Way Too Early Rookie Mock: Round Two

Jacob Feldman

henryThe 2015 NFL season is officially complete, and unless the victory tour for the Super Bowl Champs is fascinating for you, it is time to turn your attention towards free agency and of course the 2016 rookie class. The combine will be here quicker than you realize, so I gathered nine of DLF’s finest and we decided to do a little intro to the 2016 rookie class for you. This is just to help you get a rough feel for the guys currently on our collective radar as we start the draft process. Don’t consider the following mock as an ADP list but rather as a rough outline of the draft class.

For this mock, we did two rounds with ten teams, so you’re getting a top 20. We assumed PPR scoring and traditional lineups (so not a 2QB or superflex league). All of the drafters were asked to give a brief intro to their selection, and I’ll be providing some additional thoughts on each one as well. Keep in mind it is extremely early in the process. There are going to be opinions shared in this mock which will completely change in the next few weeks and months. There will be players selected in the top 20 who go undrafted in most rookie drafts, and there might be some future first rounders we didn’t draft. It happens when you are doing things like this so early, but at least you are getting a little more info on some guys! Enjoy!

If you missed the first round, you should check it out here!

2.01 – Alex Collins, RB Arkansas

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My thoughts: Unlike my first round pick of Laquon Treadwell, this pick was a much more difficult one to make. I almost went with Will Fuller out of Notre Dame, but ultimately I felt the better value at this point in the draft was Alex Collins by a slim margin. Collins really got my attention when he started to approach and often break school records which were mostly set by Darren McFadden. I realize McFadden has a bit of a bad rap from fantasy owners, but he was a true stud as a college player.

My opinion of Collins has continued to grow from there. He has ideal size for the position with the skill set to be a bell cow, but still small enough to be quick and elusive. He has a proven track record with excellent production in college against tough competition, and he definitely looks the part when you watch him. Out of all of the running backs in this year’s class, he just might be the most natural runner. He has the feel and the instincts you can’t teach but all of the great running backs possess. Where he is a little lacking is in pure athletic ability. He isn’t going to be the fastest rusher at the combine, but then again Emmitt Smith wasn’t either. I’m not saying Collins will be Smith, just that straight line speed is a little overrated for running backs. One thing Collins will need to fix is his ball security issues. Overall, I’m definitely intrigued.

2.02 – Devontae Booker, RB Utah

Bruce’s thoughts: This was a hard pick to make, as there were a few other prospects that I considered drafting at this spot in the draft (Will Fuller and Rashard Higgins). I selected Booker because he is the second running back ranked on my board. He’s very good at catching the ball out of the backfield as he caught 80 receptions for 622 yards and two touchdowns during his career at Utah. He’s also very explosive, which makes him very dangerous with the ball in space. Booker frequently breaks tackles with his power and low center of gravity. He could be a handful at the next level if he lands on the right team.

My thoughts: In some ways Booker reminds me a little bit of last year’s David Johnson. He’s a bigger back, though not as big as Johnson, who catches the ball extremely well out of the backfield. In fact, he might be a better receiver than he is a rusher, much like Johnson. Unlike Johnson, Booker has some major questions when it comes his speed. Booker also had questions about his injury history, ball security and his age. He’ll be 24 as rookie, which is a bigger deal for a running back than any other position.

2.03 – Will Fuller, WR Notre Damefuller-2

Chris’s thoughts: Honestly, I was hoping Alex Collins would slip two more spots to me. I would have had the perfect draft. I like the value at wide receiver still. I probably should have went Tajae Sharpe of University of Massachusetts. I wanted a player with big play capability, and that’s Fuller. He had 15 touchdowns in 2014 and 14 in 2015. I agree, I reached on him, but I like him nonetheless.

My thoughts: Fuller is one of the more dynamic receivers in this draft class, and potentially the best deep threat of the group. He has great speed and acceleration to go with a nose for the endzone, as evidenced by having more touchdowns than starts over the last two years. He tracks the ball well and has the ability to high point the ball when covered. The biggest knocks against him are an extremely lean frame and occasionally having some issues catching the ball cleanly. Definitely an intriguing prospect though if he ends up with a big armed quarterback.

2.04 – Hunter Henry, TE Arkansas

Alex’s thoughts: Tight ends didn’t get much love in this mock draft, and rightfully so: the talent at the position behind Henry drops off precipitously. But that shouldn’t take away from the prospects of Henry as a legitimate offensive threat in the NFL. He has outstanding athleticism for the position, with serious receiving chops (51-739-3 last season). And while he still needs to add some size to help with his blocking, he proved capable in that area as well. His experience playing in a pro-style offense should help him acclimate quickly to the NFL, making him a candidate for an immediate impact on offense.

My thoughts: In my opinion, from what I have seen so far, there isn’t an elite tight end in this draft class. Henry is probably the best of the bunch, but I think he is still a second tier prospect. He has great hands for the position and solid athleticism, but as Alex mentioned he needs to add some size and work on his technique to turn into an effective blocker in the NFL. In the long run, I would expect Henry to settle into the massive groups of tight ends who fight for back end TE1 status in fantasy leagues.

2.05 – Tajae Sharpe, WR University of Massachusetts

Izzy’s thoughts: Once again, I didn’t think I’d be left with a decision. I thought I would certainly be left with either Sharpe or Kenneth Dixon. Then Hunter Henry happened, and the debate began. It came down to higher upside in Sharpe, or more polish and safety with Dixon. I typically lean upside over safety, especially outside the first round so I pulled the trigger on Sharpe. Despite being a solid route runner and having great hands, the issue Sharpe will face early and why I don’t think he’ll pay dividends early in his career is his severe lack of strength both at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point. A year of weight room will help Sharpe become a difference maker in 2017.

