Rookie Analysis – Page 3 – Syndication Server

Rookie Rundown: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire draws comparisons to several standout NFL backs.

LSU junior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (pronounced “EE-laire”) entered the 2020 NFL Draft class after a strong 2019 campaign with the Tigers. “CEH” didn’t see the field much as a freshman in 2017 but experienced a significant increase in playing time as a sophomore, waiting for his time as a junior to showcase everything in the tool chest.

As a child, Edwards-Helaire lost his father to a 30-year prison sentence on a cocaine arrest, and it brought Shannon Helaire into his life as a stepfather. CEH’s biological dad is out of prison on good behavior after serving 14 years, and Edwards-Helaire’s respect for both men led to the creation of the hyphenated last name. No stranger to adversity in his personal life, Edwards-Helaire had to overcome a procession of coaches telling his family he wouldn’t amount to much due to his stature, something that became a source of motivation for him.

Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 207 pounds
40 time: 4.6 seconds

Edwards-Helaire, as mentioned, had to wait his turn at LSU, but when he finally was granted a chance, it was obvious he belonged in the starting role. CEH ran for just over 1,400 yards on only 215 totes and showed off his skills out of the backfield, snagging 55 passes for the national champs.

The junior was recognized as a Paul Hornung Award finalist for versatility and voted to the All-SEC team twice (first-team RB, second-team returner). That versatility was on display throughout his time at LSU. Edwards-Helaire was a kickoff returner in addition to his multifaceted chores as a running back, and he even threw a touchdown pass in 2018.

Table: Clyde Edwards-Helaire NCAA stats (2017-19)

Year	Team	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
2017	LSU	9	31	3.4	0	10	3	46	15.3	0
2018	LSU	146	658	4.5	7	47	11	96	8.7	0
2019	LSU	215	1,414	6.6	16	89	55	453	8.2	1

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Pros

Efficient producer due to combination of quick feet, elusive wiggle, deceiving strength, impressive vision, and a nasty jump cut … these traits make him unpredictable
Lateral quickness and cutback ability are excellent — immediately dials up burst after a downshift
Quality route-running skills and hands — chews up yardage after the catch
Low center of gravity and can disappear in a mass of humanity
Tremendous ball security
Hard worker, team-first guy with high character
Special teams experience in the return game
Limited mileage on his tires

Cons

Lacks top-end speed
May struggle in the pros to consistently challenge on the perimeter
Pass protection skills are in need of refinement — borderline functional strength vs. massive pass rushers
One year of elite production on an undefeated team full of NFL-caliber talent
Despite finding success in high school and in the toughest NCAA conference, size concerns will turn off some NFL scouting departments

Fantasy football outlook

A wide range of NFL comparisons are bandied about when it comes to Edwards-Helaire. Maurice Jones-Drew is the most obvious one, but comps to Devonta Freeman or even a smaller version of Mark Ingram may be more appropriate.

CEH’s draft stock is somewhat in question, partly because of possible limitations, a lack of premium placed on running backs, and a quality draft class. He is likely to be chosen on Day 2. The best locations for him can be boiled down to zone-blocking systems, but it doesn’t always work out that way, since coaches can convince the brass they’re capable of molding a player or system for a proper fit.

Given his special teams history, it’s quite possible he comes into an already established backfield and is used sparingly as a rookie. Edwards-Helaire could earn third-down work right away, but only if coaches are sure he isn’t going to be a liability in pass pro.

New Orleans, Buffalo, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Miami, Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Rams are the most viable teams to draft him. Edwards-Helaire’s fantasy football value would be maximized in Tampa, LA and Miami, but he could serve as a useful spell to Todd Gurley or as a complement in Pittsburgh’s backfield. In the best-case scenario (Tampa), CEH is an RB3 or weak No. 2 in fantasy drafts.

Rookie Rundown: RB Lamical Perine, Florida

How does Florida’s Lamical Perine factor into the NFL draft and fantasy football plans?

Florida senior running back Lamical Perine enters the 2020 NFL Draft with the chops to make a roster, but it may take every bit of his grinder mentality to stick around in the pros.

Perine led the Gators in rushing in 2019 and also landed 40 receptions, finding paydirt 11 total times on the season as a 13-game starter. It was the first year in which he was given an increased role in the passing game.

Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 216 pounds
40 time: 4.62 seconds

Perine was accused of allegedly assaulting a man trying to tow a vehicle owned by his mother last May, but no charges were filed, and he is known to have a quality reputation otherwise. Work ethic and a try-hard approach to the game will give Perine his best shot at sticking around in the NFL. System fit also will be imperative for his success, since Perine’s style is almost exclusively suited for a zone-blocking scheme.

