Tag: 2022 NFL rookies

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR John Metchie III, Alabama

What does Metchie bring to the NFL and fantasy football teams?

Few players are as well-traveled as former Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III. He was born in Taiwan and moved to the Western African country of Ghana before his family settled in Canada when he was just six years old. Metchie played high school football in Maryland prior to finding his way to Tuscaloosa, Ala.

A four-star recruit with more than 20 offers, Metchie said he chose Alabama for the high degree of competition. During his time with the Crimson Tide,  his role grew each year, becoming a second-team All-SEC honoree before declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft as a true junior. He led Alabama in receptions and saw his final season come to a premature end in the conference championship game, costing him the playoff run.

Height: 5-foot-11 1/4
Weight: 187 pounds
40 time: N/A — ran 4.87 as a recruit but is estimated around 4.5 seconds

He plays quicker than fast. While he has physically matured during his time at Alabama, Metchie’s 4.87-second time as a recruit, even 4.5 isn’t particularly fast. That said, it was fast enough to make big plays, and the tape doesn’t lie. If he has a step on a defender, not too many will catch up.

Table: John Metchie III NCAA stats (2019-21)

Year School Class Gm Receiving Rushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD
*2019 Alabama FR 4 4 23 5.8 0 0 0 — 0
*2020 Alabama SO 13 55 916 16.7 6 0 0 — 0
*2021 Alabama JR 13 96 1,142 11.9 8 1 8 8 0

*includes postseason/bowl games

Pros

  • Excellent short-area burst and acceleration — goes from barely moving to top speed in a hurry
  • Does an excellent job of finding soft spots in coverage as scrambling quarterbacks buy more time — works his way back to the ball with the best of ’em
  • Quality route-running skills with sharp footwork in and out of breaks to create separation
  • Fully in charge against man coverage and does a great job of escaping press jams at the line by utilizing leverage
  • Quite capable of creating yards after the catch
  • Understands route nuance by varying his speed — will be a quick study in the pros when it comes to route concepts
  • Learned from several recent NFL receiver selections out of Alabama, including Jaylen Waddle, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith
  • Has shown improvement holding on to the ball in contested situations
  • Tracks the ball well over his shoulders — generally catches with this hands away from his body when not in tight coverage
  • Quite productive against NFL-level competition, despite also fighting for targets among serious talent on his team
  • Highly praised by Nick Saban: “This guy is the epitome of what you look for in a wide receiver. He is tough, he plays hurt. He gets open, he makes catches, he makes plays.”

Also see: 2022 NFL Draft Central

Cons

  • Really doesn’t show a vertical gear on film — not going to win a lot of races down the length of the field
  • Recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in December
  • Lacks thickness throughout his frame and may not be able to add muscle without sacrificing even more speed
  • Too much tape of him losing the ball in traffic — while he has improved, some teams will be turned off by this
  • Likely pigeonholed into playing from the slot but could spend some time at split end

Fantasy football outlook

Metchie has put a lot to like on film, but he also has some glaring drawbacks that will erase him from some draft boards. The slight frame is a significant concern. Even though there are exceptions in the NFL, most small-bodied receivers better be so fast no one can catch them or exceptionally gifted in traffic. He’s neither.

New York Giants slot receiver Sterling Shepard is a fine comparison. Not only are they similarly sized, the two share comparable skill sets and roles in an offense.

In the right setting, shielded by a true No. 1 receiver and complementary pieces to alleviate defensive attention, Metchie has a good chance of developing into a WR3 for most systems. The connection between Bill Belichick and Saban could be worth keeping an eye on if the New England Patriots bypass the position in Round 1 and want to reunite quarterback Mac Jones with his former target. Metchie could be a Round 2 choice near the end of the stanza, but he certainly shouldn’t fall out of the second day.

For fantasy football purposes, his long-term outlook is far brighter than the odds of him making an immediate impact. In 2022 drafts, mostly due to recovering from the ACL tear, Metchie offers little more than flier material late in the process, regardless of where he plays.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

Garrett Wilson one of the best wideouts in a very deep class

Garrett Wilson was a standout at Lake Travis High School in Texas, where his high school career produced 204 catches for 3,359 yards and 55 touchdowns. He signed with Ohio State and has been a contributor there since he was a freshman. Wilson projects to be one of the first wideouts taken in the 2022 NFL draft and is one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class.

