Brad Evans’ favorite 2020 fantasy picks by round: Rounds 6-9

“Trapped” on a sunny beach in a temperate climate relishing University of Illinois basketball/football championships whilst surrounded by puppies, shirtless cardboard cutouts of David Montgomery and with access to a limitless tequila tap. This is my ultimate dream scenario. Whether dwelling on fantasy whimsies or those in a makeshift reality, we all have dreams and aspirations, no matter how unattainable. Escaping to an alternate dimension, below are my favorite round-by-round picks, excluding Round 1, based on ADPs in 2020 fantasy football drafts: 

Also see: Favorite picks in Rounds 2-5 | Favorite picks in Rounds 10-13 | Favorite picks in Rounds 14+

Round 6: DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins

(ADP: WR26, 61.3)

Breaking out in approximately Year 22 of his NFL career last year, Parker was one of fantasy football’s biggest surprise sensations last season. His unexpected ascension and overall inconsistency have many doubters purposely circumventing him in drafts. As a result, the wideout continues to slip, despite a top-10 finish in 0.5 PPR scoring last season. Most believe last year was a mirage, an unrepeatable season despite glowing advanced analytics. Keep in mind, he finished No. 8 in contested catch rate and cracked the WR top-12 in average depth of target (14.7 yards). 

As fantasy drafts soon draw to a close, many will continue to act skittishly toward him. The return of Preston Williams, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s unknown tenure as the starter and a minor injury impacting Parker has lent pause. Still, it’s hard to dispel what he achieved in 2019. Before his recent setback, local reporters said the wideout had “picked up where he left off.” He’s without a doubt the top target in Miami. More premium WR2 than WR3, another 1,100-plus yards with 6-8 TDs are in the crystal ball. 

Round 7: Deshaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans

(QB6, 78.7) 

This one’s for you, wait-on-a-QB enthusiasts. Watson is a terrific consolation prize for those who wisely decide to dodge Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes at their expensive price points. Whether running opportunistically, dropping dimes downfield to Will Fuller or completing one-eyed passes into the end zone, the dark horse MVP candidate is a jack-of-all-trades scorer, a fantasy dualist who could be on the precipice of a career year. 

There are unanswerable questions about the arsenal flanking Watson. Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, Kenny Stills, Fuller and David Johnson would figure out creative ways to sprain ligaments playing a “rollicking” game of Madden. Still, if most or all can stave off the injury imp, the QB has enough firepower to withstand DeAndre Hopkins’ departure. He was QB8 in adjusted completion percentage last season and a respectable QB13 in deep-ball passer rating (102.8). Clean up errant throws near the goal line (QB28 in red-zone completion percentage in ‘19) and he could approach 30 passing TDs. It’s not like Houston’s defense is going to stonewall many this year. 

Round 8: Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers

(WR36, 85.7)

Discreetly, Deebo is close to a return. Reportedly at 75-80%, the wide receiver, who suffered a gnarly Jones fracture nine weeks ago, is gaining momentum to possibly return for San Francisco’s delightful Week 1 matchup against Arizona, a team featuring a secondary that surrendered the league’s highest completion percentage (75.5%), the most receptions (417), the most touchdown passes (37), the most combined first downs and touchdowns (239) and the highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks (117.9). And recall Patrick Peterson was on the field for 10 contests. 

It may take a week or two for Samuel to shake off the rust, but once well-oiled his engine should purr. During his rookie season, the muscle car showcased impressive horsepower in the open field. His 8.49 YAC per reception was second only to A.J. Brown. Equally enticing, he recorded a 24.7% red-zone target share yet scored just three times. The incongruence suggests positive TD regression is a strong likelihood this season. 

It’s strange how sheepish drafters continue to be toward Samuel. At a minimum he’ll play sometime in September and may not miss a single snap. Chances are increasing he finishes well above his WR30 standing in 0.5 PPR a season ago. 

Round 9: Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team

(RB44, 111.0)

From Ron Rivera to various beat writer musings, all have come to the same collective conclusion — Gibson, though unpolished, is a premier playmaker. The Athletic’s recent brilliant scouting report on how he could be deployed is catnip. Adrian Peterson will handle early down carries to begin the year, but at 96 years old, his spot atop the pole position is tenuous. 

As detailed in “50 lines about 50 players,” it’s impossible to get this golden nugget off of the mind — on 77 career touches with Memphis, Gibson forced 33 tackles. When the rock is in his hands, it takes multiple horse tranquilizers to take the dude down. Elusive and ultra-versatile, he should generate 10-12 touches immediately Week 1 versus Philadelphia. Expect his workload to climb as the season progresses. In Round 9 of drafts, chasing upside is optimal. If everything clicks, he could be this year’s Devin Singletary.