DYNASTY: 2011 Top 15 Prospects (1 Viewer)

[Dawg Pound 69]

someone told me Dion Lewis from Pitt could enter draft, something about him going to some other prep school or something before Pitt. It would be 3 years from the year he was in high school, yada yada yada.If true, he is on this list someplace.

To my knowledge, that's not true. I think he was a true freshman last year in every sense of the word. I don't think he did the prep school thing.

I think he transferred from one high school academy to another, but it didn't affect his college eligibility. He's still considered a sophomore, so he can't enter the NFL until 2012.

 

[EBF]

My 2011 RB outlook is coming this weekend.

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

someone told me Dion Lewis from Pitt could enter draft, something about him going to some other prep school or something before Pitt. It would be 3 years from the year he was in high school, yada yada yada.If true, he is on this list someplace.I think Rudolph is a jr this year, and will likely be back at ND for a senior year IMO.Mallet is the best pro QB of the bunch also IMO. Huge arm, big kid, playing v SEC will make him better than playing vs the garbage defensese the PAC 10 throws at Jake and Luck.

Rudolph I think will likely be back for his senior season, but if he gets a first round grade who knows.I have already made my thoughts clear on Mallett. I don't think he has the intangibles between the ears needed to be a pro quarterback. He may have matured or will mature more in the future, but I don't like what I have seen/heard from him to this point. I may be wrong, but Mallett won't end up on any of my teams thats for sure.

 

[Sabertooth]

In this year's draft, through deft trading, I've acquired not one but two extra picks in round one of next season. In other words...

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

I know that a number of Devy drafts are coming up this weekend. I'd love to get people's latest take on:Green....is he really the next super stud WRIngram...stud but is he worth more than these WRsFloyd vs. Baldwin vs. Julio vs. DeAndreQuizz vs. Williams vs. Harper vs. ThomasYour take on my fav college player Noel Devine....Harvin2? How does he translate?Thanks

I have Green on about the same level as Crabtree, a bit below Dez Bryant as far as talent. I think he is a future fantasy #1 WR. Ingram I think is the 2nd most talented RB on his team, but that may still mean he is the 2nd most talented RB in the nation. I don't think he is in the elite talent at RB category (like AP, CJ3, Stewart) but I think he is an extremely good bet to be a good to very good pro for a long time. I expect him to be a top 10 dynasty RB from the moment he is drafted. I think Floyd is closer to Green than he is to the others. I am very high on him. He reminds me of a Brandon Marshall or Larry Fitzgerald . Not elite speed, but a big WR who goes and gets the ball wherever it is. The others all have very high potential, but I still need to see more to really shake that out. I am a big time Quizz backer. I think he is much closer to MJD than Sproles. Williams grows on me more and more every time I look at him more. Someone compared his style to DeAngelo Williams and I agree that they have a lot of similarities in style. He should be a very good pro, but who knows if he will be in the 2011 draft. I haven't seen enough of Harper to give my opinion on him, but he is one that I will be looking at this year. I think Thomas could be a solid pro who put up a few seasons of fantasy production, but he isn't a special talent by any means IMO. I think Devine's future fantasy impact will depend heavily on the team he ends up on and they system they run. I think he is a more elite athlete than some of the other scat backs that have come out in years past. If he ends up on the right team he could be deadly.

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

In this year's draft, through deft trading, I've acquired not one but two extra picks in round one of next season. In other words...

In one of my leagues I took over a bad team that was miles away from competing. I blew up most of my team for 2011 draft picks. I have the 2011 1st's belonging to the teams that drafted 1.01, 1.02 (my team), 1.03, 1.05, 1.07 and 1.08 this year. So yea, I am betting heavily on this being a special draft class.

 

[eakfootball]

What about LaMichael James--Oregon.

He is a sophomore this year can't declare till 2012

 

[EBF]

What about LaMichael James--Oregon.

He is a sophomore this year can't declare till 2012

Redshirt soph IIRC. He'll be eligible in 2011.

 

[DansRams]

In this year's draft, through deft trading, I've acquired not one but two extra picks in round one of next season. In other words...

In one of my leagues I took over a bad team that was miles away from competing. I blew up most of my team for 2011 draft picks. I have the 2011 1st's belonging to the teams that drafted 1.01, 1.02 (my team), 1.03, 1.05, 1.07 and 1.08 this year. So yea, I am betting heavily on this being a special draft class.

