Over the next twenty days, leading up to the 2017 NFL Combine, we’ll be introducing you to some of the top prospects that make up the incoming rookie class, most of whom will be on display in Indianapolis later this month.
The 20/20 series began last year as a way to quickly introduce the top twenty rookies with an array of basic facts about each player. If you have closely followed college football over the past few years, these might serve as a refresher and if you’re strictly an NFL fan scrambling to learn about these players, this series will allow you to quickly make up ground on your leaguemates.
In most years, and especially this year, the list of relevant draft prospects is larger than just twenty players and because of that, we begin the series today with a few players who just missed our list. In general, these are players who could be targeted late in the second round and into the third round of dynasty rookie drafts.
Deshaun Watson, QB Clemson
6’3”, 188 lbs.
21 years old
Most fantasy footballers consider Watson to be the top quarterback in the class and for good reason. As a two-time Heisman finalist and after appearing in back-to-back National Championship games, including upsetting the Crimson Tide last month, Watson did everything asked of him on the college field. While he could be the top quarterback in both the NFL Draft and rookie drafts, that still keeps him outside of the first round and possibly the second round, too. Dynasty players simply don’t place much value on the quarterback position right now, so even the big name doesn’t give Watson much value.
Isaiah Ford, WR Virginia Tech
6’1”, 174 lbs.
21 years old
Ford has been one of the top targets in the Hokies offense throughout his college career. While he is slightly undersized, Ford often displayed an ability to make difficult contested catches and has good enough speed. While he set multiple receiving records at Virginia Tech he has always been an underrated player in devy leagues and it seems that will continue into the NFL. If he does in fact fall outside of the top twenty dynasty rookie picks, he’ll be an excellent value.
Elijah Hood, RB North Carolina
5’11”, 221 lbs.
20 years old
[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]
Dynasty players always assume that the top juniors and even redshirt sophomores will make the leap to the NFL Draft as early as possible, so soon after the college season concluded, it was disappointing when Hood announced he would return to North Carolina for his senior season. That disappointment dissipated just a few weeks later when Hood had a change of heart and declared his intentions of entering the NFL Draft. Hood’s final collegiate season was marred by multiple injuries and he even missed the team’s bowl game. Hood is expected to be a mid-round NFL Draft pick and unless he lands in an ideal situation, should be targeted later in the second round of rookie drafts.
Jeremy McNichols, RB Boise State
5’9”, 207 lbs.
21 years old
At Boise State, McNichols put together an impressive college career and I know he has plenty of believers as he transitions to the NFL. I have my doubts though. McNichols is undersized, yet lacks the speed of many smaller runners, though he has shown to be an above average pass-catcher. While he has a bit of hype heading into the Combine, ultimately, I think he falls to the third round of rookie drafts.
Malachi Dupre, WR LSU
6’3”, 195 lbs.
21 years old
One of the biggest disappointments of the past couple of college seasons has to be Dupre, once viewed as a potential top five dynasty rookie pick. Dupre was largely a victim of the Tigers anemic passing offense, but also didn’t do himself any favors. With that said, Dupre is a former highly ranked recruit and clearly has the talent. If he falls outside of the top twenty rookie picks, I might own him in every league.
Dede Westbrook, WR Oklahoma
6’0”, 182 lbs.
23 years old
After an amazing season that saw him earn a trip to New York City as a Heisman finalist, Westbrook was looking like a first round rookie pick. Since the season wrapped, news of a pair of off-field issues from Westbrook’s past have surfaced and given dynasty players cause for concern. Add in the fact that Westbrook is quite a bit older than his peers in this class and Westbrook’s dynasty stock is fading before the Combine even begins.
DeShone Kizer, QB Notre Dame
6’4”, 222 lbs.
21 years old
After a hot start to his 2016 season, paired with a rough patch for Clemson’s Watson, some were projecting Kizer to be the top overall draft pick. That looks crazy now, but Kizer is still in the first round mix. He has the measurables that excite NFL executives and dynasty owners, but he is also raw as a prospect. He was even benched for a time during the past season at Notre Dame. Like Watson and all other rookie quarterbacks, most dynasty players will avoid Kizer until the third round, at the earliest.
Corey Clement, RB Wisconsin
5’11”, 210 lbs.
