136 replies to this topic

[Sigmund Bloom]

http://subscribers.f...om100_part1.php

fire away

[Shanahanigans]

Bloom and EBF are the main reasons why I keep returning to this site. Thanks for this Bloom!

[rizzler]

Saw Griffin at #2 and stopped reading.

I knew the list was correct at this point.

[SayWhat?]

Bloom,

I thought that you always included tiers, no? Thanks

[msommer]

Thanks Bloom, this rocks as usual!

[5Rings]

Thanks Bloom, this rocks as usual!

[BigTex]

Good to see Martin getting the love he deserves........as all ways great job!!

Edited by BigTex, 09 April 2012 - 11:24 AM.

[BeTheMatch]

Lot of momentum going toward RGIII over Luck. I'm sticking with Luck.

[Don Quixote]

Seeing Wylie compared to Welker, is his value a lot higher in PPR formats than a non-PPR format? Just value relative to other WRs; so, would guys like Broyles and Childs have more value than him in non-PPR?

[Hersh]

Thanks for all your hard work, but let's keep the accolades for Wylie and Broyles to a minimum as I was hoping to get them on the cheap in the later rounds of my Rookie Draft.

[snellman]

Thanks for all your hard work, but let's keep the accolades for Wylie and Broyles to a minimum as I was hoping to get them on the cheap in the later rounds of my Rookie Draft.

[Sigmund Bloom]

Bloom,

I thought that you always included tiers, no? Thanks

It's still kind of fluid right now, but there will a tier-based rookie ranking article with the post draft version.

I would say that there's a break around 7/8, 14/15, 21/22/23, and 40 or so in terms of absolute value.

position by position tiers tend to break along those lines.

[finito]

So happy to see this. Great stuff, thx.

[Sigmund Bloom]

Seeing Wylie compared to Welker, is his value a lot higher in PPR formats than a non-PPR format? Just value relative to other WRs; so, would guys like Broyles and Childs have more value than him in non-PPR?

I would say Childs for sure moves up in non ppr. Broyles and Wylie would be close.

Since Childs and Broyles are coming back from serious injuries, their draft position will change their value to as it gives us insight into what the team doctor's prognosis is for their recovery, etc. same with wylie and his durability issues

[Sigmund Bloom]

Lot of momentum going toward RGIII over Luck. I'm sticking with Luck.

I can't argue too vigorously against that. In general, 2-7 is pretty tight. Griffin just has more of a big play game as a runner and deep passer, which translates better to fantasy, but Luck is bust-proof and a great runner in his own right.

[BeTheMatch]

Lot of momentum going toward RGIII over Luck. I'm sticking with Luck.

I can't argue too vigorously against that. In general, 2-7 is pretty tight. Griffin just has more of a big play game as a runner and deep passer, which translates better to fantasy, but Luck is bust-proof and a great runner in his own right.

But if Griffin runs anywhere near as often as Newton did as a rookie, he's going to get killed. Newton is much bigger, and I don't think even he can possibly keep up that amount of rushing over the long term.

[Dragon1952]

Thanks for all your hard work, but let's keep the accolades for Wylie and Broyles to a minimum as I was hoping to get them on the cheap in the later rounds of my Rookie Draft.

Wylie just went at 3.1 in our rookie draft. Broyles at 3.3

[Sigmund Bloom]

Lot of momentum going toward RGIII over Luck. I'm sticking with Luck.

I can't argue too vigorously against that. In general, 2-7 is pretty tight. Griffin just has more of a big play game as a runner and deep passer, which translates better to fantasy, but Luck is bust-proof and a great runner in his own right.

But if Griffin runs anywhere near as often as Newton did as a rookie, he's going to get killed. Newton is much bigger, and I don't think even he can possibly keep up that amount of rushing over the long term.

definitely something big he needs to adjust his approach to in pros, but i think he is not a "run first" QB by any stretch. He might be a "leave the pocket quick" guy, which he'll need to work on, but shanny's offense will naturally have him on move a lot to mitigate that. RG3 does consistently look pass first when he breaks the pocket.

