Tag: 2021 NFL rookies

Rookie Rundown: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC

Blessed with pedigree and maturity to succeed, St. Brown is an intriguing prospect.

Former USC Trojans wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown heads to the NFL after 29 games of action and respectable results to show for his time with the program.

Son of John Brown, — no, not that John Brown — a repeat world-champion bodybuilder, the 21-year-old prospect is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers wideout Equanimeous St. Brown.

Height: 5-foot-11 1/2
Weight: 197 pounds
40 time: 4.51 seconds

The junior receiver decided to bypass another year at Southern Cal to enter the 2021 NFL Draft, where he’s expected to be a Day 3 pick with a chance for being chosen in the third round.

At USC, St. Brown immediately made a name for himself, corralling 60 passes for 750 yards and a trio of touchdowns as a true freshman. He’d earn an honorable mention for Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, and St. Brown garnered another honorable mention in 2019 for All-Pac-12.

Table: Amon-Ra St. Brown NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year
School
Class
Gm*
Receiving
Rushing
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
2018
USC
FR
11
60
750
12.5
3
2
9
4.5
0
2019
USC
SO
13
77
1,042
13.5
6
7
60
8.6
1
2020
USC
JR
6
41
478
11.7
7
0
0
—
0
Career
178
2,270
12.8
16
9
69
7.7
1

*includes postseason/bowl games

Only six games were played by the school, due to COVID-19 restrictions, in 2020, and St. Brown made the most of it. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 after the abbreviated season.

Pros

  • Fierce, tenacious attitude
  • Fearless over the middle
  • NFL bloodlines and an extraordinarily athletic background — one brother in the NFL, father was a world-class bodybuilder, and has another brother enrolled in Stanford’s football program
  • Highly disciplined and intelligent — speaks three languages
  • Gym rat with a chiseled frame
  • Consistent and productive
  • Functional speed to get deep
  • Dynamic range of release techniques to beat multiple coverages
  • Above-average footwork in and out of breaks — demonstrates understanding of using momentum against a defensive back through body lean and timing
  • Body control and balance are among his best traits
  • Natural catcher, especially of over-the-shoulder deep patterns
  • Slippery after making the grab
  • Adept at repositioning and coming back for underthrown passes
  • Contests in 50/50 balls with bigger defenders
  • Some experience in the return game on special teams
  • Team captain in 2020
  • Aggressive blocker

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Cons

  • Lacks breakaway speed
  • Could be isolated into playing from the slot
  • A picky NFL coaching staff may get after him about rounding some breaks — seems to be a product of trying to read the defender more than a lack of focus
  • Longer cornerbacks could give him problems in the NFL
  • Capped ceiling for NFL upside — probably won’t be the WR1 in many situations, or at least not if things are going well
  • Needs to focus on fundamentals as a blocker

Fantasy football outlook

An all-around prospect, ready to contribute early, St. Brown is more NFL-ready than his brother was coming out of college a few seasons ago. The expected draft range for the younger St. Brown is so broad that it is close to a guessing game to forecast his eventual NFL home.

Several teams need receivers more than most — the usual suspects, including Detroit, Philadelphia, Tennessee, Indianapolis, Baltimore and New Orleans stand out. Other franchises that could show interest: Las Vegas, Jacksonville, San Francisco, the New York Giants and Jets, as well as Washington, New England, Atlanta, Carolina and Cincinnati.

St. Brown profiles similarly to Nelson Agholor, Keelan Cole and Antonio Brown. As a rookie, his fantasy expectations should be kept to a minimum, but he has the chops to contribute rather than red-shirt. He’s likely to enter the league in position to be depth material for an NFL club, which is usually a recipe for living on the fantasy football waiver wire.

As often seen with rookie receivers, the long-term outlook is more appealing, and one doesn’t have to look far to find strong supporters of St. Brown as being a sleeper of sorts at the next level. He has infinitely more value in full-retention keeper/dynasty formats than 2021 redraft leagues. He has potential for WR2 utilization on a regular basis.

Rookie Rundown: TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State

An all-around talent coming back from shoulder surgery.

The traditional “Y” tight end is slowly going extinct in the NFL, but we’ll see it live on for the immediate future. There’s zero doubt Florida’s Kyle Pitts is the king of this year’s tight ends class (and most years, for that matter), but Penn Stater Pat Freiermuth is not terribly far behind.

It all comes down to what teams look for in the position. These two couldn’t be much farther apart in style of play as Pitts is so freakishly athletic that the more well-rounded Freiermuth lags behind in luster.

A highly decorated high school star, Freiermuth contributed immediately as a true freshman for Penn State. He scored eight times on just 26 catches and would receive an honorable mention for All-Big Ten as well as being named to the Freshman All-American team in 2018.

Surprisingly, Freiermuth was not among the 2019 finalists for the John Mackey Award, which is given to the top tight end in the nation. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and was named Penn State’s MVP on offense.

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 251 pounds
40 time: TBD

A shoulder injury that required surgery after his fourth game in 2020 ended Freiermuth’s junior season, and he did not lift or run at his school’s pro day.