Wilson played on the outside for his first season but then moved to the slot entering 2020. He’s likely to be selected to remain in the slot where he was a devastating weapon for the Buckeyes. He opened the 2020 season with four consecutive games with over 100 yards and finished his fine junior year with three straight 100-yard efforts.

He played with Justin Fields for his first two years but then hit a higher level with quarterback C.J. Stroud and topped 1,000 yards. Wilson was a part of a deadly trio of wideouts at Ohio State last year. Teammates Jaxon Smith-Njigba (95-1606-9) and Chris Olave (65-936-13) were also top receivers in the Big Ten.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 183 pounds
40 time: 4.38 seconds

Wilson was a playmaker and game-breaker in college, with speed to take it to the house on any play. He’ll be one of the first rookies drafted in fantasy leagues this year.

Table: Garrett Wilson NCAA stats (2019-21)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Runs Yards. TD
2019 Ohio State 13 30 432 14.4 5 0 0 0
2020 Ohio State 8 43 723 16.8 6 2 67 0
2021 Ohio State 11 70 1058 15.1 12 4 76 1

Pros

  • Blazing speed with effortless second gear
  • Crisp route runner with precise moves
  • Outstanding deep threat
  • Can high-point the ball and has fly-paper hands to make catch
  • Great football intelligence with a knack for being open
  • Strong downfield blocker
  • Master of “yards after catch” as a threat to all levels of defense
  • Burst from line with clean cuts and snaps at change of direction
  • Can double as a returner

Cons

  • Smaller size may limit him to slot work
  • Not as physical at the point of catch
  • Catch radius is smaller, so targets need to be accurate
  • Occasional concentration drops

Fantasy outlook

Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson will be the Jaylen Waddle/DeVonta Smith from this draft – both expected to be first-round picks, and yet in this case, neither was the top receiver for Ohio State last year. Wilson is one of the lowest risk rookie wideouts this year; he’s succeeded on hard work, exact route running, and being at his most dangerous in the middle of the secondary under the safety where his burst and speed have been deadly.

Wilson helped his case with that 4.38 40-time at the NFL Combine, but he’s much more than just a deep-ball receiver. There are some draft boards with Wilson at the top, so he should be taken by the middle of the first round.

Wilson projects to be a fantasy factor even as a rookie. He’s not big and physical, and likely won’t play outside against press coverage. But he’s a student of the game that will put in the work necessary to be successful at the pro level and has the physical tools to shine.

He’ll be best served in the slot, playing for an accurate quarterback with some element of RPO since he’s often described as “a quarterback’s best friend” who is always open, knows what to do when plays break down and can be used in many versatile ways including the occasional jet sweep.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M

Isaiah Spiller is expected to be a second-round selection and he will end up on a team that will want to make immediate use of his talents

The four-star recruit from Klein Collins High School was courted by most major schools, including Oklahoma and Alabama but opted to remain near home at Texas A&M. He became a starter as a freshman and led the Aggies in rushing for all three seasons while facing top competition in the SEC.

Spiller shared the backfield with Devon Archane last year and never handled more than 188 carries in any season. He’s consistently been used as a receiver, topping out with 29 catches in his freshman year. Spiller is a power back that can handle a 20+ carry workload and he’s built for inside work but never has to come off the field.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 217 pounds
40 time: 4.63 seconds

Spiller had a strained abductor muscle at the NFL Combine and didn’t run. His Pro Day disappointed with a 4.63 40-time that matters when teams evaluate him. As a bigger back, he’s more in the mold of the old-style workhorse than the faster, more versatile running backs of current day but he’s been highly productive against top talent. He could still remain a full-time option for an NFL team.

Table: Isaiah Spiller NCAA stats (2019-21)

Year School Games Runs Yards Avg. TD Catch Yards. TD
2019 Texas A&M 13 174 946 5.4 10 29 203 10
2020 Texas A&M 10 188 1036 5.5 9 20 193 9
2021 Texas A&M 12 179 1011 5.6 6 25 189 7

Pros

  • Instinctive runner
  • Tremendous vision sees the defense and any opening
  • Thick frame and powerful lower body that churns through contact
  • Physical North-South runner with no fear
  • Good hands that rarely drop a pass
  • Averaged 5.5 yards per carry in the SEC
  • Surprisingly quick in cuts and change of direction
  • Follows blocking well, patient as play develops
  • Workhorse potential even in NFL
  • Durable runner with tread still left on tires
  • Downhill runner that just needs one-cut to break free