I did the same thing except I only got 5 picks. I'm pretty confident I have what will be the 1.01, 1.02 and 3 of the next 4 so worst case 1.05,1.06,1.07...The best part is I also manged to maintain a young core group E Manning, K Moreno, J Best, D Bryant, H Nicks, J Graham to add my 5 1sts to. (I have 2 2nds too...probably 2.01/2.06)I see the top 6 as Ingram, William at RB and Green, J Jones, Baldwin and Floyd...I'm happy to get 4 of those 6 although ideally I would get both Rb's and 2 wr's. My other 1st round will get the top QB

 

[Sabertooth]

In this year's draft, through deft trading, I've acquired not one but two extra picks in round one of next season. In other words...

In one of my leagues I took over a bad team that was miles away from competing. I blew up most of my team for 2011 draft picks. I have the 2011 1st's belonging to the teams that drafted 1.01, 1.02 (my team), 1.03, 1.05, 1.07 and 1.08 this year. So yea, I am betting heavily on this being a special draft class.

Good luck. My team is probably the strongest in the league that I play in, but I was just in the right place at the right time for some of my deals. I did load up on some older talent too and I'm making my run this season. With Turner, Manning, and Sjax alongside Ocho....I felt I needed to get the ammo ready for 2012.

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

In this year's draft, through deft trading, I've acquired not one but two extra picks in round one of next season. In other words...

In one of my leagues I took over a bad team that was miles away from competing. I blew up most of my team for 2011 draft picks. I have the 2011 1st's belonging to the teams that drafted 1.01, 1.02 (my team), 1.03, 1.05, 1.07 and 1.08 this year. So yea, I am betting heavily on this being a special draft class.

Good luck. My team is probably the strongest in the league that I play in, but I was just in the right place at the right time for some of my deals. I did load up on some older talent too and I'm making my run this season. With Turner, Manning, and Sjax alongside Ocho....I felt I needed to get the ammo ready for 2012.

I am a big believer that future 1sts are always a good investment because the price will almost always be higher a year from now. The point I think some people miss is that you don't have to draft rookies with all of those picks. A top 3-5 pick in most years can net you a very good veteran player in return.

 

[DansRams]

In this year's draft, through deft trading, I've acquired not one but two extra picks in round one of next season. In other words...

In one of my leagues I took over a bad team that was miles away from competing. I blew up most of my team for 2011 draft picks. I have the 2011 1st's belonging to the teams that drafted 1.01, 1.02 (my team), 1.03, 1.05, 1.07 and 1.08 this year. So yea, I am betting heavily on this being a special draft class.

Good luck. My team is probably the strongest in the league that I play in, but I was just in the right place at the right time for some of my deals. I did load up on some older talent too and I'm making my run this season. With Turner, Manning, and Sjax alongside Ocho....I felt I needed to get the ammo ready for 2012.

Good Luck to you as well.I'd prefer your situation, but I'm feeling good about mine too..it will be fun watching the young studs develop. I have dreams of a Bryant, Nicks, AJ Green, J Jones wr rotation in 2012

 

[Sabertooth]

I am a big believer that future 1sts are always a good investment because the price will almost always be higher a year from now. The point I think some people miss is that you don't have to draft rookies with all of those picks. A top 3-5 pick in most years can net you a very good veteran player in return.

I agree especially late in the season before the trade deadline when a weaker teams see the writing on the wall about their season. Then you flash a #1 pick and get a guy that may push you over the top. I'm going to try for one more this offseason yet. To here Lammey tell it, next season's class is far superior to this season's group. I don't watch much college ball, so I digress.

 

[J-Dawg]

I recently acquired two 2011 1sts that are both good bets to end up as top 5 picks. I'm in the midst of a mini-rebuild as well and would love to add at least one more high pick before the end of the seasons because I am so stoked about this draft class. I reluctantly parted with my own 1st round pick mid-way through last season to get ADP, but hell, I got ADP so giving up a 2011 1st as part of the package is still a good price. I am very high on Jake Locker and want to get him on my team to be my future QB1 and I'm hoping to land Green, Floyd or Baldwin with the other pick. Will definitely be scouting this draft class a lot this season.

