Category Archives: Rookies

Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft – May 2015

Posted on by Standard 1

It’s been less than a week since the NFL Draft started but we already have an idea at which rookies you should target. We did a 12-team, offense-only rookie mock draft. Below are the results:

  • 1st overall pick – Todd Gurley – RB – St. Louis Rams – Todd Gurley is the only prospect with generational talent and he’ll get the carries needed to justify this selection. The offensive line is a question but imagine Adrian Peterson in 2012. He didn’t need one and neither will Gurley.
  • 2nd overall pick – Kevin White – WR – Chicago Bears – White has the size and credentials to be a WR1 and will start immediately. He enters a better situation than fellow rookie receiver Amari Cooper and should immediately have 1,000 yard seasons.
  • 3rd overall pick – Melvin Gordon – RB – San Diego Chargers – Elite skills everywhere minus the size of a Gurley. The Charles comparisons are lazy but probably accurate here. And there is NO competition from day one. Just an overall clean prospect going to a great situation.
  • 4th overall pick – Amari Cooper – WR – Oakland Raiders – Just 21 when the season starts, Cooper was the consensus top receiver in college last year and followed it up with a great combine including a sub-4.4 40-time. Doesn’t have the best situation but should overcome that.
  • 5th overall pick – DeVante Parker – WR – Miami Dolphins – Assuming the medical stuff checks out on the foot, he’s an excellent receiver with a chance to be a day one starter. Reminds me of Crabtree pre-achillies injury.
  • 6th overall pick – Nelson Algholor – WR – Philadelphia Eagles – The heir apparent to Jeremy Maclin, Algholor is a crisp route runner and can return punts which just add to his versatility. If you’re a believe in Chip Kelly, you’ll love Algholor.
  • 7th overall pick – Jameis Winston – QB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – I’m as scared by the qbs as anyone but st this point in the first its worth it. Offensive line permitting, he can accumulate stats his first year.
  • 8th overall pick – Ameer Abdullah – RB – Detroit Lions – His low center of gravity coupled with his career 5.5 YPC figures to translate to the NFL. He also enters a good situation with only the pedestrian Joique Bell ahead of him for early-down duty.
  • 9th overall pick – Marcus Mariota – QB – Tennessee Titans – Assuming he’s the starter from day one, he’s worth drafting at the end of the first round of this rookie mock draft.
  • 10th overall pick – T.J. Yeldon – RB – Jacksonville Jaguars – Yeldon has the size and experience to be a three-down back and is drawing comparisons to a poor man’s Arian Foster. He has little-to-no competition in Jacksonville and should start right away.
  • 11th overall pick – Maxx Williams – TE – Baltimore Ravens – The only TE guaranteed to start from day one. Joe Flacco will love him and make the targets readily available.
  • 12th overall pick – Breshad Perriman – WR – Baltimore Ravens – The arrival of offensive coordinator Marc Trestman coupled with the lack of competition creates a golden opportunity for Perriman. He takes over Torrey Smith’s spot immediately and will love Joe Flacco’s big arm.

Dynasty Recap – Senior Bowl – South beats North, 20-10

Posted on by Standard Reply
  • San Jose State quarterback David Fales had the best game of any signal caller, going six of seven for 104 yards and a touchdown with his lone incompletion resulting in an interception. Fales performance will help his chances of breaking in the second tier of quarterbacks in the 2014 draft, both NFL and dynasty.
  • Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr didn’t do anything to drop his ranking, going 7/11 for 45 yards and a touchdown. Currently Carr looks like the fourth quarterback taken in the draft.
  • Colorado State tight end Crockett Gillmore led all receivers with five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Currently Gillmore is slated to be picked in the fourth round or later thanks to a deep tight end class.
  • Auburn defensive end Dee Ford had another great outing with two more sacks. Ford’s stock has shot up in recent weeks thanks to a dominating performance in the national championship game and should be considered a first round pick in the 2014 NF draft.

2013 Dynasty Rookie Rankings Big Board – Round 2 (1st Edition)

Posted on by Standard 2

We kicked off the series looking at the potential first round of rookies drafted in dynasty leagues here. Next, we look at the next set of picks in a 12-team, PPR league.