Cons

  • Lack of speed is a bigger issue in the NFL
  • Limited route tree while in college
  • Slower to regain momentum when gears down
  • Needs to improve pass blocking skills
  • Eight fumbles over college career

Fantasy outlook

There are evaluators that have Spiller as the top back in the draft and he will end up within the first few selected. He’s been compared to as a smaller, slower Joe Mixon or Javonte Williams, and his lack of speed will be a bigger issue at the next level. But he plays far faster than he times, and bottom line – has been very productive versus top college teams while in the SEC as a three-year starter.

His fantasy value will be tied almost entirely to wherever he lands. He’s easy to see as an addition to a committee backfield likely as the rushing half, but he’s been productive as a receiver. He may start out as a part-time back but could absolutely grow into being a full-timer in the right offense.

He’s been speculated to end up with the RB-needy Falcons which would likely be a best-case scenario given the lack of competition. He’s also been considered as an addition to the Broncos committee backfield. A decade or more ago, Spiller would be considered the next best thing by many. He’ll have to earn a bigger role in today’s NFL, and that means his situation will be key.

Isaiah Spiller is expected to be a second-round selection and he will end up on a team that will want to make immediate use of his talents. That means his fantasy value is going to be rather high.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR George Pickens, Georgia

How early can this vertical threat go in the upcoming NFL draft?

Former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver George Pickens appeared destined for a first-round draft placement after his SEC All-Freshman Team breakout in 2019. The road since hasn’t been entirely smooth, however, for the Hoover, Ala., native.

In 2020, Pickens started all eight contests in the pandemic-abbreviated season, scoring six times. Inconsistencies in his game started to show, and the shortened year cost him four games of learning experience.

Height: 6-foot-3 1/4
Weight: 195 pounds
40 time: 4.47 seconds

Then came the spring of 2021 when Pickens tore an anterior cruciate ligament in spring practice. Surprisingly, he returned for the final four games of the season, but he was barely utilized as the team had effectively moved on, which made his decision to declare more understandable.

Table: George Pickens NCAA stats (2019-21)

Year School Class Gm Receiving Rushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds TD
*2019 Georgia FR 12 49 727 14.8 8 0 0 0
*2020 Georgia SO 8 36 513 14.3 6 0 0 0
*2021 Georgia JR 4 5 107 21.4 0 0 0 0

*includes postseason/bowl games

Even though his four-game return saw just a handful of plays go Pickens’ way, he made his presence felt in the national championship game by snagging a 52-yarder on a diving effort.

Pros

  • Reliable catcher with late hands who routinely snatches the ball away from his body
  • Among the strongest hands in the draft class, despite being really small mitts at 8 3/4 inches — by far the lowest pinkie-to-thumb spread of all receivers in contention for going in the first round
  • Quality downfield speed and above-average quickness for his size
  • Rather bendy for 6-foot-3 and change — able to save passes from hitting the turf
  • Large catch radius and vertical leaping ability make for a dangerous weapon in the red zone
  • Body control in the air and spatial awareness near the boundary demand tough coverage by smaller corners
  • Does an excellent job driving for comeback routes and adjusting to back-shoulder throws
  • Recovered from a torn ACL suffered in the spring of 2021 to play the final four games of the season
  • Proved to be a quick learner as he burst onto the scene as a true freshman

Also see: 2022 NFL Draft Central

Cons

  • Fairly inexperienced — only 12 games played the last two seasons due to COVID shortening the 2020 campaign and the torn ACL last year
  • Lacks versatility — unlikely to play much from the slot
  • Lean frame with below-average functional strength — gets jammed easily at the line by large cornerbacks and gets knocked off his route too much
  • Struggles as a blocker in the running game — questionable as to whether he can add muscle and maintain his speed
  • Tends to allow defenders to get too close to the ball in 50/50 situations — needs to improve his technique for boxing out
  • Most of his big plays came with far more separation than he is bound to generate in the pros

Fantasy football outlook

It’s quite unlikely we see Pickens go in the first round, but he should be among the top options in the early second stanza. The height-speed combination will endear him to some team, even if his limitations suggest he should be closer to a Round 3 selection.

The Green Bay Packers may be in play at the end of the first for a Marquez Valdes-Scantling replacement, although Pickens’ leaky blocking skills could work against him as this system requires wideouts to block with regularity.

