Fantasy Football Rookie Analysis – Page 2

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Emani Bailey, TCU

Emani Bailey cashes in his fine senior season in search of an NFL job

After a sterling career at Ryan High School in Denton, Texas, Emani Bailey signed with the University of Louisiana where he was never more than the No. 3 running back for two seasons. Bailey transferred to TCU as a junior but played behind Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado that year. He finally had his shot as the primary back in 2023, when he led the team with 1,393 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns.

He projects as a Day 3 selection in the draft due mostly from his smaller stature, lack of experience, and a slower 40-yard dash time.

Height: 5-7
Weight: 202 pounds
40 time: 4.61 seconds

Table: Emani Bailey NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards	TD
2020	Louisiana	5	10	60	6.0	0	0	0	0
2021	Louisiana	11	102	642	6.3	8	15	153	0
2022	TCU	14	31	250	8.1	2	7	43	0
2023	TCU	12	223	1209	5.4	8	25	184	1

Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Decisive North-South rusher that always falls forward
Tough competitor
Patient runner that waits for his blockers and the vision to see the cutback lanes and then find the clear space for big gains
Excellent burst that translates into being able to navigate traffic and break into the open
Elusive with superior footwork and acceleration
Minor experience in receiving but has always been sure-handed with sharp routes
Plays faster than his 40-time thanks to burst and top-end gear

Cons

Pass protection needs improvement
Will run wide looking for big play and give up the shorter but certain yards inside
Smaller size will challenge even more on inside runs in the NFL
Lack of long speed will be more apparent in the NFL

Fantasy outlook

Emani Bailey only produced one notable season in college and that took four years and two schools to get there. But he was a tough, competitive runner that could slice his way through the Big 12 as the best weapon for TCU last season. But his 40-time at the NFL Combine was a 4.61 for the fourth best time among running backs and each of the slower runners carried 15 to 20 more pounds.

History has not been kind to 5-7 running backs either.

Bailey had many impressive runs last year and he has a place in the NFL as a depth player or in a committee, but he’ll need to show up with impressive plays in the preseason to expect much 2023 fantasy value. As with many of the deeper drafted players, his production will rely heavily in the backfield situation that he lands and some luck in having the depth chart shaken up enough by injuries to allow Bailey the opportunity to produce as a rookie.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jalen McMillan, Washington

Jalen McMillan is a slot-receiver searching for a team

Jalen McMillan only managed a single catch as a freshman but began to work his way into the receiver rotation as a sophomore when his 470 receiving yards led the Huskies, including the 415 yards by fellow second-year player Rome Odunze who is expected to become one of the first wideouts selected this year. McMillan is more likely to be a late Day 2 pick.

McMillan operated more as a slot receiver in college while Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk handled the outside roles. McMillan peaked in 2022 with 1,098 yards and nine scores when quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took over. Odunze also saw a marked increase, heading the team with 1,145 yards.

As a senior, Penix blew up with 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, but those primarily went to Polk (69-1159-9) and Odunze (92-1640-13), while McMillan dropped to 45 catches for 559 yards and five scores. He was limited to only seven games due to a knee injury in Week 4.

All three wide receivers – Odunze, Polk, and McMillan declared for the NFL draft, along with quarterback Penix.

Height: 6-1
Weight: 197 pounds
40 time: 4.47 seconds

Table: Jalen McMillan NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards	TD
2020	Washington	3	1	16	16.0	0	2	14	0
2021	Washington	11	39	470	12.1	3	0	0	0
2022	Washington	13	79	1098	13.9	9	1	2	0
2023	Washington	7	45	559	12.4	5	3	30	1

Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Speed and burst are exceptional; nice fit into a vertical scheme
Strong and reliable hands meet the ball away from the body and almost never drop the catch
Polished route running with great speed control that adjusts to the pass, at his best with in-breaking routes
Understands how to influence defenders and create separation
Valuable deep threat thanks to his burst and top-end speed
Agility and fluidity makes him dangerous when in the open
Deadly receiver over the middle – gets open, catches in traffic and doesn’t let the ball get away from him
Tough and dedicated with solid instincts

Cons

Slender build and history poses durability concerns
Lack of physical bulk and strength impacts yards-after-catch when inside congested areas
Lacks elite balance and often tackled on first contact with defender
Likely limited to the slot in the NFL

Fantasy outlook

McMillan does offer a lot to an NFL team, even if it falls short of elite difference-making. He had the benefit of playing at Washington with a great quarterback who also benefitted his two fellow Husky receivers, who are both projected to be selected ahead of McMillan.