Round 2, Pick 1 – WR-Cordarelle Patterson (MIN) – In his first NFL game, first round pick Patterson exhibited exactly what scouts were drooling over at the draft which was his play-making ability. He totaled 104 yards and had a beautiful 50-yard catch after catching the crease.  Patterson is still extremely raw but talent will win out over time in dynasty leagues. The only draw back will continue to be Christian Ponder and the quarterback situation in Minnesota. Not to mention, the current NFL MVP dominates the playbook (as he should). Patterson won’t be in a position to get big numbers early in his career but he’s got the talent to do some special things.

Round 2, Pick 2 – WR-Aaron Dobson (NE) – As with fellow rookie Kenbrell Thompkins, the opportunity for Aaron Dobson is the better than any other in the league. Massive turnover has opened up the opportunity for anyone to be the starting X receiver. He’s played well and is making plays in camp but he’s also getting into shoving matches and not exactly setting the world on fire in-game action. He’ll move on from that but he may not be able to beat out Thompkins for first crack. The talent is there, and the competition is bare, so Dobson is an excellent value pick in the second. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have Tom Brady lobbing passes either.

Round 2, Pick 3 – TE-Travis Kelce (KC) – The first pick of the third round, Kelce is a physical specimen at the tight end position at 6′ 5″ and 260 pounds. He’s also a great receiver and athletic and can block. His only major downfall was character concerns. He was suspended the whole 2010 season which, in this day and age of leniency, means he majorly messed up. The hope is he’s moved on since then and seemingly has since he hasn’t had any issues since. Looking at his situation, he’s got a pass-happy coach who has committed to throwing more. Alex Smith will have the first shot of getting Kelce the ball. Smith didn’t have a problem getting Vernon Davis the ball so there is hope. He’ll have to battle Anthony Fasano and Tony Moeaki for snaps but his sheer athleticism should take care of that. Kansas City does plan to line him up in a variety of positions. Giddy up.

Round 2, Pick 4 -QB-Geno Smith (NYJ) – Drafted in the second round, Smith was drafted to inject some life into the abysmal Jets offense. Originally graded to be the first quarterback taken, Smith slid to the second after several off-field issues regarding agents and attitude. But the football skills are all there and Smith looks like the real deal. With little competition ahead of him (see: Sanchez, Mark), Smith has a golden opportunity to join E.J. Manuel as the only starting rookie quarterbacks. He did trip a little leading up to his first pre-season game but turned in a solid performance. The supporting cast is a different story. With zero legitimate targets to throw to, it’s hard to imagine Smith putting up even decent numbers his first year. The hope is he takes his rookie year to sort things out and be ready to utilize whatever new targets the Jets bring in. He’s a taxi-squad candidate at this point.

Round 2, Pick 5 -WR-Robert Woods (BUF) – Second rounder Woods is already stated to start in Buffalo. Like Spider-Man, that can be a gift and curse. Woods was the most NFL-ready coming in to the draft and has impressed so far in camp. He’s a part of the renaissance in Buffalo with rookie E.J. Manuel quarterbacking. But he’ll be tied to Manuel’s growing pains which will prohibit huge numbers from any Buffalo receiver for the foreseeable future. Not huge upside but has the chance to be a steady contributor for years to come.

Round 2, Pick 6 – WR-Keenan Allen (SD) – Unlike Robert Woods, Allen is a project. Drafted in the third round, the skill is there as he set the Cal record for receptions. The injury bug also has afforded Allen the opportunity to use those skills early on. However, Allen has had an up-and-down camp so far and everyone agrees that Allen has ways to go. Originally projected as a first round pick, he’s not immune from injuries either after missing the last couple games of his college career. The path is certainly clear for Allen to take over but it’ll remain to be seen if he can stay healthy.

