2021 NFL rookies – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Rookie Rundown: WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

Bateman has enough skills to challenge for a Round 1 selection.

Minnesota sent wide receiver Tyler Johnson to the NFL in 2020, and this year Rashod Bateman enters with even more appeal as an outside target capable of playing from the slot.

A productive stint with the Golden Gophers offers considerable tape for scouts, and there’s much to like — as well as fixable traits a coaching staff will be able to sort out in time.

Bateman was listed through the program as being 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, and his Minnesota Pro Day measurements shaved nearly two inches and 30 pounds from the junior. He timed faster than most people likely expected, and while it is unofficial, Bateman plays functionally faster than average.

Height: 6-foot-0 3/8
Weight: 190 pounds
40 time: 4.39 seconds

Minnesota played Bateman as a freshman in 2018, and he went on to earn the school’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year Award. His breakthrough season in 2019 resulted in an all-Big Ten first-team selection, third-team Associated Press All-American recognition, and the conference named Bateman its “Receiver of the Year.”

Table: Rashod Bateman NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year	School	Class	Gm*	Receiving				Rushing
Year	School	Class	Gm*	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD
2018	Minnesota	FR	13	51	704	13.8	6	0	0	—	0
2019	Minnesota	SO	13	60	1,219	20.3	11	0	0	—	0
2020	Minnesota	JR	5	36	472	13.1	2	0	0	—	0
Career				147	2,395	16.3	19	0	0	—	0

*includes postseason/bowl games

We’ve see a little bit of everything from Bateman through just under two and a half seasons. He finished 2019 averaging a whopping 20.3 yards per grab that was sandwiched between a pair of more indicative 13-plus-yarders.

The 2020 season was originally going to be played in the spring of 2021, but it returned to the fall of ’20, so Bateman rescinded his opt-out notification. In the sixth game, the school was scheduled to face Wisconsin, at which time the Badgers experienced positive COVID-19 test results. In response, Bateman once again opted to sit out, this time for the remainder of the year.

Pros

Strongest attribute is advanced route-running repertoire — quick feet in and out of breaks, sells body fakes, understands advanced concepts
Nuanced, diverse movements to create separation off the line — able to overcome a lack of elite burst
Played primarily from the slot in 2020 after playing on the outside in 2019
Array of on-field productivity, stemming from home run and possession traits, being unafraid over the middle, and having a nose for the end zone
Late hands and catches away from his body — has several “wow” grabs on film
Plus body control in the air
Adjust well to underthrown passes, and there were plenty of those in his time with Minnesota
Natural understanding of route concepts and responsibilities accompanying them — coming back for his quarterback, sitting in soft spots, deep releases, etc.
Plays bigger than he measured at pro day
Fast enough build-up speed to challenge deep

[lawrence-related id=458190]

Cons

Limited experience as a blocker
Borderline WR1 upside and could be “overdrafted” as a career No. 2 receiver
Isn’t a twitchy, flashy athlete, which will turn off teams in relation to current needs/style — isn’t going to be thrown a ton of screens or utilized from the backfield
Despite wide array of tricks to escape press-man coverage, he struggled at times with stronger corners (worst example is vs. Nebraska in 2019)
Dropped 19 of 166 catchable targets, according to Pro Football Focus — seems to be more concentration-related issues than a lack of raw talent
Significant statistical peaks and valleys during his NCAA career — not all his fault but will incite a closer look by scouts

Fantasy football outlook

Bateman will attract some attention late in the 2021 NFL Draft’s opening round. The most likely teams to show interest that early: Chicago (No. 20), Indianapolis (No. 21), Tennessee (No. 22), and Baltimore (No. 27).

Atop the second round, which is a better placement in terms of value, Bateman could be in the plans for a number of teams. Jacksonville, the New York Jets, Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Carolina make up the first seven selectors of Round 2, and Bateman would be a viable target for each franchise.

In 2021 drafts, the single-year outlook is somewhere in the neighborhood of matchup-based flex through seldomly used depth. Some of this depends on how much on-field work NFL teams are able to utilize during the pandemic. Long-term valuation has Bateman’s outlook that of a strong No. 2 PPR career path. WR1 worth is in his grasp with the right setting around him.

As an NFL comparison, Keenan Allen is commonly tied to Bateman. It’s a fair one, but Allen is physically larger in stature and has better hands. Allen is a sound comparison from a fantasy trajectory perspective. While injuries kept Allen down early in his career, he has blossomed into a low-tier WR1 PPR option or an ideal No. 2. If Bateman’s career arc follows suit, gamers will have a heck of a player at their disposal for years to come.

Rookie Rundown: TE Brevin Jordan, Miami

Is Jordan the next great fantasy tight end from “The U”?

The Miami Hurricanes have a storied history of producing NFL-caliber tight ends, and the latest poised to join the ranks is Brevin Jordan. The junior enters the 2021 NFL Draft after being a starter basically from the onset of his time in South Beach, eventually earning second-team All-ACC honors.