Table: Pat Freiermuth NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year
School
Class
Gm*
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
2018
Penn State
FR
12
26
368
14.2
8
2019
Penn State
SO
13
43
507
11.8
7
2020
Penn State
JR
4
23
310
13.5
1
Career
92
1,185
12.9
16

*includes postseason/bowl games

No tight end in Penn State history has scored more touchdowns than Freiermuth’s 16, and he proved to be not only efficient but a dangerous weapon down the field.

Pros

  • Played all over the field as an H-back, slot tight end and in the traditional “Y” role
  • Great body control going up for the ball
  • Quality hands and doesn’t let too many get into the pads
  • Size-athleticism combo will immediately catch a scout’s eye
  • Devastating stiff arm
  • Plays with palpable enthusiasm and energy
  • Displays pretty good spatial awareness for the sticks and soft spots in coverage
  • Confident and competitive — was a two-time team captain
  • Above-average natural blocking skills
  • Tough to bring down in the open field — bullies defenders and has just enough of a stutter step to pick up a few more yards
  • Background playing basketball offers coaches some fundamental tools to improve
  • Considerable upside for improvement

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Cons

  • Good but not great athlete who sometimes struggles to shake physical defenders
  • Shoulder injury needs to check out
  • Doesn’t always use his size to his advantage vs. defenders — needs to rely more on his hoops background to box out and keep defenders away from incoming targets
  • Most of his room for growth comes as a blocker — generally gets by on combination of athleticism and willingness. Displays flashes of elite blocking potential and can be molded for improvement by a quality coaching staff

Fantasy football outlook

People will compare Freiermuth in ways to Rob Gronkowski, and some of it is fair, but a more apt comparison is a blend of Jason Witten and Zach Ertz in terms of style and potential career trajectory. Gronkowski will go down as one of the best players at his position and has been in many ways revolutionary for his position.

Witten had a lunch-pail career that will land him in Canton, but for many years he was the top receiver in Dallas due to his crafty routes and above-average athleticism. Ertz is a blend of the those attributes, too, but is probably on pace for the “Hall of Very Good” instead of collecting a yellow jacket. There’s an argument he belongs, but it’s not a slam dunk like with Gronk or Witten.

Loft comparisons, for sure, and the Penn State standout deserves scrutiny, too. Keep all of that in mind as Freiermuth is far from a finished product. He has 29 appearances under his belt, and it remains unclear how the NFL offseason will look for rookies early on. Tight end is typically one of the positions that is slower to develop at the next level when it comes to finding fantasy football success, Freiermuth’s trajectory should be no different.

He is expected to be a second-round selection, but the injury could cause him to fall into Round 3. There are plenty of teams in need of the position, but the best immediate fits would be the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints.

It’s entirely possible the team that drafts him isn’t on that list, because several other clubs have potential situations developing. Philadelphia, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, the Los Angeles Chargers and the New York Giants all have viable starters in place but could be in the hunt to improve for beyond 2021.

Freiermuth figures to become one of the staples at his position in fantasy football as he finds his way over the next several years. The landscape is currently top-heavy, and he’s capable of battling his way into the top six or so fantasy tight ends by the end of 2022 if everything around him lines up properly.

Rookie Rundown: RB Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis

This explosive running back lives up to his name.

Is there a better running back to represent Kenneth Gainwell’s surname than the Memphis wonder? Just about as explosive as they make ’em, Gainwell was among the nation’s most impressive dual-threat running backs in 2019 prior to opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns — more than understandable after losing four members of his family to the virus.

Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 190 pounds
40 time: 4.42 seconds

Memphis has churned out several NFL backs in recent years, including Dallas’ Tony Pollard, Green Bay’s Patrick Taylor, and the Los Angeles Rams’ Darrell Henderson. All three backs were ahead of Gainwell as a true freshman in 2018, so he decided to settle on a redshirt year after 10 total touches — 10 really impressive touches (four carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, six catches, 52 yards).

Table: Kenneth Gainwell NCAA stats (2018-19)

Year
School
Class
Gm*
Rushing
Receiving
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
2018
Memphis
FR
4
4
91
22.8
1
6
52
8.7
0
2019
Memphis
rFR
14
231
1,459
6.3
13
51
610
12.0
3
Career
235
1,550
6.6
14
57
662
11.6
3

*includes postseason/bowl games

Gainwell earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors and was named AAC Rookie of the Year in 2019. His versatility and combustible nature will make for an interesting weapon in the NFL, but finding the right home is a must.

