Post Combine Rookie Mock: Round Two
This is undoubtedly one of my favorite times of the rookie season. The combine is complete and the dust has settled a little bit. The pro days are underway and the NFL draft is approaching. It is only a matter of time before the rookie drafts start. It is also the time of year when every time I think I’ve made up my mind about my own rankings I see, hear, or read something which makes me go back to my original thoughts and either confirms them or makes me reconsider. I’m sure I’m not the only one! After all, if you’re reading this article right now you’re somewhere in the same process.
For this mock, we did three rounds with ten teams, so you’re getting a top 30 at this point in time. We assumed PPR scoring and traditional lineups (so not a 2QB or superflex league). In case you were concerned, don’t worry, as we get closer to the NFL draft and most rookie drafts, we will be switching to a 12 team format. 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 very 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 30 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 early, but that is a part of the fun!
If you missed the first round, you should check it out here! Now it is time for round two.
2.01 – Michael Thomas, WR Ohio St.
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Nick’s thoughts: Wait, what? How is Michael Thomas available at the 11th overall pick? I know he didn’t set the combine on fire with his 4.57 40 yard dash, but nobody expected him to. Thomas measured in at 6’3″ 212 lbs with 10.5″ hands, he’s a big WR. His 10’6″ broad jump was impressive along with a 6.8 3 cone and 4.13 short shuttle. On the football field, he shows good ball skills and instincts after the catch. I don’t think Thomas has stardom written all over him, but he has a chance to be a solid NFL player. Big WRs with good ball skills and good quicks should not be available at pick #11.
My thoughts: I agree with Nick. There isn’t any way Thomas will or should be available at the 11th pick in the draft. I think our group missed a little bit on this one. Yes, his combine was below average in terms of speed, but his game isn’t the athletic freak type of game. He is more of the big bodied, reliable pass catcher that NFL teams desperately need in clutch situations like third downs and the redzone. He doesn’t quite at the upside as a few others in this draft, but he’s likely to be a very solid receiver for a long time. I expect him to go in the five-eight range in most drafts when the time comes.
2.02 – Kenneth Dixon, RB Louisiana Tech
My thoughts: This was a really tough pick for me. Prior to the combine, I had Collins over Dixon. Now, it depends on the day of the week. That’s how close they are for me. If I had to do this again, I might go Collins. It is a tough call. Their eventual landing place will be the deciding factor. Either way, I think I’m pretty happy with them in the early second.
One of the best things about Dixon is his three down potential. While he lacks the homerun threat that some teams definitely want in their running back, he does have nice explosiveness, short area quickness and change of direction ability. He runs hard and has nice instincts. I have some concerns about his pass protection ability, but you can say the same about almost every running back coming out of college. He has the talent to be a high end RB2 if he lands on the right team. Not bad for an early second round pick.
2.03 – Alex Collins, RB Arkansas
Adam’s thoughts: Coming into the early second, clearly the talent starts to fall off quickly. Collins was an easy pick for me. He was very underwhelming at the combine, but I’m not going to let that affect me. Highly recruited out of high school, Collins hit the ground running by rushing for 1,000 yards in every year for the Razorbacks and held up a career 5.6 yards per carry. He shows that ability when you watch the tape, showcasing good balance, quick feet, and an ability to hit the running lane very hard. He isn’t going to break a giant run and has some fumbling issues, but in the second round the price is spot on.
My thoughts: Adam called the combine underwhelming, but I would call it a disaster. His 40 yard time was slow but more damaging in my eyes was his lack of explosiveness in the jumps. What saves him a bit in my book is I’ve seen this before. There was another running back I really liked a few years ago prior to the combine, for a lot of the same reasons, who then fell flat on his face at the combine. That is Jeremy Hill, and he turned out pretty well even if 2015 was a down year. Collins isn’t quite as big as Hill, but there are some definite similarities on a lot of points which makes me keep Collins pretty close to my pre-combine evaluation of him.