 

[JohnnyU]

I recently acquired two 2011 1sts that are both good bets to end up as top 5 picks. I'm in the midst of a mini-rebuild as well and would love to add at least one more high pick before the end of the seasons because I am so stoked about this draft class. I reluctantly parted with my own 1st round pick mid-way through last season to get ADP, but hell, I got ADP so giving up a 2011 1st as part of the package is still a good price. I am very high on Jake Locker and want to get him on my team to be my future QB1 and I'm hoping to land Green, Floyd or Baldwin with the other pick. Will definitely be scouting this draft class a lot this season.

It's foolish to take a QB top 5 in a rookie draft unless it's a stat 2 qb league. You would be better off getting two of Green, Floyd, J Jones, Baldwin, Ryan Williams, and Ingram.

 

[wolves#1]

So, I am having one heck of a time deciding what to do this weekend. I'm in the midst of a complete rebuild and am holding picks 1, 3, 5 and 6. I know that regardless I'll land 4 very solid prospects but I'm struggling with:

Ingram vs. Green at #1

Floyd vs. Williams at #3

I tend to believe that you build dynasty teams at WR and thus love Green, but with only 2 top line RB prospects Ingram/Williams start to sway me.

Decisions, decisions....

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

So, I am having one heck of a time deciding what to do this weekend. I'm in the midst of a complete rebuild and am holding picks 1, 3, 5 and 6. I know that regardless I'll land 4 very solid prospects but I'm struggling with:Ingram vs. Green at #1Floyd vs. Williams at #3I tend to believe that you build dynasty teams at WR and thus love Green, but with only 2 top line RB prospects Ingram/Williams start to sway me.Decisions, decisions....

If you feel Green is the best player, take him and then at three take the leftovers of Ingram/Williams so you get a RB too.

 

[MongoL3]

So, I am having one heck of a time deciding what to do this weekend. I'm in the midst of a complete rebuild and am holding picks 1, 3, 5 and 6. I know that regardless I'll land 4 very solid prospects but I'm struggling with:Ingram vs. Green at #1Floyd vs. Williams at #3I tend to believe that you build dynasty teams at WR and thus love Green, but with only 2 top line RB prospects Ingram/Williams start to sway me.Decisions, decisions....

If you feel Green is the best player, take him and then at three take the leftovers of Ingram/Williams so you get a RB too.

I would take Ingram at #1 then whoever is left between Green and Floyd at #3

 

[DansRams]

So, I am having one heck of a time deciding what to do this weekend. I'm in the midst of a complete rebuild and am holding picks 1, 3, 5 and 6. I know that regardless I'll land 4 very solid prospects but I'm struggling with:Ingram vs. Green at #1Floyd vs. Williams at #3I tend to believe that you build dynasty teams at WR and thus love Green, but with only 2 top line RB prospects Ingram/Williams start to sway me.Decisions, decisions....

My goal if I were in your shoes (I will be when we draft next year) I would try for 2 rb/2wr...I would go 1. Ingram 3. Williams and if that means you end up with Baldwin/J Jones/Floyd at 5/6 I wouldn't worry..I could easily see the 3 and 4th wr's drafted next year end up just as good as 1 and 2.

 

[Abraham]

I recently acquired two 2011 1sts that are both good bets to end up as top 5 picks. I'm in the midst of a mini-rebuild as well and would love to add at least one more high pick before the end of the seasons because I am so stoked about this draft class. I reluctantly parted with my own 1st round pick mid-way through last season to get ADP, but hell, I got ADP so giving up a 2011 1st as part of the package is still a good price. I am very high on Jake Locker and want to get him on my team to be my future QB1 and I'm hoping to land Green, Floyd or Baldwin with the other pick. Will definitely be scouting this draft class a lot this season.

It's foolish to take a QB top 5 in a rookie draft unless it's a stat 2 qb league. You would be better off getting two of Green, Floyd, J Jones, Baldwin, Ryan Williams, and Ingram.

No its not. Every league is different and size, scoring, and owner-trends can all be good reasons to take QBs in the top 5 of dynasty.