He’ll almost certainly be a slot receiver in the NFL and with that no better than their No. 2 receiver, if not their No. 3. But he has a valuable role to play on any team, and likely going in the third round, will be available to any team looking for a technician that can run precise routes and help create holes where the quarterback is throwing.

That means he’ll likely fall short of reliable fantasy value as a rookie but could show up as a starter in the right situation. He won’t be the No. 1 guy for an NFL team or a difference-maker in fantasy football, but he has solid NFL value as a piece of a larger passing puzzle.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: QB Michael Pratt, Tulane

Tulane’s Michal Pratt enters the NFL draft

Michael Pratt became a freshman starter at Tulane after three games that season and remained there for the next three years. He enters the draft as one of the most experienced quarterbacks. Pratt was relatively durable, missing only a couple of games because of a sprained knee to start the 2023 season. He played in 11 games but never appeared totally healthy, even though he led them to the AAC Championship game for the second straight season.

Pratt ended his time with Tulane as their all-time passing leader and opted out of their bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. He’s improved during his four years as a starter. But he’s also entering the NFL draft in a year considered to have a very strong quarterback class. Pratt is expected to hear his name called on Day 3 when teams want to add to their depth.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 217 pounds
40 time: 4.65 seconds

Table: Michael Pratt NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	TD	Pass	Complete	Yards	Avg.	TD	Int
2020	Tulane	10	115	229	8	254	140	1806	12.9	20	8
2021	Tulane	12	105	154	5	329	190	2390	12.6	21	8
2022	Tulane	13	129	478	10	338	215	3009	14.0	27	5
2023	Tulane	11	98	286	5	283	185	2406	13.0	22	5

Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Solid build for a pocket passer
Capable scorer at the goal line with 28 rushing touchdowns at Tulane
Superior mechanics when he throws, even when passing off-platform
Quick feet and solid balance makes him hard to sack
Adequate arm strength to hit all short, intermediate and sideline passes
Tough player and highly competitive – was unquestioned team leader for the last three years.

Cons

Some inaccuracy on deeper throws and outside of the numbers
Lacks elite arm strength
Plenty of rushes in college, but lacks the quickness and change-of-direction to be a true dual threat
Intelligent, but played in an offense that wasn’t that sophisticated or required him to make rapid, high-level decisions so he’ll face more complexity in the NFL
Tended to hold onto the ball too long and needs work on knowing when to get rid of the ball

Fantasy outlook

Pratts is only expected to be an NFL backup and while he’s been good in almost all areas, he hasn’t been elite in any of them. But he’s been solid at Tulane playing within their system, and he could continue to improve in the NFL.

His best quality is that he can step in and help an NFL team, and as a deeply drafted quarterback, he’ll come at a very low price. He’ll remain well outside of immediate fantasy value, and will need to continue to grow and land in the right spot for his future to become brighter.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M

Ainias Smith brings a versatile and dangerous set of skills to the NFL

Ainias Smith committed to Texas A&M after filling many roles at high school in Sugar Land, Texas. He was used equally as a running back and wide receiver, plus returned kicks and punts and even threw 27 passes along the way. He also played some free safety and cornerback as one of those talented players that prompt coaches into saying, “how else can we use this guy?”

Smith played minimally as a freshman while playing in a dual role. In 2020, he was officially switched to being a running back where he was given five to ten carries in most games, along with three to five receptions. His 43 receptions, even as a running back, led the Aggies.

He switched back to being primarily a wideout as a junior when his 47 catches again paced the team. He then fractured his right leg after five games in 2022 and missed the rest of the season. He accounted for more than a quarter of the Aggies total offense at the time he was injured.

