Player Analysis – Syndication Server

Rookie Rundown: WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State

Brandon Aiyuk Draft Profile

Brandon Aiyuk spent his first two years at the public community school of Sierra College in Rocklin, California. He was a Junior College All-American as a sophomore and transferred to Arizona State in 2018. Aiyuk played some defenses and special teams in both high school and junior college and opted for Arizona State over Alabama, Kansas, and Tennessee because they wanted him to be a wideout, not shifted to defense or be stuck on special teams.

Aiyuk caught 33 passes for 474 yards in his first season at ASU and also rolled 381 return yards while playing as the No. 2 to N’Keal Harry. As a senior, Aiyuk assumed the No. 1 role and more than doubled the catches of any other Sun Devil wide receiver when he ended with 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and a hefty 18.3 yards-per-catch.

He also returned 14 kicks for a 31.9-yard average. He offers not only value as a receiver but also as a returner which can keep him involved from the start as a rookie.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 205 pounds
40 time: 4.5 seconds

Aiyuk was reported to have undergone core-muscle surgery on April 8. It is not expected to be an ongoing issue and the delay in OTA’s and team activities because of the COVID-19 virus allows him time to heal.

Year	College	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD
2016	Sierra College	11	29	573	19.8	5
2017	Sierra College	11	60	960	16.0	14
2018	Arizona State	13	33	474	14.4	3
2019	Arizona State	12	65	1192	18.3	8

Pros

Runs crisp and exacting routes
Strong yards after the catch skills
Can set up corners to fail
Great hands that pluck the ball from the air
Second gear that allows him to break free
Finesse player that is dangerous in the open
Strong return skills
Can handle complete route tree

Cons

May struggle against press coverage in the NFL
Needs to be more physical to avoid getting bumped from route
Less adept with contested catches
Less successful on come back and over-the-middle routes

Fantasy outlook

Aiyuk projects as an “X” outside receiver that can use his speed and open-field ability to hurt a defense. He only had one season as a primary receiver in a top-level program but shined when given the chance. He’s proven to be a fast learner and always improves his skill level and importance to his team.

He needs to learn how to be more physical and beat the improved coverage in the NFL if he ever intends to be a No. 1 receiver but he’s already a very attractive addition as a speedy deep threat and complement to another wideout that draws more of the coverage.

Work as a returner is very likely at least early in his career. Aiyuk could show up even as a rookie in the right spot and he’s been a game-breaker once he has the ball in his hands. He could still use more development to meet his potential, but everything in his past says that he’ll take advantage of whatever opportunity he is given.

Rookie Rundown: WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame

WR Chase Claypool Draft Profile

Chase Claypool grew up in British Columbia, Canada and committed to Notre Dame after an impressive high school career. He played in 12 games as a freshman but was limited to only five receptions. Claypool improved as a sophomore and then became a true starter in his junior season when he caught 50 passes. His best showing was in 2019 when he took over as the No. 1 receiver for Notre Dame after Charles Boykin left. Claypool ended with 66 catches for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns. He doubled the production of any other receiver on his team for 2019.

Notre Dame did not have a great passing offense and it was mostly limited to Claypool who stepped up to catching seven or more passes over his final six games played. Most of his previous production was limited to only three or four receptions in most games. Claypool was red hot down the stretch in 2019 with eight touchdowns over his last five games. It helped his draft stock dramatically and showed what he could do when he was relied on heavily.

Height: 6-4
Weight: 238 pounds
40 time: 4.42 seconds

The first natural comparison for Claypool would be ex-teammate Miles Boykin who was the 3.29 pick by the Ravens last season. The pair are both 6-4 and ran sub 4.45 40-times, but Claypool is 18 pounds heavier. And Boykin only had one season with more than 12 catches when he caught 59 passes for 872 yards and eight scores as a senior. Claypool has been much more productive and for more seasons than Boykin.