Pros

  • Dangerous threat to score every time he touches the ball
  • Super productive in his one season of meaningful work
  • Enough strength to run through arm tackles
  • Effective spin move and contact balance to collect himself for more yardage
  • Experienced out of the backfield running more complex routes
  • Naturally gifted receiver, understanding techniques to better position his body and allow him to catch on the run
  • Seamlessly flexes out wide and into the slot
  • Great fit for a zone-blocking system that allows him to utilize his vision and cutback ability — patiently plays off of his blocks with unpredictable fluidity
  • Recognizes how to manipulate a defender’s momentum to work in Gainwell’s favor
  • Gives an earnest effort in blitz pickup
  • Not much dancing behind the line — has a north-south mentality not often seen in backs of his stature

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Cons

  • For as explosive as he is, it’s tough to find much tape with a second gear — hits the hole fast and rarely shows the ability to kick it up a notch
  • Limited creativity in the open field — quite a bit of film of his skills behind the line and in the heart of the trenches, but second- and third-level moves tend to be basic
  • Gravitates toward contact — admirable trait, but it’s more often than not a career-killer for a back of his size
  • A one-year wonder?
  • System-dependent — most of his carries and catches came from manufactured plays in a spread, wide-zone concept
  • Lacks physical strength to be more than a “get in the way” blocker

Fantasy football outlook

While it isn’t a perfect comparison by any means, Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines comes to mind when evaluating Gainwell. Both have the speed, hands, and route-running skills to thrive in the correct role.

Due to his limitations and a depressed need for the position, Gainwell figures to be a third-round pick. He could move into the late second, and there’s not going to be much shock if he falls into Round 4, but he’s bound to be selected in the first five rounds.

Teams in need of a back with similar traits: Jacksonville, Atlanta, Denver, San Francisco, Arizona and Tennessee. Arizona sort of has that in Chase Edmonds, but he’s not an every-down guy. Tennessee doesn’t like taking Derrick Henry off of the field, but improved depth is a must.

The best fits for immediate impact would be the Jaguars, Broncos and 49ers. San Fran would be fun to see, due to creativity and a need, but fantasy football owners could become frustrated by erratic involvement from week to week. Gainwell deserves attention for roster depth in 2021 single-year drafts, and he has weekly flex potential in long-term PPR formats.

Rookie Rundown: RB Najee Harris, Alabama

Harris has the skills and pedigree needed to thrive.

Alabama has churned out a few quality NFL running backs in recent years, and the next in line appears to be Najee Harris. The burly but athletic specimen has all of the necessary tools to shine over three downs of action in the pros.

A highly recruited prep star, Harris bided his time in the Alabama program behind eventual NFL backs, including Damien Harris in 2017 and Josh Jacobs in ’18. When it finally became time to shine, he produced strong numbers — only to eclipse them in 2020’s abbreviated campaign.

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 230 pounds
40 time: TBD (4.52 estimated)

Harris did not run at either of Alabama’s Pro Days, due to a minor ankle injury suffered late in 2020’s season. He is expected to be fine soon enough, so the 40 time is an estimate based on past reports from his workouts with the team.

The 2019 junior took over as the primary starter for the Crimson Tide and earned second-team All-SEC honors. His production alone would have been enough for a high draft stock, but Harris opted to return for his senior season, and it paid off in a big way.

Table: Najee Harris NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year
School
Class
Gm*
Rushing
Receiving
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
2017
Alabama
FR
10
61
370
6.1
3
6
45
7.5
0
2018
Alabama
SO
15
117
783
6.7
4
4
7
1.8
0
2019
Alabama
JR
13
209
1,224
5.9
13
27
304
11.3
7
2020
Alabama
SR
13
251
1,466
5.8
26
43
425
9.9
4
Career
638
3,843
6.0
46
80
781
9.8
11

*includes postseason/bowl games

The summation of his time at Alabama: Harris finished as the school’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (46), total touchdowns (57), and rushing yards (3,843). He won the Doak Walker Award in 2020 as the nation’s best back, and Harris also received first-team All-SEC recognition. No player scored more total touchdowns in 2020.

Pros

  • Blend of size-speed-power-hands creates a unique weapon for clever playcallers
  • Moves more nimbly than size suggests — displays a swift stop-and-go move that creates whiffs. Harris has plus lateral ability and makes people miss with regularity
  • Leaping ability to leave his feet for extra yardage
  • Experienced running downfield routes out of the backfield
  • Quality hands as a receiver
  • Quicker than fast — explosive in a short area
  • Patient enough with the vision and anticipatory skills needed as a pro
  • Excellent ball security
  • Tremendous balance and body control through contact for a back of his size
  • Runs with an attitude, especially around the stripe
  • Feet are constantly in motion
  • Respectable stiff arm and an effective swipe to brush off smaller defenders
  • Able to get to the perimeter fast enough to get into the second level on zone stretches
  • Waited for his opportunity in a crowded backfield and delivered when called upon — showed he can come in cold and immediately contribute as well as hold up to the rigors of being the featured back
  • Only a moderate amount of touches over four years (718)
  • Quite capable as a blocker in pass protection

Cons

  • Coming off a minor ankle injury
  • Super aggressive, which can get him into trouble at times
  • Violent nature of play will expose him to injuries and/or a shortened NFL career
  • Top-line speed won’t run away from many NFL defenders
  • Despite lower volume of work over four years, Harris has been a busy guy in the past two seasons
  • The leaping over people is fun to watch but won’t be as effective in the NFL

Fantasy football outlook

Don’t automatically see this large-framed Alabama back and think Derrick Henry. Harris is more Mark Ingram or Steven Jackson. While neither of those guys were slouches, they also weren’t the King.

