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2010 Bloom 100: 1-10 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Sigmund Bloom
- Start date
Thanks Bloom.....good read.
Skeletore Eh
Footballguy
The Bloom 100 is written with deep IDP PPR dynasty leagues that start 3 WR and TE, and a full defense. NFL Comparisons are best case scenarios and not meant to be a prediction of the player’s career, but instead characterize his game in terms of a prominent player with that playing style.
1. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - Can you find a hole in this guy’s game on tape? I sure can’t. Depending who you ask, Bryant is “flaky” and “immature” or he’s a bad character guy that teams shouldn’t bother with. His talent is so rare and characters like him at the WR position are so common that the risk is certainly worth taking for teams picking in the middle of the first round (see also: Randy Moss), and absolutely worth taking if you own the #1 overall rookie pick in a PPR league. Bryant has the strength, ups, hands, body control and balance, fearlessness, and killer instinct to be the kind of WR that can score from anywhere on the field whether its a deep ball, bubble screen, or pass into the middle of a headhunting safety’s zone.
NFL Comparison: Smaller, but more sudden Larry Fitzgerald
2. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson - Spiller could easily end up on a team without a heavy need at RB (SF, NYG, NE) and Ryan Mathews could end up on a team with an immediate need like Houston or San Diego, and the two will flip-flop on many rookie draft boards, if Spiller isn’t third already. Don’t fall prey to this if you own the #2 pick. If anything, try to trade down to #3, because between the two RBs, Spiller is the one with the staying power of a possible transcendent talent. Spiller has a lethal combination of quicks, speed, vision, and natural playmaking instincts that should make him one of the premier game breakers at the RB position, even if he isn’t a clear lead back. He’s compactly built and runs stronger than you have been lead to believe, but he doesn’t have Chris Johnson’s strength through the hips and mean streak running inside, so Spiller might not get Johnson’s workload, but otherwise, he can be the same kind of presence in an offense. He’s also a good receiver with big hands, and even if you have to wait for production, if you take Spiller, you’ll get the best RB in this draft.
NFL Comparison: Chris Johnson minus some turbo and inside running
3. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech - It’s becoming clearer than not only will Dwyer fall out of the first round, he’ll likely fall out of the first 50 picks and even out of the top two rounds. You won’t need to take him nearly this high to get him in your rookie draft, but this ranking is not a draft guide. Dwyer has to work on his conditioning and there are questions about how he’ll translate outside of the triple option, but to me these issues indicate even more upside for a player that flashed a lot during his collegiate career. He hasn’t had the chance to line up often in the natural tailback position, which offers more depth from the line and two-point stance, meaning better reads and more burst at the point of attack. Dwyer’s thick build, natural tackle breaking ability (especially below the waist) and outstanding lateral agility make him the best-suited RB in this draft running the ball 300 times in the NFL, and he’s also a better receiver and faster than advertised. He’s the one back in this draft that could become a special workhorse if things come together. By no means should you take Dwyer third overall, after the draft he may even be available outside of the top 10, but when evaluating his potential for fantasy football, it’s hard to not get excited.
NFL Comparison: Jonathan Stewart minus fifth gear with LenDale White conditioning issues
4. Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State - I highly doubt anyone gets Mathews outside of the top 3 in rookie drafts, and it won’t surprise me if he goes #1 in some leagues. My reservations about Mathews have to do with straight-linish running game. I think he can flourish in a good offense, but he won’t create much on his own if he’s in a bad offense. He’s strong and fast, but I would peg his upside right around a player Cecil compared him to - Ryan Grant. Mathews is a very safe rookie pick, and he should be a solid RB2 for a long time, but I don’t see a real difference maker when I watch him.
NFL Comparison: Donald Brown
5. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford - Gerhart will break down some of the rigid player associations by race within the RB position. He is not exceptionally fast, sudden, or elusive, but he possesses all of those qualities to some degree in a strong, big frame with a marauding attitude. Gerhart came up big when it mattered most and he seems to relish contact. He has some subtlety to his game and he will be an automatic option inside the five.
NFL Comparison: Jerome Bettis with heavier feet
6. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal - Best is right there with Spiller in terms of pure speed, quicks, and open-field running instincts, but he is built less compact than Spiller and seems to run with a style that puts his health at risk. Best is also not much for pass protection and he projects as a committee back at the next level in any scenario. He can still have strong fantasy value because Im sure his game will translate, but he won’t be a consistent week-to-week presence in the box scores, frustrating his owners.
