As Memorial Day weekend arrives, signaling the unofficial start of summer in America, fantasy football enthusiasts begin to feel the excitement of the upcoming draft season. While it may still be early, notable leagues like the Scott Fish Bowl will soon be in action, prompting fantasy managers to start their player evaluations and research. In this process, some consensus will emerge, but contrasting opinions will also surface—often revealing valuable insights. Discrepancies in views can indicate whether the community may be too high or low on a player, and sometimes it is those dissenting voices that provide the most accurate assessments.

One player frequently identified among the top quarterbacks in fantasy drafts is Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. According to initial ADP data from Fantasy Pros, Allen is typically selected in the late second round as the 21st overall pick. Analyst Kendall Valenzuela notes that Allen has consistently performed, stating, “There are three quarterbacks that are in a tier of their own, and Josh Allen sits atop that list.” With five consecutive seasons of finishing as a top-three quarterback in fantasy points per game, last season saw Allen commit significantly fewer turnovers—just five interceptions. He finished with 3,731 passing yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Bills despite a struggling group of pass-catchers. Allen's dual-threat capability, evidenced by 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2024, makes him a desirable option.

However, selecting Allen at the back of Round 2 presents challenges. The early quarterback pick can hinder depth at other crucial positions, particularly if leagues only utilize one starting quarterback. Additionally, Allen's reliance on rushing touchdowns for fantasy points becomes increasingly evident given a dwindling number of passing yards last season. Although Allen's capabilities are impressive, it may be more prudent for managers to wait longer to draft at the quarterback position.

Justin Fields of the New York Jets presents an intriguing alternative as he embarks on a pivotal season, currently being the starter after moving through three teams in as many years. Fields faced challenges in his NFL journey, including a benching with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Yet Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams expressed a positive outlook on Fields' presence, highlighting his speed and ability to make big plays. Fields' potential as a dual-threat quarterback positions him to outperform his early ADP of QB15, especially given his remarkable rushing statistics from previous seasons. Fields managed to become only the third quarterback to exceed 1,000 rushing yards in a season while ranking sixth in fantasy points per game among quarterbacks in 2022.

Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, has an ADP placing him among the top choices in drafts. The running back topped 2,000 rushing yards last season, averaging a remarkable 22.0 PPR points per game. However, analyst Pat Fitzmaurice cautions against overvaluing Barkley due to concerns about his heavy workload in 2024, which may lead to substantial regression. Drawing on the 'Curse of 370', a term referring to running backs treated poorly following excessive carries, Fitzmaurice notes that Barkley's past injuries contribute to worries about his longevity and productivity, making his projected high ADP potentially concerning.

D’Andre Swift is another running back generating mixed opinions. Despite a disappointing year with the Chicago Bears, where he averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry, analyst Ted Chymz suggests that Swift’s potential remains undervalued. At 26, Swift possesses a three-down skill set and stands as the presumptive lead back for an Atlanta offense that aims to improve significantly this upcoming season. Fantasy managers may overlook Swift's viability as a productive option under center despite the skepticism surrounding his previous performance.

Among the rookie class, Ashton Jeanty has captured the attention of fantasy managers. Fresh off a historic season at Boise State, the running back was selected sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, currently boasting an early ADP of eighth overall. Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders noted Jeanty's work ethic and disciplined nature. While there’s optimism regarding Jeanty’s ability to transition to the NFL, some cautious voices raised concerns about the volume of touches he experienced during college and the challenges of competing at the professional level, especially backed by a weaker offensive line.

Similarly, Chris Olave from the New Orleans Saints has dropped in average draft position following concussions that kept him out for part of the previous season. Despite these challenging circumstances, Saints head coach Kellen Moore has expressed confidence in Olave’s abilities. Concerns about Olave's health and the evolving quarterback scenario in New Orleans loom large, yet if he remains on the field, Olave may offer significant value as a primary receiving option in a team that may frequently need to play from behind.

Travis Kelce, the long-time standard at tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is facing scrutiny after a decline in production associated with age. Kelce recorded his lowest numbers since his rookie season last year, prompting analysts to question his potential for a bounce-back year. Given his aging status and a less effective performance last season, fantasy managers must carefully assess whether to invest in Kelce, especially with the uncertainty surrounding his role in the Chiefs' offensive scheme.

Lastly, Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons will be looking to reverse a trend of underwhelming seasons. Despite high expectations following a strong rookie campaign, Pitts has seen diminishing returns over the last two years. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has highlighted a need for improved consistency and quicker decision-making from Pitts. Nonetheless, factors like enhanced quarterback play and a bolstered offensive strategy could provide Pitts with an opportunity to reclaim his place as a top-tier tight end during the coming season.