Harris has a first-round grade on talent alone, but teams will devalue him based on the positional need and this being a deep draft class for quarterbacks and wideouts. It’s still certainly within reason he will be chosen in the first round, however.

The Miami Dolphins (18th) and New York Jets (23rd) are the most reasonable spots for him in Round 1. The Arizona Cardinals (16th) could pitch a curveball, and the Buffalo Bills (30th) are a farfetched but remotely possible destination.

Near the top of Round 2 is probably the floor of Harris’ draft stock, with the Jets (34th), Atlanta Falcons (35th), Denver Broncos (40th) and San Francisco 49ers (43rd) all likely landing spots.

Arizona, Miami and the Jets would be ideal spots in terms of opportunity for three-down work. The Bills already have two young backs and added Matt Breida in the offseason — none of them are in Harris’ league, though. Atlanta added Mike Davis, but he’s not the long-term answer and maybe not even the immediate one as a career journeyman. Denver and San Fran would give more stability around him but create serious time-share situations.

In the right spot, Harris is a strong contender for RB2 status on a weekly aggregate basis. The floor, provided he stays healthy, is quality depth if drafted by any of those teams.

Rookie Rundown: WR Rondale Moore, Purdue

Moore’s versatility will entice a midround selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Undoubtedly, multiple NFL offensive coordinators are drooling over the conjuring concepts for how they’d utilize Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore. Despite being among the smallest receivers to enter the NFL, his dynamic style of play will give Moore a real shot at making a name for himself at the next level.

Moore will primarily play out of the slot in the NFL, and his initial release off the line will embarrass more than one defensive back on Sundays. In the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore probably finds himself chosen in the third round or as an early Day 3 selection.

Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 180 pounds
40 time: 4.29 seconds (unofficial)

He was a high school standout as the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year in 2017. The momentum carried over as Moore exploded onto the college football scene as a true freshman.

In 2018, he landed 114 passes for 1,258 yards and scored 12 times as a receiver, adding a pair on the ground. The do-all weapon averaged greater than 10 yards per touch of the ball that season. Moore’s performance earned him recognition as the nation’s most versatile player, BCS Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year, consensus All-American, and first-team All-Big Ten.

Table: Rondale Moore NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year
School
Class
Pos
Gm*
Receiving
Rushing
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
2018
Purdue
FR
WR
13
114
1,258
11.0
12
21
213
10.1
2
2019
Purdue
SO
WR
4
29
387
13.3
2
3
3
1.0
0
2020
Purdue
SO
WR
3
35
270
7.7
0
6
32
5.3
1
Career
178
1,915
10.8
14
30
248
8.3
3

*includes postseason/bowl games

A rather quick start to his 2019 encore showed promise before a hamstring injury cost him the rest of the year. The ailment allowed him to utilize a red-shirt sophomore year. Moore would go to play only three of six games in 2020’s abbreviated season after rescinding his decision to opt-out due to COVID-19 concerns.

Pros

  • Devastating release if not jammed — quick to accelerate to full speed (sub-4.3 speed)
  • Sells route fakes and consistently baits defenders into guessing wrong
  • Will chew up cushion in zone coverage holes
  • Difficult to corral in the open field
  • Sees lanes in traffic before they develop
  • Experienced with jet sweeps, screens, pitches, and reverses
  • He returned 59 kicks and punts prior to none in 2020
  • Strong leadership traits and character — will immediately upgrade a locker room
  • Extremely competitive over the middle
  • More powerful than his size suggests he should be
  • Incredible leaping ability (42 1/2-inch vertical)

Cons

  • Wild swings in on-field production before and after the hamstring injury
  • Size will turn off some teams
  • Likely limited in his career as a primary slot receiver or WR4 in expanded packages
  • Needs to improve timing in jump-ball situations, — sometimes masked by having incredible vertical jump
  • Limited ability as a blocker

Fantasy football outlook

In all likelihood, Moore will be a specialty player in the pros. That doesn’t mean he cannot produce fantasy-relevant stats some weeks, though it will require consistently high efficiency to truly deliver with a reduced snap count.

His skill set and ability will fit too many teams to list with any clarity toward his eventual drafting franchise. Moore profiles similarly to several NFL players, including Jakeem Grant, Tarik Cohen, De’Anthony Thomas and Tyler Lockett.

The smaller stature is what obviously stands out with examining comparable guys. The more important aspect will be fit in the right system. A spread offense with a focus on option routes will suit Moore the best, yet he has the chops to take over a WR1 role from the slot, similarly to Lockett or Julian Edelman.

Depending upon where he winds up in the draft, Moore’s 2021 value is probably capped at fantasy football depth material. He’ll have more consistent appeal in daily fantasy action as a low-cost flier than a reliable flex choice in traditional formats. Over the long haul, Moore has potential to develop into a borderline No. 1 fantasy receiver, similar to Lockett.