22 years old
After a strong freshman season, Clement looked like a player every dynasty owner would be chasing. Injuries slowed him down and he ended up playing all four seasons for Wisconsin. Clement has a lot of natural ability and the ideal size to succeed in the league. Clearly, he’ll need to prove he can stay healthy, but he has somewhat gotten lost in the deep running back group, which could be a big benefit to dynasty owners.
Mitch Trubisky, QB North Carolina
6’3”, 212 lbs.
22 years old
In his first year as the full-time starter, Trubisky put himself on the map with a strong arm and big numbers for North Carolina. He followed Kizer as the next in line to be the first player off the board, but that has seemingly faded already. We don’t really know which of these quarterbacks will be selected first or which will even be first rounders, but it likely doesn’t matter much for dynasty owners. Sit back and wait until the later portion of the rookie draft to add any quarterback.
James Conner, RB Pittsburgh
6’2”, 220 lbs.
21 years old
I’m sure we’re all well aware of Conner’s story at this point, but it is still so amazing and inspiring. Conner missed the majority of the 2015 season after being diagnosed with cancer, but beat the disease and returned to the field for Pittsburgh this past season. The big power back surprisingly left school a year early for the NFL and while he has an awesome story, I’m not sure he has the speed to earn a significant role in an NFL backfield. While I’ll be rooting for Conner, I don’t think I’ll be drafting him.
Taywan Taylor, WR Western Kentucky
6’0”, 190 lbs.
21 years old
Taylor has been the top option in the Hilltopper offense for the past two seasons and despite playing for a non-Power Five school, everyone is well aware for just what Taylor can do as a receiver. A well-balanced wideout who served as a deep threat, but also can run precise routes. I had high expectations for Taylor at the Senior Bowl, but he had a fairly quiet week. He still has a chance to be a pre-draft riser and could sneak into the top half of the second round if he lands in a nice NFL locale.
Zay Jones, WR East Carolina
6’1”, 185 lbs.
21 years old
One of the hottest names in the rookie class is Jones, who put up unreal numbers at East Carolina before wowing everyone at the Senior Bowl. Jones is drawing some comparisons to a former East Carolina wideout, Justin Hardy, which doesn’t bode well for Jones. Jones is a player who seems to do everything well, though may not possess any elite traits. If the hype surrounding Jones continues throughout the pre-draft process, he could climb into that early second round range.
Bucky Hodges, TE Virginia Tech
6’5”, 240 lbs.
21 years old
Hodges became a favorite of devy owners who were in search of the next freak athlete at the tight end position, but then he spent most of the past season playing out wide. There is still speculation Hodges could officially move to the wide receiver position in the NFL and we might know for sure when the Combine begins. Regardless of his position, Hodges size should give him a nice advantage over many defenders and while other tight ends get the hype, Hodges should provide nice value.
Jake Butt, TE Michigan
6’6”, 248 lbs.
21 years old
Michigan’s star was in contention to be the first tight end selected in the NFL Draft, showing an all-around game that would certainly appeal to NFL teams, as well as fantasy players. Unfortunately, Butt suffered a torn ACL in his final collegiate game and will miss much of the off-season work, including the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. This obviously hurts Butt’s value but should make him a value for dynasty owners. Considering rookie tight ends rarely contribute anyway, drafting and stashing Butt and the end of the bench could pay in in a big way.
Look for the first official 20/20 Rookie Preview tomorrow and more every day as we countdown until the beginning of the 2017 NFL Combine!
[/am4show]
- Dynasty Fantasy Football ADP: Post-Draft Risers and Fallers - May 23, 2023
- Monday Mocks: Post-Draft Superflex Rookie Mock - May 1, 2023
- Monday Mocks: Dynasty Expert Mock - April 24, 2023
Ryan, do you think Watson, Trubisky or Kizer are first round picks in 2QB or SF leagues?
Or if it were up to you, would you try and wait until the 2nd round? I know there’s obviously a lot that can happen between now and draft day but I am in both leagues and as someone who needs a QB, not sure what to do.
If Bucky Hodges loses 20 lbs and runs a 4.5 at the combine I’ll take him in the 2nd round as a WR. He’s unbelievable in high pointing the ball and reeling in highlight contested catches