In his sophomore campaign, Jordan finished as a Mackey finalist (best NCAA TE) and found his way onto the first-team All-ACC roster. His best statistical contributions came in an abbreviated 2020 season in which he scored seven times over an eight-game span, missing a trio of contests with a shoulder injury. This marked the second consecutive year with an injury that cost him game action.

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 248 pounds
40 time: 4.64 seconds

Jordan was disappointed with his results at Miami’s 2021 Pro Day, and he finished slower than expected. Times are unofficial, ranking from 4.62 through 4.69. He’ll never be mixed up with a burner, but there’s enough athleticism and functional speed to create separation even at the next level.

Table: Brevin Jordan NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year	School	Class	Gm*	Receiving				Rushing
Year	School	Class	Gm*	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD
2018	Miami (FL)	FR	9	32	287	9.0	4	0	0	—	0
2019	Miami (FL)	SO	9	35	495	14.1	2	1	0	0	0
2020	Miami (FL)	JR	8	38	576	15.2	7	2	1	0.5	0
Career				105	1,358	12.9	13	3	1	0.3	0

*includes postseason/bowl games

Jordan is far from a finished product — as most rookies are, of course — and will need additional time to learn behind a veteran in the NFL. A strong coaching staff could accelerate his growth a smidge, but Jordan’s best career path is to play sparingly and learn mightily over the first two or three years.

Pros

Can make off-balanced grabs look easy
Capable of creating separation in traffic — an uneven gait and effective straight leg that can stutter a defender ever so slightly
Versatile enough to lineup as a traditional “Y” tight end or be flexed into the slot — could even see worth in an unconventional design as an H-back
Ideally suited for a West Coast-based offense
Plays much bigger than his size suggests — compact build and can deliver a blow to defenders of all shapes
Has a knack for feeling coverage soft spots
Just enough wiggle as a ball carrier to create a few extra yards
Improved as his career at Miami progressed
Ample experience as a starter
Upside for considerable growth with a patient organization
Looked more comfortable as a route runner in 2020

[lawrence-related id=458190]

Cons

Most of his glaring deficiencies come as a blocker — lacks size but doesn’t do himself any favors with poor technique and balance
Could be limited to obvious passing scenarios if the blocking cannot improve dramatically — won’t ever be great at it, but getting to a level of consistently decent is a win
Despite having a penchant for corralling off-kilter throws, too many balls are absorbed rather than plucked
Lacks fluidity and may not be able to escape for many big plays as a pro
Likely to struggle in contested situations — lacks height, reliable hands, and an attacking instinct
Missed time due to injuries in 2019 and ’20

Fantasy football outlook

It’s hard to see Jordan being drafted over Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth, and there’s zero chance he goes before Florida’s Kyle Pitts, so the former Hurricane will be jockeying for third place among his positional mates in the draft. Early Round 2 is his absolute ceiling, although the first half of the third stanza is a more reasonable placement.

A few players’ attributes tend to stick out on film, most notably Jonnu Smith. They’re similarly built and share common ground in being raw prospects coming out of school. It took Smith some time to overcome shaky hands and limited ability as an inline tight end while he learned behind a consummate pro in Delanie Walker. Incidentally, Tennessee needs itself an obvious tight end of the future.

A little bit of Trey Burton, Eric Ebron and even David Njoku come to mind. All of these guys have the chops for occasional contributions but aren’t taking over games or winning over the hearts of fantasy footballers.

Jordan, in the right situation, will be a matchup play once he develops beyond being a reserve for his real-life team. The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles make a fair amount of sense and would provide him a chance to learn something behind veterans before getting his chance to ascend the depth chart in a few years.

For the upcoming season, barring an injury thrusting him into a golden opportunity, Jordan is best left on the wire coming out of single-year drafts. Keeper owners should assess him with more optimism while not selling the farm to add Jordan to their rosters.

Rookie Rundown: WR Kadarius Toney, Florida

Versatile Kadarius Toney angles for a first-round selection

Kadarius Toney was a dual-threat quarterback for his final two seasons of high school in Alabama and was recruited by most of the SEC. He opted for Florida over Alabama, knowing that his transition from high school to college would change his position to wide receiver.

Toney was active for eight games as a freshman and started two. He caught 15 passes for 152 yards in one and then started as a running back in the other when he ran for 120 yards on 14 rushes with one score. He played a reserve role as a sophomore and even played as a wildcat quarterback in some games. As a junior, he would only play for seven games after injuring his shoulder but again was used as a receiver, running back, and wildcat quarterback.

Toney was well served by returning for his senior season. He led the Gators with 70 catches for 984 yards and ten touchdowns. He also ran 19 times for 161 yards and returned 18 punts and kickoffs. He was voted first-team SEC as an all-purpose player and was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award for most versatile performer.

Height: 5-11
Weight: 193 pounds
40 time: 4.39 seconds

He enters the NFL draft with an intriguing set of talents that could fit into a number of different roles for his team. What he doesn’t have is a lengthy resume as a receiver. But he comes off a season that suggests he has a role as an NFL starter, particularly from the slot.