Rookie Rundown: RB Javonte Williams, North Carolina

North Carolina’s Javonte Williams should blossom in the right setting.

North Carolina running back Javonte Williams‘ violent rushing style will earn him a place on NFL and fantasy football rosters in no time. He thrashes through defenders and brings an all-around game that is arguably the most versatile of any incoming rookie prospect.

A prep linebacker turned running back, the high school valedictorian isn’t all brawn. Williams’ heady ways will attract plenty of suitors at the next level. The Tar Heels utilized him as a true freshman, and Williams would go on to earn AP second-team All-American and second-team All-ACC honors as a junior in 2020 while sharing the backfield with Michael Carter.

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 220 pounds
40 time: 4.58 seconds

Williams may not be the fastest back, but neither was Frank Gore (also ran 4.58-second 40), and he turned out okay. Even though Williams may not be drafted as the highest running back taken in 2021’s NFL Draft, he certainly could prove to be the most effective out of the gates for fantasy football purposes.

Table: Javonte Williams NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year
School
Class
Gm*
Rushing
Receiving
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
2018
 North Carolina
FR
10
43
224
5.2
5
8
58
7.3
0
2019
 North Carolina
SO
13
166
933
5.6
5
17
176
10.4
1
2020
 North Carolina
JR
11
157
1,140
7.3
19
25
305
12.2
3
Career
366
2,297
6.3
29
50
539
10.8
4

*includes postseason/bowl games

Williams led all NCAA rushers in missed tackles and finished fourth in yards after contact in 2020, per Pro Football Focus. He was second in attempts of 15 or more yards gained.

Sharing time during his three years at North Carolina prepared him for the modern NFL’s penchant for splitting workloads and compartmentalizing backfield chores. His versatility will allow for scheme flexibility, but any team serious about drafting Williams must predominantly value his smashmouth nature.

Pros

  • Only 366 NCAA touches means he doesn’t enter the NFL already half worn out
  • Ridiculously productive per touch, averaging 6.8 per play in his career and 7.9 last season
  • Powerful, violent style of play with elite yards-after-contact ability
  • Patient back who allows blocks to develop and paces his burst accordingly
  • Fluid enough hips to pull off jukes, start-stops, and cut-backs to create extra yardage
  • Three-down back potential
  • Tremendous contact balance — consistently able to shed clinging defenders, reset his center of gravity, and power forward
  • Experienced running more advanced routes out of the backfield
  • Demonstrated a crafty determination for the end zone in 2020
  • Improved pass protection as collegiate career moved along

Cons

  • Capable receiver but not naturally gifted in this area — a few ugly drops
  • Lacks breakaway speed, forcing him to earn extra yardage the hard way
  • The hyper-aggressive running style cuts both ways, opening him up to greater injury potential and possibly shortening any longevity gains resulting from a low touch total
  • While successful on inside zones and behind power-blocking schemes, may be a touch slow for outside zone work in the NFL

Fantasy football outlook

Williams could be a victim of a de-emphasis on his position and an extremely deep class at quarterback and wide receiver, pushing his draft stock below where it should be based on his merits. A likely draft placement is the early second round is still more than respectable, although Williams is deserving of spot among the top 32 players, regardless of position.

There’s a small chance Williams could make his way into the late first round. Either way, there will be a host of teams interested in his services atop the second round. Miami jumps out as a likely landing spot, provided it doesn’t invest a first-rounder in Travis Etienne or Najee Harris. The same can be said for the New York Jets.

The Jets (34th overall), Atlanta Falcons (35th), Miami Dolphins (36th), Denver Broncos (40th) and the New York Giants (42nd) are the most viable landing spots, if he escapes the first round.

In 2021’s fantasy season, Williams has a range of high-end backup all the way up to Rookie of the Year contender. Any of the aforementioned teams present more than enough touches to make him a No. 2 option with the right matchups.

Based on touch potential alone, the Jets and Falcons offer the most volume opportunity to become a bell cow. In Miami or Denver, he’d have more offensive stability but a pronounced role share. Over the long haul, Williams should be among the most coveted backs in upcoming dynasty/keeper drafts.

Rookie Rundown: WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

Does Waddle offer more than deep-threat ability at the next level?

Alabama standout receiver Jaylen Waddle is poised to be among the top selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, and his game-breaking athleticism presents a generational talent.

Few wide receivers offer video game-like movement skills of Waddle’s caliber, and watching him play immediately redirects the mind to Tyreek Hill. NFL teams and fantasy footballers alike welcome with open arms such a rare skill set.

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 182 pounds
40 time: 4.30s estimated

Waddle was highly recruited out of Episcopal High School in Houston. He earned AP second-team All-American and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year Award recognition in 2020.

Waddle missed the March 23 Alabama Pro Day, due to a broken ankle suffered six games into the 2020 season, and he was unable to go during the second round of the school’s on-field demonstration for pro scouts. The junior returned to play in Alabama’s national championship game vs. Ohio State — visibly limping at times — and was held to 34 yards on three catches.