Round 2, Pick 7 – RB-Marcus Lattimore (SF) – The ultimate taxi squad player in dynasty drafts this year, Lattimore was a legit first round talent before shredding both knees in college. Drafted in the 4th round, neither fantasy owners or San Francisco has any hope that he’ll contribute this year as he hopes to follow in the foot steps of fellow knee-injury victims Willis McGahee and, you guessed it, Frank  Gore. He enters a delicious situation with Gore’s contract ballooning to $6.5 million in 2014 (at age 31), Kendall Hunter with just 184 carrie to his name, and LaMichael James as nothing more than a passing situation back. With San Francisco’s power running scheme, Lattimore is sure to be in the mix. Draft him and stash him.

Round 2, Pick 8 – TE-Zach Sudfeld (NE) – Another undrafted rookie for New England, Sudfeld has rapidly found himself playing with the first string unit. At 6′ 7″ and 255 pounds, he’s being compared to that other New England tight end (who’s still on the team) and could get work as the injures dictate. Jake Ballard was originally supposed to take over Aaron Hernandez’s production but that now appears to go to Sudfeld, who’s catching everything in sight. He’s a huge unknown but New England seems to trust him. Don’t be afraid to draft him in the second round and look like a genius.

Round 2, Pick 9 – RB-Johnathan Franklin (GB) – Franklin steps into an ideal situation for a pass-catching back. The Green Bay offense, and Aaron Rodgers in particular, will continue to pass the ball despite the presence of Eddie Lacy. He won’t be an every down back but if Franklin can establish himself as a passing-down back, he could be in for a bunch of catches. Of course, he’ll have to shore up his pass protection to even see the field. Assuming he can work those issues out, he’ll be an intriguing change of pace back.

Round 2, Pick 10 – WR-Stedman Bailey (STL) – While Bailey only sits at #4 on the depth chart, he’s had a good camp so far. St. Louis claims to be opening up the offense more which would mean more opportunities to spread the wealth. Of course, it remains to be seen if Sam Bradford can handle that load. If so, Bailey stands to gain in the long-term. If not, Bailey wouldn’t be worth a taxi squad spot.

Round 2, Pick 11 – QB-Tyler Bray (KC) – Signed as an undrafted free agent, Bray already has the strongest arm in Kansas City camp (which isn’t saying a whole lot). His lack of maturity was what set him back in the draft but he seems to have overcome those. Setting behind Alex Smith and Chase Daniel, Bray doesn’t have a clear shot to starters minutes but could develop into a tradable asset. He’s not a bad pick to stash on taxi squads especially with other rookie quarterbacks struggling.

Round 2, Pick 12 – WR-Kenny Stills (NO) – Drafted in the fifth round, there was not clear spot for Stills until Joe Morgan went down with an injury and smaller injuries allowed him to play with the first string. Now entrenched as the 3rd down receiver, Stills has put together a quietly good camp and could receive considerable attention from Drew Brees and co. He should man the slot between Marques Colston and Lance Moore. If Sean Payton works his magic upon his return, they’ll be plenty of targets to go around including ones to Stills.

2013 Dynasty Rookie Rankings Big Board – Round 1 (1st Edition)

Posted on by Standard 2

The time is (almost) here. Your dynasty fantasy football draft. Where you can finally put all your Madden Franchise mode skills to use. Unlike re-drafts, where the choices are obvious, you’re playing GM to your very own franchise. You have to take into account need, potential, opportunity and, most of all, skill. Let’s see who DFFC would take in an IDP, 12-team PPR league:

Round 1, Pick 1 – RB-Le’Veon Bell (PIT) – After finishing 26th in rushing, Pittsburgh needed an injection of talent in the running game. After long-time incumbent Rashard Mendenhall moved on Pittsburgh determined that holdovers Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer are not suited for the top spot. Enter Bell. At 6′ 1″ and 230 pounds, the Michigan State product can be a punishing runner. Pittsburgh is also implementing a zone-blocking scheme along the lines of Mike Shanahan’s offenses in Denver and now Washington that will allow Bell to see the holes created by his lineman and strike where convenient. Bell is already penciled in as the starter and has a chance to become the rare rookie that contributes both now and later.

