As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Americans prepare for a variety of summer-related activities such as barbecues, pool openings, and school closures, marking the unofficial start of summer. For fantasy football enthusiasts, this time signifies the upcoming draft season. While the official drafts have yet to commence, preparations are already underway, particularly with mega-leagues like the Scott Fish Bowl poised to begin soon. Success in fantasy football requires thorough research and player evaluations, and while consensus can be helpful, it's often in the differing opinions where value can be uncovered.

Josh Allen remains a top selection among quarterbacks in fantasy leagues, currently averaging an early ADP that positions him as the 21st overall pick by Fantasy Pros. Kendall Valenzuela of Fantasy Life highlights Allen's consistent performance, citing that he has finished in the top three for fantasy points per game over the past five seasons. Last year, he showcased notable improvement, committing a career-low five interceptions and throwing for 3,731 yards along with 28 touchdowns, all while contending with less-than-stellar receiving stats from his teammates. His dual-threat capability, as evidenced by his 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, continues to make him an appealing choice for fantasy managers.

However, the strategic outlook on drafting Allen this early is complex. Selecting any quarterback in the latter stages of the second round can often backfire, especially in a single-quarterback league, potentially leaving significant gaps at other critical positions. Moreover, with the Bills' lack of elite pass-catchers, Allen's reliance on rushing touchdowns becomes even more crucial for fantasy scoring. While his prowess is undeniable, waiting on a quarterback may yield better value. Additionally, Justin Fields of the New York Jets is entering his own pivotal year after a challenging NFL career thus far. Now in his second year as a starter following a stint with the Chicago Bears and a brief period with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fields enters 2025 with the opportunity to showcase his dual-threat abilities. Teammate Quinnen Williams has expressed optimism regarding Fields’ skills and potential impact on the field.

Field's early ADP as QB15 reflects his appeal, especially considering he became the third quarterback in history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season and ranked sixth in fantasy points per game in 2022. His performance with the Bears demonstrated a promising potential that many fantasy managers may find undervalued. Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles has seen his ADP soar to the third overall pick, primarily as a result of last season's remarkable performance where he became one of the few players to average over 22 PPR points per game and surpassed 2,000 rushing yards. Rücken concerns, however, may linger, particularly considering his hefty workload last season, which saw him touch the ball 482 times, raising questions about sustainability moving forward. With noted similarities to the 'Curse of 370' that affects running backs who carry the ball excessively, analysts suggest caution when considering Barkley's high drafting position.

Despite the potential rewards, historical trends indicate a significant drop-off in production following such strenuous seasons. D'Andre Swift, now with the Bears, faces a challenging perception as he averaged only 3.8 yards per carry last season. However, observers assert that the backlash against him may be overstated, given his potential as a three-down back in an improved Chicago offense under newly appointed coordinator Ben Johnson. As the presumptive lead back, Swift could surprise those who undervalue him heading into 2025. Among the rookies this year, Ashton Jeanty has dominated the hype, following an unprecedented season at Boise State, where he was drafted sixth overall. Jeanty’s engagement in workouts has impressed veteran Maxx Crosby of the Raiders, although there remain questions regarding the transition to the NFL level and the durability of his heavy workload from college.

Conversely, last year's rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr., drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, experienced mixed results, finishing as WR30 in PPR points despite impressive metrics. Concerns linger regarding his efficiency and target share, especially due to the inconsistency of quarterback Kyler Murray. However, optimism surrounds Harrison for the upcoming season based on his offseason improvements and continued chemistry-building efforts with Murray. On the other end, Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints faces a challenging scenario as injuries have cast doubt on his fantasy value. Despite both health and quarterback concerns, Olave's upside remains notable should he take on a leading role amidst a shallow receiving corps. Expectations conveyed by Saints head coach Kellen Moore suggest that the talent is there for Olave to reclaim his top-tier status in fantasy.

Finally, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs has experienced age-related decline, resulting in lower production last season. Despite his historic run at tight end, concerns persist regarding his ability to bounce back in his age-36 season. With advanced metrics reflecting declines in efficiency, Kelce's fantasy value appears precariously tied to expectations based on his previous accomplishments. Another tight end, Kyle Pitts, has fluctuated in fantasy perceptions but is positioned for a potential resurgence, contingent on enhanced quarterback play and offensive system comprehension. Analysts underscore that drafting Pitts at his current ADP presents an opportunity for managers willing to take a chance on his lingering potential.