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Runs	Yards.	Total Yards	Total TDs
2016	8	5	81	16.2	0	1	9	90	0
2017	11	29	402	13.9	2	2	-3	399	2
2018	13	50	639	12.8	4	0	0	639	4
2019	13	66	1037	15.7	13	0	0	1037	13

Pros

Elite size/speed ratio
Huge catch radius and an imposing target downfield
Uses size to snare most contested passes
Valuable asset as a run blocker
Can play both sides for special teams
Very competitive to the point of bullying defenders
Won’t get bumped off his route
Succeeded with marginal quarterbacks – made them better
Could be a consistent threat as a slot receiver

Cons

Lacks elusiveness after the catch
Not very creative
Durable so far but doesn’t shy from contact
Lacks quickness in separation from defenders

Fantasy outlook

There has been some speculation that he could be turned into a tight end depending on where he went, and he has all the characteristics of a valuable receiver from that position. His blocking skills are highly desirable no matter which position he plays. In NFL Combine history, the only other player that recorded a sub-4.45 40-time while weighing more than 235 pounds was Calvin Johnson right at the same size.

While Claypool isn’t as quick as many other receivers and doesn’t offer eye-popping open-field moves, he has plenty to offer an NFL team and is likely to end up selected in the second round. He may even be drafted near the end of the first round.

Most wideouts come out of college as a liability as a blocker – not Claypool. That counts big in keeping him on the field and offering help even as a rookie.

His size suggests a valuable target in the end zone and securing first downs over the middle. His speed is good enough that he can also play the “X” on the outside but he has more to offer as a big target in short to intermediate levels than just running down the sideline.

Since he is likely to last through the first round, he could be taken by any team. He could become an excellent complement to an elite wideout already established in the league. He’s shown the ability to handle a heavy workload and should offer at least some fantasy value even as a rookie. On a dynasty team, his stock is even higher since he’ll need the first season to integrate himself into his new offense but could end up with a higher volume of targets on a pass-heavy team.

Rookie Rundown: QB Jordan Love, Utah State

Fantasy prospects for QB Jordan Love, Utah State

Jordan Love started his career at Utah State as a 2016 redshirt his first year but became the starter midway through the 2017 season. As a sophomore, he broke the school season record with 3,567 passing yards and 32 touchdowns against only six interceptions.

As a junior, his performance wasn’t nearly as impressive with more passing resulting in only 3,402 yards and 20 touchdowns while his interceptions shot up to 17. That makes Love a conundrum for NFL scouts. His two seasons as a starter produced a TD-to-Interception ratio of 32:6 and then 20:17. His fine 2018 season spoke to a potential first-round pick. His less impressive 2019 campaign suggests a career NFL backup if even that.

Height: 6-4
Weight: 224 pounds
40 time: 4.74 seconds

Love’s best season was during the final year of head coach Matt Wells who brought the Aggies to a 10-2 mark and then left to coach at Texas Tech. Gary Anderson took over in 2019 they fell to 7-6 under his direction. Love opted to declare for the NFL draft as a junior rather than hang around to see if the Aggies would improve this year. Knowing that his drop-off occurred after a coaching change works in his favor.

Year	Games	Runs	Yards	TD	Pass	Complete	Yards	Avg.	TD	Int	QBR
2017	12	46	165	2	235	129	1631	6.9	8	6	119.3
2018	13	43	63	7	417	267	3567	9.4	32	6	158.3
2019	13	81	175	0	473	293	3402	6.4	20	17	129.1

Pros

Cannon arm that can thread the needle downfield
Throws a very catchable deep ball with touch
Effective scrambler when the pocket breaks down
Tall in the pocket at 6-4
Talent to make any throw
Dealt with a struggling offensive line
Very accurate when given a clean pocket
Poised passer even when the play breaks down

Cons

Took a major step backward in 2019
Sometimes stared down one receiver
Interception totals skyrocketed last year
Too aggressive vertically, especially last season

Fantasy outlook

Jordan Love may be the most interesting quarterback in the draft. The consensus has Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert all taken in the first round and almost certainly to below-average teams holding those higher draft picks. But Love is expected to end up as a late first or second-round pick – that means every team will have a shot at him.

