 4. I bought into Lamar Miller before, but I got burned, so I’m holding a grudge this year.

Next: Round 5