WR Kadarius Toney, Florida Stats

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Runs	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2017	8	15	152	10.1	0	14	120	1	272	1
2018	12	25	260	10.4	1	21	240	0	500	1
2019	7	10	194	19.4	1	12	59	0	253	1
2020	11	70	984	14.1	10	19	161	1	1145	11

Toney is expected to be no later than a second-round pick, with a high chance of going in the latter part of the first round. His background points at a player that can be used in almost any skill position. His special teams work should see him carve a role as a rookie in the NFL, and his receiving skills will likely show up in his first year. Throw in his ability to run and pass the ball as well, and Toney could be a speedy and deadly weapon in a creative, complex offense that can use him in multiple roles.

Pros

Explosive offensive playmaker
Speed makes him a threat to score on any play
One of the most versatile players in draft
Special teams returner
Inventive offensive coordinator’s dream
Physical runner that plays bigger than his size
Hasn’t found his ceiling as a receiver
Burst and fluidity landed him moniker of “human joystick”
Can play any position, but slot is ideal
Electric in open field

Cons

Still needs work on route running
Only started at wideout for one year
Needs to improve run blocking
Size likely keeps him as a slot receiver
Battled injuries at times

Fantasy outlook

Toney isn’t expected to become a No. 1 wideout for a team but could carve a significant role as a slot receiver, returner, and dangerous weapon on end-around runs, jet sweeps, reverses, and even the occasional wildcat quarterback play.

He presents an interesting package for an offense to use. In fantasy terms, his role may be les reliable than desired. While he should help his team with his broad set of skills, it may take time to see him evolve into a receiver with a heavy enough workload to merit a fantasy start. His team could use him as a returner at first and limit his plays from scrimmage.

He’ll also be more likely successful in an offense that uses the slot as much as the outside position, though most NFL teams rely on 3-man sets and Toney can potentially play outside if needed. He has the talents and physical attributes that should spell success at the NFL. Any use of him as a runner only boosts his fantasy value.

His lack of playing time as a pure receiver could see him drop into the second round and force teams to view him as more of a development player that can offer special teams and occasional work as a receiver to start his career. A first-round selection will indicate that his team considers him as a definite rookie contributor.

Rookie Rundown: QB Justin Fields, Ohio State

Fields looks to add to the first-round frenzy for quarterbacks

This year’s NFL draft eagerly awaits five quarterbacks that are projected to fall over the first ten picks. Justin Fields is most often third or fourth taken in almost every mock draft out there. The junior from Ohio State started as a much-coveted five-star recruit out of high school that offered a true dual threat. As a two-year starter, he totaled 4,187 passing yards and ran for 2,096 yards with a total of 69 touchdowns.

As a freshman at Georgia, he was the backup to Jake Fromm. He transferred to Ohio State the next year and became their starter. Fields was phenomenal in his first year there, throwing for 41 touchdowns and rushing for ten more. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. The Buckeyes’ only loss was in the Fiesta Bowl to Clemson during the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Fields was a leading contender for the Heisman entering 2020 but the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shortened the season. The Buckeyes started playing in late October and went undefeated in the regular season. During the College Football Playoffs, Fields led the team to a win over Clemson and then advanced to the National Championship game where they lost to Alabama. Fields was injured during the win over Alabama but continued to play. He was again selected as the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year. He declared for the draft instead of returning for his final year of eligibility.

Height: 6-3
Weight: 228 pounds
40 time: 4.43 seconds

He is an exceptional athlete that also excelled as a baseball player in high school. NFL offenses are evolving to make use of dual-threat quarterbacks and Fields was as dangerous when he ran as when he passed. His ability to move the pocket and throw on the run will fit nicely into pro-style offenses.

Unlike many college quarterbacks that can throw and run, Fields is a passer first and foremost and his rushing merely makes him even more dangerous. This is not a miscast running back that can throw deep.

QB Justin Fields, Ohio State stats

Year	Games	Runs	Yards	TD	Pass	Comp.	Yards	Avg.	TD	Int	QBR
2018*	12	42	266	4	39	27	328	8.4	4	0	173.7
2019	14	137	484	10	354	238	3273	9.2	41	3	181.4
2020	8	81	383	5	225	158	2100	9.3	22	6	175.6

Pros

Never lost a game as a starter other than in the playoffs
Big frame that can withstand hits
Faster than most running backs despite his size
Forces defenses to respect his run
Moves well laterally to avoid rush
Tough competitor that never quits
Poised in pocket
Great fit for RPO plays on West Coast offenses
Accurate on the move and standing tall
Physical rusher that will get the short yards
Extensive work out of the shotgun
Polished and consistent footwork

Cons

Still has room to grow as a passer
Only average vision for downfield targets
Needs better anticipation for where receivers will be
Receivers sometimes slow down to catch deep throws
Can hold the ball too long

Fantasy outlook

Fields said that he modeled his game after the smaller and slower Russell Wilson. He’s was a proven winner at Ohio State and led them to the National Championship game. His downside – whatever that actually ends up being – is that he was inconsistent last year when he passed. Wilson fell in the draft because he was smaller at 5-11 and 215 pounds. Fields enters the NFL with similar attributes only bigger and faster.

While Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are locks as the first two picks, there is less certainty as to when Fields, Trey Lance and even Mac Jones will exactly go other than all are likely Top-10 picks.

Barring trades (which are always possible), Fields will be considered by the 49ers, Falcons, and Panthers. There is also a chance that a team like the Patriots could move up to access a top quarterback.

Fields rookie value depends on whether he ends up on a team like the Falcons where he could “season” for a year, or to a team that will press him into duty as a rookie. His rushing ability will help his fantasy value and make him a starting consideration. While there are some concerns about the consistency of his passing, Fields is very much in the mold of a current-day NFL quarterback. He’ll offer fantasy value in any game that he starts, even as a rookie.

Rookie Rundown: WR D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan

Eskridge rises on draft boards after a great Senior Bowl

D’Wayne Eskridge is expected to be a second or third-round pick though he sports an unusual resume. The ex-Bronco enters the NFL at the age of 24, having spent five seasons at Michigan State. He’s rising up draft boards despite never scoring more than eight touchdowns or gaining over 811 yards in any of his five years.

Eskridge was a rare two-way player, serving as both a wide receiver and a cornerback at times. He became a starter as a sophomore and posted 506 yards on 30 receptions in Michigan State’s low-volume passing attack. As a junior, he opened the year with eight catches for 240 yards and two scores versus Syracuse but was limited to only two catches in most games. He averaged 20.4 yards per catch that year.

As a senior, he suffered a broken collar bone that required surgery. Since he had not played more than four games and had not used a redshirt year, he was allowed to return for a fifth season. 2019 had him working more as a cornerback with just three catches over those initial four starts.

His final season saw him explode. While the Broncos were limited to only six games in their COVID-shortened year, Eskridge was nearly unstoppable with over 100 yards in all but one game and posting 212 yards and three scores on only four receptions versus Central Michigan. He averaged 23.3 yards per catch while he abused MAC cornerbacks.

Height: 5-9
Weight: 190 pounds
40 time: 4.33 seconds

Returning for that fifth season benefitted Eskridge in his bid to land in the NFL. He is a freakishly athletic player in every metric. He squatted over 500 pounds, had a vertical leap of 37.5-inches, and is a blur when he runs. His limitation was more playing on a team that didn’t throw that much.

WR D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan Stats

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Runs	Yards.	Total Yards	Total TDs
2016	10	17	121	7.1	1	6	60	181	1
2017	12	30	506	16.9	3	4	13	519	3
2018	11	38	776	20.4	3	0	0	776	3
2019	4	3	73	24.3	0	0	0	73	0
2020	6	33	768	23.3	8	2	43	811	8

Pros

Gifted athlete in strength, speed and agility
Great first step off the line of scrimmage
Homerun threat and not just deep passes
Tremendous after the catch gains
Comfortable at all three levels of the route
Cornerback experience helps against defenders
Competitive
Extra gear gives him instant burst
Dangerous return man
Stretches the field to help all receivers

Cons

Smaller sized hands
Under-sized frame
Operated in a basic passing offense
Smaller size may limit outside work in the NFL
Minor drop issues
Already 24 years old
Relied more on speed than crisp routes

Fantasy outlook

Eskridge heads to the NFL as one of those players that could surprise even as a rookie with blazing speed and great athleticism. Or he may end up like most other receivers that looked great playing on a team that did not often throw using a simplified passing scheme against a lower tier of college opponents. He’ll be 28 years old at the end of his rookie contract. Consider that against mostly 21-year-olds that inhabit the top of the draft.

That’s not to say he doesn’t have a place in the NFL. But projecting him as a future No. 1 receiver is hard to do given his size, limited experience in a pro-style offense and age. He’ll offer Year 1 value if he lands with a team looking to add a field-stretching slot receiver that can – at least on occasion – offer deep catches. But his consistency as a rookie will be tough to rely on in the best case.

His value is higher in NFL-terms than fantasy. He can return kicks and punts, force safeties to pay attention, and turn in at least a handful of impressive plays if he gets behind the defense. He will have to be accounted for by the defense.

His early value will be highly dependent on where he lands. Eskridge isn’t likely to end up on a team seeking a new No. 1 receiver. But he could fit into an offense that already sports a formidable passing game and can use him as a piece of the puzzle.

Rookie Rundown: WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama

Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith proves size doesn’t matter

What’s not to like about the Heisman Trophy winner who set all-time receiving records at Alabama? Maybe his size? Does it matter? It certainly didn’t matter playing at the highest level in college football.

While he played sparingly as a freshman, he became a factor on the 2018 National Championship team when he provided the game-winning touchdown in overtime. That was playing behind Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs. In 2019, Ruggs left and Smith outplayed Jeudy when he became the Crimson Tide’s top receiver with 68 catches for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Rather than follow Jeudy in declaring for the 2020 NFL draft, Smith returned for his senior season, where he posted an astronomic 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns in only 13 games. Smith became the first wideout ever to win the AP Player of the Year. He secured the 2020 Heisman Trophy as the first wide receiver since 1991 and only the fourth ever.