Some of the teams linked to interest in Love are the Patriots, Chargers, Saints, Raiders, Dolphins, Packers, and Redskins. In a league with several aging quarterbacks, Love makes a great draft and hold for the first year while he has any residual bad habits worked on and acclimates to the NFL.

He was well-liked with the Aggies and thoroughly impressive in 2018 under Wells as his head coach. Darwin Thompson (now with the Chiefs) was his running back. In 2019, the Aggies went with different starters on offense in a new scheme, and it showed. He’ll end up drafted by the team that most believes in what he did in 2018 and are willing to take the risk that 2019 was not characteristic of what Love can do.

His 2020 fantasy stock isn’t likely to be high unless he is pressed into starting because of some evolving situation. But his long-term value is very intriguing depending on where he will end up – and that could be anywhere. Burrows is likely locked into going to the Bengals but Love might end up with the Patriots or Saints.

Rookie Rundown: RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt

Rookie rundown for Keshawn Vaughn

Ke’Shawn Vaughn was named the 2014 Gatorade Football Player of the Year when he left high school and committed to the University of Illinois. As a true freshman, he was their primary ball carrier with 157 carries while Josh Ferguson also carried 129 times. The Fighting Illini changed coaches to Lovie Smith and Vaughn fell out of favor in a three-man rotation while the team sunk to a 3-9 record. Vaughn elected to transfer to Vanderbilt in 2017 but sat out the season per the NCAA rules.

He again caught fire on his new team as the starter and ran for 1,244 yards and 12 touchdowns as the SEC Newcomer of the Year. He repeated with his second 1,000-yard effort as a senior when he ran for 1,028 yards and nine scores.

Height: 5-10
Weight: 214 pounds
40 time: 4.51 seconds

Vaughn totaled 66 catches for 648 yards and three scores over his college career and was good for a couple of catches per game as a senior. He ended his time in the NCAA having never played for a winning team, and the Commodores were only 3-9 last year.

Year	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2015*	11	157	723	4.6	6	16	119	0	842	6
2016*	11	60	301	5.0	3	9	89	0	390	3
2018	12	157	1244	7.9	12	13	170	2	1414	14
2019	12	198	1028	5.2	9	28	270	1	1298	10

*Illinois

Pros

More mature after four seasons and will be 23 years old in May
Prototypical size for a running back
Good vision in picking holes and angles between the tackles
Strong runner with great leg drive
Powerful runner that runs with patience
Runs low to the ground and can absorb contact to net more yards
Viable receiver for check-down passes
Good first step burst
No speedster but can do damage if he breaks the second level

Cons

More of a straight-line rusher
Takes what he is given but not that creative or elusive
Only average as a pass blocker – at best
Lacks any “hang your hat on” traits, not elite in any measure
Less formidable when he has to change directions

Fantasy outlook

Vaughn enters the NFL as a likely Day 3 selection since he doesn’t offer more than being a reliable, one-cut runner. He was limited in college playing on below-average offenses and never enjoyed the benefits of having a talented cast around him. His level of play may not drop in the NFL, unlike other backs that ran behind great blockers and played next to a vaunted passing offense.

In today’s NFL, Vaughn projects as a back-up type but could offer a team value if needed. His success as a pro is contingent on falling to a team that already has a great offense and that provides a straight-line runner a better situation for early-down success. He’s not considered a threat as a receiver other than just being there for the quarterback as a final read dump-off.

Fantasy owners are less likely to see appreciable production from Vaughn as a rookie unless he falls into a very beneficial situation. He is more reminiscent of an average back with good but not great skills who can show up later in a season with value if the primary back is injured. But he’s not expected to jump into being an NFL starter right out of the box and unlikely in future years as well.

Rookie Rundown: WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

Jalen Reagor Rookie Rundown

Jalen Reagor turned in back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in high school playing for one-time NFL quarterback Jon Kitna who was the head coach. He signed with TCU and saw action even as a freshman when he caught eight touchdowns, including one in TCU’s first-ever Big 12 Championship Game.