My thoughts: At this point in the process, I’m not a huge fan of Sharpe. To me he looks like a slower Justin Hunter. He is a tall receiver with a very lean frame. He is a good leaper, but he seems to make a lot of body catches and always seems to go down on first contact. Maybe it is because I was so high on Hunter that I’m down on Sharpe, but I’m personally looking elsewhere.

2.06 – Kenneth Dixon, RB Louisiana Tech

Kyle’s thoughts: Dixon is one of the best all around backs in the class. He had good vision, is elusive and agile, and has great hands out of the backfield. He was also one of the most productive backs in NCAA history. I’m concerned with Dixon’s lack of power and his between the tackles ability, along with his level of competition. Overall, he looks to be a top three-five back in this class.

My thoughts: Dixon is yet another back from this draft class who has the typical size and build NFL teams look for in their running backs. To me Dixon is one of those backs who is good at everything but great at nothing. He isn’t overly gifted in any one area, but he can fill pretty much every role you would want. Typically these kinds of backs end up as career backups or committee backs, sometimes getting a shot if the starter goes down, but I think the upside is limited.

cooper-22.07 – Pharoh Cooper, WR South Carolina

Austan’s thoughts: Recruited to South Carolina as a defensive back, Cooper is a player who does a lot of things well. Over his three seasons with the Gamecocks, in addition to being a standout slot receiver, Cooper carried the ball at least 20 times each year, returned punts and passed for four touchdowns (on nine attempts). Without much under center, Steve Spurrier (before he retired) kept trying to find ways to get the ball in Cooper’s mitts. Cooper’s strengths are his versatility and his physicality. He’s very good after the catch, and he actually runs the ball more like a running back than a receiver. His measurables are lacking in terms of size and speed, but Cooper is just a really solid football player who is likely a third- or fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft. He amassed a total of 2,109 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns (17 receiving) over his final two seasons with South Carolina. I would have taken Dixon here had he survived one more pick.

My thoughts: Cooper is one of those hybrid receiver/running backs in the mold of Randall Cobb. Cooper isn’t quite as athletic as Cobb, but the skill set is similar. He’s great with the ball in his hands and does a pretty good job of catching the ball when asked to do so. He’s rather limited as a route runner, but that is something he can work on in the NFL. If he ends up on a team with a creative play caller his value could definitely increase from this current level. Otherwise he could be a bit of a disappointment like Golden Tate was in Seattle.

2.08 – Rashard Higgins, WR Colorado State

George’s thoughts: Much like Tyler Boyd in round one, Higgins is being labeled as a receiver who regressed in 2015. Going from Garrett Grayson (4000 yards, 32 touchdowns) to Nick Stevens (2600 yards, 21 touchdowns) has that effect on a player. Higgins still managed his second 1000 yard season and once again surpassed a 70% catch rate despite his quarterback barely eclipsing 60%. Higgins has shown solid route running, hands, and overall polish; his frame may be the biggest question mark (6’2″, 188 lbs). Others considered: Michael Thomas (Southern Miss), Braxton Miller.

My thoughts: Another tall receiver with an exceptionally thin frame, Higgins is an accomplished route runner with good speed to get behind defenders. He did a good job of getting off the line in college, but might struggle against bigger, better and stronger defensive backs in the NFL. Although he does seem to catch most balls thrown his way, he is more of a body catcher than I would like to see. This sometimes seemed to limit his ability to make plays after the catch.

2.09 – Paul Perkins, RB UCLA

Rob’s thoughts: Unlike my first round selection of Wilson, Perkins is not a gentleman I am particularly high on. He is a shifty runner who excels at the second level. His skills are somewhat unique in this pedestrian draft class for runners which could easily push him up the board. I like him as a niche back who can add value in the passing game.

My thoughts: Like Rob mentioned, Perkins isn’t going to be a three down back in the NFL. Instead he is going to be a passing game specialist. He is great in space but struggles in traffic, which means he is ideally suited for the screen game or as an outlet receiver. What he is going to need to work on is his ability to pick up blitzing linebackers while playing in the passing game. At this point, about the best he can do is be a speed bump. Improving his blitz pickup should be his biggest goal as he prepares for his rookie year.

2.10 – Mike Thomas, WR Southern Mississippi

Andrew’s thoughts: Just as with my first round pick, this is all about upside. I’ll admit I didn’t know much about him until recently, but if you watch any film on him, you can understand why he’s being talked about. He averaged just under 20 YPC this past season, so he has the speed and athleticism to be a deep threat. His leaping ability really stood out when I watched him as well. Depending on how he performs at the combine, his stock could rise in both the NFL draft and dynasty rookie drafts. At 2.10, I’ll gladly take a flier on the ‘other’ Mike Thomas.

My thoughts: Thomas’s superior performance during his bowl game really put him on people’s radars. At 6’1” and 200 pounds, he has decent size to go with his very productive year. His 71 receptions for 1391 yards and 14 scores were one of the better stat lines in college this year. With that said, he isn’t close to my top 20 rookies at this point in time. I think he’s a late round selection in the NFL draft and someone who will need a few years before you see a return on your investment.

That’s it for our first mock of this style for the 2016 rookie class. As the draft process progresses we will be back with many more mocks, going deeper than just 20 picks to help you get ready for your own rookie drafts. So who was in your top 20 that is still on the board?

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jacob feldman