The fifth-year senior again led the team in receiving last year but was limited to only five carries. He wrapped up his career as a versatile weapon for the Aggies while playing through injuries and contending with inconsistent play from their quarterbacks.

Height: 5-9
Weight: 190 pounds
40 time: 4.5 seconds estimated

Smith’s measurements at the NFL Combine saw him even smaller than the Aggies had stated. He weighed in ten pounds less at 190 and was only 5-9. He was also diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left shin and held himself out of all of the drills. He is expected to be a Day 3 selection.

Table: Ainias Smith NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards	TD
2019	Texas A&M	12	22	248	11.3	3	7	54	0
2020	Texas A&M	10	43	564	13.1	6	49	293	4
2021	Texas A&M	12	47	509	10.8	6	8	26	0
2022	Texas A&M	4	15	291	19.4	2	3	11	0
2023	Texas A&M	12	53	75	15.0	2	5	21	0

Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Versatile play-maker for the Aggies who can fit into an NFL offense looking for a special weapon. Very coachable and can do anything.
Excellent vision in open field – homerun ability when he has the ball.
Diverse talent set allow him to contribute in many ways. Can run, receive, and return. Likely will be an immediate return man.
Adequate pass protection and willing run blocker who is better than most his size.
Shifty and elusive. Superior start-stop ability aids yards after catch.

Cons

Seemed to lose top-end acceleration after his broken leg in 2022, but hopes that he’s completely recovered for 2024. Stress fracture at the combine doesn’t help.
Smaller size and injury history prompts durability concerns.
Small catch radius
Quicker than fast
Lacks the size and strength to land contested catches

Fantasy outlook

The rookie prospects for Ainias Smith are limited. He’s a player that will have much more NFL value for his team than reliable fantasy value. As with most players that enter the NFL with a diverse set of skills, Smith may not fit into a specific role enough for the volume needed to matter in fantasy.

Smith is worth tracking and is likely a Day 3 pick, so he could land anywhere. Until his role is clear and proven on his new team, he’ll be hard pressed to show up much as a rookie, though his ability to return kicks and punts could make him much more valuable.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Jase McClellan, Alabama

Jase McClellan led the Alabama backfield last year.

Jase McClellan spent all four seasons with the Crimson Tide, trying to break through the well-stocked backfield. As a freshman, he was behind Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr.. He gained steam to start his junior season with Harris gone and Robinson sharing the load but tore his ACL after five games.

When he returned for his junior season, he was second only to Jahmyr Gibbs and ended that year on a higher note with a string of 12+ carry games including 156 yards and two scores against Austin Peay. He finally led the backfield as a senior in 2023 when he ran for 890 yards and gained 137 yards as a receiver. He was still a part of a committee with his 180 rushes, along with Roydell Williams (111). Quarterback Jalen Milroe also ran the ball 161 times.

Height: 5-10
Weight: 217 pounds
40 time: 4.5 seconds

McClellan didn’t do anything to set himself apart in the NFL Combine and declined running the 40-yard dash where he was expected to turn in a 4.5-ish timing. He’s the right size for the position and carries the cachet of being from Alabama, but is expected to be picked up in the final rounds of the NFL draft by a team seeking to beef up their backfield depth with a chance of gaining a committee member.

Table: Jase McClellan NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards	TD
2020	Alabama	12	23	245	10.7	2	1	1	0
2021	Alabama	5	40	191	4.8	1	10	97	3
2022	Alabama	13	112	655	5.8	7	14	174	3
2023	Alabama	13	180	890	4.9	8	15	137	0

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Determined runner that gets all the yardage that was blocked and finishes runs to pick up the extra yards
Excellent vision combines with smart running to pick the right lanes and can cut through traffic. Good fit for a one-cut rushing scheme
Patient runner that follows the blocks to daylight
Capable receiver with the biggest hands among running backs at the NFL Combine
Has the size and strength to be a power rusher that can break tackles and handle inside rushing
Tough runner not afraid of contact

Cons

Lacks explosiveness, more of a power runner through contact than a speed rusher looking for long gains
Pass protection still needs work, needs more aggression as a blocker
Work as a receiver was limited to very basic routes from the backfield
Durability concerns after a torn ACL and other dings in college

Fantasy outlook

McClellan offers an intriguing set of skills later in the draft. As with all ‘Bama backs, assessing them is harder since they benefit from a dominant O-line and yet compete for carries against other elite backs in the ever-stocked backfield. While impacted by injuries, he had to wait for his turn as the primary until he was a senior.