NFL Comparison: Darren Sproles
7. Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois - Benn stands out to me in an otherwise uninspiring second tier of wide receivers. His natural adjustments to the ball and explosive leaping ability make him suited to be a terrific jumpball target, and his speed, fluid athleticism, strength, and RB mentality in the open field will make him a bear after the catch. There are durability questions and Benn is a bust risk for sure, but his ceiling is higher than any wideout not named Bryant.
NFL Comparison: Brandon Marshall
8. Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee - Hardesty looks like a perfect fit in a zone blocking scheme running game, and he has as much juice in his legs as any back in this draft when it comes to downhill running and efficiency. His initial burst is excellent, he has some moves, and he gets yards after contact. Hardesty doesn’t present as rare a package of physical attributes as the guys ahead of him on this list, but he could be more productive in the right situation.
NFL Comparison: Travis Henry
9. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma - Bradford is well-suited to run a pass-happy offense with his quick release, accuracy, good feet, and hair-trigger decision-making. His shoulder condition and overall durability keep him from being an uberelite QB prospect, along with a lack of top-end arm strength, but he’s more than good enough to be a a top 5 pick and franchise QB for an NFL team and eventual starter for your fantasy team.
NFL Comparison: Matt Schaub
10. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma - Gresham has to convince teams that his knee is ok, but as long as he does, he should be a first-round pick. He’s massive, but very fluid for player his size, and he’s got natural hands, ball skills, and run after catch instincts. His size and strength make him a load to bring down after the catch, and Gresham should also be a red zone weapon. He leads another great class of receiving TEs.
NFL Comparison: Kellen Winslow
1. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - Can you find a hole in this guy’s game on tape? I sure can’t. Depending who you ask, Bryant is “flaky” and “immature” or he’s a bad character guy that teams shouldn’t bother with. His talent is so rare and characters like him at the WR position are so common that the risk is certainly worth taking for teams picking in the middle of the first round (see also: Randy Moss), and absolutely worth taking if you own the #1 overall rookie pick in a PPR league. Bryant has the strength, ups, hands, body control and balance, fearlessness, and killer instinct to be the kind of WR that can score from anywhere on the field whether its a deep ball, bubble screen, or pass into the middle of a headhunting safety’s zone.
NFL Comparison: Smaller, but more sudden Larry Fitzgerald
2. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson - Spiller could easily end up on a team without a heavy need at RB (SF, NYG, NE) and Ryan Mathews could end up on a team with an immediate need like Houston or San Diego, and the two will flip-flop on many rookie draft boards, if Spiller isn’t third already. Don’t fall prey to this if you own the #2 pick. If anything, try to trade down to #3, because between the two RBs, Spiller is the one with the staying power of a possible transcendent talent. Spiller has a lethal combination of quicks, speed, vision, and natural playmaking instincts that should make him one of the premier game breakers at the RB position, even if he isn’t a clear lead back. He’s compactly built and runs stronger than you have been lead to believe, but he doesn’t have Chris Johnson’s strength through the hips and mean streak running inside, so Spiller might not get Johnson’s workload, but otherwise, he can be the same kind of presence in an offense. He’s also a good receiver with big hands, and even if you have to wait for production, if you take Spiller, you’ll get the best RB in this draft.
NFL Comparison: Chris Johnson minus some turbo and inside running
3. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech - It’s becoming clearer than not only will Dwyer fall out of the first round, he’ll likely fall out of the first 50 picks and even out of the top two rounds. You won’t need to take him nearly this high to get him in your rookie draft, but this ranking is not a draft guide. Dwyer has to work on his conditioning and there are questions about how he’ll translate outside of the triple option, but to me these issues indicate even more upside for a player that flashed a lot during his collegiate career. He hasn’t had the chance to line up often in the natural tailback position, which offers more depth from the line and two-point stance, meaning better reads and more burst at the point of attack. Dwyer’s thick build, natural tackle breaking ability (especially below the waist) and outstanding lateral agility make him the best-suited RB in this draft running the ball 300 times in the NFL, and he’s also a better receiver and faster than advertised. He’s the one back in this draft that could become a special workhorse if things come together. By no means should you take Dwyer third overall, after the draft he may even be available outside of the top 10, but when evaluating his potential for fantasy football, it’s hard to not get excited.
NFL Comparison: Jonathan Stewart minus fifth gear with LenDale White conditioning issues
4. Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State - I highly doubt anyone gets Mathews outside of the top 3 in rookie drafts, and it won’t surprise me if he goes #1 in some leagues. My reservations about Mathews have to do with straight-linish running game. I think he can flourish in a good offense, but he won’t create much on his own if he’s in a bad offense. He’s strong and fast, but I would peg his upside right around a player Cecil compared him to - Ryan Grant. Mathews is a very safe rookie pick, and he should be a solid RB2 for a long time, but I don’t see a real difference maker when I watch him.
