With the latest NFL Draft in the books, now is a great time to look at some prospects that are flying under the radar in dynasty leagues. We'll be looking at rookies who were late round draft picks and post-draft free agent additions. Most of these guys will end up having little value, but there will definitely be a few gems out there. Most of them are developmental type of players that will need things to multiple things to break right in order for them to be fantasy relevant. But it's these kinds of players that make valuable role players and trading chips in dynasty leagues. Let's dig.

QB Curtis Painter, Indianapolis Colts:

After a 4 year career at Purdue, Painter lands in a nice spot with the Colts, drafted in the 6th round. He had some struggles as a senior after an impressive junior season. He has a solid NFL build and size, with enough arm and accuracy to make all of the throws. He comes from the same system that produced Kyle Orton and Drew Brees, so there is some translation from Purdue's spread-style offense to NFL QB success. He will likely compete to be the QB3 on the depth chart to start the year, with the potential to leapfrog long time back-up Jim Sorgi in a year or so. Peyton Manning is as durable and consistent as they come, but at 33 years old he is playing the back 9. While Painter might not be thought of as the QB of the future right now by the Colts, he does have time to impress Bill Polian and Co. enough to give him a shot in 3 or 4 years. The payoff won't likely be immediate, but he is a player to roster in deep leagues, especially with the potential to become Peyton Manning's handcuff within the next year or two.


QB Julian Edelman, New England Patriots:

Julian Edelman enjoyed a stellar and productive career as the QB at Kent State. He was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round, but he will not remain at QB in the NFL. At just 5'11" and 195 lbs., he does not possess the size (or the throwing accuracy) to compete at the position. If he sticks in the NFL, it will be because of his outstanding athleticism, much like fellow Kent State QB alum, Joshua Cribbs. He could be the poor person's Pat White, bringing the Wildcat to New England. There is not a ton of room for fantasy production in the immediate future, but there will be down the road. Edelman could also hold value as a receiver and perhaps a return specialist. Since he lacks a true position, he is fighting an uphill battle. But he is an intriguing talent that could eventually develop into a weapon if deployed properly in the Patriots offense.

RB Aaron Brown, Detroit Lions:

TCU running back Aaron Brown was selected in the sixth round by the Detroit Lions, but it remains to be seen how he will be used as a pro. After impressive freshman and sophomore seasons, Brown stagnated. He scored 19 TD's in his first two seasons and just 6 total in his last two. He is an excellent receiving back and has always had an above average yards per carry. He has return game upside for sure, but there is more here. He could possibly be a back-up to Kevin Smith, maybe see some time as a receiver where his size (6'1") and speed would give him an edge. He is one of those versatile players that may not strike fantasy gold right away (or at all) but he has enough talent to pique the interest of teams and dynasty owners alike.

RB P.J. Hill, New Orleans Saints:

P.J. Hill got some ink prior to the draft, but not in the way his agent would have liked. He was arrested for drunk driving in March, crushing any draft stock he had left. He was picked up following the draft by the Saints as a free agent. The legit running backs on the Saints are emerging stud Pierre Thomas and perennial underachiever Reggie Bush. Head Coach Sean Payton was talking to anyone who would listen about needing a power back after cutting Deuce McAllister loose this offseason. But the Saints had more pressing needs on defense and smartly did not end up drafting a RB. That brings us back to Hill, who had a very productive three year stint at Wisconsin. He is 5'10" and 222 lbs. with a very lean and strong build. Not a prototypical bruiser, but he does have the ability to run defenders over. This combined with a tendency to run upright have led to durability issues. He can catch the ball out of the backfield if necessary and is very effective in short yardage and redzone situations. If Hill can get his act together off the field, there is potential on it, especially in the Saints high-powered offense.

WR Marko Mitchell, Washington Redskins:

Mitchell is a 6'4" deep threat that could be develop into an excellent compliment to the current stable of WR in Washington. Playing time may be very limited as a 7th round rookie, because 2008 first day picks Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas will be give every opportunity to see the field as 2nd year players. Mitchell will have to show that he can get separation off the line and his slight frame will raise durability questions. But he uses his height to his advantage, has good speed for a tall WR and can make the difficult grab. Santana Moss is on the wrong side of 30 and Antwaan Randle-El is more of a complimentary player, so there will be a chance for a few of the young WR to take the lead. Mitchell is a long shot, but with his skillset, he's definitely got a shot.

WR D.J. Boldin, Detroit Lions:

First question...is this Anquan's younger brother? Yup. Did he get drafted? Nope. He didn't even get an invite to the Combine. But the Lions signed him after the draft. Good move. DJ is 6'0" 220 lb. WR from Wake Forest that enjoyed a solid, if unspectacular career for the Demon Deacons. He plays physical, just like Anquan, combined with a great build and obvious athleticism. The bloodlines alone have our interest piqued, but he has legit skills. No one is expecting him to be a clone of Anquan, but he has great hands and untapped potential to be a solid possession threat in the NFL. 

TE Cornelius Ingram, Philadelphia Eagles:

A terrific athlete, Ingram was drafted by the Eagles in the 5th round. If not for a torn ACL injury last August, he might have ended up a first day selection. His upside is sky high as a pass-catching TE. He doesn't block well and probably never wil. His desire to play the game and his character have been questioned repeatedly, which is a legit concern. Stash him on your roster and hope the light goes on for him during training camp, because the potential to be a TE1 on fantasy teams is there.