With the seventh pick in Round 2, Chicago jumps out after losing Allen Robinson in free agency

Other teams that make more sense than not: Detroit, the New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Cleveland, Minnesota and Washington. He’ll be a better fit for a team that emphasizes play-action passing, such as the Browns or Lions. Given positional need and familiarity, the Falcons should be a strong contender for selecting Pickens.

His season-long fantasy value shouldn’t be more than depth material as a rook, but there’s far more long-term viability to become a WR3 or even sneak into the No. 2 conversation, depending upon his landing spot.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jameson Williams, Alabama

Jameson Williams could be a stellar addition to any football team if he can replicate that one good year that ended with an ACL tear.

Jameson Williams presents a very interesting case to be one of the early-drafted wideouts this year. There’s a lot to like from his 2021 performance with he dominated opposing secondaries while the Crimson Tide advanced to yet another College Football Championship. He hails from an Alabama  program that produced Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs III, and Jerry Jeudy in just the last two years.

And yet his first two seasons were spent at Ohio State where he was a reserve with special teams play. Williams was behind Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson for the Buckeyes, and both of those receivers are also in this draft. Williams helped fill the void that was left with Waddle and Smith left for the NFL draft last season and the Crimson Tide had to remake their receiver corps (not that unusual for Alabama, nor often a problem either).

There’s no contesting that he had a tremendous season in 2021.  But he also tore his ACL in the College Football Playoff National Championship. That throws at least some uncertainty on here he should be valued on NFL draft boards. His injury kept him from performing at the NFL Combine, but there’s plenty of tape to review from his 79-catch, 1,572-yard performance last year.

He’s had the surgery and is reportedly ahead of schedule in is recovery that was expected to be 5-7 months. There’s still a chance that he could be ready by training camp, but even if he wasn’t ready by the season’s start, that shouldn’t have much bearing on where he is selected.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 189 pounds
40 time: sub-4.4 seconds estimated (did not run at combine)

Williams could be a stellar addition to any football team if he can replicate that one good year that ended with an ACL tear. But – he only managed the one notable season and as with so many Alabama players entering the draft, the question always exists – how much did the perpetually-stacked offense around him help his production?

Table: Jameson Williams NCAA stats (2019-21)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Runs Yards. TD
2019 Ohio State 4 6 112 18.7 1 0 0 0
2020 Ohio State 6 9 154 17.1 2 0 0 0
2021 Alabama 15 79 1572 19.9 15 3 23 0

Pros

  • Highly productive as a starter for Alabama
  • Fast – accelerates instantly and has that elite extra gear
  • Burst and start-stop is special, can blow past coverage
  • Long limbs with large catch radius
  • Impressive route runner
  • Outstanding ability to get separation
  • Deadly from slot with a free release
  • Consistent yards after catch as a slippery speed merchant
  • Good football intelligence helps him respond to differing types of coverage
  • Versatile and more than just a deep threat
  • Big play ability makes him dangerous every down
  • High character

Cons

  • Recovering from ACL tear in January
  • Possible one-year wonder
  • More of a vertical receiver
  • Lanky build could suffer versus aggressive NFL cornerbacks

Fantasy outlook

Jameson Williams enjoyed an elite 2021 season that ended in the National Championship when he tore his ACL. He’s certainly more of a risk that other receivers that crested 1,500 yards in a single season thanks to that injury and the fact that he couldn’t win a starting job for two years at Ohio State. And both of the Buckeye wideouts he couldn’t surpass are also in this draft.

He’s still expected to be taken in the back half of the first round. His redraft value will be lower since he may not be 100% up to speed by the start of the season and he’s only played for one year as a starter – albeit with great results.

With any receiver, the value depends on the quarterback and overall offense that he joins. Williams should be a higher pick in a dynasty league where his worth should increase in future years. He’ll be tracked throughout the offseason and preseason to determine how likely he’ll be a notable factor as a rookie. But he could end up a steal for his team in future years if he can display the form of 2021.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss

How will Corral’s skills translate to the NFL and fantasy football?

Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral declared for the 2022 NFL Draft as a redshirt junior and is in the conversation of being among the top three players at his position in this year’s class.