NFL Comparison: Donald Brown
5. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford - Gerhart will break down some of the rigid player associations by race within the RB position. He is not exceptionally fast, sudden, or elusive, but he possesses all of those qualities to some degree in a strong, big frame with a marauding attitude. Gerhart came up big when it mattered most and he seems to relish contact. He has some subtlety to his game and he will be an automatic option inside the five.
NFL Comparison: Jerome Bettis with heavier feet
6. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal - Best is right there with Spiller in terms of pure speed, quicks, and open-field running instincts, but he is built less compact than Spiller and seems to run with a style that puts his health at risk. Best is also not much for pass protection and he projects as a committee back at the next level in any scenario. He can still have strong fantasy value because Im sure his game will translate, but he won’t be a consistent week-to-week presence in the box scores, frustrating his owners.
NFL Comparison: Darren Sproles
7. Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois - Benn stands out to me in an otherwise uninspiring second tier of wide receivers. His natural adjustments to the ball and explosive leaping ability make him suited to be a terrific jumpball target, and his speed, fluid athleticism, strength, and RB mentality in the open field will make him a bear after the catch. There are durability questions and Benn is a bust risk for sure, but his ceiling is higher than any wideout not named Bryant.
NFL Comparison: Brandon Marshall
8. Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee - Hardesty looks like a perfect fit in a zone blocking scheme running game, and he has as much juice in his legs as any back in this draft when it comes to downhill running and efficiency. His initial burst is excellent, he has some moves, and he gets yards after contact. Hardesty doesn’t present as rare a package of physical attributes as the guys ahead of him on this list, but he could be more productive in the right situation.
NFL Comparison: Travis Henry
9. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma - Bradford is well-suited to run a pass-happy offense with his quick release, accuracy, good feet, and hair-trigger decision-making. His shoulder condition and overall durability keep him from being an uberelite QB prospect, along with a lack of top-end arm strength, but he’s more than good enough to be a a top 5 pick and franchise QB for an NFL team and eventual starter for your fantasy team.
NFL Comparison: Matt Schaub
10. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma - Gresham has to convince teams that his knee is ok, but as long as he does, he should be a first-round pick. He’s massive, but very fluid for player his size, and he’s got natural hands, ball skills, and run after catch instincts. His size and strength make him a load to bring down after the catch, and Gresham should also be a red zone weapon. He leads another great class of receiving TEs.
NFL Comparison: Kellen Winslow
Milwaukees_best
Footballguy
awesome
Black
Footballguy
Great stuff, Pops.
I am surprised to see Matthews and Dwyer so high in PPR, but guess you have more confidence in their pass catching than alot of folks do. I would have guessed Hardesty might be higher in PPR?
I have actually heard and am convinced Gerhart could be a good pass catching RB.
I am surprised to see Matthews and Dwyer so high in PPR, but guess you have more confidence in their pass catching than alot of folks do. I would have guessed Hardesty might be higher in PPR?
I have actually heard and am convinced Gerhart could be a good pass catching RB.
Beefeaters
Footballguy
Nice work Bloom. Always enjoy reading your material.
stiff, straight-line runner, hands arent the most reliable - not that high on him.
Nice Job Bloom, i thought i was the only one who liked Dwyer more than Mathews. I think you are right on with Mathews, he will only be as good as his situation. I also agree that this class of RB's remnds me alot of the 2008 class.
One problem i have, isnt Best shorter and heavier than Spiller?
One problem i have, isnt Best shorter and heavier than Spiller?
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cobalt_27
Footballguy
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ht and wt arent the guiding attributes here - Best is more high-cut and narrow-hipped like a WR, Spiller has wider hips and thicker legs.Image of Best
Image of Spiller
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Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub
Footballguy
Nice work. I agree 100% on Dwyer and Benn (whom I actually have at #5 overall).
Like you, I think Dwyer can be a big time difference maker at RB [Matthews the safer choice]. Matthews is going to be the one player IMO that people look back 2-3 years from now thinking 'Boy, I was right/wrong about him'. I've seen a few runs where he parallels D'Angelo Williams and other times I see Ryan Grant [nothing wrong with owning either, but I'd prefering owning the one with vastly superior physical ability in Williams]
Will be interesting to see where exactly Thomas goes. I've heard Atlanta & it'd be interesting to see him there with their huge hole at WR2.