He became the primary receiver as a sophomore when his 72 catches more than doubled that of any other TCU receiver. He also added 170 yards as a rusher that included a 121-yard effort on five carries against Oklahoma State at the end of the year. He saw at least six touches in over half of his games and topped out with 11 receptions for 150 yards at West Virginia.

His production fell in 2019 when the Horned Frogs fell to only 5-7 and struggled on offense under a freshman quarterback. Reagor elected to declare for the NFL draft as a junior. He was limited to three or fewer catches in all but five games in 2019 and likely would not have gained anything by remaining.

Height: 5-11
Weight: 206 pounds
40 time: 4.47 seconds

Reagor also assumed return duties while at TCU. He averaged 20.8 yards over his 15 punt returns last year while scoring twice. He also returned five kickoffs.

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Runs	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2017	14	33	576	17.5	8	8	65	0	641	8
2018	13	72	1061	14.7	9	13	170	2	1231	11
2019	12	43	611	14.2	5	14	89	0	700	5

Pros

Plays like a running back when he has the ball
Accelerates quickly to gain separation
Effective at all three levels of the defense
A versatile weapon as a rusher or receiver
Good vision and creativity causes chunk plays
At his best bringing in contested throws
Vertical skills are superior, tracks and adjusts well
Big play threat
Burst at top of the route is a difference-maker

Cons

Sometimes lost focus and was frustrated
Needs improvement versus press coverage
Suffered the occasional drop
Needs more work on his route tree

Fantasy outlook

Even in 2018, Reagor played with three different quarterbacks while the Horned Frogs fell from 11-3 to only 7-6. Reagor was the best weapon of the offense and he felt the impact when they switched to a rookie quarterback last year. The offense around him just wasn’t as effective and 2018 is the season most representative of what he brings to the table.

Reagor projects as a slot receiver in the NFL. Like any receiver, his fortunes will be tied to the quality of his quarterback and he’s never played with an elite passer. Almost any NFL starter will be an upgrade for him though the defenses only get tougher.

He doesn’t possess the size of most possession receivers and yet is more than just a speedy deep threat. He can offer a solid role as a slot receiver and his overall potential really hasn’t been established yet due to the lack of talent around him in college.

With 148 career catches at TCU, Reagor has a lot of experience for a junior and he added 35 rushes as well. He’s likely to go in the second or third rounds and his first season should be a big adjustment for him. As a rookie, he’s likely to have a slower start but he’s worth a deep stash in a fantasy draft because he could surprise if he lands in the right system with a top quarterback.

Reagor’s returning skills are likely to be used as a rookie.

Rookie Rundown: TE Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri

Albert Okwuegbunam played wide receiver in high school and then switched to tight end when he arrived at Missouri. He redshirted his first season and became the starter during the 2017 season when he caught a team-high 11 touchdowns. He went on to start the next two seasons and then declared for the 2020 NFL draft as a junior.

He was selected for the 2017 All-SEC Freshman Team and twice was on the All-SEC Second Team. He led the Tigers in receiving touchdowns all three years.

Height: 6-6
Weight: 258 pounds
40 time: 4.49 seconds

Okwuegbunam missed four games in each of his last two seasons due to shoulder injuries.

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2017	9	29	415	14.3	11	415	11
2018	9	43	466	10.8	6	466	6
2019	9	26	306	11.8	6	306	6

Pros

Very fast for a big man – wideout speed
Can make the highlight reel catch
Touchdown machine – 23 scores on 98 career catches
Longest arms at the NFL Combine
End zone catch magnet – big frame shields out defenders
Will make the catch in the crowd
Adept blocker
Vertical seam threat

Cons

Durability concerns with shoulder problems the last two years
Not considered a fluid receiver – mechanical in his routes
No burst off the line
Underdeveloped route runner

Fantasy outlook

Okwuegbunam presents as an outstanding endzone target which is exactly what he was for the Tigers. Big frame and natural catching skills. Can shield away defenders because he is so big and his catching radius is huge. That alone merits consideration when he is drafted since he’ll be an added weapon around the goal line at the very least. As he showed in college, he was already gifted at scoring when he was a freshman.

