Valuing Stewart and Green

I have been practicing fantasy drafts using NFL.com for a few weeks now (I know, I am such a goob), and here are a couple of observations thus far:

OVERVALUED

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (#37 overall, ADP = 39.29)

As a disclaimer, I must confess to have had Stewart on more than one fantasy team over the years. He was once great, and certainly has performed at a high level in the NFL. Unfortunately, he has missed 18 games in the last three seasons and historically his coaches have preferred using a running back-by committee-approach. With a 3rd or 4th pick in a 10 team draft, I want someone with much less risk attached than Stewart. I am actually more excited to see who the #2 RB on the Panthers depth chart will be. Rookie Cameron Artis-Payne may be much more appealing as a late round flyer or waiver wire claim if Stewart is unable to perform. I will be watching both of these RBs in training camp.

UNDERVALUED

Chargers TE LaDarius Green (#210 overall, ADP = 149.95)

It can be difficult for fantasy football fans to hear a name that burned them before. Green was a hot item for some of the experts in 2013--a few even ranked him higher than future hall of fame TE Antonio Gates. But 2014 came and went , and Green's 19 catches and zero touchdowns left supporters wondering what went wrong. Well 2015 is a fresh start. Green is still big, fast, and has good hands. Two events have also added to Green's appeal: starter Gates is suspended for the first four games and this is a contract year for Green. In addition, the Chargers offense looks unsettled as a rookie RB should get the starting nod, and a committee of receivers (none with a wow factor) will be vying for targets. Green's presence as a large receiver and his knowledge of the offense and QB Rivers, may make him a promising target--at least initially. Certainly, Green is worth consideration for fantasy owners unable to secure Gronk, Graham or Olsen and are looking for a TE gem late.

More on the way...