Smith’s final matchup was another National Championship where he set records for the title game with 12 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns. He was named the Offensive MVP of the game. He only played in the first half because of a finger injury.

Height: 6-1
Weight: 170-ish pounds
40 time: 4.4-ish seconds

Smith did not merely dominate, he was the best player on the best team versus the best of all opponents. Smith leaves Alabama with every conceivable box already checked. He opted to sit out of the 2021 Senior Bowl because there was nothing left to prove.

Without an NFL Combine and electing to sit out of both Alabama Pro Days, there is no current measure on his weight or 40-time. He’s been listed between 170 and 179 pounds, but his frame suggests the 170 is more likely. According to previous 40-yard dashes that were not official, Smith ran between a 4.3 and 4.5. Regardless, catching 117 passes and scoring 24 total touchdowns for Alabama indicate that he’s plenty “football fast” in any case.

WR Devonta Smith, Alabama Stats

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Runs	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2017	8	8	160	20.0	3	0	0	0	160	3
2018	13	42	693	16.5	6	0	0	0	693	6
2019	13	68	1256	18.5	14	0	0	0	1256	14
2020	13	117	1856	15.9	23	4	6	1	1862	24

His weight will likely cause him to drop slightly in the draft, though by all accounts he remains a first rounder. Finding a player to equate him to is difficult. Over the last ten years, the number of wideouts drafted that were over 6-0 and yet weighed under 180 pounds is zero. The only 6-0 receivers in that metric were DeDe Westbrook (2017: 6-0, 178 pounds) and Paul Richardson (2014: 6-0, 175 pounds). Neither have done much.

The only lighter first-round wideouts drafted in the last ten years were Marquise Brown (2019: 5-11, 165 pounds) and Tavon Austin (2013: 5-8, 174 pounds). Neither delivered on their expectations. The reality is that NFL-caliber defensive backs are hard to beat regardless, and more so for those less able to contend with physical contact from elite cornerbacks.

Tavon Austin’s senior season at West Virginia produced a stat line of 114-1289-12, plus 643 yards as a runner. He’s never gained more than 473 receiving yards in the NFL. Marquise Brown’s final year at Oklahoma totaled 75-1318-10, and he was the first wideout drafted in 2019. Two years in the NFL and his best season was 769 yards and eight scores in 2020.

Another parallel that gets drawn considers Marvin Harrison who stood 6-0 and weighed 181 pounds at his 1996 combine. And he excelled. Then again, he also was a rookie 25 years ago and the NFL evolves every season.

The other reality is that Smith crushed it at every level that he’s ever played. Reaching two National Championships means he already faced the best defenses that the NCAA can provide and won big. He won the Heisman Trophy. He became the MVP of a National Championship game.

What more could he have done?

Pros

Excellent route discipline
Tremendous timing
Smart and instinctual football player
Elusive runner
Doesn’t shy away from the ball ever
Polished and mature player
Initial quickness negates press coverage
Consistent
Always gets the job done
Special teams experience
Great hands, makes contested catches

Cons

Blocking skills are average
Smaller frame a concern versus NFL defenders

Fantasy outlook

In Smith’s final game when he was the National Championship MVP, he dislocated his finger and tore ligaments but there are no concerns that it will be any issue.

While Smith has a slimmer frame than any other wideout of any note, he’s still expected to be selected in the first fifteen picks of the NFL draft and among the first three receivers taken. He’ll be fascinating to watch from a pure football perspective since he’s been the best of the best and could end up as a first-round “bargain” if he can continue to deliver.

He projects mostly as a slot receiver since he may not possess the size and strength to be a traditional X-receiver. But he will be drafted to become a No. 1 receiver and his poise, intelligence and experience should shorten any learning curve significantly.

Smith is linked to the Bengals, Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Eagles, Patriots, and Chargers but he could go almost anywhere if a team opts to move up and select the talented prospect. That could very well end up happening if there is any sense that he is falling in the draft.

We’ll see if Smith is the next Marvin Harrison or just the next Tavon Austin. Or maybe, he’ll just continue to be the elite player that others are compared against.

Rookie Rundown: RB Michael Carter, North Carolina

Carter ready to take a situational role in the NFL.

Here’s the other half of the 1-2 punch of the Tarheel’s backfield for the last two seasons. Combined with Javonte Williams, Michael Carter rushed for over 1,000 yards in both 2019 and 2020. And both are expected to be drafted in the first three rounds.

As a senior at Navarre High School in Florida, Carter totaled 3,345 all-purpose yards and 45 total touchdowns as the USA Today Florida Offensive Player of the Year.

Carter was the No. 2 back for his first two seasons at North Carolina and then paired with Williams for a dominating backfield as a junior and senior. He was the No. 1 back in 2019 and then almost perfectly split the workload with Williams in 2020.