 

[MongoL3]

I recently acquired two 2011 1sts that are both good bets to end up as top 5 picks. I'm in the midst of a mini-rebuild as well and would love to add at least one more high pick before the end of the seasons because I am so stoked about this draft class. I reluctantly parted with my own 1st round pick mid-way through last season to get ADP, but hell, I got ADP so giving up a 2011 1st as part of the package is still a good price. I am very high on Jake Locker and want to get him on my team to be my future QB1 and I'm hoping to land Green, Floyd or Baldwin with the other pick. Will definitely be scouting this draft class a lot this season.

It's foolish to take a QB top 5 in a rookie draft unless it's a stat 2 qb league. You would be better off getting two of Green, Floyd, J Jones, Baldwin, Ryan Williams, and Ingram.

No its not. Every league is different and size, scoring, and owner-trends can all be good reasons to take QBs in the top 5 of dynasty.

I love seeing people take a qb early in my rookie drafts

 

[kremenull]

So, I am having one heck of a time deciding what to do this weekend. I'm in the midst of a complete rebuild and am holding picks 1, 3, 5 and 6. I know that regardless I'll land 4 very solid prospects but I'm struggling with:Ingram vs. Green at #1Floyd vs. Williams at #3I tend to believe that you build dynasty teams at WR and thus love Green, but with only 2 top line RB prospects Ingram/Williams start to sway me.Decisions, decisions....

My goal if I were in your shoes (I will be when we draft next year) I would try for 2 rb/2wr...I would go 1. Ingram 3. Williams and if that means you end up with Baldwin/J Jones/Floyd at 5/6 I wouldn't worry..I could easily see the 3 and 4th wr's drafted next year end up just as good as 1 and 2.

If this is PPR, take Green #1. Williams or Ingram at #3. If non-PPR, take Ingram #1 and Williams or Green #3. The rest of the picks, go BPA.

 

[EBF]

So, I am having one heck of a time deciding what to do this weekend. I'm in the midst of a complete rebuild and am holding picks 1, 3, 5 and 6. I know that regardless I'll land 4 very solid prospects but I'm struggling with:Ingram vs. Green at #1Floyd vs. Williams at #3I tend to believe that you build dynasty teams at WR and thus love Green, but with only 2 top line RB prospects Ingram/Williams start to sway me.Decisions, decisions....

Take Ingram. He's the only surefire NFL starter at RB in next year's draft and he will carry more trade value than any of the other players in April of 2011.

 

[J-Dawg]

I would definitely take Ingram if I had the chance to.

 

[Patoons]

Backyard Brawl 3 Draft:

1 AJ Green

2 Mark Ingram

3 Julio Jones

4 Michael Floyd

5 Jonathan Baldwin

6 Ryan Williams

7 Jacquizz Rodgers

8 DeAndre Brown

9 Andrew Luck

10 Jake Locker

11 John Clay

12 Daniel Thomas

13 LaMichael James (really picked #14 - timer expired on this pick and Harper was picked before James)

14 Jaime Harper

Unsportsmanlike Conduct Draft

1 AJ Green

2 Mark Ingram

3 Michael Floyd

4 Jonathan Baldwin

5 Julio Jones

6 Ryan Williams

7 Jacquizz Rodgers

8 Daniel Thomas

9 Jamie Harper

10 DeAndre Brown

11 LaMichael James

12 Ronald Johnson

I'll have two more drafts later on. Some interesting players NOT being selected in these drafts that I'd expect at the end of the draft.

 

[EBF]

RB breakdown is coming later tonight. I dug deep trying to find this year's unknown gem like Mathews/Greene/Mendenhall and came away pretty underwhelmed with this year's class. There's just not much out there at all and even most of the alleged top prospects didn't look that good to me. I'd say it's Ingram and then everyone else with Quizz Rodgers in a fairly distant second.

 

[Balco]

RB breakdown is coming later tonight. I dug deep trying to find this year's unknown gem like Mathews/Greene/Mendenhall and came away pretty underwhelmed with this year's class. There's just not much out there at all and even most of the alleged top prospects didn't look that good to me. I'd say it's Ingram and then everyone else with Quizz Rodgers in a fairly distant second.

Ingram is a great # 1. Having seen a lot of his games, I also like Noel Devine alot. Yes, size is his main issue, but he is built very well for a "small" running back. He has great balance and a very strong lower body. I anticipate a ton of discussions about him on this thread throughout the season.