He can add to any NFL roster and with an expectation of being taken sometime in Day 3, he is available to any NFL team seeking to bolster their depth. McClellan will need to work his way up the depth chart before he can offer any reliable fantasy value, but in the right situation, he can become a weekly contributor. He’s not expected to become the primary back for a team, but has enough skills and potential that he is worth tracking.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Legette may only had one big year, but he brings all the tools to become a starter in the NFL.

Xavier Legette was ranked as a 3-star recruit by ESPN when he left high school and signed with South Carolina, where he only saw marginal work for his first four seasons – only a combined 42 receptions along with a handful of kick returns. He remained as a fifth-year senior and enjoyed a breakout season as the primary receiver for quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Legette went from a little-used depth receiver to catching almost double the amount of passes of any other Gamecock receiver. His seven touchdowns also led the entire team. Had he not played in 2023, Legette lacked the draft value with such a sparse resume. After posting 1,255 yards last year, he’s now expected to be taken on Day 2 with a chance of sneaking into the end of the first round. Most draft boards list him as being between the sixth and tenth rated wide receiver.

Height: 6-1
Weight: 221 pounds
40 time: 4.39 seconds

He’s a size and speed mismatch that always plays well in the NFL. Legette is a very solid 6-1 and 221 pounds, and yet ran a 4.39 40-time at the NFL Combine, one of only eight receivers that clocked sub 4.4 40-times. He’s a tick older at 23 years, but doesn’t carry the level of experience that his age may normally suggest.

Table: Xavier Legette NCAA stats (2019-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards
2019	South Carolina	11	9	80	8.9	1	0	0
2020	South Carolina	6	7	113	16.1	0	0	0
2021	South Carolina	11	8	63	7.9	1	0	0
2022	South Carolina	13	18	167	9.3	3	7	21
2023	South Carolina	12	71	1255	17.7	7	9	-9

Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Physical attributes tick every box for a prototypical starting wideout in the NFL
Elite speed-size ratio that makes him a threat all over the field and can control his high-end throttle to distance himself from defenders
Tremendous hands and catch radius makes him a very friendly target for the quarterback
Run-after-catch upside with both speed and and influencing the defender with cuts and fakes
Makes contested catches using his size and strength, and highpoints making use of his height
Strong hands for ball security during and after the catch
Good run blocker

Cons

Considered faster than quick which will be challenged by press coverage in the NFL
Needs more development and polish after only one season of any note during his five years at South Carolina
More of a vertical receiver so success will be more scheme-dependent

Fantasy outlook

Xavier Legette rates as a Top-10 talent for wideouts in this draft. That means that he’ll be expensive for his new team and will be selected to quickly develop into a starter. He has all the attributes and measurements of a successful receiver, but he is the rare 23-year-old rookie wideout with just one breakout season to his credit. His speed and size combination will draw plenty of attention and should since he has the promise of being a valuable addition to a vertical passing scheme.

He’s been linked to the Giants in their perpetual quest to land a viable receiver, the Panthers who need help beyond the recently acquired Diontae Johnson, and the Bengals who are likely to move on from Tee Higgins. Cincinnati would be a great spot given the presence of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to draw the most attention. Legette may take time to reach his optimal value, but he brings some experience and plenty of potential.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: QB Bo Nix, Oregon

Nix is a first-round talent that will be taken as a future franchise player.

Bo Nix is one of the rare college players who started for five full seasons between two major college programs. Nix was rated as the best dual-threat quarterback coming out of high school and signed up to play for Auburn as their starter and won the SEC’s Freshman of the Year in 2019.