Round 1, Pick 2 – RB-Eddie Lacy (GB) – The Bruiser from ‘Bama was thought to be the top running back in the NFL draft but fell to 61 and Green Bay. With little (to no) competition, Lacy has been able to establish his starter status after some impressive practices. Becoming what New Orleans had hoped for fellow ‘Bama running back Mark Ingram appears to be the goal – someone who can convert the 3rd and 1, 1st and Goal, etc. However, there are some real concerns with Lacy’s long-term health which caused several teams to refrain from taking him in the NFL draft. Lacy’s doctors insist he’ll be ok but it’s still something to watch. If healthy, Lacy will be a fine compliment to the passing attack of Aaron Rodgers and co. He, like Bell, has a chance to be a contributor very early in his career.

Round 1, Pick 3 – RB-Giovani Bernard (CIN) – The first running back taken in the draft, Bernard is probably the most explosive. He’s being compared to Ray Rice thanks to his short stature but big build and versatility. He’s so versatile the Bengals even have him lining out wide. Skill-wise he’s set but it’s all about opportunity. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was signed in 2012 to a three-year contract. He could aways be cut earlier but chances are they’ll let his contact run out after 2014 and block Bernard’s path to an everyday role. The hope is Green-Ellis falls flat and they turn the ball over to Bernard sooner than expected. At the moment, he’s a RB3, at best, but could be up to RB1 by the end of the season.

Round 1, Pick 4 – RB-Montee Ball (DEN) – Drafted in the second round out of Wisconsin, Ball was probably the most experienced of the running back class after almost 1,000 attempts in college. He entered a high-powered offense but a crowded backfield. Knowshon Moreno has had four years to show he’s not the long-term answer but Denver will still use him sparingly. It’s Ronnie Hillman that’s blocking Ball’s path to fantasy greatness. Hillman was drafted in the 3rd round of last year’s draft and has ‘earned’ the starting spot. He’s currently the 1A to Ball’s 1B which sounds eerily familiar to Coach John Fox’s last team where the Panthers refused to favor one of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Fantasy owners don’t need to be reminded of that hot mess. It’s ok to draft Ball but don’t expect a workhorse role for at least a year.

Round 1, Pick 5 – WR – DeAndre Hopkins – In the first upset of the first round, I have Houston first round pick DeAndre Hopkins as the first receiver off the board. At 6′ 1″ and 214 pounds, Hopkins fits the mold more as a long-term receiver than Tavon Austin. Drafted by Houston, he was the immediate favorite for the ‘Z’ position and has not disappointed. He had a fantastic week of camp, including a 40-yard bomb, and has already established the trust of the coaching staff. There is no one to challenge him as the heir apparent and he’ll get the benefit of learning from one of the best (very Terrell Owens-esque). He’s already slated for at least 50 catches his rookie year with that number sure to grow. Grab him early, grab him often.

Round 1, Pick 6 – TE-Tyler Eifert (CIN) – With more NFL offenses utilizing their tight ends as receivers, expect more rookie tight ends to be drafted higher.  Tyler Eifert, drafted in the first round in 2013 is first up. Even though Cincinnati had an established tight end, and not necessarily a bad one, they still opted to draft the Notre Dame product. He’s lining up wide and catching passes in traffic which is music to dynasty fantasy owners ears. And with the likes of Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski going in the first or second rounds of drafts, Eifert could be right up there with them and soon. There’s no doubt that tight end is the position with the most disparity between first and worst. If you can grab a difference maker, you take him. Eifert could be that.

Round 1, Pick 7 – WR-Kenbrell Thompkins (NE) – Who? Exactly. Thompkins went undrafted this year and only earned a spot because of the massive upheaval in New England’s receiving corps. But boy is he making it count. Not only is a vertical threat but has shown signs of being a possession receiver as well. Of course, it always helps when you’re on the same page as Tom Brady. Brady threw the ball 637 times last year and with four of his top five receivers gone, the competition for targets is wide open. Thompkins has been the most impressive so far. Impress your friends and take him.