[jurb26]

Lot of momentum going toward RGIII over Luck. I'm sticking with Luck.

I can't argue too vigorously against that. In general, 2-7 is pretty tight. Griffin just has more of a big play game as a runner and deep passer, which translates better to fantasy, but Luck is bust-proof and a great runner in his own right.

But if Griffin runs anywhere near as often as Newton did as a rookie, he's going to get killed. Newton is much bigger, and I don't think even he can possibly keep up that amount of rushing over the long term.

definitely something big he needs to adjust his approach to in pros, but i think he is not a "run first" QB by any stretch. He might be a "leave the pocket quick" guy, which he'll need to work on, but shanny's offense will naturally have him on move a lot to mitigate that. RG3 does consistently look pass first when he breaks the pocket.

RG3 is neither a run 1st or a leave the pocket quick guy. One of his most highly regarded traits is his willingness to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball. His pocket awareness is exceptional for a college QB, regardless of his spread attack. RG3 runs when there are great plays to be made by doing so or if it was designed. I think anyone who expects these great amounts of rushing attempts by him in the NFL are going to be disapointed.

[BeTheMatch]

Lot of momentum going toward RGIII over Luck. I'm sticking with Luck.

I can't argue too vigorously against that. In general, 2-7 is pretty tight. Griffin just has more of a big play game as a runner and deep passer, which translates better to fantasy, but Luck is bust-proof and a great runner in his own right.

But if Griffin runs anywhere near as often as Newton did as a rookie, he's going to get killed. Newton is much bigger, and I don't think even he can possibly keep up that amount of rushing over the long term.

definitely something big he needs to adjust his approach to in pros, but i think he is not a "run first" QB by any stretch. He might be a "leave the pocket quick" guy, which he'll need to work on, but shanny's offense will naturally have him on move a lot to mitigate that. RG3 does consistently look pass first when he breaks the pocket.

I agree with you there, but then that means he's not getting all those points for running like Newton did. I like Griffin a lot, but I think people are just drawing a straight line from what Newton did as a rookie to what they think Griffin will do. I don't think Newton himself will ever put up the same number of fantasy points ever again, much less Griffin. I mean, Newton had 14 - FOURTEEN - rushing TDs last year.

People are kicking themselves that they missed out on Newton in last year's rookie drafts, and they're vowing to never make that mistake again. Enter Griffin. That's just my two cents. I know they're very different, but that's precisely why I think most people will be disappointed if they think they're going to get Newton's numbers by drafting Griffin.

In leagues that award four points per passing TD, you'd have to throw 21 more TD passes to match up with Newton's 14 rushing TDs. I'm not saying Griffin won't rush for any TDs, but I think people really need to temper their expecations.

Edited by BeTheMatch, 09 April 2012 - 12:28 PM.

[Tackling Dummies]

I'm not even going to pretend to to level headed, but Stephen Hill is going to pass all the WRs sooner, not later.

BTW, who do you see as his NFL comp?

Thanks!

[jurb26]

Wylie hype is getting our of control. This is a guy who is going to struggle to adapt to the NFL IMO. He is undersized and lacks any physicallity to his play. It's nice to be fast and quick, but you also have to be able to play through restrictions to get open in the NFL. He is going to need a lot of work to ever come anything remotely close to Welker.

[BeTheMatch]

I'm not even going to pretend to to level headed, but Stephen Hill is going to pass all the WRs sooner, not later.

BTW, who do you see as his NFL comp?

Thanks!

I'm just curious. Why are you so high on a guy that has had such limited opportunities? That's pretty big praise for a guy that doesn't have much of a track record, especially compared to guys like Blackmon and Floyd.

[Jene Bramel]

Like where you have Mychal Kendricks and Zach Brown (not yet listed).

Hoping we can find a place for Bobby Wagner and Demario Davis in the 30-60 range after the draft.

Whitney Mercilus has me nervous, but I understand the argument. Can't see ranking Coples behind him if both are drafted to play 4-3 DE, though.

[5Rings]

Like where you have Mychal Kendricks and Zach Brown (not yet listed).

