As Memorial Day weekend arrives, marking the unofficial start of summer, many preparations are underway across the nation. For fantasy football enthusiasts, this season signifies the approach of draft season, prompting many to begin researching and evaluating players. While the draft festivities like the Scott Fish Bowl may soon commence, the time is ripe for fantasy managers to delve into player analysis.

In the realm of fantasy football, player opinions often diverge, with certain disagreements leading to potential value discoveries. A consensus can be useful when assessing players, yet examining dissenting views may reveal insights into whether a player’s anticipated performance is overrated or underrated. Josh Allen, currently viewed as one of the premier quarterbacks in fantasy leagues, typically garners attention at the start of drafts. With an early Average Draft Position (ADP) indicating he is being selected in the late second round, his high draft status warrants closer scrutiny.

According to analyst Kendall Valenzuela from Fantasy Life, Allen has consistently been a top-tier fantasy quarterback over the past five seasons, showcasing a remarkable ability to minimize turnovers. In the previous year, his performance featured 3,731 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, implying that despite a less-than-ideal receiving corps, Allen's dual-threat capabilities—along with 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns—maintain his elite status. However, taking Allen at the back of round two raises questions, particularly regarding the opportunity cost of drafting a quarterback so early, potentially creating weaknesses in other positions.

Meanwhile, Justin Fields finds himself entering a pivotal season as the apparent starter for the New York Jets after a tumultuous tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Observations from Jets players indicate Fields’ unique athleticism and skill set may prove beneficial for New York. Fields previously demonstrated his rushing ability during a standout 2022 season, where he gained over 1,000 rushing yards and ended the season with an appealing fantasy points per game average. Currently, Fields’ ADP is sitting at QB15, a position that many fantasy managers may find attractive given his track record.

Furthermore, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles has become a highly sought-after running back, boasting an early ADP of the third overall pick. His exceptional performance last season saw him exceed 2,000 rushing yards, coupled with an impressive scoring rate in PPR formats. Nonetheless, analysts like Pat Fitzmaurice caution against his projected workload, having touched the ball an astounding 482 times last season, including playoffs. Concerns about injury history combined with accumulated wear-and-tear could lead to regression in 2025 if history with similar backs is taken into account.

Returning to the value discussion, D’Andre Swift of the Chicago Bears presents an intriguing narrative given his tumultuous experiences in the past season. Despite statistical challenges, analysts suggest that his role may be more significant with a revamped Bears offensive line and anticipated opportunities in the 2025 season. Swift’s averaged productivity suggests he may possess hidden value that fantasy managers may want to consider as a lead back this upcoming season.

As the rookie class emerges, Ashton Jeanty has become a focal point for excitement, being the sixth overall pick in the draft. Following a stellar college season at Boise State, he enters fantasy drafts with an ADP placing him in the top tier of running backs. However, analysts remain cautious, highlighting the demanding transition to the NFL that will test Jeanty’s mettle and ability to maintain last season's extraordinary production.

Former Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. similarly faced scrutiny in his rookie year. Although his performance as a rookie left some fantasy managers wanting more, positive reports indicate he has been actively working on his chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray for the upcoming season, which may lead to better outcomes in 2025. As a result, Harrison's prospect this season is elevating his value within drafts.

Tyreek Hill, once regarded as the top receiver in the league, encountered mixed reviews following a disappointing last season and is being viewed under increased scrutiny as he approaches his 31st birthday. Early impressions from the Dolphins’ training camp suggest Hill has maintained a solid work ethic, but advanced metrics indicate a decline in his effectiveness that is difficult to overlook. While his ADP reflects a rebound expectation among fantasy managers, analysts remain skeptical about his ability to return to previous production levels.

Finally, Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints is seeing his value fluctuate following a challenging 2024 season marred by concussion-related absences. However, coach Kellen Moore’s confidence in Olave’s ability to reclaim his form is notable. Should Olave remain healthy and navigate the quarterback uncertainties effectively, he possesses the potential for a significant bounce-back season, positioning him as a valuable asset in the fantasy landscape. In conclusion, as preparation for fantasy drafts intensifies, the ability to discern between potential overvalued and undervalued players could prove advantageous for fantasy managers looking to enhance their rosters.