Round 1, Pick 8 – RB-Christine Michael (SEA) – Michael’s the first player off the board not walking into an obviously advantageous position but he could be thrown into one soon. Michael was a first round talent but fell to the second due to off-field issues. His tough, explosive running style is an ideal fit in Seattle and not that much different from incumbent Marshawn Lynch. But Lynch has his own off-field issues to deal with which could propel Michael to the starting lineup. Current backup Robert Turbin is just now getting back on the field so if Michael continues to impress, this first-round talent could be the recipient of Seattle’s powerful running game. The upside is huge.

Round 1, Pick 9 – WR-Tavon Austin (STL) – The highest receiver drafted at #8 overall, Austin is going to be a ping-pong ball and bounce all over the place. Out wide, in the slot, in the backfield. It’s just a shame he’s heading into an offense of such uncertainty. Sam Bradford is in a make-or-break year, they appear to have full-blown RBBC on their hands and there’s no skill position players coming back to estabslish some sort of consistency after the departure of Steven Jackson. Don’t get me wrong, he’s justified his draft position. But throw in the fact that Brian Schottenheimer is his OC, he of the almost 500 rush attempts last year, and the passing game is even murkier. Austin is a talent but doesn’t enter the best situation. And at this point, opportunity is half the battle.

Round 1, Pick 10 – QB-E.J. Manuel (BUF) – The first quarterback taken in the NFL draft, Manuel should also be the first quarterback off dynasty fantasy boards. Manuel is a big boy at 6′ 5″ and 230 pounds. He’s the captain of the rebuilding effort of the Buffalo franchise and should be given plenty of opportunities. Just the fact that he’ll be the starter in Buffalo at a minimum of 2-3 years props up his value since there’s only a finite number of starting quarterbacks in fantasy. His weapons are an asset as well as Buffalo has surrounded him with rookie receivers Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, Da’Rick Rogers and rookie tight end Chris Gragg. Throw in all-world running back C.J. Spiller and perennial 1,000 yard receiver Stevie Johnson and Manuel has no excuses. We’ll have to wait and see him in game action to determine if he’ll be a fantasy starter in years to come but Manuel is definitely in the right place in the right time.

Round 1, Pick 11 – TE-Zach Ertz (PHI) – Drafted in the second round, Ertz looked as if he walked into a less than ideal fantasy situation. New Philly coach Chip Kelly had been a run-first coach at Oregon and there were already two tight ends in front of him. Incumbent Brent Celek and free agent James Casey. Originally, Celek would have been the in-line tight end with Casey as the ‘move.’ However, Ertz has earned first-team reps in practice and is now predicted to have more catches and yards than either of the other two Philly tight ends after impressing the team. As with Eifert and Manuel, Ertz plays a position with a finite amount of quality players. Don’t be afraid to draft Ertz.

Round 1, Pick 12 – WR-Markus Wheaton (PIT) – Drafted in the 3rd round, Wheaton is the heir apparent to the departed Mike Wallace. However, he’s also been drawing comparisons to Hines Ward. Physically, both don’t/didn’t stand out but Wheaton has shown the ability to go over the middle and catch balls in traffic (at least in camp). Then comes the good news that Wheaton is already practicing with the first team and lining up in the slot or the outside. Using Ward as a comp, I don’t think anyone would be disappointed in a guy with six 80+ receptions/1,000 yard seasons. His status may be murky this year but shouldn’t be after that.

Click here for a mock round two and be sure to follow us on twitter for your daily dynasty update!

Dynasty Rookie Running Backs – Part IV

Posted on by Standard Reply

We’re entering super-sleeper / possibly cut territory with running backs sale. Let’s see what we got.