2.04 – Rashard Higgins, WR Colorado State
Austan’s thoughts: Higgins doesn’t rely on elite athleticism or speed, but he wins with superb route running, displaying a consistent ability to work open underneath against zone coverage. Higgins didn’t have a great combine, but it wasn’t completely unexpected as he’s better suited for games than the spandex olympics. His 40-yard dash time of 4.64 was underwhelming, and Higgins’ performance in the rest of the athleticism drills hovered around mediocre. The 40 isn’t a be-all and end-all, but it’s important. I believe he’ll run a better time at his pro day. If he doesn’t, his stock will likely fall. I’m also not sure he is physical enough to play outside as he needs to add bulk to his frame. Why did I pick him, again? Oh, the route running. It’s really good, and he’s also adept hands catcher. He put up great numbers in college, and the production matches what I see on tape.
My thoughts: I worry a bit about Higgins and players like him. They remind me a little bit of Brian Robiskie. For those who don’t remember Robiskie, he is the son of one of the best receiver coaches in the NFL, Terry Robiskie. As a result, he was extremely polished and as a result very productive in college. However, he lacked the athleticism and room for growth to improve once he made it to the NFL. I think a similar thing could be said about Higgins. I think he lacks the ceiling I’m looking for in my players. He might be a slot guy, but I think he is likely a low ceiling slot receiver. That means he isn’t ever going to be a consistent starter for most fantasy teams and will likely be a better NFL player than a fantasy player.
2.05 – Tajae Sharpe, WR University of Massachusetts
George’s thoughts: Another boring George pick, Sharpe lacks the flashy plays that enrapture the dynasty imagination, but he has shown elite catch skills. The focus has been around his smaller hands (8.375 inches) but Sharpe knows how to use them, similar to Tyler Lockett. The comparison ends there however as Sharpe has the look of a possession receiver who could rack up the PPR value in the right setting. Detroit, Minnesota, and Philadelphia could all be landing spots where his skills could be maximized.
My thoughts: I’m starting to come around on Sharpe. He’s a great route runner with very nice hands. Toss in his work ethic and natural receiver instincts and we just might have something. He’s rather lean, which is a bit of a concern, but I think that might just be a product of age. He just turned 21 years old, and I think an NFL weight training program will help him fill out. His athleticism will likely cap his upside, but there isn’t any reason he can’t be a very solid number two target for an NFL team in a few years.
2.06 – Pharoh Cooper, WR South Carolina
Harrison’s thoughts: Pharoh Cooper on the field has looked like an electric athlete in open space. He doesn’t have the make-up of an elite WR1 physicality, but he is an extremely versatile player who can be asked to do a lot. Due to his skillset, Cooper may be better utilized under some offensive coordinators who can really bring out his untapped potential. This 2015 season was supposed to be Cooper’s breakout season, but was hurt by the offensive inconsistencies in his team and despite this, he still managed to account for over 40% of his team’s marketshare yards and TDs. Watching him play, he reminds me of De’Anthony Thomas and Randall Cobb. He has the skillset to be either a RB or WR. He was even utilized as a wildcat QB for his team this season. Bottomline, he may be an underrated player going in to the draft, who could really see a rise in his value depending on where he gets drafted.
My thoughts: I think Harrison pretty much nailed it when it said it depends on the offensive coordinator. Cooper has a unique skill set much like the guys Harrison mentioned. I would lump Percy Harvin into that group as well. From a skill standpoint, I think Cooper is in the middle of that group. He’s better than Thomas but not as good as Cobb. He’s going to need someone who is willing to be a big unconventional to bring out the best in him. There are a few teams which would make me really excited about Cooper and likely make him a late first round fantasy pick in my book, but if he goes to a more traditional team I’m staying away.
2.07 – Jordan Howard, RB Indiana
Kevin’s thoughts: Jordan Howard is viewed by some draft analysts as a top 5 RB in this rookie class, potentially could go in the 3rd round in the NFL draft and likely a mid-2nd round dynasty rookie pick. Howard is a strong aggressive runner who will square up his shoulders and create effective leverage on contact. He demonstrates plus vision, with adequate speed however, can tend to hit holes with pad level too high and doesn’t always accelerate with an ideal frame. Landing spot will ultimately determine how soon he might contribute to your dynasty team, but optimistic about what he can bring to an NFL team’s running game.
