2025 Late-Round Dart Throws

When you’re in the double-digit rounds of your fantasy draft, it’s time to swing for the fences. This isn’t where you play it safe—this is where you take shots on upside and stash guys who could be league-winners if things break their way. Here are the guys I’m personally targeting late in drafts this year:

• Dont’e Thornton

  • He has been running with the 1s since OTAs and hasn’t let up. Jack Bech has been right behind him all offseason, but Thornton’s held him off. He’s got legit size/speed, tied to an accurate QB in what should be a high-volume passing offense. That’s the kind of dart throw I’m taking every time.

• Joshua Palmer

  • We’ve seen him step up when given the chance, and the Bills don’t have a reliable perimeter WR right now. He’s probably going to be on the field more than anyone outside of Coleman, and he’s their best separator against man coverage. In this offense? Give me that.

• Pat Bryant

  • He has been standing out in Broncos camp and could be a layup target for Bo Nix out of the slot. He’s got the size, runs clean routes, has great hands—everything you want in a young WR who can earn targets early.

• DeMario Douglas

  • All signs are pointing to him being locked in as the Patriots’ primary slot guy, which has historically been a featured role in Josh McDaniels’ offense. He’s been efficient through his first two years, and now he’s stepping into a real opportunity. I’m in.

• Geno Smith

  • If I’m punting QB in my draft, Geno’s the guy I’m grabbing late. He’s accurate, has legit weapons, and plays in a high-volume passing offense. He’s not sexy, but he’s a great bet to beat ADP.

• Keenan Allen

  • I don’t care where he lands—at this price, I’m taking the shot. Even if he ends up in a low-volume spot, his floor probably still beats the price of free. If he lands in a good situation? Steal.

• Elijah Arroyo

  • Already being used like a chess piece in Klint Kubiak’s new offense in Seattle. With Noah Fant gone, there’s a clear path to being the primary receiving tight end. He’s the kind of late-round TE I love stashing.

• Will Shipley

  • Barkley’s clear 3-down handcuff with Kenny Gainwell out of the picture. He’s got receiving chops, and this offense should move the ball. Even without an injury, there’s room for Shipley to carve out a role.

• Brashard Smith

  • I can’t stop drafting this guy. He’s already getting red zone run with the first team and fits the Jerick McKinnon role in this offense. He’s an elite pass-catching RB prospect and could have standalone value with Pacheco healthy.

• Terrance Ferguson

  • Flashing in Broncos camp, and coaches love him. He was a strong prospect coming in, and now he’s stepping into a real opportunity. In an offense that should be better than expected, I like taking a shot on him late.

• Jalen Royals

  • Rashee Rice is likely suspended, Hollywood is banged up, and Royals could walk into a starting role in Week 1. I want him stashed on my roster before that game kicks off. If he produces, we ride.

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt

  • There’s not a ton of juice in this Commanders' backfield, and Croskey-Merritt is already showing he has some. He was efficient in college and could earn a role quickly. Worth the stash.

• Tahj Brooks

  • He’s the early-down hammer behind Chase Brown in a good offense. If something happens to Brown, or if they want to mix things up, Brooks can eat.

• Kendre Miller

  • He’s the direct Kamara handcuff. Yeah, the Saints offense isn’t great, but Miller’s got the juice when healthy. If Kamara misses time, you’re getting a 3-down back off your bench.

• Diontae Johnson

  • Yeah, he’s a headcase—but dude is still an elite separator and target earner. In what should be a high-volume passing offense, I’m taking shots on him climbing back up the depth chart and earning targets.

• DJ Giddens

  • I’m a lot higher on Giddens than his Day 3 draft capital suggests. Early camp reports are already showing he has a legit shot to be RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor. He’s got size, pass-catching ability, and an opportunity to step in if JT ever misses time.

Final word: Late-round picks should be all about upside. These are the guys I’m taking swings on—because if one or two of them hit, it could change your whole season.