Target Acquired: Week Six

Welcome to week six of the 2018 Target Acquired series. If you enjoyed the series last year, you’re in for a good time! Dynasty strategy has many layers to it, but one of the more fun aspects of it all is player research and analysis. And whether you play in devy leagues, “normal” dynasty leagues, or just love college football, it’s a blast to dig into some of the best NFL prospects in the country. This series takes a look every week at a mix of college football players who just bolstered their chances of making it to the pros with a stellar performance.

Some will be names you recognize. Others will be the deepest of sleepers that no one knew until yesterday. Regardless, the point is to tuck these names away as you prepare for all of your drafts, trades, and just-for-fun research in the future.

2018 football is beginning to show the face of the best future NFL playmakers and I have my set of “Targets Acquired” for any and every format out there.

Quarterback

Sam Ehlinger, Texas

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Texas is back! And that’s not even a joke. They might actually be back this time thanks to Sam Ehlinger. Not many believed Ehlinger had it in him to take down Oklahoma, but he pulled it off in a 48-45 nail biter. Ehlinger threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and that’s impressive enough. Then he ran for 72 yards and three scores on the ground too. He was everything the Longhorns needed this past weekend.

2017 was a pretty good season for Ehlinger, but he’s turned into a completely different player this year. His decision making is much improved in both the passing and running game. It seems he’s added some arm strength, but can also put the right amount of touch on the ball to drop it over the head of linebackers up the seam. Ehlinger has a long way to go before he’s considered a “top quarterback prospect” but he’s definitely on his way there. He needs to be on the radar in all devy leagues.

Running Back

Damarea Crockett, Missouri

After running for 1,000 yards as a true freshman, Crockett looked to be on the fast track to stardom. However, last season he struggled with injury. Then this year, his slow start had a lot of people second-guessing his potential NFL future. But there’s still hope for Crockett if he keeps having games like this past week against South Carolina.

Missouri’s quarterback Drew Lock had a rare off week against the Gamecocks, so the Tigers desperately needed something to keep their offense going. Crockett was that answer. He toted the rock 20 times for 154 yards and a touchdown. It wasn’t quite enough to secure the victory, but it certainly put Crockett’s name back in the hat for early NFL Draft consideration next spring.

Joshua Kelley, UCLA

“Who in the world is this Joshua Kelley kid?” That’s the question many people are going to continue asking as he thrusts himself into the spotlight this season. Kelley transferred from UC Davis after their head coach was fired in 2016, but sadly had to sit out the entire 2017 season due to transfer rules. Now he has finally been given his chance to play for his dream school, Kelley isn’t messing around, and it shows.

Kelley is leading the Bruins’ rushing attack with 43 carries for 276 yards and a touchdown so far. That doesn’t sound too impressive just yet, but his role is growing and it looks like he’ll be the feature back for the rest of 2018. Kelley carried the ball 20 times for 125 yards and added three receptions against a tough Washington Huskies defense this past weekend. Even though Kelley has a limited resume of Division-I production, if he continues adding 100-yard games this season he could get drafted next spring.

Wide Receiver

Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

The battle for the WR1 spot in the 2020 NFL Draft is going to be a tough one, but Jerry Jeudy is the likely favorite right now. Jeudy caught four balls for 135 yards and two scores this past weekend against Arkansas in what was probably his best game this season. But it was really just another day at the office for Jeudy. He already has eight touchdowns in Alabama’s first six games on just 23 receptions.

Jeudy is explosive off the line, runs excellent routes, and has quite possibly the best ball skills in college football as a true sophomore. If you’re planning on grabbing Jeudy in any dynasty league, you’re going to have to pay a fortune.

Felton Davis III, Michigan State

For those paying attention to Michigan State football, you already know Felton Davis possesses some fun physical traits. At 6’4” and 200 pounds, Davis bullied his way to nine touchdowns last season on just 55 receptions for the Spartans. However, this season, Davis started a little slow through the first four games of the season.

He needed a statement game if he was going to prove himself worthy of a draft pick next spring (since this is his final season of eligibility). He did just that against Northwestern last weekend. He not only carried the ball twice for 50 yards and a score, but Davis grabbed seven receptions for 96 yards and an impressive touchdown near the goal line. Consider him an early day three prospect.

Tight End

Brevin Jordan, Miami

Brevin Jordan was one of the top freshman tight end recruits in the nation this year. But most people thought we would have to wait to see him truly take off due to the presence of (fellow tight end) Michael Irvin Jr. Sadly, Irvin went down with an MCL injury in August. Enter Jordan.

He just faced his toughest competition yet in Florida State this past weekend, but still showed his big play ability. Jordan only caught two balls but took one to the house for his fourth receiving touchdown on the season. Tight end production is rare in college. Tight end production from a true freshman is even harder to find. Jordan is already an early favorite for TE1 in 2021.

IDP (Individual Defensive Player)

Ed Oliver, Houston (Defensive Line)

Most people who follow NFL Draft coverage are already well aware of Ed Oliver, but if you play in an IDP dynasty league you need to own Oliver. Even though he spends most weekends double or triple teamed, Oliver still makes his presence felt on every snap. He compiled 13 total tackles last week against Tulsa, and that’s just a normal day for him.

Oliver hasn’t been able to amass sacks like he has in the past couple of seasons, but don’t let that scare you off. His unbelievable strength, motor, and awareness will make him an every-down starter in the NFL immediately. Find a way to get Oliver on your fantasy team. Regardless of where he lines up on Sundays, he’ll be a top defensive line play for many years to come.

I hope you enjoyed the sixth Target Acquired of the 2018 season! Let me know if you have any questions on any of these guys. If you want me to watch any specific upcoming games closer than others just let me know via Twitter @FF_TravisM. Also, since college daily fantasy is back be looking for some #TouchdownTime videos from me on that via Twitter! Best of luck to you in all of your fantasy leagues!

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