Post-Combine Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft, Round Two
The combine recently wrapped up and there were definitely a few studs as well as several duds. Of course the biggest question every year is how much does the combine really matter? Can the “Underwear Olympics” actually predict future success in the NFL? There are definitely people all over the spectrum on that question, but there is one thing pretty much everyone can agree on. Running faster is better. Being stronger is better. The questions are of course centered around how much better.
That is an entirely different discussion though, so instead let’s focus on how the combine changed values for players. There were a few players who vaulted up draft boards and a few that fell. In order to help you figure out exactly what the combine did, I’m back with 11 other writers to bring you another mock draft. This is not meant to be a rookie ADP (Scott Fish has that covered for you) but rather a more detailed look at how our knowledgeable writers view each and every one of the picks. It is very important to keep in mind it is still early in the process. A lot of us are still watching games and re-evaluating our opinions. Plus the NFL draft and final landing positions for these plays will have profound impact. We all also have our favorites who we like more than most right now, so there will be some disagreement on where a player should have gone, but that is part of the fun!
If you’re unfamiliar with how our mock drafts work, here is the quick rundown. Our rules for the mock draft are as follows:
- Standard PPR scoring with normal lineup requirements
- Draft order is randomly generated and no trades are allowed
- Draft the best player available without any consideration for team need or previous players drafted
Once the mock is complete, each drafter was asked to provide some comments about the player they drafted. In order to provide a second perspective on each selection, I will also provide some comments on each of the choices. From time to time we will disagree on a player, and that’s perfectly okay. There is no group think here at DLF and sometimes we get widely different opinions on players. I’ll be the first to admit that we, and especially me, will get a few of these players wrong, especially at this early stage in the process.
If you missed the first round, you can take a look at it here.
While a lot of the names in round two are still the same names they were before the combine, there are some definitely climbers who are starting to gain some momentum thanks to the pre-draft process. There are a few of these players who could turn into this year’s Cody Latimer where they keep climbing each and every week.
2.01 – Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota
Previous Selection: 2.02
Brian’s thoughts: I considered Coates and Coleman but settled on Williams due to the lack of quality tight ends in the class. Williams is the best pass catching tight end in what is considered to be a weak tight end class. Tight ends often take time to adapt to the NFL game, but I like what Maxx Williams brings to the table. Williams has an NFL pedigree that includes his father, grandfather and uncle who all played in the NFL. At Minnesota he played multiple positions on the field including slot, H-back, and fullback. His size and athleticism allow him to beat linebackers and safeties down the seam. His route running needs some work and may limit his snaps in his rookie season.
My thoughts: For me, there is only one tight end in this draft class. That isn’t because Williams is a once in a generation talent, because he isn’t. It is simply because all of the others probably aren’t starters on NFL teams. Williams isn’t the prospect Eric Ebron was last year, but the lack of other tight ends might push Williams’ stock into the first round. Don’t get me wrong, Williams is a very good player with a lot of upside. I just have the feeling he’s going to be going in the middle of the first by the time everything is said and done, and I think that is too high. Early second sounds about right to me.
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2.02 – Sammie Coates, WR Auburn
Previous Selection: 1.12
George’s thoughts: If you watched the combine only, Coates has the looks of an elite receiver. His 40-yard dash (4.43), bench press (23 reps), vertical jump (41 inches), broad jump (10’11”), 3-cone drill (6.98), and 20-yard shuttle (4.06) were all among the top of the wide receiver leaderboard. The problem is, no one was disputed his athletic ability. What haven’t been answered are his receiving skills (19% drop rate in 2014), which seems more concentration based after measuring with 9 3/8 inch hands. Coates could easily become a deep threat similar to Mike Wallace or little more than a cautionary tale in the form of Stephen Hill. The landing spot is crucial for this kind of prospect.
My thoughts: Outside of Georgia’s Chris Conley, Coates had the best measurables at the combine and it wasn’t even close. Other than his hands being a little bit small, he showed as an elite receiver. The problem with Coates, as George said, all comes down to those hands and all of the other things you can’t measure. Coates isn’t a natural receiver when it comes to catching or tracking the ball. He also lacks the instincts you look for in a top receiver. I’m not sure if Coates’ issues can be fixed, but if someone manages to cure him of his ills they could have an elite player on their hands. He’s a definite lottery ticket.
2.03 – TJ Yeldon, RB Alabama
Previous Selection: 2.03
Jeff’s thoughts: My least favorite thing in a running back is tight hips. My most favorite thing in a running back is a fluid lower body with foot quickness. Tevin Coleman looks like somebody nailed a 2×4 from his ribs to his knees. Yeldon has some of the best hips and feet in the draft. Hence, my pick. The first player I thought of when I watched Yeldon on tape is Arian Foster, a comp our friend Evan Silva of Rotoworld fame makes as well. Their combine performances were fairly similar, with Yeldon posting better numbers in all but the three-cone drill. Like Foster, he catches the ball very well and is an ideal fit in a one-cut zone scheme. If Yeldon ends up someplace like Atlanta playing under Little Shanny, I’d be more than happy to take him in the back end of the first round. Regardless of where he ends up, Yeldon is my current RB4 in this class.