His speed can allow him to make big gains on vertical routes when he sells his blocking and then takes off deep. It isn’t the biggest part of his game but he can be more than just the tallest guy in an end-zone scrum.

Despite his speed and catching ability, he doesn’t project as the next George Kittle or Travis Kelce because his overall skills are not there as a receiver. He needs to improve route running and learn to do more in the short and intermediate areas getting separation and doing more after the catch.

It is troublesome that he lost time in both of the last two seasons due to shoulder injuries.

As it stands, he comes into the NFL considered to be an asset in the end zone with the occasional deep play. Rookie tight ends tend to perform poorly as a freshman anyway, and Okwuegbunam still has work to do on becoming more than a blocker and a hopeful touchdown sponge in the end zone.

Rookie Rundown: WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

Tee Higgins originally committed to play at Tennessee in his home state but opted later to play for Clemson – not a bad trade-off. The Tigers employ a very diverse offensive attack, and Higgins contributed even as a freshman. As a sophomore, Higgins took over as the primary receiver from Hunter Renfrow and ended with a team-high 59 catches for 936 yards and 12 touchdowns while playing with next year’s hot rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence on the No. 1 ranked team in the nation.

Paired again with Lawrence, 2019 saw him turn in 1167 yards on 59 catches for a gaudy 19.8 yards per catch along with 14 touchdowns. The Tigers had 21 players catch a pass last season – Higgins’s workload and production far exceeded any other receiver over the last two years. And Clemson went to the National Championship both seasons, winning for 2018.

Height: 6-4
Weight: 216 pounds
40 time: 4.54

Higgins didn’t participate in any drills at the NFL Combine because he had tweaked his hamstring a few weeks prior. He was later timed at 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Clemson Pro Day.

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Runs	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2017	7	17	345	20.3	2	0	0	0	345	2
2018	15	59	936	15.9	12	0	0	0	936	12
2019	15	59	1167	19.8	13	1	36	1	1203	14

Pros

Great hands that make spectacular catches
Aggressive at the point of catch
Used huge frame to shield out defenders
Big play receiver best downfield
Outstanding with over the shoulder receptions
Body control and concentration
Vertical threat

Cons

Less adept at blocking
Only average route runner
Not as effective for shorter, level one catches

Fantasy outlook

Higgins comes from perhaps the best offense in the NCAA but one that presented a complicated, wide-open attack that employed everyone in the offense. There were 33 players for Clemson that touched the ball last year. Catching 59 passes was very good for that offense.

There is no doubt that Higgins benefitted from playing for the powerful Tiger’s offense that was so diverse that it allowed a vertical receiver to excel since there were so many potential receivers on any given play. Of his 37 games, only nine contained more than four catches.

Higgins is an outstanding receiver downfield. He’s tall, has a huge catch radiance and will come down with the ball. But he’s not experienced as a true No. 1 receiver that can run all routes and excel with a possession role. That hasn’t been Higgins. He projects to offer a valuable No. 2 role for an NFL pass offense, one that can stretch the field and make big catches down the field. He has great body control and shouldn’t have any problem keeping both feet inbounds.

He is unlikely to turn in a rookie season as a No. 1 receiver and maybe won’t ever be one. But – in a wide-open offense with an elite quarterback, he can do a lot of damage just as he did at the highest level in college. So long as he ends up with a Top-Ten passing offense, he will offer fantasy value even as a rookie. If not, he’ll likely provide inconsistent production in his first year.

Rookie Rundown: RB Zack Moss, Utah

Zack Moss Fantasy profile

Zack Moss started three games as a freshman before taking over for the next three years. Consistently good for around six yards per carry, he logged three straight 1,000-rushing-yard seasons to end his career with the Utes. He was the first player for Utah to manage that feat and last season was the PAC-12 Player of the Year.

He leaves Utah as their all-time leader in rushing attempts (712), rushing yards (4,067), rushing touchdowns (38) and career 100-yard rushing games (19). He ran for over 100 yards eight times in 2019 and twice recorded more than 180 rushing yards in a game.

