The hype is real - or is it? A lot of factors go into how we feel about players prior to the Fantasy EPL draft. How did they finish this season? Did they join a better team or system over the summer? Were they injured? Will they benefit from another season in a new league? All of these things are considered when analyzing and predicting value for the upcoming draft. We have you covered with players whose value is inflated and should be avoided too early, as well as some undervalued assets that could outperform their average draft positions.
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Undervalued Fantasy EPL Players
Whose stock took a hit last season? Who showed potential that will be realized this season but won't show up in last season's stats? Acquiring undervalued assets in the draft is the key to building a winning roster. Here are a few players that should be primed for this season but for a plethora of reasons will not be drafted as high as they should. Mount's dip portends a revival, Bamford's injury woes have made managers forget, DCL's injury ravaged-season & doubts about Everton's attack mask his value.
Mason Mount | Chelsea | Midfielder | ADP: 21.5
Taken 8th in quite a few drafts last time out, many were disappointed with Mason Mount's production this past season, despite the fact that he pumped out 14 points per start. The reason is that he started less games (27 this season v 32 last season) and a lot of his points came at the expense of poor Norwich City & other relegation-threatened opponents. In short, he lacked the consistency desired in a top fantasy asset, especially a mid-first round pick. Because of this, and the fact that many will prioritize forwards over midfielders (the inverse of last draft), his value will slightly drop in this draft. But he and Chelsea should get better this season, especially with new attacking assets like Raheem Sterling to feed. And he'll still be on a lot of set pieces, which provides a tidy floor. More shooting and better finishing would boost his Key Passes & Assists. While he has a mid-season World Cup to play, he'll be rotated a bit by Tuchel, and Chelsea have yet to be come an attacking juggernaut, Mount should still outperform his second round status this draft.
Estimated Draft Pick: Mid Second Round
Draft Pick Value: Late First Round
Patrick Bamford | Leeds United | Forward | ADP: 70.6
The Leeds striker had an impressive debut season in the Premier League in 2020/2021, ending the campaign with 17 Goals & 7 Assists. Fantasy-wise, he was the 9th highest scoring player, just behind KDB, with 418 points and a points per game average of 11. This made him a coveted FWD1 and 2nd round favorite coming into last season's draft. Second season syndrome and persistent injuries doomed Bamford's 2021/2022 campaign. The Leeds striker only started 7 games and mustered 57 points. These abysmal numbers and injury concerns will drop him down to after the 6th/7th round in many leagues. If he can get back to his old ways and gel with the new signings, he is going to be pure value there.
Estimated Draft Pick: 7th Round
Draft Pick Value: 4th Round
Dominic Calvert Lewin | Everton | Forward | ADP: 55.9
For many a fantasy manager last season, DCL was the answer to the age old question: who hurt you? After going late first round/early second round in most fantasy drafts in 2020/2021, he started the campaign like a house on fire, bagging 3 goals in the first 3 games. But injury cut his season short and he only ended up starting 15 games. To make matters worse, he was presumed fit for several games near the end of the season, forcing managers to continue to burn a hole in their roster, before he finally started a few. The traumatic experience of rostering DCL last season will make him a Do Dont Draft candidate for many. And the injury concerns and Everton's lack of firepower will keep him lower in the draft than he should be. He really isn't injury prone - last season was the lone exception, really - and he ended up regaining fitness by the time the season ended. In short, he is still a natural goal-scorer, only one year removed from delivering 16 goals, and should be raring to go. DCL is well worth the punt in the 5th, especially if you missed out on other FWDs early in the draft.
Estimated Draft Pick: 5th/6th Round
Draft Pick Value: 3rd Round
Honorable Mention
Ethan Pinnock (ADP - 90): Not a big name but if you know, you know. His ghost point per start average of over 10 is tasty for a relatively under the radar defender. He offers good positional value after Round 6.
John Stones (ADP - 196): On a City defense that racks up clean sheets, he has a great chance of being first choice CB over Laporte. Because of Pep roulette and injuries, he'll likely be available late.
Joelinton (ADP - 104): Solid midfield production (8+ pps) in the 9th or10th Round. Yes, please.
Ollie Watkins (ADP - 41): Potential 1st Round value available in the 3rd/4th Round. Depends on Villa turning it around but the risk/reward tilts in favor of investing in him.
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