Table: Jaylen Waddle NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year
School
Class
Pos
Gm*
Receiving
Rushing
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
2018
Alabama
FR
WR
15
45
848
18.8
7
0
0
0
2019
Alabama
SO
WR
13
33
560
17.0
6
1
5
5
0
2020
Alabama
JR
WR
6
28
591
21.1
4
3
12
4
0
Career
34
106
1,999
18.9
17
4
17
4.3
0

*includes postseason/bowl games

The 2019 Crimson Tide receiving corps was so talented it contributed to Waddle’s limited utilization. He was buried behind Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs and DeVonta Smith. While the statistics may not jump off the page for volume, the efficiency metrics are ridiculous. He scored every 6.2 catches, and the career 18.9 yards-per-reception is elite.

Surprisingly, Waddle didn’t see many handles on the ground, although he was dynamic in the return game. He scored three times on 47 combined kick and punt returns. Eleven of his 20 career scores came from at least 50 yards.

Pros

  • Terrifying speed for defenses to game plan against
  • Impressive fluidity and agility
  • Limited touches in college should have him fresh as a daisy in the pros
  • Can line up anywhere on the field and fits pretty much every NFL system
  • Has room to develop his game and fine-tune areas beyond sheer athleticism
  • Loose hips, quick-twitch movement make him exceptionally difficult to cover on breaking routes
  • Dangerous in the return game (averaged 19.3 yards per punt return)
  • Rare leaping ability makes him a formidable challenger in jump-ball situations
  • Adjusts to the deep ball and tracks as well as anyone
  • Utilized on all three levels of the route tree

Cons

  • Can outrun most quarterbacks’ arm strength, which potentially creates problems if the timing isn’t spot on
  • Blocking is unlikely to ever be his strong suit
  • A few body catches and easy drops on his tape
  • Will need some refinement in the game’s nuances as a pro, namely in hand technique to escape press coverage, removing the occasional wasted step, better emphasis on plucking the ball away from him — all minor aspects that come when being picky about an elite weapon
  • The ankle injury shouldn’t be a serious concern or a long-term one, but it warrants noting given his high draft stock

Fantasy football outlook

There will be only a handful of players to come off of the board before Waddle in the upcoming draft. The likeliest landing spot is the Detroit Lions at No. 7. After losing Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones in free agency, the Lions have to assemble more talent around incoming quarterback Jared Goff.

There’s a small chance Miami covets Waddle more than Ja’Marr Chase at No. 6, presuming either is available. If Waddle somehow makes it past the Lions, it’s hard to see him slipping beyond Philadelphia’s 12th overall selection.

Waddle being compared to the Chiefs’ Hill is a mildly unfair in the sense Hill has accomplished so much at this point in his career. Waddle was a part-time player in college and isn’t quite as functionally strong as Hill. There are a few nitpicking negatives, but the potential for superstardom is real, hence the comp.

In Year 1, it’s probable we see Waddle flash several times but fail to string together consistently strong performances. Be prepared to draft him with this frustration in mind. He’s a WR4 with flex potential in the short term and has upside to be among the top few players at his position in no time.

Rookie Rundown: WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa

Could the NFL and fantasy footballers have a sleeper on their hands?

Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette enters the 2021 NFL Draft as one of the most explosive weapons in the vertical game. In his four years playing for the Hawkeyes, “ISM” delivered the goods as a receiver, rusher and special teams returner with explosive success.

Many people may recognize him from an ill-fated flip into the end zone that resulted in a sprained ankle in December of last year. While it may have been a poor decision in hindsight, Smith-Marsette said he’d do it again as it was his final game in his home stadium. It may prove to be a cautionary tale, although it shouldn’t be held against him when evaluating his overall body of work.

Height: 6-foot-0 1/2
Weight: 181 pounds
40 time: 4.43 seconds

The above measurables are from Iowa’s recent pro day. Smith-Marsette stood out among his school’s peers, displaying his speed, quickness and agility … every bit helps in a year without a scouting combine.

Table: Ihmir Smith-Marsette NCAA stats (2017-20)

Year
School
Class
Gm
Receiving
Rushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD
2017
Iowa
FR
11
18
187
10.4
2
7
41
5.9
0
2018
Iowa
SO
12
23
361
15.7
3
9
71
7.9
0
2019
Iowa
JR
13
44
722
16.4
5
11
108
9.8
3
2020
Iowa
SR
7
25
345
13.8
4
7
54
7.7
1
Career
110
1,615
14.7
14
34
274
8.1
4

*includes postseason/bowl games

Used in a number of ways, but primarily lined up as the “Z” (flanker) receiver, ISM made plays as a freshman and continued to improve over the next couple of seasons. He may be pigeon-holed as a slot receiver in the NFL.

The Hawkeyes played only eight games in 2020, and there was a quarterback switch after 2019 after Nate Stanley was drafted. The program turned to redshirt sophomore Spencer Petras, which returned mixed results for Smith-Marsette.