Height: 5-9
Weight: 223 pounds
40 time: 4.65 seconds

Moss suffered a torn meniscus in his knee in November 2018 that stemmed from a pre-existing condition when he merely climbed into bed. When it happened, he was on a pace to gain 1,519 rushing yards which would have set the new single-season mark for the school. He underwent surgery that cut short his otherwise-great junior year.

Had the injury not happened, Moss would have likely considered declaring for the NFL draft. He elected to return for his senior season, more than proved himself healthy, and ended up over 1,800 total yards and 17 touchdowns as the Utes went 11-3 and won their second PAC-12 title with Moss on the team.

Year	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2016	10	84	382	4.5	2	1	4	0	386	2
2017	13	214	1173	5.5	10	29	243	0	1416	10
2018	9	179	1096	6.1	11	8	50	1	1146	12
2019	13	235	1416	6.0	15	28	388	2	1804	17

Pros

Violent, aggressive runner that punishes tacklers
Dangerous spin move keeps him moving
Capable receiver
Great vision and burst extends plays
Prototypical thick, bruising running back
Arm tackles do not exist when he runs
Maintains balance through contact
Better than average at pass protection
Three-down potential as a feature back

Cons

Only logged a 4.65 40-time at Combine, no second gear
Needs to work on ball security
Running style invites contact, could impact NFL durability
Heavy workload in college

Fantasy outlook

Moss projects as the rushing half of a dual backfield though he can catch the ball well. His lack of long speed would limit him more to check-down passes than placing him outside as a receiver. He brings elite inside-rushing skills that can move the chains and get that extra yard or two when he runs. He’s the sort of back that can wear down a defense and simply punish tacklers. There is a place for Moss in the NFL.

His durability could be an issue after so much work in college and now heading into the NFL where the defenders are bigger and better.

Moss is more like throw-back sort of running backs and if he lands on a team with an above-average offensive line, he could surprise even as a rookie. His 4.65 40-time did not surprise any scouts but doesn’t mean he’s too slow to play in the NFL. History has seen many backs with similar 40-times excel in the NFL like Terrell Davis and his 4.72 40-time. As with any running back, where he lands is the most important characteristic of his potential and outlook.

At the worst, Moss offers short-yardage and goal-line work, along with early-down rushing. That could sneak into being a lower-level fantasy starter. In the right situation, Moss could end up as a three-down back and offer sleeper value in a fantasy draft.

Rookie Rundown: WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado

Laviska Shenault rookie profile

Laviska Shenault Jr. declared for the NFL draft after three seasons in Colorado. He was active in each game as a freshman but only caught seven passes. As a sophomore, he recorded seven receptions for 211 yards and a score as a starter during the opening week against Colorado State.

He ended with five 100-yard efforts that season while scoring in each of the first five games – all wins. He was less effective in the final four games – all losses.

He caught 10+ passes in five games that year as the Buffaloes primary receiver. He was a first-team All-PAC player and the team MVP in 2018.

Shenault was less effective as a junior due to shoulder and toe injuries that required surgery. His calling card is that sophomore campaign when he was healthy all year and led the nation with 9.6 catches per game.

Height: 6-1
Weight: 227 pounds
40 time: 4.58 seconds

Shenault is a force when healthy and a lock to be one of the initial wideouts drafted this year. 3

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Runs	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2017	7	7	168	24.0	0	2	4	0	168	0
2018	9	86	1011	11.8	6	17	115	5	1126	11
2019	11	56	764	13.6	4	23	161	2	925	6

Pros

Thick and powerful body is like a running back down the field.
Great hands and instantly protects the ball
Can play multiple positions and run the ball – multidimensional player
Prototypical big, physical “X” receiver
Hard to tackle with one defender
Size and aggressiveness wins most 50/50 balls
Dynamic with the ball and offers excellent yards after the catch
Dangerous in all three levels
Assertive at the catch and dominant when healthy
Versatile player that can be used creatively all over the formation
Great football IQ from playing all over the offense

Cons

Could run sharper routes – was the primary target on most plays regardless of how precise he ran
Sometimes lacks effort as a blocker
Struggled with injuries as a junior in just second year as a starter

Fantasy outlook

Shenault only ran a 4.58 40-time at the NFL Combine but that was much slower than expected and a lingering core injury likely was to blame. He not only has top-end speed to take it to the house but he also has the burst to accelerate past defenders. Forget that Combine 40-time – Shenault plays plenty fast.