The final game of last season was against Miami. The duo combined for 544 rushing yards to set the all-time NCAA record for two running backs in a single game. Carter contributed 308 yards on 24 carries in that matchup for his ninth career game with over 100 yards. Despite the split backfield, Carter still turned in at least 16 carries in over half his games last year.

Height: 5-8
Weight: 190 pounds
40 time: 4.50 seconds

Carter opted out of the 2021 Orange Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft. While his teammate Williams is expected to be a first- or second-round pick, Carter is more likely to be a second- or third-round selection. He’s smaller at only 5-8, 190 pounds, while Williams is 5-10, 220 pounds. That makes a more significant difference in the NFL.

Running Back Michael Carter, North Carolina Stats (2017-2020)

Year	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2017	11	97	559	5.8	8	11	100	1	659	9
2018	9	84	597	7.1	2	25	135	1	732	3
2019	13	177	1003	5.7	3	21	154	2	1157	5
2020	11	156	1245	8.0	9	25	267	2	1512	11

Pros

Versatile rusher, receiver and blocker
Quick, creative rusher
Excellent vision
Smaller size helps get lost to second-level defenders
Solid route runner
Mismatch for linebackers to cover
Elusive in space
Plays tough despite size, physical when needed
Can return kicks and punts
Patient runner

Cons

Lack of size limits inside effectiveness
Projects as a situational or rotational back in the NFL
Quicker than fast, lacks upper gear
Benefitted from a great offensive line

Fantasy outlook

Carter is expected to join a committee backfield where he can become a part of the rotation – as he did in college. He finished with 82 receptions at North Carolina and should find at least a niche as a third-down back in the NFL. He was very productive with the ball in college, but at least part of that success came due to the quality of his blocking in a dominating Tarheel’s rush attack that created two “full-time” backs.

Dropping back to the second round, or more likely the third, he’ll be available to all teams looking to add to their backfield. Carter may not become a workhorse, but he can offer a valuable situational role. That fits with the style of offense that is popular in the current NFL.

The further he falls in the draft, the less likely he is a fantasy factor as a rookie. But if he is taken in the first three rounds by a team with an incomplete backfield, he’ll merit stashing on fantasy rosters.

He’ll most likely be a consideration for the Cardinals, Falcons, Broncos, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets, and Steelers.

Rookie Rundown: WR Nico Collins, Michigan

Collins brings size and plus-speed to the NFL ranks.

Michigan Wolverines wideout Nico Collins did himself a solid at his school’s pro day, running a faster time than expected and showing fluidity some may not have expected from such a large target.

Collins sat out the 2020 season, due to COVID-19 concerns, so teams have two full seasons of tape to rely on to assess just what to expect at the next level.

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 215 pounds
40 time: 4.42 seconds

Collins proved to be a downfield weapon in his time at U of M. He was hardly involved as a true freshman before showing efficiency and a knack for scoring touchdowns as a sophomore.

In his final season in Ann Arbor, Mich., he went on to earn the school’s Offensive Player of the Year Award. No Big Ten receiver averaged more yards per catch in 2019 than Collins.

Table: Nico Collins NCAA stats (2017-19)

Year	School	Class	Gm*	Receiving				Rushing
Year	School	Class	Gm*	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD
2017	Michigan	FR	2	3	27	9	0	0	0	—	0
2018	Michigan	SO	13	38	632	16.6	6	0	0	—	0
2019	Michigan	JR	12	37	729	19.7	7	0	0	—	0
Career				78	1,388	17.8	13	0	0	—	0

*includes postseason/bowl games

There will be some teams intrigued enough by Collins to consider selecting him in the late second round, but he is a more likely Round 3 choice. There’s an off-chance the former Wolverine doesn’t get his name called until Round 4, since it’s a deep class at the position.

Pros

Possesses an advantage in 50/50 situations with height, vertical jump (37 1/2 inches), timing and aggressiveness
Tracks deep ball well and displays late hands to keep defenders guessing
Quality speed down the field — not a burner but has accessible build-up speed
Hands catcher and does so with authority
Plenty to work with as a blocker — size and willingness to improve
Can create last-minute separation with body control and size — with a window is a foot or so, every bit helps, and Collins can really shine with accurate ball placement
Efficient production in 2018 and ’19
Considerable upside after sitting out 2020

[lawrence-related id=458080]

Cons

Tough to find film of him without a defender in his back pocket on intermediate and shorter routes
Struggles to escape press coverage against more physical corners
Lacks polish as a route runner and could use more disciplined footwork
Will be limited in routes available to match his traits at the next level — best utilized as a situation player early on with a chance to develop into a capable No. 2
With upside of being raw comes downside of being raw — potential worry in a league that has shortened the third- and fourth-year breakout bell curve to a season or two before teams grow impatient

Fantasy football outlook

It’s hard to not see a more powerful version of current Detroit Lions wide receiver Tyrell Williams when watching Collins work. Both are tall deep threats whose speed is just enough to make them dangerous in a straight line. Collins is a better jump-ball receiver and has more strength in his game, though Williams (6-foot-3 1/2, 204 pounds) demonstrated greater consistency in shedding defenders.