Pros

  • Electric, game-changing ability in the open field
  • Adept at tracking the ball over his shoulders and not losing a step
  • Versatility will immediately endear him to an NFL franchise — can line up inside and out, run jet sweeps, and contribute as a return man
  • Demonstrated consistent ability to come back for an underthrown pass and make a play on the ball
  • Moves effortlessly in traffic and displays plus read-and-react skills
  • Averaged 28.7 yards per kickoff return and scored twice
  • NFL-based offensive system will help prepare him
  • Serious upside to expand his game into being more well-rounded

Cons

  • Arrested Nov. 2020 for driving under the influence and speeding
  • The aforementioned celebratory flip-turned-injury will turn off some teams
  • Slight frame impacts his role and ability to contribute as a blocker — also begs the question about whether he can beat press-man coverage on the outside
  • Limited route tree — not that he is incapable of being better in this area, but Iowa didn’t ask him to run many intermediate paths
  • Suspect hands early in his career — while improved, some of it has been masked by route choices and shaky QB play

Fantasy football outlook

With an expected draft placement in the Round 3 neighborhood, it’s unlikely Smith-Marsette will be featured in his rookie year. Extenuating circumstances could change this outlook, of course, but fantasy footballers shouldn’t get overly excited right away.

In Year 2 and beyond, ISM should have more considerable potential for a primary role in the offense of his drafting team. His style of play makes ample of sense for the Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints based on current needs.

Nearly anywhere he lands in the upcoming draft will find creative ways to manufacture touches. Much like his collegiate stats, gamers should expect low-volume, high-output results. In the ideal setting, there’s considerable upside for more from Smith-Marsette.

Rookie Rundown: WR Seth Williams, Auburn

Williams profiles as a possession receiver in the NFL, but he comes with considerable downside.

Auburn junior wide receiver Seth Williams will enter the 2021 NFL Draft after an inconsistent but promising stint with the Tigers.

Coming out of high school, Williams was a highly recruited player who passed on a chance at playing for Alabama in favor of Auburn. He made an immediate impression, scoring five times (tied for team lead), which helped him earn SEC honors as a freshman.

The 2019 season saw Williams’ trajectory continue upward, finishing with team-highs as a receiver (59-830-8). A statistical downturn came in 2020 as quarterback Bo Nix struggled with inconsistency. Nevertheless, Williams still led the team in receiving.

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 211 pounds
40 time: 4.50 seconds

Auburn’s pro day gave Williams a chance to showcase his measurements and on-field performance in drills. He didn’t hurt himself draft-wise, but it’s tough to expect his stock will climb much higher than the early portion of Round 3.

Table: Seth Williams NCAA stats (2018-20)

Year
School
Class
Pos
Gm*
Receiving
Rushing
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
2018
Auburn
FR
WR
10
26
534
20.5
5
0
0
—
0
2019
Auburn
SO
WR
12
59
830
14.1
8
0
0
—
0
2020
Auburn
JR
WR
11
47
760
16.2
4
0
0
—
0
Career
33
132
2,124
16.1
17
0
0
—
0

*includes postseason/bowl games

Pros

  • Quality size and build for an NFL possession receiver
  • Strong frame allows him to out-muscle smaller cornerbacks
  • Brings a combination of size and leaping skills to the red zone — displays ability to box out defenders, likely a trait from playing high school basketball
  • Has functional pro-caliber speed once he reaches top gear
  • Massive wingspan (81 1/8 inches)
  • Displays above-average skill with his hand fighting against defenders — subtly chops and swipes away enemy mitts to improve his chances of a clean grab
  • Willing, if not aggressive, blocker in the running game
  • While not elusive in the “wow” sense, he has some ability after the catch, demonstrating a stop-start move with respectable results
  • Happy to do the dirty work over the middle of the field and take a lickin’ from defenders

Cons

  • Lacks suddenness and explosion in his game — long-striding naturally limits his acceleration
  • While his straight-line speed is adequate, foot quickness could be a problem at the next level when trying to create separation
  • Will need to improve his hands at the line of scrimmage when facing press coverage
  • Inconsistent hands catching the ball — made a few special receptions but also missed some easy ones
  • More of an effort blocker than anything — too many instances of poor technique that will get him in trouble as a pro
  • Struggled against high-level competition over the course of his career (one TD in eight games vs. Georgia, LSU and Alabama combined)
  • Doesn’t always look like he is giving it 100 percent, especially when the ball isn’t going his way
  • Inconsistent production and a statistical drop-off in 2020 warrants a closer look (QB play was an issue)
  • Hard to know exactly what he is as a route runner due to the simplicity of Auburn’s system
  • Questionable ability as a deep receiver in the NFL, despite averaging 16.1 yards per catch at Auburn
  • Could be relegated to exclusively playing from the slot in sub packages if he cannot routinely beat press on the outside
  • Modest ceiling-to-floor ratio

Fantasy football outlook

His final landing spot obviously determines Williams’ ultimate worth in fantasy, but the two forecasts — in a generalized sense — point to a career-long utility guy.