Hoping we can find a place for Bobby Wagner and Demario Davis in the 30-60 range after the draft.

Whitney Mercilus has me nervous, but I understand the argument. Can't see ranking Coples behind him if both are drafted to play 4-3 DE, though.

Do you also have Hightower a tier beneath Kendricks?

[Tackling Dummies]

I'm not even going to pretend to to level headed, but Stephen Hill is going to pass all the WRs sooner, not later.

BTW, who do you see as his NFL comp?

Thanks!

I'm just curious. Why are you so high on a guy that has had such limited opportunities? That's pretty big praise for a guy that doesn't have much of a track record, especially compared to guys like Blackmon and Floyd.

I've got a really bad man crush here. Not a big fan of Blackmon, he's (to me) a WR2 with a slim chance of WR1 numbers. I like Floyd (a lot). I think K Wright does not have the skill set to dominate, more like a contributor. A Jefferey (to me at least) does not have a high ceiling. Hill has something that you can't teach and that is size & speed.

Mike Wallace had the same effect on me when he came into the league.

GT did not really use Hill that often, still baffled by it.

[BeTheMatch]

I'm not even going to pretend to to level headed, but Stephen Hill is going to pass all the WRs sooner, not later.

BTW, who do you see as his NFL comp?

Thanks!

I'm just curious. Why are you so high on a guy that has had such limited opportunities? That's pretty big praise for a guy that doesn't have much of a track record, especially compared to guys like Blackmon and Floyd.

I've got a really bad man crush here. Not a big fan of Blackmon, he's (to me) a WR2 with a slim chance of WR1 numbers. I like Floyd (a lot). I think K Wright does not have the skill set to dominate, more like a contributor. A Jefferey (to me at least) does not have a high ceiling. Hill has something that you can't teach and that is size & speed.

Mike Wallace had the same effect on me when he came into the league.

GT did not really use Hill that often, still baffled by it.

Thing that scares me is that many more informed than me have said he can't catch very well in traffic (i.e. not the combine) and doesn't play as fast as he times.

[jurb26]

L. Miller is way too low. Placing him behind Polk is just silly IMO. He is a vastly more talented RB. I can't imagine any situation what so ever that would make me even for a second want to draft Polk over Miller.

M. Barron should be in the top 50. He is a sure starter in the NFL for years and there are at least 20 guys on this list who will end up out of the NFL or barried on a teams depth chart in 2 years. I'd easly take the top S ahead of several of the fringe talents to even enter the draft at positions like RB and WR.

[jurb26]

I'm not even going to pretend to to level headed, but Stephen Hill is going to pass all the WRs sooner, not later.

BTW, who do you see as his NFL comp?

Thanks!

I'm just curious. Why are you so high on a guy that has had such limited opportunities? That's pretty big praise for a guy that doesn't have much of a track record, especially compared to guys like Blackmon and Floyd.

I've got a really bad man crush here. Not a big fan of Blackmon, he's (to me) a WR2 with a slim chance of WR1 numbers. I like Floyd (a lot). I think K Wright does not have the skill set to dominate, more like a contributor. A Jefferey (to me at least) does not have a high ceiling. Hill has something that you can't teach and that is size & speed.

Mike Wallace had the same effect on me when he came into the league.

GT did not really use Hill that often, still baffled by it.

Thing that scares me is that many more informed than me have said he can't catch very well in traffic (i.e. not the combine) and doesn't play as fast as he times.

I keep hearing people say this, but I'm not seeing any substance behind the opinion. Hill is very much an enigma if you ask me. He could be a Pro Bowler or could be a 4th stringer in a few years.

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I'm not even going to pretend to to level headed, but Stephen Hill is going to pass all the WRs sooner, not later.

BTW, who do you see as his NFL comp?

Thanks!

I'm just curious. Why are you so high on a guy that has had such limited opportunities? That's pretty big praise for a guy that doesn't have much of a track record, especially compared to guys like Blackmon and Floyd.