Like you, I think Dwyer can be a big time difference maker at RB [Matthews the safer choice]. Matthews is going to be the one player IMO that people look back 2-3 years from now thinking 'Boy, I was right/wrong about him'. I've seen a few runs where he parallels D'Angelo Williams and other times I see Ryan Grant [nothing wrong with owning either, but I'd prefering owning the one with vastly superior physical ability in Williams]
Will be interesting to see where exactly Thomas goes. I've heard Atlanta & it'd be interesting to see him there with their huge hole at WR2.
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Sig I agree 100% with your assessment here. I am intrigued by Best's athleticism but fear he is JNorwood Pt.2 for an NFL team. That same athleticism will likely keep him on many fantasy owners minds year after year as he teases us with bursts of solid play.
Good stuff, Bloom! 
With a baby on board, just thinking clearly enough to not recommend a PK or a DT in your top 10 overall is no small accomplishment. LOL. In all seriousness though, if they come better/smarter than Bloom when it comes to FFL and the NFL Draft, I sure haven't met them yet. Bloom = #1 OA pick.
With a baby on board, just thinking clearly enough to not recommend a PK or a DT in your top 10 overall is no small accomplishment. LOL. In all seriousness though, if they come better/smarter than Bloom when it comes to FFL and the NFL Draft, I sure haven't met them yet. Bloom = #1 OA pick.
blend
Footballguy
Am really hoping that Bloom's opinion here starts holding more and more water.. I have the 1.07 and would LOVE for Bay Bay to be sitting there for me. Here's hoping Bloom is like the WiseGuys who move the initial line in Vegas
Warpig
Footballguy
What scares me the most is his concussion issue and bruised spine(?). Not to mention his lengthy injury history.
Max Fischer
Footballguy
Nice work. The articles and podcasts really help me out each season.
I don't mean to hijack the thread away from the analysis, but I'm curious what people think. Clearly, if you listen to The Audible, Bloom has inserted PPR as the new standard in most rankings and analysis (with 3 WR PPR making a push).
Is this the direction of most fantasy football leagues? Is my non-PPR 2 WR league becoming a dinosaur?
I don't mean to hijack the thread away from the analysis, but I'm curious what people think. Clearly, if you listen to The Audible, Bloom has inserted PPR as the new standard in most rankings and analysis (with 3 WR PPR making a push).
Is this the direction of most fantasy football leagues? Is my non-PPR 2 WR league becoming a dinosaur?
THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA
Footballguy
:dot:
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
"Baby on board....something, something, Burt Ward."
Black
Footballguy
I am sure baby Miles is well beyond the meconium. He's probably full-on into that green Haz Mat stage. Now THAT poop smells.Not sure if De Thomas smells, but was surprised to see Arrelious Benn so high. Can't recall what the knocks were on Benn, just that there were doubts.
Matt's Eagles
Footballguy
I have picks 5 and 6 in the ppr league may take D Thomas and Best with those picks.
Wow, it appears Spiller is thicker everywhere, Best looks like he weighs 175 lb's there. Something is wrong, either that is an old picture, or Bests listed height/weight is wrong.
Edit to add, i found a pic of Best at the combine, its kind of small, but he looks bigger.
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0304/pg2_a_bestj_200.jpg
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benson_will_lead_the_way
Footballguy
Pretty disappointed that you have Dwyer ahead of Mathews.
Heck even Spiller ahead of Mathews.
But Dwyer dropped weight....was out of shape at the combine or didn't show up physically. I think its safe to say he is the least creative runner out of the top 4 RB's. I would put them Best, Spiller, Mathews, Dwyer in those terms. But it's okay Mathews is used to being the underdog and I will gladly take him in every league that I can.
Heck even Spiller ahead of Mathews.
But Dwyer dropped weight....was out of shape at the combine or didn't show up physically. I think its safe to say he is the least creative runner out of the top 4 RB's. I would put them Best, Spiller, Mathews, Dwyer in those terms. But it's okay Mathews is used to being the underdog and I will gladly take him in every league that I can.
Doesnt everybody?
ConstruxBoy
Kate's Daddy
So you're disappointed that someone else has a different opinion on Mathews than you do? That explains a lot.
benson_will_lead_the_way
Footballguy
I have Mathews ahead of Spiller
benson_will_lead_the_way
Footballguy
I would say it explains about the same amount as you coming into all these threads with my posts and making sarcastic comments.I just think the consensus was very disappointed with Dwyer. Then to have Mathews have a great workout and solid pro day.....it doesn't add up.