Nix played the next two years in Auburn, and suffered a season-ending injury in 2021 after ten games. He announced that he would enter the transfer portal, saying that he was unhappy playing under the new Auburn head coach, Bryan Harsin, in 2021.

Thanks to the fifth-year added to eligibility from the COVID years, Nix went on to play two more seasons at Oregon where he posted his best years. He was a Heisman finalist and broke Mac Jones record for the highest single-season completion percentage at 77.45%. Nix ended with a total of 15,352 passing yards (sixth in NCAA history) and 108 passing scores. He also ran for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 214 pounds
40 time: 4.60 seconds estimated

Nix threw at the NFL combine but did not participate in the timed drills. He was the highest-rated quarterback who did throw. He remains a first-round value but most likely to be drafted fourth or fifth among quarterbacks.

Table: Bo Nix NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	TD	Pass	Complete	Yards	Avg.	TD	Int
2019	Auburn	13	97	313	7	377	217	2542	11.7	16	6
2020	Auburn	11	108	388	7	357	214	2415	11.3	12	7
2021	Auburn	10	57	168	4	323	197	2294	11.7	11	3
2022	Oregon	13	89	510	14	409	294	3593	12.2	29	7
2023	Oregon	14	54	234	6	470	364	4508	12.4	45	3

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Very mature and experienced 24-year-old. Showed continual improvement as a passer.
Superior athlete with dangerous skills as a runner and underneath passer.
Dual-threat that combined pinpoint passing with the ability to move the sticks with his legs on any play.
“Quarterback fast” and superior quickness picks up the initial yards when he runs.
Highly mobile with elite pocket awareness which makes him tough to sack. Creates opportunities when he breaks from the pocket.
Open-field rushing ability forces defense to account for him breaking free on a run.
Already accomplished at reading defenses, influencing the coverages and delivering highly accurate strikes.

Cons

Will sometimes telegraph his primary read which will be penalized against NFL secondaries.
Decision-making still needs work, particularly when hurried by pass rushers that force him off-script and into making quick decisions between where to throw or if to run.
Coachable, but has played best within a system where he has reduced need to improvise. Has tended to throw more short passes, particularly under pressure.
Comes from a program in Oregon that was predicated on throwing screens, Run-Pass Options and short-to-intermediate passes which account for his high completion rate. Less experienced in vertical schemes.

Fantasy outlook

Even in this quarterback-rich draft, Nix is expected to be called in Round One. Despite his extensive playing time and stats in college, he’s still needs more development and would best fit into any of the West Coast variant schemes that move the ball primarily on RPO’s in a very structured offense. His rushing ability puts him ahead of most other rookie quarterbacks.

Still, he is expected to be taken no higher than the fourth or fifth quarterback selected. That’s still first round and he’ll be selected to become a starter sooner than later. He’s been linked to teams like the Patriots, Giants, Vikings, Broncos, and Raiders. Spots where he may not be the Week 1 starter, but could take over at some point this season with an eye towards a bigger playoff as the fulltime starter in 2025.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

Sanders will not be drafted for his blocking skills – he’s a pass catcher and one of the best in this draft.

Ja’Tavion Sanders was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and joined the Texas Longhorns where he only saw action in three games as a freshman and caught no passes. The Longhorns were run-heavy that year with Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson and only wideout Xavier Worthy (62) managed to catch more than 24 passes that year.

As a sophomore, Sanders became a starter and was second only to Worthy (60) in receptions with 54 catches. His five scores were second only to Worthy. As a junior, he caught 45 passes while Worthy (75) and Adonai Mitchell (55) were also instrumental in the Longhorn’s passing scheme. All three players are in the 2024 NFL draft and the two wideouts are expected to be early calls.

Sanders declared for the NFL draft and posted a respectable 4.69 40-time at the NFL combine, along with prototypical size and weight for a receiving tight end.