I've got a really bad man crush here. Not a big fan of Blackmon, he's (to me) a WR2 with a slim chance of WR1 numbers. I like Floyd (a lot). I think K Wright does not have the skill set to dominate, more like a contributor. A Jefferey (to me at least) does not have a high ceiling. Hill has something that you can't teach and that is size & speed.

Mike Wallace had the same effect on me when he came into the league.

GT did not really use Hill that often, still baffled by it.

Thing that scares me is that many more informed than me have said he can't catch very well in traffic (i.e. not the combine) and doesn't play as fast as he times.

I keep hearing people say this, but I'm not seeing any substance behind the opinion. Hill is very much an enigma if you ask me. He could be a Pro Bowler or could be a 4th stringer in a few years.

4th stringer IMO. Limited route tree, questionable hands, doesn't play as physical as he should, not quick in and out of breaks, questionable deep ball skills. One trick pony...go deep.

[Jene Bramel]

Like where you have Mychal Kendricks and Zach Brown (not yet listed).

Hoping we can find a place for Bobby Wagner and Demario Davis in the 30-60 range after the draft.

Whitney Mercilus has me nervous, but I understand the argument. Can't see ranking Coples behind him if both are drafted to play 4-3 DE, though.

Do you also have Hightower a tier beneath Kendricks?

I'm nowhere near as bold as Bloom. I'll do scouting capsules and comps, but I'm not comfortable doing fantasy rankings/tiers until these guys get drafted.

I have my eye on Luke Kuechly, Donta Hightower, Mychal Kendricks, Lavonte David, Zach Brown, Bobby Wagner, Demario Davis and James-Michael Johnson as potential every-down linebacker targets with enough upside to rank in the top 2-3 tiers of fantasy linebackers.

[BigSteelThrill]

That's Fantasy Gold!

[helix]

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/2011/12bloom100_part1.php

fire away

Bloom,

As a point of reference, at first glance how does this draft class compare to last years?

[mbuehner]

Hill intrigues me, the first name that comes to mind is Terrell Owens. Here's the highlight reel:
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=1kQWb4NXvJc

What impresses me most is the pure physicality, running people over, stiffarms, body position going up for the ball. And you just cant teach what you see at 1:10 in, that range makes my mouth water. He's obviously dangerous on the go route, but he's gonna be a beast in the red zone, and is also a danger to blow up a bubble screen at any moment. Definitely unpolished but the things he is missing are things that potentially can be learned... but better yet they aren't necessary to still be an impact player from day one. If he's the kind of guy that flourishes on the biggest stages (like most of the great ones do), he could be another TO in his prime. Of course he could also end up on the scrap heap.

That being said, for where you could get him he could be an absolute grandslam- I think the other WRs in this draft just dont have that kind of ceiling (although there are some very quality guys), and granted a lot of them dont have as low a floor. I like to gamble on the most bang for your buck with rookie WR- I can usually find the more pedestrian guys elsewhere. You don't need to hit on Dwayne Bowe or Hakeem Nicks or Mike Wallace too often to do a huge amount of damage, and after the first one or two or three top WRs the cost drop off is usually substantial.

[GECKO]

Thank You

[Tackling Dummies]

Hill intrigues me, the first name that comes to mind is Terrell Owens. Here's the highlight reel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kQWb4NXvJc

What impresses me most is the pure physicality, running people over, stiffarms, body position going up for the ball. And you just cant teach what you see at 1:10 in, that range makes my mouth water. He's obviously dangerous on the go route, but he's gonna be a beast in the red zone, and is also a danger to blow up a bubble screen at any moment. Definitely unpolished but the things he is missing are things that potentially can be learned... but better yet they aren't necessary to still be an impact player from day one. If he's the kind of guy that flourishes on the biggest stages (like most of the great ones do), he could be another TO in his prime. Of course he could also end up on the scrap heap.

That being said, for where you could get him he could be an absolute grandslam- I think the other WRs in this draft just dont have that kind of ceiling (although there are some very quality guys), and granted a lot of them dont have as low a floor. I like to gamble on the most bang for your buck with rookie WR- I can usually find the more pedestrian guys elsewhere. You don't need to hit on Dwayne Bowe or Hakeem Nicks or Mike Wallace too often to do a huge amount of damage, and after the first one or two or three top WRs the cost drop off is usually substantial.