He only had one elite season as a starter but showed plenty in 2018. He offers inventive offensive coordinators with a new weapon that can be used in many ways. That’s a nice fit into the current NFL that continues to find more ways to get their best players in advantageous situations. Shenault ran in seven touchdowns over his final two seasons and averaged 6.9 yards on those plays.

There is a chance that he could play some special teams but he never did for the Buffaloes. His durability needs to be proven, but Shenault should offer fantasy value even as a rookie. He projects as a No. 1 receiver for some team and that could be this year all depending on where he lands. He’ll most likely be served better with a modest role as a rookie and then get up to speed in 2021 but he’s worth a fantasy late-round flyer no matter where he ends up.

Rookie Rundown: TE Thaddeus Moss, LSU

Thaddeus Moss – Fantasy rookie profile

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Is being the son of Randy Moss good enough to get a ticket to the NFL?

No. Not by itself.

Probably doesn’t hurt, though.

Moss moved around in high school but was still courted by many of the best colleges. He’s shorter, thicker and far shorter than his father which is why he’s been a tight end. He ended up at North Carolina State.

Moss only played for one season with the Tar Heels before electing to transfer out to LSU. By NCAA transfer rules, he sat out in 2017. Moss was eligible to play in 2018, but suffered a foot injury and received a medical redshirt. His only college season of any note came as a redshirt junior in 2019 when he ended with 47 catches for 570 yards and four touchdowns.

He did himself a giant favor by showing up in the Peach Bowl with four catches for 99 yards and a touchdown. In the National Championship game, he caught two more scores that allowed Joe Burrows to break the NCAA single-season record for touchdown passes. Moss had scored just once all year until the final two games.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 250 pounds
40 time: Did not run

Scoring those three touchdowns in the final two games and being the son of Randy Moss played into his decision to enter the NFL draft. Without those final scores and his claim to fatherly fame, his college stats are almost non-existent. He has some tools to be sure, but he isn’t riding a gaudy set of stats into the NFL.

Moss was unable to participate in the NFL Combine when they found a Jones Fracture in his foot during medical exams. He is expected to be over the surgery by May at the latest but it points at a bit more risk since he missed the 2018 season from a foot injury as well.

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Runs	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2016*	5	6	49	8.2	1	0	0	0	49	1
2019	12	47	570	12.1	4	0	0	0	570	4

*North Carolina State

Pros

Built like a prototypical receiving tight end
Great hands in traffic
Outstanding run blocker
Reliable target underneath
Thick frame turns into power when blocking or receiving
Competitive willing to bully defenders
Continues to block downfield

Cons

Benefitted with Joe Burrows record-setting year
Can be slowed in press coverage
Speed considered average at best
Lack of quickness off the line or in routes
Really just one college season in a prolific offense
Durability issues with two significant foot injuries despite such a low volume of work in college.

Fantasy outlook

He’s sure to attract attention with a father in the NFL Hall of Fame. Moss should be drafted in the second or third round as one of the earlier selected tight ends. He will be taken much more for his blocking skills – which are considered exceptional – than for his role as a receiver.

He can end up with a solid career in the NFL as an all-around tight end that offers both blocking and receiving skills. He lacks the burst or speed that many receiving tight ends possess, let alone his father. He’s likely to be drafted in bigger leagues on a whim as a “you never really know” kind of pick. But tight ends almost never produce many fantasy points as a rookie and Moss doesn’t project as likely to be more than average as a receiver in the NFL.

Moss can be a big benefit to the right team thanks to his blocking and overall competitiveness. But his value will be far higher in NFL terms than in fantasy terms.