Height: 6-3
Weight: 245 pounds
40 time: 4.69 seconds

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Table: Ja’Tavion Sanders NCAA stats (2021-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards
2021	Texas	12	0	0	0	0	0	0
2022	Texas	13	54	613	11.4	5	0	0
2023	Texas	14	45	682	682	2	1	12

Pros

Works well in traffic using size
Run after catch posts big gains in a vertical passing attack
Too fast to be covered by a linebacker
Strong hands that almost never drops passes or fumbles
Plus-level downfield blocker
Smooth route runner
Already familiar with multiple alignments
Reliable target that highpoints the ball well

Cons

More of a receiver than a blocker could limit to just role work
Needs work as a run blocker
Still needs development after only two playing years in college

Fantasy outlook

Ja’Tavion Sanders projects as a Day 2 pick and potentially the second tight end selected after Brock Bowers is tabbed early in the first round. Sanders is a receiving threat and should end up with a team looking to expand their passing scheme to include the tight end. He’s been likened to the Bills’ Dalton Kincaid and the Cardinals’ Trey McBride.

Taken in Round 2 means that his new team has every intention of integrating him as quickly as possible into the passing equation. Potential landing spots include the Colts who’ll be re-introducing quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Chargers who lost virtually every notable receiver including Gerald Everett, and the Saints. He could also end up on a team that already has a strong tight end but are interested in developing Sanders to take over in the future like the 49ers, Texans, or even the Chiefs.

Sanders higher cost in the NFL draft will most likely send him to a team that wants payoff next year, if not 2024. This is considered a deeper draft for tight ends than most, and recent rookie tight ends have shown that the position is more valued and a better opportunity even in their first season.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

Pure speed.

Don’t blink.

You might miss Xavier Worthy running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The ex-Longhorn wideout posted a 4.25 40-time in his initial attempt and then jogged past previous record holder John Ross by running a 4.21. The old record had stood since 2017.

If you ever have the chance to break an all-time record in anything, ideally it should be while compared to the best talent and in front of every potential employer. It marks as the highlight of the 2024 NFL Combine.

Worthy went to high school in Fresno, California and originally committed to the University of Michigan before changing over to the University of Texas. He wasted no time in making his mark, posting school freshman records with 981 yards and 12 touchdowns. He went on to earn All-Big-12 honors in all three seasons, peaking with 75 catches for 1,014 yards as a junior. He announced that he would enter the NFL draft instead of playing out his senior season.

Height: 5-11
Weight: 165 pounds
40 time: 4.21 seconds

Worthy’s knock, same as virtually every other speedster is his size and more so his weight that was lower than expectations when he weighed 165 pounds at the combine. He had been listed officially as 172 pounds at Texas.

In the last five seasons, there were only two wide receivers with any fantasy value that were as light as Worthy. DeVonta Smith (6-0, 170) and Tank Dell (5-10, 165). Smith has always been an outlier for a thinly built receiver, even while he starred at Alabama. Dell is listed at the same weight and fell to the third round in the 2023 NFL draft. Also notable, Dell missed a game with a concussion and then later suffered a broken leg in Week 11 in his only NFL season.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards
2021	Texas	12	62	981	15.8	12	1	7
2022	Texas	13	60	760	12.7	9	2	14
2023	Texas	14	75	1014	13.5	5	4	35

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Very, very fast
Very, very quick
Uses speed to his advantage with start-stop and explosive burst
Instant breakout as freshman and delivered every year
Not just a deep threat, runs routes at all three levels
Willing blocker despite size
Elite body control, balance and ball tracking
Scored twice during 40 punt returns in college
Highly competitive
Only 21 years old

Cons

Light frame works against him in contested catches
Prone to concentration drops
May struggle against NFL-level press coverage
Hand strength concerns on ball security and contact with ground
Weight-height ratio causes durability considerations

Fantasy outlook

Worthy led the Longhorns in receiving yards for all three seasons, though his teammate Adonai Mitchell (6-2, 205) also expected to be highly drafted and was slightly higher on many draft boards. Worthy’s triumphant 40-time is now expected to get him past Mitchell and may even sneak into the first round of this receiver-rich draft. Post-combine, Worthy is considered a Top-10 wideout and his draft slot depends on a team looking for a speedy receiver to fit their needs.