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Hill intrigues me, the first name that comes to mind is Terrell Owens. Here's the highlight reel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kQWb4NXvJc

What impresses me most is the pure physicality, running people over, stiffarms, body position going up for the ball. And you just cant teach what you see at 1:10 in, that range makes my mouth water. He's obviously dangerous on the go route, but he's gonna be a beast in the red zone, and is also a danger to blow up a bubble screen at any moment. Definitely unpolished but the things he is missing are things that potentially can be learned... but better yet they aren't necessary to still be an impact player from day one. If he's the kind of guy that flourishes on the biggest stages (like most of the great ones do), he could be another TO in his prime. Of course he could also end up on the scrap heap.

That being said, for where you could get him he could be an absolute grandslam- I think the other WRs in this draft just dont have that kind of ceiling (although there are some very quality guys), and granted a lot of them dont have as low a floor. I like to gamble on the most bang for your buck with rookie WR- I can usually find the more pedestrian guys elsewhere. You don't need to hit on Dwayne Bowe or Hakeem Nicks or Mike Wallace too often to do a huge amount of damage, and after the first one or two or three top WRs the cost drop off is usually substantial.

That's his entire highlight film from college. He still looks stiff, not much quick twitch, not physical enough, and he stiff armed a D3 player.
His best season is 28 receptions in college. Blackmon, Sanu, Criner, Wright, Floyd, etc have had almost every season in college above that total.
His short shuttle is 4.48, which was the worst at the combine by .12!!! This means his short area quickness, in and out of routes isn't good.

[Sigmund Bloom]

Lot of momentum going toward RGIII over Luck. I'm sticking with Luck.

I can't argue too vigorously against that. In general, 2-7 is pretty tight. Griffin just has more of a big play game as a runner and deep passer, which translates better to fantasy, but Luck is bust-proof and a great runner in his own right.

But if Griffin runs anywhere near as often as Newton did as a rookie, he's going to get killed. Newton is much bigger, and I don't think even he can possibly keep up that amount of rushing over the long term.

definitely something big he needs to adjust his approach to in pros, but i think he is not a "run first" QB by any stretch. He might be a "leave the pocket quick" guy, which he'll need to work on, but shanny's offense will naturally have him on move a lot to mitigate that. RG3 does consistently look pass first when he breaks the pocket.

RG3 is neither a run 1st or a leave the pocket quick guy. One of his most highly regarded traits is his willingness to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball. His pocket awareness is exceptional for a college QB, regardless of his spread attack. RG3 runs when there are great plays to be made by doing so or if it was designed. I think anyone who expects these great amounts of rushing attempts by him in the NFL are going to be disapointed.

RG3 can and will hang in the pocket, but too often I see him leave the pocket early. I agree that he won't have the rushing attempts of say Vick, but his running ability will definitely enhance his fantasy value more than Luck or Tannehill - who are both very very athletic QB prospects

[Sigmund Bloom]

I'm not even going to pretend to to level headed, but Stephen Hill is going to pass all the WRs sooner, not later.

BTW, who do you see as his NFL comp?

Thanks!

at his best, calvin johnson, at his worst, troy williamson

[Sigmund Bloom]

Wylie hype is getting our of control. This is a guy who is going to struggle to adapt to the NFL IMO. He is undersized and lacks any physicallity to his play. It's nice to be fast and quick, but you also have to be able to play through restrictions to get open in the NFL. He is going to need a lot of work to ever come anything remotely close to Welker.

i would say he has plenty of physicality. he's a punt returner and generally a rugged player who doesnt back down.

[Sigmund Bloom]

Like where you have Mychal Kendricks and Zach Brown (not yet listed).

Hoping we can find a place for Bobby Wagner and Demario Davis in the 30-60 range after the draft.

Whitney Mercilus has me nervous, but I understand the argument. Can't see ranking Coples behind him if both are drafted to play 4-3 DE, though.