A polarizing prospect, Corral’s outlook widely varies from pundit to pundit, but one transcendent aspect is his limited scheme fit. Most quarterbacks tend to get pigeonholed into a specific style of offense, but it’s a glaring reality with Corral’s style of play.

Height: 6-foot-1 5/8
Weight: 212 pounds
40 time: N/A (4.80-second 40 as a recruit in 2018)

Corral appeared in four outings as a true freshman in 2018 and was able to carry a redshirt designation into the next season, one in which he started a quartet of contests.

In 2020, the California native led the FBS in total offense per game (384.3) while finishing seventh in both touchdown passes (29) and aerial yards (3,337). He won Most Valuable Player in the Outback Bowl.

Table: Matt Corral NCAA stats (2019-21)

Year School Class Gm Passing Rushing
Cmp Att % Yds AY/Att TD Int Att Yds Avg TD
2018 Ole Miss FR 4 16 22 72.7 239 10.6 2 1 13 83 6.4 2
2019 Ole Miss rFR 10 105 178 59.0 1,362 7.6 6 3 57 135 2.4 1
*2020 Ole Miss rSO 10 231 326 70.9 3,337 10.1 29 14 112 506 4.5 4
*2021 Ole Miss rJR 13 262 386 67.9 3,349 9.1 20 5 152 614 4.0 11

*includes postseason/bowl games

Cutting down on silly mistakes was the most important aspect of Corral’s game that significantly improved in 2021. He threw 60 more passes and nine fewer interceptions. Several of his picks in ’20 were downright ridiculous, essentially lobbing gifts to defenders. All told, Corral’s final season saw him draw second-team All-SEC honors.

Pros

  • Moxie defines his game — plays with tremendous heart and constantly displays an obvious competitive streak
  • Lively arm, especially in the intermediate game — more than enough zip to throw from outside hash to opposing sideline on time
  • Has grown as a player and person — improved decision-making, accuracy, and maturity in his four years at Ole Miss
  • Confident in his skills — drives throws into tight windows, puts touch on passes against tiered coverage
  • Lightning-quick release is his best physical attribute — sound mechanics overall when given time
  • Savvy in RPO situations — great at tucking the ball to sell a fake and will hold-n-pull until the last moment if he spots a developing lane
  • While not known for his deep ball per se, he puts touch on a well-arced ball
  • Looks to throw first is dangerous with his legs, particularly so on designed runs
  • Patiently awaits play development (perhaps to a fault at times) and showed dramatic improvement in 2021 for his willingness to eat the sack rather than put one up for grabs
  • Has a chip on his shoulder that cannot be taught

Also see: 2022 NFL Draft Central

Cons

  • Some really ugly interceptions on tape — most of them came in 2020 as he was late to throw down the field and often into multiple defenders
  • Needs to improve touch and timing on underneath throws — lacks elite arm strength throwing deep
  • As previously mentioned, sometimes waits too long for plays to develop
  • Most apparent concern is his physical stature — players are who they are, so it’s tough to call this a true negative, but he has suffered a few injuries already and is smaller than the ideal NFL size
  • Really tough to see him maximizing his potential outside of a zone-read, play-action-heavy offensive design
  • Possibly some lingering concerns about maturity after altercations during his high school years — he has acknowledge and worked to improve, though

Fantasy football outlook

The immaturity issue is overblown, and Corral has developed as much as a person as he has as a quarterback. At a minimum, it’s unfair to penalize someone for getting into a fight in high school or being cocky four years later.

To his credit, while at Ole Miss, Corral recognized he was experiencing depression and sought medical treatment. We saw a direct correlation in his on-field performance improving as a result. That’s not an action typically taken by a rudderless, immature person.

Corral is unlikely to start in 2022 without an injury, regardless of where he ends up in the draft. It will be surprising if he is chosen in the first round as he’s likely No. 3 on most boards in what is a weak class, but trading up late into the first from a team afraid they could miss out on him in Round 2 makes more sense.

He’d be an intriguing fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The offense last year was run by Matt Canada and didn’t employ his personal flavor of designs as Ben Roethlisberger was a physical shell of his former self. Canada prefers an athletic quarterback who can thrive in an offense that features run-pass options. And it would give a long-term Plan B is Mitchell Trubisky falters.

Any team drafting Corral must accept they’ll have to mold the system to fit his talents and not be so rigid. He’s a legitimate NFL talent if the team around him provides adequate support. Typically, small-framed QBs don’t excel in fantasy football, but we’ve seen exceptions, most notably Drew Brees … Corral is no Brees, yet can can still muster value with his legs.