The only two comparable in size with Worthy are DeVonta Smith and Tank Dell. Smith is slightly larger and exceeded expectations as the No. 2 receiver in the Eagles’ passing scheme. Dell is a better parallel in that they are the same weight. He was an emerging star in Houston but was concussed and later broke his leg after only 47 catches.

It always relies on where a receiver lands and the quarterback that he will be paired with, along with the immediate receiving needs of his new team. Until that becomes clear, expect him to offer a field-stretching target as a rookie in likely a No. 3 role. The benefits of his speed compared against his potential size limitations suggest a great later pick in Best Ball formats where the occasional big game compensates for mostly low to moderate weekly output.

Worthy should offer fantasy value as a rookie, and while it is rare for someone as light as he is to become a weekly fantasy consideration, it is not without precedent. That makes him a target even in redraft leagues looking for position depth that may surprise. But that eye-popping 4.21 40-time can be overvalued. The other sub-4.3 wideouts were J.J. Nelson, Tyrone Calico, Marquise Goodwin, Jerome Mathis, and John Ross. Not exactly a Hall of Fame grouping.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Blake Corum, Michigan

Corum brings elite rushing skills and a winning attitude

The prized high-school recruit from Maryland opted to play for the Michigan Wolverines where he he headed up an elite rushing attack and made a name for himself as one of the best backs in the country. He broke their all-time record for rushing touchdowns while playing under Jim Harbaugh who has also moved this year by heading up the Los Angeles Chargers.

After two seasons of part-time play, Corum became the Wolverine’s starting running back with spectacular results. After piling up almost 1,500 rushing yards as a junior, he again shined during the their campaign to win the National Championship ending a tick below with 1,245 rushing yards but upped his scoring total to 28 touchdowns on the season. He ended his college career by rushing for 134 yards on 21 carries for two scores against Washington to become the 2024 MVP.

Height: 5-8
Weight: 213 pounds
40 time: 4.53 seconds

Corum is only 5-8, but put on a show at the NFL Combine where he led all backs with 27 reps in the bench press, ran a solid 4.53 40-time, and added to his volume of highlight reels from the last two seasons.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2020-23)RB

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards	TD
2020	Michigan	6	26	77	3.0	2	5	73	0
2021	Michigan	12	144	952	6.6	11	24	141	1
2022	Michigan	12	247	1463	5.9	18	11	80	1
2023	Michigan	15	258	1245	4.8	27	16	117	1

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Superior vision combined with deadly jump cuts
Strong runner that runs through arm tackles
Tremendous burst makes him capable of chunk plays
Elite decision-making skills for picking lanes and slipping through traffic
Gym rat with rare combination of strength and speed
High character guy with a winning attitude
Smart player who also won academic honors at Michigan
A backfield asset regardless of scheme

Cons

Smaller size at 5-8 brings durability concerns; already suffered a meniscus tear to end 2022.
Marginal use as a receiver in college
Questions regarding pass protection may limit third downs
Likely better fit in a committee and lacks the size for short yardage work.
Will turn 24 during the season

Fantasy outlook

Corum was a beast for the Wolverines and instrumental in their success the last two seasons including that National Championship Offensive MVP in January. He doesn’t project as an every down back due to his size and potential injury concerns but he brings a skillset that will add to any offense. He’s more likely a Day 2 pick and may slide a little further if his previous knee issues and size cause concern.

The natural assumption is that he’d fit great with the Chargers who switch to HC Jim Harbaugh who already knows how to use him. Adding him as a complement to a back like Austin Ekeler should create a formidable 1-2 punch. He’s been speculated to end up with the Cardinals, Packers, Titans, or Bills. But he’d be a fit regardless of franchise because he brings a set of skills that would benefit any team, and that’s furthered by his intelligence and maturity. And falling out of the first round, if not the second, means any team could access him.

He brings a big name to the NFL after winning a National Championship and that could see him overvalued by some in the fantasy community. He should provide fantasy value as a rookie in a role that may expand during the season, but he’s unlikely to be asked to step in and take over a backfield. Corum has elite rushing skills but has to match them weekly against players that were college all-stars and remain healthy.