Mercilus vs Coples was tough. Mercilus isn't the same natural pass rusher as Coples, but his overall AA and awareness make me think that he'll be a good tackle total guy and do enough in terms of sacks. Coples has the elite upside, but also doesn't have the linebacker AA of Mercilus. final draft slot will decide this one.

Wagner and Davis are definitely coming up soon.

[Sigmund Bloom]

L. Miller is way too low. Placing him behind Polk is just silly IMO. He is a vastly more talented RB. I can't imagine any situation what so ever that would make me even for a second want to draft Polk over Miller.

M. Barron should be in the top 50. He is a sure starter in the NFL for years and there are at least 20 guys on this list who will end up out of the NFL or barried on a teams depth chart in 2 years. I'd easly take the top S ahead of several of the fringe talents to even enter the draft at positions like RB and WR.

I think Miller is more one-dimensional and since we are talking PPR here, Polk's top-notch receiving ability comes into play.

I just have a thing about taking safeties in rookie drafts, seems like you can find good ones on the WW and numbers aren't 100% correlated to talent, so I prefer to bottom-feed at the position, which pushes them way down my rankings unless we are talking about Eric Berry, Sean Taylor types.

[Sigmund Bloom]

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/2011/12bloom100_part1.php

fire away

Bloom,

As a point of reference, at first glance how does this draft class compare to last years?

way better.

not as deep at QB, but much more talented at the top.

better at RB from top to bottom

better at WR except at the very top

about equal at the top of TE, but not that deep.

much better at LB top to bottom

[Sigmund Bloom]

I keep hearing people say this, but I'm not seeing any substance behind the opinion. Hill is very much an enigma if you ask me. He could be a Pro Bowler or could be a 4th stringer in a few years.

This is pretty much exactly what Russ Lande said on our show a few weeks ago. in three years he'll either be at the top of the league or not even on a roster.

[jurb26]

I've cast a few stones here so let me now compliment you on the R. Randle ranking. I've been vocal about him for a while so it's no surprise that I'm a fan. I think Randle is one of the few WRs in this class who truly has WR1 potential. I think he actually has more WR1 potential than any other WR in the class, but Blackmon and Floyd are admittedly safer picks. I can easily see him slipping into the 1st round and there is no way he gets past the 1st half of the 2nd. The kid was greatly marginalized in the LSU offense but he's got real NFL ability. Far too many around here are sleeping on him.

[jurb26]

Wylie hype is getting our of control. This is a guy who is going to struggle to adapt to the NFL IMO. He is undersized and lacks any physicallity to his play. It's nice to be fast and quick, but you also have to be able to play through restrictions to get open in the NFL. He is going to need a lot of work to ever come anything remotely close to Welker.

i would say he has plenty of physicality. he's a punt returner and generally a rugged player who doesnt back down.

That's not really what I'm talking about when I say physicality. I don't doubt his personal toughness. Returning punts is a fearless endeavor which certainly leads towards his grit. Punt returns happen is space by natural occurrence though. WR need to be able to create their own space and that is where I take issue with his game as it translates to the NFL. Sure he is quick and fast, but from what I've seen anytime a DB gets their hands on him he struggles mightily. This will be a major issue in the NFL where the DBs are bigger, faster, quicker, stronger and have better technique thus use their hands better to redirect WRs. I think he is a career slot guy at best. There's nothing wrong with that and there is certainly a place for it in today's NFL. There just isn't very much fantasy value in it.

[Sigmund Bloom]

Wylie hype is getting our of control. This is a guy who is going to struggle to adapt to the NFL IMO. He is undersized and lacks any physicallity to his play. It's nice to be fast and quick, but you also have to be able to play through restrictions to get open in the NFL. He is going to need a lot of work to ever come anything remotely close to Welker.

i would say he has plenty of physicality. he's a punt returner and generally a rugged player who doesnt back down.