Collins probably will have an extremely limited role as a rookie, and his career could find him manning the No. 2 spot in an offense at split end over the next couple of seasons. He will carve out a role early on in the red zone and on go routes. Don’t expect to utilize him much in 2021, if at all, and it may take a couple of years before has routine lineup worthiness for those in dynasty formats.

Rookie Rundown: TE Kyle Pitts, Florida

Kyle Pitts is a unique difference maker that no one can cover

The quarterbacks may take center stage in this draft, but tight end Kyle Pitts is more interesting and has the highest potential fantasy value. Including for this year. His draft stock continues to rise, and he’s speculated to go as high as No. 3 overall.

Pitts became the starting tight end for Florida as a sophomore and earned the First Team All-SEC team that year. His 54 receptions led the team.

As a junior, he played only eight games due to a concussion/facial injury but he dominated with 12 touchdowns as their primary receiver. He ended with three 100-yard games last year, including seven catches for 129 yards and a score against Alabama in his final college game.

Pitts won the John Mackey Award as the top college tight end. He was the first tight end to be named as a Fred Biletnikoff award finalist that is given to the top college wide receiver. He skipped the Cotton Bowl and announced for the NFL draft.

Height: 6-6
Weight: 245 pounds
40 time: 4.44 seconds

The ex-Gator generates tremendous interest in the draft. He offers the rare combination of size and speed that recalls Calvin Johnson. He’s a pass-catching tight end that can line up anywhere on the field. He’s already drawn comparisons to Darren Waller and Travis Kelce.

Kyle Pitts Florida stats (2018-2020)

Year	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Total Yards	Total TDs
2018	3	3	73	24.3	1	73	1
2019	13	54	649	12.0	5	649	5
2020	8	43	770	17.9	12	770	12

The highest-drafted tight ends in the last ten years were Eric Ebron (2014 – 1.10) and O.J. Howard (2017 – 1.19) along with five other first rounders. The earliest selected tight ends in NFL history were Vernon Davis (2003) and Kellen Winslow Jr. (2004), who were both sixth-overall selections. There is a possibility that Pitts resets that record.

If you think his college stats look low, realize that Kelce only totaled 875 yards and ten touchdowns in his three years at the University of Cincinnati. Waller ended with 971 yards and nine scores in his three years at Georgia Tech. Pitts was phenomenal last season.

Pros

“Generational talent”
Mismatch against smaller corners and slower linebackers
Rare mix of size, speed and athleticism
Can play any position
Excellent route runner
Superior body control when he goes up for a catch
Red-zone threat
Not only fast but can vary route speed
Excellent change-of-direction skills
Wingspan still reaches poorly thrown balls
Elite acceleration off line
Strong, soft hands no matter angle of pass
Uses speed, agility, and hands to control the defender
Wins contested catches
Great work ethic

Cons

Not built for in-line blocking
Concussion in 2020
Not an aggressive blocker

Fantasy outlook

The fantasy outlook for Pitts is exceptionally high in an offensive position that serves up very few difference-makers. And while tight ends typically all but disappear as a rookie, Pitts should be a contributor even as a rookie. Potentially, his first-year role could be significant depending on which offense and passing scheme that he joins.

The consensus is that he’s not only a first-round talent but a slam dunk Top-10 and maybe even a Top-5 pick this year. While previous top picks like Vernon Davis and Kellen Winslow Jr. never produced elite stats, Pitts is considered a better prospect than either.

He enters the NFL when offenses are starting to feature receiving tight ends as primary targets. Like any rookie, his outlook depends greatly on where he ends up and who throws him passes. But no team spends a Top-10 or Top-5 pick without expecting to optimize the player’s talents.

His perceived value has him as the subject of trade rumors that will last up until the NFL draft. Quarterbacks are expected to dominate the first five picks but Pitts could end up in that group, possibly as the subject of a draft trade. He’s speculated to end up with the Falcons, Dolphins, Lions, Panthers and Cowboys. His first-year fantasy value takes a hit if he lands in Atlanta or Dallas since they are already receiver-rich.

As a fantasy dynasty pick, he could be argued to be the top rookie for 2021. The lifespan of a tight end is much longer than a running back and his path to being a Top-5 player in his position if far greater than any of the 2021 rookie wideouts.

Rookie Rundown: WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU

A year off didn’t harm Chase’s NFL draft stock.

Possessing otherworldly acceleration, former LSU Tigers wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase enters the 2021 NFL Draft as the consensus top player at his position, even after not playing a snap in 2020.

Chase opting out last year was a wise choice. He had nothing left to prove after a thoroughly dominant 2019 campaign that resulted in a national championship — a game in which he unleashed upon Clemson to the tune of 9-221-2.

The Tigers lost quarterback Joe Burrow, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson to the NFL after Chase’s sophomore season, and there was only one direction likely for his career to head in 2020.

Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 201 pounds
40 time: 4.38 seconds

The decision to sit out didn’t affect his draft stock, and Chase is pretty well guaranteed to be chosen in the first 10 picks. He will immediately upgrade a passing game’s vertical attack, and there’s really no system that he couldn’t find advantageous.