My thoughts: My top tier of running backs is made up of Gordon and Gurley with Ajayi in the second tier by himself. Yeldon is one of several in my third tier of rushers and he is very nice value early in the second round. Yeldon isn’t going to wow anyone with his measurables at the combine, but he is very good running between the tackles thanks to the way he moves, his foot quickness, and his anticipation. In that way, I think the Foster comparison is a great one. However, Yeldon has a lot more issues with ball security and doesn’t break tackles nearly as well as Foster. Part of this could be Yeldon not running behind his pads properly or trying to bounce away when he should be going through people, but the potential is definitely there.
2.04 – Tevin Coleman, RB Indiana
Previous Selection: 2.01
My thoughts: Coleman is slowly slipping a little bit in rookie drafts due to his lack of participation in the combine due to foot surgery and him weighing a little bit less than expected. I’m not overly concerned about either one. It is very normal for players to lose a little bit of weight after an operation due to not being able to work out at a normal level. I think he will play a little bigger than he check in at during the combine. With that said, it would have been really nice to see Coleman run because on the field he looks like he might even be sub 4.4 seconds.
The biggest concerns for Coleman are him being a little tight in the hips, his upright running style, and the fact that he sometimes only has one speed. All of those are true. However, I think patience can be taught and he can learn to run with more than one speed. I also think he has enough movement and freedom in his lower body to run effectively between the tackles and to make defenders miss from time to time. He won’t be a tackle breaking machine, but he will be good enough. Coleman is a true homerun threat every time he touches the ball and he runs with a lot of power when he needs it. He’s one of my early second round or late first round targets.
2.05 – Breshad Perriman, WR UCF
Previous Selection: 3.01
Rob’s thoughts: Despite some pre-Combine hype as a potential first round pick, it seems many have been reticent of selecting Breshad Perriman early in rookie drafts. I’m happy to calmly sit back and nab Perriman in the second round of rookie drafts. Given some of the sluggishness he can have at the line of scrimmage, I consider his bust rate relatively high, yet his body control and strong build give him immense upside within the second-tier of receivers.
My thoughts: You’re going to be hearing a lot about Perriman over the next few weeks because he is quickly turning into one of the popular sleepers of the 2015 draft. The problem is if someone is so very popular as a sleeper, then they cease to be a sleeper. We see this time and time again. Eventually they all become overvalued and over hyped. Perriman has a lot of the physical tools you look for in a receiver, but he is extremely raw. I think he is this year’s Cody Latimer, right down to the pre-draft injury which could prevent him from working out. Perriman is more athlete than receiver at this point in his career and needs to work on his routes, how he plays the position and catching the ball. Don’t get too caught up in the hype on Perriman though, because he is likely to be overvalued by the time you draft. There are things to like, but there is a lot to be concerned about.
2.06 – David Cobb, RB Minnesota
Previous Selection: 2.04
Nick’s thoughts: This was an easier pick because I’m high on Cobb but I briefly thought about David Johnson or Mike Davis. Cobb didn’t run at the combine and that makes him underrated in fantasy circles. He’s a very big back with great feet and agility, but also runs with power.
My thoughts: It is a little tough for me to be completely objective with Cobb because I’ve grown up in Minnesota and I am a University of Minnesota Alumnus. So I immediately have a soft spot for him. A lot of Cobb’s value will depend on where he ends up. He is a no-nonsense runner with a great build. He runs through a lot of tackles and his superior balance helps him to stay on his feet longer than most. Unfortunately, he isn’t a quick twitch, create on his own kind of running back. He hits the hole hard and runs through anyone in his way. He would excel in a system where they need a downhill runner. Places like New England or the Jets where they just want a running back to follow the play.
2.07 – Jameis Winston, QB Florida State
Previous Selection: 2.12
Doug’s thoughts: With the “best player available” philosophy of this mock, I couldn’t pass on Jameis Winston in the second round. Yes, he has off-field questions, but no one doubts what he can do between the lines. While he didn’t test out as well as Mariota, Winston stood out during the on-field portion of Saturday’s festivities. If he does go to Tampa Bay at No. 1, he will have plenty of weapons at his disposal.
My thoughts: The middle of the second around is right about where I feel the quarterbacks should be going this year in a standard 12 team league. Of course if it is a superflex, 2QB league or 16+ teams they will go a lot higher. I have Winston higher than Mariota and he is likely to stay there unless Mariota ends up in Philly. Winston has every physical tool you want in your quarterback, he just needs to mature a little bit. I think Lovie Smith is the perfect player to help him do that. With players like Mike Evans at his disposal, it won’t be long until Winston is in the high end QB2 range with 4000 yards and 25 touchdowns.
2.08 – Nelson Agholor, WR USC
Previous Selection: 2.08
Russell’s thoughts: The more I watch and look into Agholor, the more I like him. He fits the narrative doesn’t do anything great, but a lot of things well. While he doesn’t show great ball skills, he’s very good. While he doesn’t show elite athleticism and explosiveness, it’s very good. While I don’t think he can become an elite fantasy contributor, he’s a guy that could become a target hog as a #2 option in an offense. Really like getting him as a mid-late second round value.