Table: Lamical Perine NCAA stats (2016-19)

Year	Team	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
2016	FLA	91	421	4.6	1	59	9	161	17.9	1
2017	FLA	136	562	4.1	8	29	10	81	8.1	1
2018	FLA	134	826	6.2	7	74	13	170	13.1	1
2019	FLA	132	676	5.1	6	88	40	262	6.6	5

Pros

Quality character and work ethic — coachable and dedicated to improving
Quicker than fast and has decent enough short-area burst to get to the second level
Versatile skill set and catches the ball well despite not being utilized in such a manner until his senior year
One-cut-and-go mentality that fits into a zone-blocking scheme
Consistently found the end zone when given the opportunity — in an NFL with so much backfield compartmentalization, this may be his inroad to a stable role.
Tough runner who doesn’t shy away from contact to gain needed situational yardage
NFL bloodlines with cousins Samaje Perine and Myles Jack — his father played at Auburn
Displays adequate patience to let his blocks develop
Experienced on special teams
Effort blocker in pass protection with room to improve

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Cons

Almost no second gear to speak of and lacks breakaway ability
Needs to display more creativity to mask speed deficiency
Despite being a capable receiver, pass protection liability could keep him on the sideline for third-down chores.
Almost too eager to take on contact, which could be problematic in the NFL and lead to a shortened career.

Fantasy football outlook

Perine profiles as one of those NFL running backs who hangs around for years and fills in admirably off of the bench but never offers consistent fantasy football returns. He figures to be a Day 3 prospect and will likely be asked to carve out a role on special teams before getting a true shot at being more than a three on the depth chart. His 2020 fantasy football value is zilch at this point in time.

Rookie Rundown: RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State

The versatile Dobbins excelled in 2019 vs. the toughest competition to enjoy a banner year. How does he fit into fantasy football plans?

Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins wrapped up his three-year collegiate stint with a declaration to the 2020 NFL Draft. In a lead-up to the selection process that has been anything but traditional, after citing an ankle injury as the reason he wouldn’t run at the scouting combine, Dobbins did not get to run a 40-yard dash at pro day March 25, because there wasn’t one. He has previously been timed at 4.45 seconds, so speed isn’t a concern.

Height: 5-foot-9 1/2
Weight: 209 pounds
40 time: N/A

Dobbins was a starter as a true freshman after being a four-star recruit coming off of a broken leg in his first game as a high school senior — that speaks (yells?) volumes about how highly regarded he was coming into the NCAA ranks.

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He was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree in his freshman and sophomore seasons, earning first-team recognition after the 2019 season. Dobbins also was a second-team All-American and first-team all-conference selection for his standout ’19 season.

Table: J.K. Dobbins’ NCAA stats (2017-19)

Year	Team	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Long	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
2017	Ohio State	194	1,403	7.2	7	77	22	135	6.1	1
2018	Ohio State	230	1,053	4.6	10	42	26	263	10.1	2
2019	Ohio State	301	2,003	6.7	21	68	23	247	10.7	2

Dobbins slowed in his sophomore campaign before rebounding in a ridiculous way as a junior. He’s widely regarded as the third-best running back prospect of this year’s class.

Pros

Durable — played in all 42 games in his time at OSU, logging 796 offensive touches (18.9/game) — and willing to play through injury
Elite production vs. elite competition — scored a touchdown against all six ranked opponents in 2019, finishing with 11 in those games
Above-average lateral movement skills and a convincing dead leg
Does a tremendous job — it’s really tough to overstate this — of setting up his one-on-one opponents in the open field. It’s arguably his best trait.
Dangerous out of the gun and in pro-style formations, suggesting he can fit in a number of offensive designs in the NFL
Runs with natural body lean, sense of balance, and a low center of gravity
Violent stiff arm that appears game after game on tape
Decisive runner whose ability to stick a foot and go is unquestionably NFL-capable
Pretty good in pass pro for his size
Versatile as a runner and receiver out of the backfield

Cons

Average or worse start-stop ability
Runs as well as his blocking affords and doesn’t create many plays from nothing
His vision isn’t necessarily a negative, but it definitely isn’t a positive — average, at best, and it may appear better than it is due to his non-stop motor. It seems to be more of an asset in the open field than in the box.
Lacks a second-gear ability — fast enough to avoid getting caught from behind by most defenders, but there’s no obvious explosive shift vs. the second tier of a defense

Fantasy football outlook

The compact-framed Dobbins does a little bit of everything on the field and is more of a grinder than a game-breaker, but his style of play eventually wears down defenders and promotes an increase in chunk plays. Aside from one horribly timed drop in a bowl game, Dobbins’ receiving skills shouldn’t be questioned, and he can hold up to the rigors of playing all three downs, if needed. In reality, the NFL’s current view on running backs will likely put him into a shared backfield.

He reminds of a blend of several players and is uniquely himself in many ways. One comparison I see on tape is DeAndre Washington, but there’s more north and south in Dobbins’ game. Other comparisons drawn by prognosticators include Doug Martin, Domanick Williams (Davis), Ray Rice and even Mark Ingram … While similarities from all of those guys are present in Dobbins’ game, he’s his own player and is versatile enough to look much different in various offensive concepts.