Table: Ja’Marr Chase NCAA stats (2018-19)

Year	School	Class	Gm*	Receiving				Rushing
Year	School	Class	Gm*	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD
2018	LSU	FR	10	23	313	13.6	3	0	0		0
2019	LSU	SO	14	84	1,780	21.2	20	1	5	5	0
Career				107	2,093	19.6	23	1	5	5	0

*includes postseason/bowl games

As a true freshman, Chase contributed a trio of scores and set the tone for a monster season in 2019. The Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation’s top receiver set an SEC record for 20 receiving scores and 1,780 yards in his coming out party.

Pros

Unbelievable acceleration
Led all WRs in separation created in 2019, per NFL analyst Cynthia Frelund
Dangerous with the ball in his hands
Highly productive, competitive and a hard worker
Raw ability alone suggests Hall-of-Fame-caliber upside
Reliable hands — plucks the ball out of the air and dazzles with “wow” grabs
Tracks the ball over his shoulder as well as anyone
Understands how to help a quarterback under duress by coming back to the ball and also flagging to go deep
Extremely tough to stick with in one-on-one coverage
Will command defensive game planning if for no other reason than his speed
Destroyed top competition, especially Clemson in the 2019 championship
Still has room for growth in his game by fine-tuning some of the nuances
Can play all three levels of the route tree but excels down the field
Consistently showed nose for the end zone from anywhere on the field — eight touchdowns of at least 50 yards in 2019
Proportionally built frame with ample thickness and strength to play through feeble tackle attempts
Fast-to-act mitts — whether it be late catches or hand fighting with a defender
Contends with regularity in high-point situations

[lawrence-related id=458012]

Cons

Sat out all of 2020 — could be rusty
How much did he benefit from Burrow, Jefferson and CEH alleviating pressure?
Stronger corners can press jam him at the line easier than you’d like to see from a WR1
LSU didn’t ask him to run overly complex routes
Plenty of rounded routes on film — oddly, it wasn’t a detriment to his productivity, but NFL cornerbacks can capitalize on the lack of attention to detail
Can become overly reliant on his athleticism

Fantasy football outlook

Draft placement will matter most for the Year 1 contributions of a player whose career path has all of the hallmarks of eventually being enshrined in Canton. He’s an elite prospect for long-term fantasy football use, which isn’t in doubt, but the question at hand: What can gamers expect from him in 2021?

We’ll pencil in quarterbacks for the first three picks, and no one is going to put up a strong argument otherwise. In this scenario, Atlanta is the fourth team on the board. Julio Jones is on the wrong side of 30 and battled injuries most of the 2020 season. Calvin Ridley developed into a true No. 1, Matt Ryan is getting long in the tooth as well, and the defense is littered with holes. There’s a stronger argument against Chase going to Atlanta than there is for his selection by the Falcons, but it’s the earliest he will come off the board.

The Cincinnati Bengals hold the No. 5 pick and lost wide receiver A.J. Green in free agency. There’s a greater need to protect Burrow than to provide another receiving target, but it’s understandable the quarterback will lobby his offensive-minded head coach to make a stink over drafting Burrow’s favorite target from 2019. It still seems unlikely to happen, though, with offensive tackle Penei Sewell staring them down with this pick.

Presuming Chase goes No. 6 overall, the Miami Dolphins would incorporate him into the offense with DeVante Parker and newcomer Will Fuller. The latter is more of a vertical threat than Parker, and it would create a situation that requires defenders to pick their poison for double teams. Chase to Miami appears to be the most logical landing spot.

It’s not an ideal way for Chase’s fantasy career to begin, since he’d be a cog in the machine rather than the machine itself, and he will get lost in the shuffle at times. Yet, with Fuller being fragile, suspended for the first game of the year and longer with another mishap, and on a one-year deal, this situation is favorable for grooming Chase toward a 2022 breakout.

Should he escape the first six selections, Detroit holds the No. 7 spot and is beyond desperate for a true No. 1 receiver. There’s no doubt Chase would be the top weapon in the passing game right away if he were to land in Motown.

No. 8 is owned by the Carolina Panthers, and while the team doesn’t have as strong of a need at receiver as it may on defense and the offensive line, Chase will be tempting to help show the trade for Sam Darnold wasn’t a mistake. Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady was the architect of LSU’s powerhouse offense in 2019, so we can quickly locate two influential people within the organization who will stump for Chase.

The Philadelphia Eagles hold the 12th pick, and Chase would be an immediate upgrade to the offense. He’d pair with last year’s first-round receiver in Jalen Reagor to create a formidable deep-threat tandem. This would be an immediate starting situation that offers a wealth of potential for a Rookie of the Year performance.

It’s hard to see him making it past the Lions, and unless an outside team trades into the top seven or so spots, Chase’s future employer is among those six teams listed.

For 2021 redraft leagues, Chase is a No. 3 fantasy target in the right opportunity, and there’s a good chance he becomes a weekly starter in no time.