That's not really what I'm talking about when I say physicality. I don't doubt his personal toughness. Returning punts is a fearless endeavor which certainly leads towards his grit. Punt returns happen is space by natural occurrence though. WR need to be able to create their own space and that is where I take issue with his game as it translates to the NFL. Sure he is quick and fast, but from what I've seen anytime a DB gets their hands on him he struggles mightily. This will be a major issue in the NFL where the DBs are bigger, faster, quicker, stronger and have better technique thus use their hands better to redirect WRs. I think he is a career slot guy at best. There's nothing wrong with that and there is certainly a place for it in today's NFL. There just isn't very much fantasy value in it.

Isn't Welker a career slot guy? Danny Amendola? We can agree that Wylie falls somewhere on that spectrum. I'd say there's fantasy value there.

[jurb26]

Wylie hype is getting our of control. This is a guy who is going to struggle to adapt to the NFL IMO. He is undersized and lacks any physicallity to his play. It's nice to be fast and quick, but you also have to be able to play through restrictions to get open in the NFL. He is going to need a lot of work to ever come anything remotely close to Welker.

i would say he has plenty of physicality. he's a punt returner and generally a rugged player who doesnt back down.

That's not really what I'm talking about when I say physicality. I don't doubt his personal toughness. Returning punts is a fearless endeavor which certainly leads towards his grit. Punt returns happen is space by natural occurrence though. WR need to be able to create their own space and that is where I take issue with his game as it translates to the NFL. Sure he is quick and fast, but from what I've seen anytime a DB gets their hands on him he struggles mightily. This will be a major issue in the NFL where the DBs are bigger, faster, quicker, stronger and have better technique thus use their hands better to redirect WRs. I think he is a career slot guy at best. There's nothing wrong with that and there is certainly a place for it in today's NFL. There just isn't very much fantasy value in it.

Isn't Welker a career slot guy? Danny Amendola? We can agree that Wylie falls somewhere on that spectrum. I'd say there's fantasy value there.

Welker can line up wide, but is certainly far less effective. Welker has been very fortunate in being placed in the ideal circumstances for fantasy success though. I think we can agree that the odds of such things happening to Wylie are extremely remote. This is without even getting into the odds that his ability translates the same.

Edited by jurb26, 09 April 2012 - 05:33 PM.

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

Bloom.....I know you mentioned Jacquizz Rodgers as a buy-low...where would you have him rated amoungst the Bloom 100 for this year? Is he worth a late 1st round pick right around where you have Polk rated or would you have Polk rated well ahead of him?

Edited by Carl Eller's Dead Liver, 09 April 2012 - 05:40 PM.

[Sigmund Bloom]

Wylie hype is getting our of control. This is a guy who is going to struggle to adapt to the NFL IMO. He is undersized and lacks any physicallity to his play. It's nice to be fast and quick, but you also have to be able to play through restrictions to get open in the NFL. He is going to need a lot of work to ever come anything remotely close to Welker.

i would say he has plenty of physicality. he's a punt returner and generally a rugged player who doesnt back down.

That's not really what I'm talking about when I say physicality. I don't doubt his personal toughness. Returning punts is a fearless endeavor which certainly leads towards his grit. Punt returns happen is space by natural occurrence though. WR need to be able to create their own space and that is where I take issue with his game as it translates to the NFL. Sure he is quick and fast, but from what I've seen anytime a DB gets their hands on him he struggles mightily. This will be a major issue in the NFL where the DBs are bigger, faster, quicker, stronger and have better technique thus use their hands better to redirect WRs. I think he is a career slot guy at best. There's nothing wrong with that and there is certainly a place for it in today's NFL. There just isn't very much fantasy value in it.

Isn't Welker a career slot guy? Danny Amendola? We can agree that Wylie falls somewhere on that spectrum. I'd say there's fantasy value there.

Welker can line up wide, but is certainly far less effective. Welker has been very fortunate in being placed in the ideal circumstances for fantasy success though. I think we can agree that the odds of such things happening to Wylie are extremely remote. This is without even getting into the odds that his ability translates the same.

seeing as the team that drafts him will be thoroughly familiar with his abilities and have a plan for they plan on using him (likely in his natural slot role), I would put the chances of Wylie being in a situation that is at least conducive to fantasy success as somewhat strong. The Lions WR coach ran the drills at his pro day. That qualifies as a good spot imo.