Other teams with elevated interest in Corral could be the Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks. Wild cards could be the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and New York Giants. Seattle and New Orleans figure to be the most likely landing spots, but the Brian Daboll-led Giants present a viable fit.

In the best-case scenario for fantasy, Corral will be something of a Russell Wilson-lite, and the other end of the spectrum has him washing out of the league by the end of his rookie deal. That’s quite the range, of course, so we’ll take a deeper dive once he lands on a roster. His game flashes elements of a younger Wilson, Trubisky, and Baker Mayfield.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB James Cook, Georgia

Cook’s versatility will make him an attractive addition to any NFL backfield, and many scouts believe he’s underrated due to his lack of statistics from the last four years. 

James Cook hails from the Georgia Running Back Factory that served up D’Andre Swift, Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, and Todd Gurley in recent drafts. He also is the younger brother of Dalvin Cook, so he has the genetics and pedigree to be an NFL running back. Cook was the third-ranked running back in the 2018 recruiting class, and teammate Zamir White was the first-ranked. Just being a Georgia running back says a lot.

But they used a committee backfield, and Cook had minor playing time for the first three seasons. He played behind D’Andre Swift, Elijah Holyfield, and Zamir White until his senior year, when he started several games in a timeshare with White, and Cook saw his busiest season as a receiver while the Bulldogs won the Orange Bowl over Michigan and then a national championship versus Alabama.

Cook’s best game was in the 2021 Orange Bowl when he ran for 32 yards on six carries and then caught four passes for 112 yards and a score. He later rushed for 77 yards on six carries and caught two passes for 15 yards in the championship against the Crimson Tide.

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

Cook was always productive when given a chance but was little used in the Georgia committee backfield until last season when he finally came close to the same touches as  White. He’s expected to be a Day 2 pick in the second or third round, which speaks to his potential more than his past production.

Table: James Cook NCAA stats (2018-21)

Year School Games Runs Yards Avg. TD Catch Yards. TD
2018 Georgia 10 41 284 6.9 0 8 89 0
2019 Georgia 13 31 188 6.1 0 16 132 0
2020 Georgia 8 45 303 6.7 2 16 225 0
2021 Georgia 15 113 728 6.4 4 27 284 0

Pros

  • Highly versatile back
  • Excellent receiver including work from the slot
  • Effective runner with over 6.0 yards per carry each year
  • Receiving skills of a wide receiver
  • Accelerates to the hole and has elite start-stop and lateral moves
  • Speed to take any play the distance
  • Mismatch against linebackers on pass plays
  • Low mileage back with durability should have a longer career
  • Could be a three-down player if needed
  • Can throw half-back passes

Cons

  • Not a power-rusher like so many other Bulldog running backs
  • Size suggests optimal career as a third-down back
  • Was arrested in 2019 on two misdemeanors but has since been exemplary so not a real concern
  • Poor pass blocking has to improve
  •  Less likely to be successful with inside running at the NFL level

Fantasy outlook

Cook has the build and a resume to show that he’s well-suited to a role as a pass-catching back, but he’s not just a third-down player. His size may limit his rushing role, but he has plenty of moves and enough speed to do damage as a running back as well. He may not move the pile, but his quick feet and change-of-direction skills will be useful in the NFL as a runner, if only as a complement to a primary rusher.

As with any running back, his fantasy value will depend mostly on his opportunities. Cook has low mileage, but he spent four years with one of the elite college programs and comes off a national championship.  He can contribute as a rookie though he’ll be drafted mostly as a secondary back or even depth until the depth chart opens up enough to get him on the field consistently. Cook can be a factor on all three downs.

Cook’s versatility will make him an attractive addition to any NFL backfield, and many scouts believe he’s underrated due to his lack of statistics from the last four years.

His fantasy value will spike if he lands on a team that relies heavily on  running backs as receivers. He’s likely not as productive as Alvin Kamara but shares much of the same skillset. He’ll appeal more in leagues with reception points and could play as a third-down back as early as this year. But he carries the potential to be even more, so his dynasty value will be higher.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State

One year of elite production has Walker near the top of RB prospects.

Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III spent two seasons at Wake Forest before transferring to the Spartans for the 2021 season. His bid for increased playing time paid off with a monster junior season, leading him to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft.

