We have discussed which veteran players benefited from the NFL draft in terms of fantasy football value, so let's look at the flip side.
We asked our ESPN Fantasy analysts to list a veteran whose value was negatively affected due to the way things played out in the draft.
In the next few months leading up to the start of the regular season, we will cover many key storylines like this. Check out our 2021 fantasy football rankings, which will be updated throughout the offseason. They serve as a great starting point as you prepare for fantasy draft season.
Which veterans are you now fading following NFL draft weekend?
Stephania Bell: Melvin Gordon III, RB, Denver Broncos
With the addition of Javonte Williams to the Broncos' RB corps, Gordon's value takes a hit. Just the fact the Broncos moved up five spots in the second round to secure Williams speaks volumes about their desire to add a physical runner who can break tackles (led the FBS with 75 last season per Pro Football Focus) to the mix. Gordon's injury history warrants some concern and the selection of Williams ensures he won't be overutilized. Good for Denver, not so good for Gordon's fantasy value.
Matthew Berry: James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Last year's fantasy football free-agent find of the year finished the season with the seventh-most points among RBs, due in part to his incredible volume. The offseason addition of a still-spry Carlos Hyde wasn't that concerning, but when the Jaguars spent a first-round pick on Travis Etienne, that was all she wrote. Given all the glaring holes Jacksonville has, you don't spend a first-round pick on a RB unless you expect to use him. Etienne is an elite athlete with three-down ability, and his presence turns Robinson from a borderline RB1/2 to insurance for those who draft Etienne. It was awesome while it lasted, but no one's fantasy stock took a bigger hit on draft weekend than J-Rob.
Matt Bowen: Tevin Coleman, RB, New York Jets
With the Jets drafting North Carolina RB Michael Carter in the third round, Coleman -- and the entire Jets running back room -- takes a fantasy hit. Carter has traits to fit in New York's zone run system. Find daylight with that one-cut style. And he has pass-catching ability, too. Expect a committee approach here for the '21 season.
Mike Clay: Raheem Mostert, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Mostert may still be atop the 49ers' RB depth chart, but he suddenly has quite a bit more competition for work. After signing Wayne Gallman during free agency, the 49ers spent a third-round pick on Trey Sermon and a sixth-round pick on Elijah Mitchell during the draft. Mostert was providing RB2 numbers when healthy last season, but he's now 29 years old and durability remains a massive concern.
Tristan H. Cockcroft: Hayden Hurst, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Hurst was the No. 10 tight end in PPR fantasy points last season, but he will struggle to maintain relevance in standard 10-team leagues, and you could argue he's no longer even a top-20 TE following the Falcons' first-round selection of Kyle Pitts. Yes, rookie tight ends face lengthy learning curves, but Pitts is a massive target with generational ability whom a team doesn't select unless it intends to heavily, and immediately, involve him in its passing game. Hurst already stood a distant third in the target pecking order behind Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, and arguably fourth behind Russell Gage, too. And now he has Pitts siphoning off many of those looks from Matt Ryan.
Daniel Dopp: James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Robinson was incredible last season. Both his story and on-the-field production were easy to root for, but the key to his fantasy success was his workload. Robinson had 240 carries (sixth) for 1,070 rushing yards (fifth) while also ranking inside the top 10 in both targets and receptions among RBs. The problem is, he'll now be splitting time with explosive rookie Travis Etienne. The Jaguars aren't going to spend a first-round pick on a RB and not use him, especially with someone as talented as Etienne. Robinson will still be involved in this offense, but due to his lightened workload and lack of big plays, he won't be the top-10 RB he was in 2020.
Eric Karabell: Melvin Gordon III, RB, Denver Broncos
Well, I could say I am fading Bears QB Andy Dalton, but who was "unfading" him in the first place? The final Gordon numbers looked fine last season, his first in Denver, with nearly 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, great. Except he was not great. Half the weeks he was average, and he did little in the passing game. The Broncos traded up for North Carolina's rugged Javonte Williams, who runs through defenders and scores touchdowns and may already be better than Gordon. I will let others rely on Gordon.
Field Yates: James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Robinson was the best rookie running back in fantasy football last year and it didn't feel particularly close for much of the season. Yet, with a new regime in charge in Jacksonville, they've quickly added depth to the backfield, including first-round running back Travis Etienne. Etienne has a more complete and dynamic skill set than Robinson, leading me to believe it will eventually be Etienne as the primary ball carrier this season. Robinson has value, but he isn't someone I'll be using an early-round pick on this year.