My thoughts: There is a lot to like about Howard. I think he has great instincts and vision, has a powerful frame and doesn’t dance around in the backfield. He was highly productive both at UAB and Indiana. There are definitely some questions about his as well. His speed is questionable and his usage in the passing game (24 career receptions) was extremely limited. That doesn’t mean he can’t do it, just that he hasn’t done it. He definitely seems to fit as the early down part of a committee attack as it would be fair to compare him at least in part to someone like Alfred Morris. The biggest concern for Howard is an Arian Foster type of injury history, dating all the way back to high school. Unfortunately, his running style means these issues are likely to continue.
2.08 – CJ Prosise, RB Notre Dame
Rob’s thoughts: I think Prosise climbs boards post-draft. He’s done nothing but excel at running back since making the switch in South Bend and offers perhaps the most complete skill-set after the top two. I think his negatives are rather small and will be quickly brushed aside as he gets comfortable in his NFL career.
My thoughts: Prosise is a very interesting player in this year’s draft. Much like Jeremy Langford last year, Prosise was a late conversion to the running back position. He started out on defense and then played receiver for quite some time before being switched to the backfield, a move which seemed to suit Prosise quite well. He has a nearly ideal frame for the position and better than expected results. He does struggle with ball security and sometimes seems unsure of where to go at times, but I think a lot of that can be chalked up to his inexperience at the position. I don’t expect him to be a starter right away but rather be drafted to a spot with an experienced rusher who can help show him the ropes. His time as a receiver will make him instantly viable as a pass catcher out of the backfield which the rest of his game develops.
2.09 – De’Runnya Wilson, WR Mississippi State
Coinflip’s thoughts: Honestly this is a risky pick. I am banking on the fact that he is 6’5 and that can equate into a redzone target. He ran slow, very slow at the combine where even offensive lineman had better times. If you have a deep roster at WR and can wait 2-3 years and have taxi squad spots in your league it wouldn’t hurt to place a tall redzone target there and wait. If he lands on a team that is willing to develop his raw WR talent, it could work out nicely. If you are looking for a return now you should avoid him. His 40 time at the combine will force his draft stock down and he could end up a late draft pick, but landing on a decent team. He did have ten touchdowns last year for Mississippi State and his past basketball career could allow him to sneak a few jump balls his way. Risky but a player that could pay off if you are patient.
My thoughts: Someone trying to convince me to buy Wilson is going to be an extremely tough sell. Statistically speaking, his athletic ability is about as far from being an NFL wide receiver as any receiver who has been drafted in the last decade. He’s a pretty big long shot. Then again, he is 6’5” and has shown very good hands. He could be a red zone specialist in the NFL, but I’m not sure that gets you onto fantasy rosters. Unless you are in a really large league, I’m staying away from this one.
2.10 – Jonathan Williams, RB Arkansas
Izzy’s thoughts: Jonathan Williams has the potential to be the gem of the draft with how late I’ve seen him go in mocks. Had he not been shelved for the entire season due to foot surgery, there’s a good chance he would be challenging for the second spot in this draft and at least be drafted higher than his college teammate, Alex Collins. Outside of Zeke and Booker, I feel Williams provides the best chance at being a full duty back. Dixon and Prosise are the sexy names being tossed around, but Williams has the more polished all-around game. As long as it wasn’t just a phenomenal offensive line that made Williams look so good, you should be targeting him in the late second without hesitation.
My thoughts: Williams could definitely be a steal in the NFL and in fantasy drafts. He has the feet and quickness of a 200 pound rusher in a 220 pound frame. He’s quick to the hole with the ability to make defenders miss both in the hole and in the open field. He has a ton of natural ability. The question marks for him are twofold. First, how will he respond to tighter quarters in the NFL? He showed a tendency to bounce everything to the outside if the holes weren’t immediately there. Second, is the foot fully healthy? He missed the entire season and running backs with a bad foot don’t go very far. His medical checks are going to be huge.
That’s it for the 11-20 players in this mock. We’ll be back with our favorite fliers with the last ten players selected in this mock.
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- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round Three - April 28, 2021
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round Two - April 26, 2021
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round One - April 25, 2021