He went on to win the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back in 2021 and also was recognized as the Walter Camp Player of the Year.

Height: 5-foot-9 1/4
Weight: 211 pounds
40 time: 4.38 seconds

Not only did he garner the aforementioned accolades, Walker earned Big Ten Running Back of the Year and was named a first-team Associated Press All-American.

Table: Kenneth Walker NCAA stats (2019-21)

Year School Class Gm Rushing Receiving
Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
*2019 Wake Forest FR 13 98 579 5.9 4 3 17 5.7 0
*2020 Wake Forest SO 7 119 579 4.9 13 3 30 10.0 0
*2021 Michigan State JR 12 263 1,636 6.2 18 13 89 6.8 1

*includes postseason/bowl games

Pros

  • Compact, powerful build
  • Explosive lower body — 34-inch vertical, 122-inch broad jump
  • Breakaway speed at 4.38-second 40-yard dash
  • Tremendous ball security
  • System versatility — successful playing from a zone-read offense, out of shotgun, pistol, and pro-style alignments
  • Can run through and around defenders
  • Fits into power- and zone-blocking schemes
  • Quality vision and patience behind the line lead to unpredictable moves and big plays
  • Limited mileage
  • Instant access to second gear
  • Quick footwork in tight quarters
  • 32 total scores over final 398 collegiate touches shows a true nose for the end zone

Also see: 2022 NFL Draft Central

Cons

  • Mostly untested in the receiving game
  • Needs considerable work in pass protection — fixable but requires coaching assistance
  • Can become undisciplined with his ad-libbing and get into jams — could run afoul with stickler coaches
  • Probably limited to a two-down role in the vast majority of settings

Fantasy football outlook

Walker is poised to come off the board in Round 2 and should garner interest from Houston, Atlanta, Baltimore, New Orleans and Buffalo. Wild cards could be Denver, Chicago, the New York Giants, and Cincinnati.

Regardless of where he winds up, we’re looking at a high-floor, high-ceiling fantasy option the moment he gets a chance at meaningful touches. He has potential to evolve into a three-down role, and while Walker isn’t likely to become a great receiving threat, there’s hope for 30-40 catches a year in the right scenario. Given the lack of remaining RB1 roles, bank on him reaching his potential in 2023 or ’24 at the soonest.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jahan Dotson, Penn State

Where does this ascending talent figure to be drafted in the NFL?

Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson enters the 2022 NFL Draft and presents a big play in a small package. His versatility and explosive nature will endear him to several teams across various systems.

Height: 5-foot-10 1/2
Weight: 178 pounds
40 time: 4.43 seconds

The true senior improved each year at Penn State as his opportunities increased, concluding with second-team All-Big Ten and third-team Associated Press All-American honors. Dotson also generated third-team All-Big Ten recognition for his junior season.

Table: Jahan Dotson NCAA stats (2018-21)

Year School Class Pos Gm Receiving Rushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD
*2018 Penn State FR WR 8 13 203 15.6 0 0 0 — 0
*2019 Penn State SO WR 13 27 488 18.1 5 2 0 0 0
2020 Penn State JR WR 9 52 884 17.0 8 0 0 — 0
*2021 Penn State SR WR 12 91 1182 13.0 12 6 18 3 1

*includes postseason/bowl games

In addition to showing growth each season in Happy Valley, Dotson also completed a couple of passes on trick plays and contributed in the return game, scoring once in 2020 on eight punt returns. He tacked on 104 yards on 14 returns in 2021.

Pros

  • Dangerous, productive and experienced from all three levels of the route tree
  • Unafraid to go over the middle of the field — especially useful for play-callers who emphasize mesh routes to send him crossing with a hint of added confusion
  • Can hit the gas pedal with the best of ’em — he tends to vary his routes to show multiple speeds, which can catch defenders napping
  • Fluidity in the open field makes for a difficult tackle
  • Experienced, successful punt returner
  • Excellent leaping ability and high-point skills for someone of his size
  • Works the boundary lines effectively, especially in the red zone
  • Tremendous hands — credited with only two drops over 138 targets in 2021
  • Fits into nearly any offensive scheme

[lawrence-related id=464257]

Cons

  • Physicality at the line can get him off of his route
  • Footwork could be crisper in and out of breaks
  • Below-average consistency in his blocking effort — size limitations also play a role, but he needs more coaching in this area
  • Size could make him more susceptible to injuries over the middle

Fantasy football outlook

As mentioned, system fit isn’t going to be an issue. Team fit will be more important based on existing personnel, but it shouldn’t take more than a year or two before Dotson establishes himself as an starting-caliber talent at the next level.