Since several teams could use a player of his caliber and style, it invites unlikely suitors. Dobbins probably has a third-round grade for most teams but could slip into the second if one scouting department is higher than most on him.

Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Kansas City and the Los Angeles Rams are in need of a running back. KC would be an ideal spot for the long-term value of Dobbins, but he may get buried in the mess of talent around him as a rookie. The Rams and Tampa present the best Year 1 situations in fantasy football. In best-case scenario, he’s an RB2, and in the safest of designations, Dobbins will be bench fodder with the occasional flash on limited handles.

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: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

Dissecting what Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert brings to the table.

Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert enters the 2020 NFL Draft as one of the top prospects, regardless of position. He started seven games as a freshman in 2016 and never looked back, overcoming injury-caused adversity created in 2017 with a strong finish to his time as a Duck.

A locally grown talent, Oregon’s star passer concluded his collegiate career with a pair of All-Pac-12 honorable mentions and Academic All-American awards during each his junior and senior seasons.

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 236 pounds
40 time: 4.68 seconds

Table: Justin Herbert NCAA stats (2016-19)

Year	Team	Comp	Att	%	Yds	Avg	TD	INT	ATT	YDS	TD
2016	Oregon	162	255	63.5	1,936	7.6	19	4	58	161	2
2017	Oregon	139	206	67.5	1,983	9.6	15	5	44	183	5
2018	Oregon	240	404	59.4	3,151	7.8	29	8	71	166	2
2019	Oregon	286	428	66.8	3,471	8.1	32	6	58	50	4

Herbert is expected to be a top-10 draft pick in April’s selection process, and several teams make plenty of sense. Don’t be surprised to hear his name called for the Las Vegas Raiders (12th) if he slides a little. The Miami Dolphins (5th) and Los Angeles Chargers (6th) are the most likely suitors, depending upon how it shakes out with LSU QB Joe Burrow (expected to go No. 1) and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa (could go No. 2).

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Unless an unlikely team trades into the first 10 or so picks, Herbert’s landing spots are somewhat limited based on necessity, but there always will be coaches interested in grooming a quarterback behind a veteran for a year. In the event Herbert falls past 12th, it could get interesting as teams will look to position via trade to draft him.

Pros

Gets through progressions efficiently and is comfortable taking a checkdown — displays controlled aggression in his willingness to risk it down the field … pro-grade out of the boxing this area
Quite possibly the strongest arm in college football in 2019, but it doesn’t come at the sacrifice of putting a softer touch when needed.
Huge frame that allows him to hold his platform and deliver an accurate ball while taking a hit
Tremendous pocket awareness fueled by lively feet (this can work against him, see below)
Athletic enough to do damage with his legs but extremely adept at creating lanes with subtle movement in the pocket
Displays accuracy on the move to either direction
Clean throwing motion and delivers a very catchable ball on all three levels
Throws open targets with anticipatory awareness and a keen understanding of defensive coverage.
Looks off defenders and holds his eyes down the seam — high football IQ illustrated by his attempts-to-interception ratio and is readily apparent on film.

Cons

So many of his big plays in 2019 came via wide-open receivers thanks to a combination of coverage breakdowns and route concepts that created exaggerated separation at the collegiate level.
Needs to show he can consistently work from under center and develop timing-based dropbacks connections with his targets.
Tends to rotate or flip the ball in his hands while dropping back — minor but could lead to timing and fumbling issues as a pro with the rest of the game around him being so much faster.
The footwork is a mixed bag — when it is good, it’s really impressive, but Herbert goes through swings of playing too much on his toes, wasting a step, and not utilizing his platform to maximize drive. This is partly a product of having such a strong arm and the pitter-patter footwork is correctable.
Missed five games in 2017 with a broken collarbone

Fantasy football outlook

Say Herbert lands in Miami, there’s Ryan Fitzpatrick likely ahead of him for at least part of the season. Then there’s the obvious lack of talent around him to be concerned with, so it wouldn’t be an ideal spot for Year 1 fantasy returns.

In Las Vegas, the situation is similar. Derek Carr will start as long as he is getting the job done, and that could span the duration of the season.

The Chargers would give Herbert the best chance of making an immediate contribution in fantasy, and it wouldn’t be a monumental task to unseat Tyrod Taylor as the presumed starter.

Any which way one slices this situation, Herbert is unlikely to start from the onset of the season, and coming from a spread offense into the NFL takes time, even in today’s league that relies less on classic drop-back passing.

While Herbert’s game reminds of a young Ben Roethlisberger, his fantasy football trajectory could follow a similar path whenever Herbert actually gets a chance to take off with a full offseason of starter’s work. Since that appears to be 2021, he’s undraftable in all single-year setups until further notice.

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.