The long-term outlook could see him carve out a role as a trusted weapon in the red zone for his quarterback, and there’s some upside to that for fantasy purposes, but unless he is coached into being a better player early in his career, Williams could flame out in a hurry.

There are a few worthwhile player comparison to help give a better picture of his fantasy football spectrum of value. In the best-case scenario, he’s a healthy version of Alshon Jeffery or Courtland Sutton and develops into a fringe WR1 or capable No. 2. In the middle tier is someone like a Brandon LaFell or Mohamed Sanu — serviceable in a pinch in fantasy, good for a bye week or a short-term injury, but no one gamers are clamoring to roster. Worst-case, Williams struggles to improve the nuances and doesn’t live out of his rookie contract on the same roster.

Luckily, fake footballers in single-year leagues mostly can ignore him (depending on where he is drafted), and dynasty owners will have little investment required to find out the hard way just what Williams can become.

Teams most likely to be linked to Williams include the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Washington Football Team, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers.

The Lions, Eagles and Raiders may present the strongest opportunities for immediate action.

Rookie Rundown: WR Amari Rodgers, Clemson

What does Amari Rodgers bring to the table for fantasy football?

Clemson senior receiver Amari Rodgers can do a little bit of everything and certainly will endear himself to a professional suitor in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was a high school standout from Knoxville, Tenn., being tabbed as a top-100 recruit. Rodgers is the son of former Tennessee Volunteers and NFL quarterback Tee Martin.

At his Clemson Pro Day on March 11, Rodgers checked in with the following measurables:

Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 212 pounds
40 time: 4.51 seconds

Built like a running back, with a compact frame and powerful legs, Rodgers even worked out as one in front of NFL personnel. It’s likelier than not that he primarily plays wideout in the NFL, but teams will look to get him the ball in creative ways, such as on jet sweeps.

Table: Amari Rodgers NCAA stats (2017-20)

Year
School
Class
Gm*
Receiving
Rushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg
2017
Clemson
FR
12
19
123
6.5
0
3
-9
-3
2018
Clemson
SO
15
55
575
10.5
4
1
5
5
2019
Clemson
JR
13
30
426
14.2
4
2
50
25
2020
Clemson
SR
12
77
1,020
13.2
7
0
0
0
Career
181
2,144
11.8
15
6
46
7.7

*includes postseason/bowl games

At Clemson, Rodgers was a role player to begin his tenure, but he still managed to see the field as a true freshman in 2017. The 2018 Clemson championship season saw him account for a larger role in the passing game and on special teams, earning a starting role in the offense.

In the spring of 2019, Rodgers tore an ACL and still managed to miss only one contest. He recovered at breakneck speed (166 days), roughly three months ahead of the usual schedule.

In 2020, with wide receiver Tee Higgins going pro and Justyn Ross (spine) being forced to sit out, Rodgers found himself atop the pecking order among Trevor Lawrence’s receiving targets. Rodgers tied for the team lead in touchdown grabs (7), capturing the crown all to himself for receptions (77) and yardage (1,020) on his way to being a first-team All-ACC selection.

Pros

  • Extremely tough to bring down in the open field, especially for leaner cornerbacks
  • Accelerates quickly from a stop
  • Pretty good spacial awareness and vision
  • Exceptional work ethic and determination displayed recovering so quickly from a torn ACL
  • Fine deep-ball tracker and has plus body control to adjust to an off-target throw
  • Plays faster than he times — displays a second gear and the ability to outrun most defenders if he has even a step
  • Special teams experience
  • Versatile — will be able to quickly get utilized in space from the get-go, seeing short-area passes to manufacture touches and allow him to create yards after catch

Cons

  • Inconsistent hands and concentration lapses led to some drops, including a few ugly ones
  • Plays best vs. man-to-man coverage out of the slot where his ability to shake a defender is more valuable — could be less impactful against zone defenses
  • Can he consistently defeat press coverage? If not, his role down the field will be diminished
  • Just an average route runner — needs to work with NFL coaches to refine his nuanced movements, particularly coming out of breaks
  • Could be pigeonholed as a slot receiver if drafted by a less creative coaching staff

Fantasy football outlook

Rodgers’ utility role allows him to fit just about any NFL system employed these days, although he is ideal for a West Coast offense or a spread system that emphasizes chipping away at a defense. It should take a few years before he is ready to make the next leap in production to a level in which fantasy footballers are thinking about him each week, however.

Expect a midround placement — somewhere in the range of Rounds 3-5 — and for an offense looking to add a Deebo Samuel-like player. While the comparison is far from perfect, both are competitive, bullish runners with the ball in their hands who are asked to earn yardage the hard way. How Carolina has utilized Curtis Samuel is possibly a more apt comparable in terms of play design and role.

New England could see him as a possible Julian Edelman replacement, and Detroit is in dire need of a player in Rodgers’ mold. Other interesting landing spots could be Tennessee, Miami, and Jacksonville (reuniting him with Lawrence). More possibilities include Cleveland, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Carolina, Minnesota, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia and the New York Giants.