My thoughts: Like Russell, Agholor has grown on me. His 4.42 second time in the 40 yard dash was faster than I expected, because he doesn’t play at that speed. He won’t be the top receiver on a team and might not even be an outside receiver in the NFL due to size and his strengths. He’s going to be a compliment which means his value is entirely dependent on where he ends up. From a pure talent perspective, I think he’s the best USC receiver of this decade. As a Bears fan, I would love to see him end up as the chain moving compliment to Alshon Jeffery. I doubt that will happen though.
2.09 – Phillip Dorsett, WR Miami
Previous Selection: 3.04
Paul’s thoughts: This pick was very easy to make as there were no running backs left that I felt offered good value at this point and Dorsett was easily my highest ranked receiver remaining. Dorsett has elite speed, which he showed at the combine running a 4.33 40 yard dash, but is more than just a vertical threat. He also has great change of direction ability, which he displayed with a strong 3-cone drill and 20 yard shuttle at the combine as well. Dorsett can use that change of direction ability to win from inside at the slot or use that vertical speed to be a weapon on the outside as well. He attacks the ball well for a smaller receiver. I think his game is similar to TY Hilton or Steve Smith.
My thoughts: Paul’s comparison to TY Hilton is a very interesting one, because physically that is almost perfect. Hilton has longer arms but Dorsett has larger hands. Dorsett also accelerates faster and keeps his speed through changes in direction better. Where the comparison falls apart a little bit is in the technique of playing the position. He is still a raw route runner who seems to rely almost exclusively on his speed to gain separation at times. That won’t work as well in the NFL. He also lets the ball into his body a little too often, but he can work on that. He’s nice value late in the second round.
2.10 – David Johnson, RB Northern Iowa
Previous Selection: 2.09
Kyle’s thoughts: My favorite sleeper running back of this class who probably won’t be much of a sleeper after blowing up the combine. Johnson has a high floor due to his great receiving skills he flashed in college. For anyone who questions his level of competition, he had 200+ yards receiving against Iowa. Johnson’s combine numbers match up with the dynamic short area quickness he shows on tape, something rare for a player of his size. Overall, I liked him before the combine, and only like him more now as he is my RB5 for the class and may move up more.
My thoughts: Small school prospects are always a little bit tricky to project. The jump in the level of defenses is already so large from the top schools to the NFL that adding another level to it makes things really difficult. From a pure physical standpoint, Johnson belongs with the top tier of running backs. However, I don’t feel he plays as big as he measures on the scale all the time. There are times when he goes down way too easily for someone his size. He also seems to be a little bit inconsistent at times when it comes to making the right cuts and hitting holes before they close. I’m not sure if it is vision or instincts, but something just seems to be a little bit off to me. He’s definitely someone to watch, but I have him lower on my board than the fifth running back.
2.11 – Jeremy Langford, RB Michigan State
Previous Selection: Undrafted
Aaron’s thoughts: Unlike my 1st round pick, I took Langford’s combine results and moved him up my board a little. His value really will depend on where he ends up, but it is easy to forget he played a number of positions while at Michigan State. After seeing that 40 time and a more productive 2014, I think he could very well be a better pro than he was a college player. There are criticisms that he runs small and timid, but in a committee heavy NFL, he can still carve out a role, particularly as a player who has played some receiver.
My thoughts: Langford is pretty new to the running back position after playing a lot of wide receiver and cornerback earlier in his college and high school careers. He has the speed and hands you would expect from someone with that background. He also has the issues most new to the running back position have. He’s good in space and on outside runs, but he lacks the feel and instinct to run at an NFL level between the tackles. This might improve with a little more experience if his improvement over his college career is any indication, but he has a long way to go when running inside. I think he’s most likely a committee back with a big bruiser type. The Giants would be a great place for him.
2.12 – Rashad Greene, WR Florida State
Previous Selection: 3.06
James’s thoughts: ‘Rashad Clean’ is one of my personal favorites: a smooth, well-rounded and reliable football player who I have no doubt will hang around in the NFL. He will be his QB’s best friend with great hands, savvy route running and the ability to find openings in a defense. Despite his slender frame, he uses his body and locates the ball extremely well and has deceptive speed (http://draftbreakdown.com/gif-embed/?clip=245117&gif=BriefShortArrowworm). Greene is not a fantasy WR1, but everything about him tells me he will outperform both his NFL and dynasty draft position.
My thoughts: Looking at the combine metrics, people are going to wonder exactly what the big deal is about Greene. He is undersized, a touch on the slow side, and didn’t show much explosiveness. He did show very nice acceleration and good change of direction ability. Fortunately he plays football a lot better than he performed at the combine. He has everything you can’t measure from polished route running to competitiveness and everything in between. He isn’t going to be a top receiver on a team, but he can be a very good compliment. Think of him as a slightly smaller though more athletic Jarvis Landry and you’re starting to get the picture.
That concludes our look at the second round. What about the second round surprises you? Our third and final round will be out in the next few days with some of our favorite fliers and players to watch this off-season.
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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
