The Lesser Knowns: Part Three
After watching Twitter and the internet since returning from Mobile, there is already a consensus of peoples’ opinions on the so-called best NFL Draft and fantasy prospects. Much of their talent is debated over and over. I want to take a few articles to discuss the “lesser known” for the lack of a better term. These are the players that have talent, but may play in smaller schools or are less publicized than are Teddy Bridgewater, Carlos Hyde, Sammy Watkins, etc. Here are a few more of those players that might be valuable come rookie draft time:
Kapri Bibbs, RB COL ST
The young running back looks smaller than his listed 5′ 11″ 203 lbs. The traits that jump out of the screen are his explosive burst, his good lateral agility that helps him make people miss and his downfield vision. He reads his blocks well and takes what is there. Bibbs always keeps his feet moving and has good balance.
On the other hand, it seems that Bibbs is very offensive line dependent as he needs a crease to exploit, otherwise the back gets caught up in the trash at the line of scrimmage. There were several occasions that he was bottled up with no room to move. I have concerns that Bibbs runs a bit too upright and doesn’t get his hips behind him to generate power. Along with that, the back is a better outside runner who might only be a third down back in the NFL and not a starter. The problem is that he is not an accomplished pass blocker, but Bibbs can pluck the ball well out of the air. Perhaps a team can use him as a returner to take advantage of his quicks, vision and balance. I have a hard time believing that he will evolve into a starter, but he might be valuable in deeper leagues.
Isaiah Crowell, RB ALA ST
There are quite a few off-field stories to tell about this troubled former Georgia Bulldog, but that is for someone else to discuss. Like one of my idols in the football universe, Greg Cosell says, I just look at the tape. The young back has quick feet, uses a few jukes and/or jump cuts to move around almost effortlessly. He is one of the best inside runners of this draft class as he either lowers his shoulders pounding away at the defense or gets small in the hole, making sure he is the lowest man. Crowell uses a nice stiff-arm, delivers hits on defenders with the same veracity as the back takes them. Do not try to arm tackle him as that is a waste of time as he likes to bounce off defenders while keeping his legs churning. There are rumors he could run under a 4.4 forty time, which looks possible given his tape.
Crowell is so explosive he is always falling forward using good cat-like balance. He sets up his blockers for success taking good angles and uses his vision to make cuts gaining extra yardage. In the passing game, the back runs screens and wheel routes creating separation with his fantastic lateral agility. It is hard for any linebacker or safety to keep their balance covering him. Crowell has soft hands and can make difficult one-handed catches when the situation calls for one. It makes me a little nervous as I did not see him pass block in the few games I watched. If Crowell can prove his skills as a blocker and as a good citizen, some NFL and dynasty team could be getting a huge steal.
Bruce Ellington. WR SO CARO
Yes, his cousin Andre Ellington is the second year Arizona Cardinals running back and Bruce is a former college basketball player that was influenced by Andre to play college football. The wide-out is built closer to a running back than a receiver at 5′ 9″ and 196 lbs while playing more like a running back in the open field as well. While he spent most of the time lined out in the slot, Ellington can also be on the line of scrimmage as he has the quicks and strength to fight the jam. Despite his stature, the young receiver can climb the ladder getting to the highest point to make receptions and difficult catches in traffic. He is a willing blocker in both the running and passing games.
Ellington is very explosive, has quick feet and can get behind his coverage with deep speed. The receiver tracks the ball well in the air, makes adjustments mid-stream contorting his body to the ball, all while catching the ball with his hands and not his body. He maintains his balance well and keeps moving forward despite initial contact. Unlike most young receivers, the wide-out has a good sense of concentration which he not only uses to secure the catch, but also to maintain his feet to make sure they tap before going out-of-bounds. Ellington is also full of tricks. He can throw an accurate pass as he tossed a touchdown against Wisconsin this season. The draft buzz on Ellington is very low right now, so keep an eye out for him during the entire process. I think the receiver could be a huge steal in the last or second to last rounds of your rookie drafts.
Jordan Tripp, OLB MON
I was so impressed with his burst, high motor and athleticism in Mobile that more film study was needed. The aggressive linebacker flows well to the ball with his good vision and instincts. He did over pursue occasionally but possesses exceptional lateral agility that can make up for it. Tripp is explosive off the snap on designed pass rushes and can speed past blockers or dip his shoulder to swim around them.
The outside backer covers running backs and tight ends for short distances and is good at “tackling the catch”. That is a Dick Lebeau term that means the defender might not stop the reception, but the ball carrier does not gain additional yardage once the catch is made. Tripp should be an excellent outside pass rusher who you can get much later in your rookie drafts as most people will be obsessing about Auburn’s Dee Ford. I would not suggest putting him on your radar until the fourth round in most rookie drafts as there will be plenty of offensive talent lying around for a while in those.
For further questions or comments, please contact me on twitter @AndrewMiley