  • Latavius Murray – Drafted out of UCF, Murray initially drew comparisons with fellow Raider Darren McFadden with his size and speed and drew praise from coach Dennis Allen.  Now sidelined with a foot issue, Murray might have lost his chance to be the primary backup.
  • Kenjon Barner – Drafted out of Oregon, Barner was brought in behind an already crowded backfield on Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, and Mike Tolbert in Carolina. Nothing special physical-wise, Barner stands at 5′ 9″ and 196 pounds. He’ll be lucky to get on the field and is better suited for special teams.
  • Andre Ellington – Drafted 187th out of Clemson, Elllington currently sits 4th on the Cardinals depth chart. However, with Rashard Mendenhall and Ryan Willaims hurting, Ellington suddenly has a shot at some playing time and significant time in pre-season. He knows how to hit his holes and accelerate. Only fellow rookie Stepfan Taylor stands in his way. Ellington might be the best of this bunch.
  • Mike James – Pick 189 of Tampa out of the U, James compares to Earnest Graham in size and ability. James has already secured the backup spot to Doug Martin so grab him if you can in deeper leagues.
  • Rex Burkhead – Drafted one pick later out of the cornfields of Nebraska, Burkhead is nothing more than a special teams player at this point. His path to fantasy relevance is all but closed thanks to fellow rookie Giovani Bernard. Only draft Burkhead if you plan on keeping Bernard.
  • Spencer Ware – Drafted 194th out of LSU, Ware has no shot at running back in Seattle’s crowded (and talent-rich) backfield. Which is why Pete Carroll would like him to learn fullback. It wont’ get him much fantasy stats so you can pass.
  • Theo Riddick – With the 199th pick, Riddick went to Detroit to join the competition at running back between Reggie Bush, Mikel Leshoure, and Joique Bell. So far, Riddick is still competing for his roster spot. Nothing to see here.

For Part I click here. For Part II click here. For Part III click here.

Dynasty Rookie Wide Receivers – Part IV

Posted on by Standard 3

Let’s look at the receivers drafted in the 4th round:

  • Ace Sanders (JAC) – Drafted 101st overall out of South Carolina, Sanders is hoping to be a poor man’s Tavon Austin. He had pedestrian stats in the receiving game (45/531/9) in college but showed promise on the return game with 15 yards per return. He’s been working out of the slot with the first team. But Sanders stands at just 5′ 7″ and still has the quarterback issue to deal with. Without Justin Blackmon starting the first four games, Sanders will have an opportunity but needs the supporting cast and hasn’t showing anything to show he’s something special. I’d stay away.
  • Josh Boyce (NE) – Drafted 102nd overall, Boyce stands at a respectable 5′ 11″ and 200 pounds and ran a 4.4 at the combine. He did start camp with a foot problem but has overcome that. With lack of receiving options anymore in New England, Boyce and Dobson have been running with the first team at times. Boyce is a guy to keep on later in dynasty drafts.
  • Chris Harper (SEA) – Drafted 123rd out of Kansas State, Harper didn’t get to flash much of his skill in K-State’s run-first offense. A physical specimen at 6′ 4″ at 229, he projects as an X-receiver in Seattle’s offense and physically resembles Sterling Sharpe. He’s not particularly quick but does have a clear path to the starting lineup with Golden Tate a free agent after this year. Seattle doesn’t figure to pass a lot but if they do, Harper is intriguing.
  • Quinton Patton (SF) – Standing 6′ 2″ with a 4.4 40-time, Patton has the size to be a quality NFL starter. His positives include good hands and control. He started off slow but Coach Harbaugh claims he’s all caught up. The receivers in front of Patton wouldn’t appear to be an issue but there are several including Kyle Wiliams, AJ Jenkins, Anquan Boldin, not to mention, Michael Crabtree. Patton will really have to elevate his game to even see snaps on the field his rookie year. Long-term, the current regime uses a run-heavy scheme with multiple two-tight end sets. It’s hard to imagine an offense where Patton could carve out a niche.

For Part I, click here. For Part II, click here. For Part III, click here.

