In fantasy football, who you don't draft is just as important than who you do draft.
In other words, wasting a pick in the early rounds on a player who fails to live up to expectations can derail your entire fantasy football season. Just ask last year's Le'Veon Bell and Leonard Fournette owners.
With that in mind, you're going to want to know which big-name players aren't worth taking around their average draft position. That's where we come in.
Here are 10 potential busts to avoid in your draft this year:
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
Here's a reminder that real-life football ability doesn't always translate to fantasy football. Brees isn't the elite fantasy QB he once was now that the Saints have transformed into a more balanced offense. The 40-year-old's pass attempts should continue to decrease, thus limiting his upside.
Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams
The No.1 running back in fantasy last year cannot be counted on to duplicate his production in 2019. Gurley has arthritis in his left knee, so the Rams should take it easy with his workload. Draft him if he slips, but don't expect RB1 numbers.
James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
If you drafted Conner as a handcuff for Bell last year, you were a happy camper. You may want to let someone else take him this season, though, as there's a strong chance he'll split carries with Jaylen Samuels. Plus, Pittsburgh's offense isn't nearly as fearsome with Antonio Brown gone.
Damien Williams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Listen, I get it. You lucked out by grabbing Williams off the waiver wire last season, and he helped you out big-time down the stretch. But you shouldn't let that trick you into drafting him way too early this year. The bust potential is strong here for multiple reasons. For one, he hasn't been able to stay healthy in camp. Secondly, his track record is virtually non-existent other than last season's outlier. Don't fall for his alarmingly high 2.01 ADP.
Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
This isn't a knock on Mixon's obvious talent. It's an acknowledgment that Cincinnati's offensive line is in shambles and teams are going to stack the box like crazy to limit the 23-year-old running back.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
It's mind-blowing Cook is being taken at the top of the second round in drafts. As with Mixon, the talent clearly is there, but there are far too many red flags here to take the former Florida State star so early. The 23-year-old has yet to complete a full season due to injuries.
Antonio Brown, WR, Oakland Raiders
Brown is 31, has a downgrade at quarterback, and dealt with foot and helmet issues during camp. Let someone else snag him with a way-too-early pick.
Jarvis Landry, WR, Cleveland Browns
If you're in a PPR league, disregard this. If you're in a standard league, stay away from Landry. His upside is extremely limited due to his inability to rack up touchdowns.
Eric Ebron, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Ebron was a touchdown machine in 2018, reaching the end zone 13 times. But it'd be foolish to believe he can keep up that ridiculous pace next year. That's especially the case with Jack Doyle healthy and back in the mix.
Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans
The veteran tight end is coming off a season-ending injury and soon will turn 35 years old. Plus, he has 23-year-old Jonnu Smith breathing down his neck on the depth chart following an impressive 2018 campaign at Florida International.
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