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Michael Fox Fan
Footballguy
WHOOOOOOAAAA! Stop the presses! You have Matthews ahead of Spiller?!?!?
REALLY?!?!?! Seriously though, even though you might, i am not sure why it shocks you that Bloom has Spiller ahead of Mathews, since 90% of everyone else does too.
Some people dont put alot of stock into combine numbers. Sure, they were a bit dissappointing, but that doesnt change what he did on the field.
rabidfireweasel
Footballguy
It's called fore-shortening. :artnerd:
Both of SPiller's thighs are coming forward. That makes them appear shorter and wider.
I just rewatched them both at the combine(yes, i DVR'd it), and i would have to say Best looks stockier than Spiller, although its very close.
Zoomanji
Footballguy
n20
Footballguy
Great work Bloom! Love the analysis and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your work. Top notch.I think th ppr vs. non-ppr argument is important (maybe not in this thread but...). I'm still in a non-ppr 2WR dynasty league and I think it is far better then my ppr 3 WR league. When ppr became very popular you had RB's dominating fantasy leagues so it made sense to adjust WR scoring to even things out. Today you have more RBBC than before plus fewer "bell cow" RB's and therefore WR's are making a larger and larger impact in the game. Basically, I think ppr overweights WR too much at this point. It's hard to adjust scoring every year due to the changing nature of RB involvement in real football.Max Fischer said:
I think Stewart's size/quicks/strength/instincts combo is rare and special even without a fifth gear - that plus the conditioning issue is why he isn't #1.Bettis had exceptionally light feet for a BIG back. He's pretty much a hall of fame level player. Bettis with heavier feet is still a very good NFL power back.Zoomanji said:
ConstruxBoy
Kate's Daddy
Trust me, you deserve the sarcastic comments. And I have Mathews ahead of Dwyer.ETA: LOL at people hitting you with sarcastic comments right after my post.benson_will_lead_the_way said:
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Multiple Scores
Footballguy
Some put more stock into game film than combine/workout numbers is shorts. Crazy isn't it?benson_will_lead_the_way said:
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Hi Sigmund,
In the future I would not put Chris Johnson and Spiller in the same conversation. I know what you are trying to say but I would use a comparison to Jamal Charles or Jerome Harrison...there a re a lot of these slightly under 200 lb RBs and I think Jamal, Felix, Jerome, and there are others that I call speed backs, he is in line with all those guys but Chris Johnson...no way. I know you said without this and that...I just don't think he is close to CJ here.
I did take him witht he 6.05 in PDSL4 so I like him plenty as you do but I wouldn't tell epople he is anything like Chris Johnson.
In the future I would not put Chris Johnson and Spiller in the same conversation. I know what you are trying to say but I would use a comparison to Jamal Charles or Jerome Harrison...there a re a lot of these slightly under 200 lb RBs and I think Jamal, Felix, Jerome, and there are others that I call speed backs, he is in line with all those guys but Chris Johnson...no way. I know you said without this and that...I just don't think he is close to CJ here.
I did take him witht he 6.05 in PDSL4 so I like him plenty as you do but I wouldn't tell epople he is anything like Chris Johnson.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
And I am much more intertested in your 11-30 range guys... 
But as always very nice write ups SB.
But as always very nice write ups SB.
n20
Footballguy
Isn't Felix like 220lbs? I don't think he's in that category of under 200lb backs either...
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Listed right at 200 according to Pro Football Reference...he is nowehre near 220 IMHO.Rice, Harrison, Felix, Jamal...I think those guys are all on the speed side and somewhat thinner frames compared to other backs. Doesn't make them inferior but they aren't built for 350 carries either.
n20
Footballguy
Hmmm... On NFL.com he's listed at 6'0 218lbs. Whatever, I get your point but I saw it and thought it looked low... it's a 9% difference. I wonder which one is more accurate and why there's such a discrepancy? Weird.Felix on NFL.com
Unwrittenlaw
Footballguy
How does Gerhart prospects' compare to that of Eric Shelton? Eric Shelton was being compared to Bettis also but slower - and didn't really pan out in the NFL. Absolute bust. Are Gerhart's chances of success much higher than Shelton?
Yeah, and nobody thought CJ was CJ until CJ was CJ.
Seriously though, i think comparing players is always a bad idea, as nobody is ever like anyone else. I dont think Bloom is suggesting Spiller is as good as Chris Johnson, just that his style is similar. Whats wrong with that, Jamal charles and Felix Jones also have a similar style to Johnson. Is Jerome supppose to be Harrison? Im not sure i see the similarties with him.