Dynasty Rookie Running Backs – Part III

Posted on by Standard 4

Six backs were selected in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. All would be considered sleepers in dynasty fantasy leagues. Let’s take a look:

  • Denard Robinson (JAC) – Originally a quarterback at Michigan, Robinson was drafted 135th overall. Truly a jack of all trades, it seems as if Robinson’s speed is probably best suited at running back seeing as he ran a 4.34 unofficial 40-time at the combine. He grew into the role in rookie camp but it still adjusting after dropping a pass and fumbling a handoff. Robinson would be the #3 running back on the depth chart and should be stashed by all MJD owners in the event his contract isn’t renewed.
  • Stepfan Taylor (ARI) – Drafted 140th overall out of Stanford, Taylor currently sits behind Rashard Mendendhall and Ryan Williams on the depth chart. With coach Bruce Arians already calling the running back race for 26-year old Mendenhall, and the team sticking by 23-year old Ryan Williams, there doesn’t seem to be a clear path for Taylor. In addition, thanks to the NFL’s graduation rules, Taylor is also starting behind the other backs. Only draft Taylor if you have either Mendenhall or Williams on your current roster.
  • Joseph Randle (DAL) – Drafted 151st overall by Dallas, Randle has already been anointed the backup to DeMarco Murray and expected to carry the load, should it come to that. Randle is still recovering from thumb surgery but should be ready to go. While nothing special in college, the fact that he’s backing up one of the most brittle. Additionally, Randle now becomes a part of the revolving door of Dallas running backs which has had four different leading rushers in 7 years. This could be a gift and a curse for Randle but, for now, don’t pin your hopes on him.
  • Chris Thompson (WAS) – Going 154th overall to Washington, Thompson is a massive unknown. He broke his back and college and tore his ACL in consecutive years at Florida State. But Washington feels like he can do it all. At the moment, there’s a pileup in the Washington backfield but Thompson is one to remember simply because Shanahan is so unpredictable. After all, incumbent Alfred Morris was drafted in the 6th round.
  • Zac Stacy (STL) – St. Louis traded up to 160 to pick Stacy out of Vanderbilt after averaging 5.5 YPC on over 200 carries in the tough SEC last year. Stacy proved he can handle the load there but will have to compete with Daryl Richardson (23) and Isiah Pead (23).  Richardson is projected as the starter after averaging 4.8 YPC on about 100 carries in his rookie year. However, coach Jeff Fisher indicated he’s not opposed to a running back by committee approach. Stacy is talented but will have to beat two young, good players first to get noticed.
  • Mike Gillislee (MIA) – Picked 164th out of Florida, Gillislee was nothing special coming out of the draft with the look of a long-time backup. He’s also not caught up to number two Daniel Thomas as of yet and would start the season as the third running back if it started today. Gillislee is off the dynasty radar at the moment unless you’re a concered Lamar Miller owner.

For Part I click here. For Part II click here.

Dynasty Rookie Wide Receivers – Part III

Posted on by Standard 4

Part three of our look at dynasty rookie wide receivers includes those drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. These would be true sleepers in any format.

  • Terrance Williams (DAL) – Drafted 74th overall out of Baylor, Williams was expected to compete for the third receiver position in Dallas. At 6′ 2″ and 208 pounds, Williams was billed as a Mike Wallace-type vertical threat. However, Williams has had issues doing the most basic receiving duties like, you know, receiving. Williams seems to be another in the revolving door of third receivers the Cowboys have had over the years. He’s a late round prospect in dynasty leagues and a must-own for any Miles Austin owners, even if it’s for the taxi squad. But don’t spend too high of a pick.
  • Keenan Allen (SD) – Allen was drafted two picks after Williams at 76 to San Diego. Allen was Cal’s all-time leading receiver after just three seasons. He excels in route running and receiving but ran a disappointing 4.7 before the draft. However, the Chargers think it should have been closer to a 4.5 since Allen was coming off a PCL tear. Even so, he currently sits 4th on the Chargers depth chart behind Danario Alexander, Malcom Floyd, and Vincent Brown. Plus, Philip Rivers continues to trend downwards with less zip on his ball than ever before. His talent outweighs his situation so there is hope. Allen currently sits at 46 in dynasty rankings.
  • Marquise Goodwin (BUF) – Drafted two picks after Allen, Goodwin went 78th to Buffalo out of Texas. With a 4.27 40-time, Goodwin set the third fastest 40-time since the combine went digital in1999.  Hopefully, his 5′ 9″ stature doesn’t prevent the Bills from using him on the outside where he, literally, had to slow down on a couple deep bombs. As with the other Bills position players, their long-term success will hinge on E.J. Manual. Hopefully, Manual will learn to get Goodwin the ball. He’s the first prospect from this list that I can get excited about.
  • Markus Wheaton (PIT) –  Drafted 79th by Pittsburgh, Wheaton was brought in to presumably, be groomed for Mike Wallace’s old spot. According to former scout Daniel Jeremiah, Wheaton “fits the new mold they’ve got there, guys who can win one-on-ones with quickness, but he’s also got big-play ability with top speed and feisty toughness.” Wheaton enters a stable quarterback situation, a clear path to the #3 receiving spot immediately and an offense coaching staff responsible for 3,700 passing yards last year. Hopefully Wheaton can carve out a piece of that early and often.
  • Stedman Bailey (STL) – Drafted 92nd overall by the Rams, Bailey is buried behind Brian Quick, Chris Givens, and West Virginia teammate Tavon Austin, even though Bailey led the Mountaineers in receiving yards and had an amazing 25 touchdowns. Pre-combine he was reported to look impressive with good routes and catching everything in sight. He only slipped thanks to sub-par 40 times and other combine stats. Bailey is at the mercy of Brian Schottenheimer’s offense but would be a great pick on most other teams with less competition. As it is, he’s worth nothing more than a taxi squad pick at this point.