Some of the critiques thrown at him can be considered nitpicking, especially when it comes to immutable traits, such as size. Small receivers have been quite capable of producing fantasy-relevant stats in the right situations. Yes, size presents unique drawbacks, but he should not be written off because of it.

It will be rather surprising if he falls out of Round 1 in the upcoming draft. If this happens, it’s more of a product of a deep receiver class than an indictment of his talent. Likely landing spots include Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Arizona, New England and Detroit.

Dotson’s game reminds a little bit of 2021 first-rounder DeVonta Smith, whose size also drew similarly unfair criticisms. Seattle wideout Tyler Lockett might be the better comparison.

Either way, we’re talking about a likely No. 2 in real life. Dotson has comparable long-term value in fake football once he learns a starting role. As a rookie, depending upon where he ends up, we could see inconsistent utility, best reserved for daily fantasy action.

2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: QB Malik Willis, Liberty

Malik Willis is ready to run onto fantasy rosters even as a rookie.

As a high school senior in Atlanta, Malik Willis threw for 2,562 yards, rushed for 1,033 yards and scored 37 total touchdowns. He signed with Auburn and played behind Jarrett Stidham for two seasons with appearances in 11 games but transferred to Liberty College in 2020, where he became a starter for the next two years.

Granted, he traded SEC opponents for those on independent Liberty’s schedule – Troy, Middle Tennessee State, North Texas, Army, and the like. But Willis became one of the most electric dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. He was the leading passer and rusher for the Liberty Flames the last two seasons and led them to a 10-1 record in 2020 as the No. 17 team in the AP rankings.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 219 pounds
40 time: 4.4 (estimated – did not run at combine)

He enters the NFL with both elite skills and areas of concern. Willis was a star at the NFL combine, displaying his arm strength and deep ball touch. Better yet, he impressed in interviews and left teams comfortable with his maturity, intelligence, and ambition. He did not run since he had nothing to prove. He has elite speed.

Table: Malik Willis NCAA stats (2018-2021)

Year Team Games Runs Yards TD Pass Complete Yards Avg. TD Int
2018 Auburn 7 16 221 1 7 6 45 9.3 1 0
2019 Auburn 5 12 88 1 7 5 24 3.4 0 0
2020 Liberty 10 141 944 14 265 170 2250 9.0 20 6
2021 Liberty 13 197 878 13 339 207 2857 8.4 27 12

Pros

  • Tremendous dual-threat potential
  • Dangerous running in the open field
  • Elite RPO skills in the right offense
  • Cannon arm but can drop deep rainbow passes into a basket
  • Good vision on scrambles and roll-outs
  • By all accounts a leader and high character individual that teammates will rally behind
  • Raw tools are elite
  • Speed to burn any defender when in the open

Cons

  • Takes unnecessary sacks when pressed
  • Footwork in the pocket needs work
  • Accuracy issues when scrambling
  • Can throw too hot to shallow receivers
  • Tends to look for big play rather than settle for lesser gains or throwaways
  • Worked against lesser competition and in simpler offense at Liberty
  • Shorter stature may impact seeing over the line

Fantasy outlook

He’s compared to recent running quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and particularly Jalen Hurts, who led the NFL in  quarterback rushing yards last year. There is no doubt that Willis can fit into the NFL and his run ability will be fantasy-relevant even as a rookie. He may be the first quarterback taken in the NFL draft.

There’s plenty to love about Willis.  Elite rushing skills, cannon arm that can make any throw, highly competitive. While his rushing ability and deep-ball skills are already formidable, he’ll need to continue to work on his intermediate passing, where he needs to improve at reading defenses, adjust ball velocity on shorter passes, and be more accurate. He was only a two-year starter at a smaller college and needs continued development as a pocket passer. If he can master that intermediate game as he has deep throws and rushing, then Willis will be one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

One of the qualities that he brings, unlike so many other college quarterbacks, is leadership, maturity, intelligence and willingness to learn. He’s well-liked and respected by teammates.

His rushing ability will always make him fantasy-relevant. How quickly he can learn to be a better passer will limit or propel his fantasy value.