For Part I click here. For Part II click here. For Part IV click here.

Dynasty Rookie Wide Receivers – Part II

Posted on by Standard 4

Previously, we looked at the  three receivers drafted in the first round of the NFL draft and what kind of impact to expect from them in dynasty leagues. Part II will look at those receivers drafted in the second round. Typically, they can provide more value as you’ll be drafting them later.

  • Justin Hunter (TEN) – Before the draft, Greg Cosell called Hunter the most physically gifted receiver among those that were eligible. After his 6′ 4″ frame ran a 4.4 40-time in the combine, Hunter was drafted 34th overall by Tennessee. Hunter has the tools but will he have the opportunity to be successful? Hunter joins Kenny Britt and Kendall Wright in the Tennessee rotation and is coming off a hamstring injury in OTA’s. Perhaps most damning is that Jake Locker is still the Tennessee quarterback. There’s a lot to overcome so it might be wise to use a taxi-squad spot for Hunter initially. Plus, there’s other receiver that were drafted later than Hunter that have a better opportunity to make an immediate impact. Hunter currently sits at 49 in average dynasty rankings.
  • Robert Woods (BUF) – Woods was drafted 41st overall from USC after posting a 74/849/11 line his junior year. Of course this was after his sophomore season of 111/1,292/15.  Physically, Woods has a pedestrian build at 6′ 0″ and 190 pounds but is considered the most NFL-ready of any receiver thanks to a quick grasp of the playbook and good route-running. He is walking into a good situation with Buffalo hitting the reset button in the off-season. With a new coach and quarterback, who he’s already hitting it off with, Woods has time to prove he belongs. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be starting opposite Steve Johnson in the Fall. Definitely worth a mid-level draft pick in dynasty circles. Woods is 51 in combined dynasty rankings.
  • Aaron Dobson (NE) –  My personal favorite of the second round picks, Dobson is walking into an ideal situation. Drafted 59th overall out of Marshall, the 6′ 3″ Dobson is just one of the many new faces in the New England receiving corps. which means everyone is  starting fresh. Additionally, last year’s New England team was fourth in the league in pass attempts. Drafted to provide some height, Dobson was compared by Cosell to Larry FItzgerald in terms of size and hands. If he can keep up with Tom Brady and the playbook, there’s nothing stopping Dobson from being successful early and often in dynasty leagues. And with Belichick, supposedly, gushing about him while praising his basketball background (hello, Jimmy Graham), Dobson is set up for big things now and in the future. With the uncertainty in New England about who’s going to catch the ball, it might not be a bad idea to grab Dobson early in dynasty drafts.  Expect his current 59th spot in our dynasty ranks to improve.

Part I click here. For Part III click here. For Part IV click here.