 

[DansRams]

RB breakdown is coming later tonight. I dug deep trying to find this year's unknown gem like Mathews/Greene/Mendenhall and came away pretty underwhelmed with this year's class. There's just not much out there at all and even most of the alleged top prospects didn't look that good to me. I'd say it's Ingram and then everyone else with Quizz Rodgers in a fairly distant second.

I generally agree with you, but I see Ingram and R Williams as potentially elite talent, and then Quizz, and then not much.

 

[BigTex]

My 2011 RB outlook is coming this weekend.

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

RB breakdown is coming later tonight. I dug deep trying to find this year's unknown gem like Mathews/Greene/Mendenhall and came away pretty underwhelmed with this year's class. There's just not much out there at all and even most of the alleged top prospects didn't look that good to me. I'd say it's Ingram and then everyone else with Quizz Rodgers in a fairly distant second.

I generally agree with you, but I see Ingram and R Williams as potentially elite talent, and then Quizz, and then not much.

Depends on what you mean by not much. I see no reason why guys like Daniel Thomas or Evan Royster couldn't be in the same class as guys like Hardesty and B. Tate are this year. By that I mean not studs by any stretch, but guys who may be potentially valuable to a fantasy team.

 

[DansRams]

RB breakdown is coming later tonight. I dug deep trying to find this year's unknown gem like Mathews/Greene/Mendenhall and came away pretty underwhelmed with this year's class. There's just not much out there at all and even most of the alleged top prospects didn't look that good to me. I'd say it's Ingram and then everyone else with Quizz Rodgers in a fairly distant second.

I generally agree with you, but I see Ingram and R Williams as potentially elite talent, and then Quizz, and then not much.

Depends on what you mean by not much. I see no reason why guys like Daniel Thomas or Evan Royster couldn't be in the same class as guys like Hardesty and B. Tate are this year. By that I mean not studs by any stretch, but guys who may be potentially valuable to a fantasy team.

I agree with you. I was just talking about elite talent. I actually amost started to type that there are several potential solid RB's like D Thomas, Royster and J Harper (even N Devine for ppr league) but then was just lazy.

 

[EBF]

I looked at those guys (Thomas, Royster, Harper) and wasn't too impressed. Maybe they can change my mind this season.

 

[MAC_32]

I looked at those guys (Thomas, Royster, Harper) and wasn't too impressed. Maybe they can change my mind this season.

I'll be watching Harper and Thomas as I think they can, but Royster doesn't have any upside. He's depth, at best.

 

[EBF]

Here is the breakdown as promised. There's nothing too earth-shattering here. As I mentioned earlier, I tried to find this year's Greene/Mendenhall/Mathews and came up empty. I simply didn't see anyone who stood out to me as an obvious future starter.

SUREFIRE HIGH NFL DRAFT PICKS

Mark Ingram, Alabama

As of right now, this RB class begins and ends with Ingram. I don't think Ingram is even the best NFL RB prospect on his own college team (that would be Trent Richardson), but he's the only back in this class who looks like an obvious instant starter at the next level. Solid balance and power with enough speed/quicks to manage. Cedric Benson might be a decent comparison in terms of his pro outlook.

SUREFIRE NFL DRAFT PICKS

Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

Noel Devine, West Virginia

All of these guys should eventually be drafted, yet they all have warts. Ryan Williams has the lighting quickness that I like to see in a pro runner, but the DeAngelo Williams comparisons don't jive with me because this Williams doesn't have the same kind of lower body bulk or power. I wonder if his slight frame will translate to the NFL. It hasn't hurt Jamaal Charles or Chris Johnson, but this guy is less of a pure speed back. I think he's overrated at the moment. I like Jacquizz Rodgers more as an NFL prospect because he's a lot stockier and stronger. In a best case scenario he could be another MJD, but he's shorter than a typical top RB prospect and he might not have the same kind of pure speed as MJD. Devine is a dynamic runner with a tiny frame. He's one of those guys who will definitely make a pro roster and help a team, but whose FF prospects are cloudy because he has such an unconventional skill set.

PROBABLE NFL DRAFT PICKS

RB Mikel Leshoure, Illinois

RB Derrick Washington, Missouri

RB Shane Vereen, California

RB Caleb King, Georgia

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

RB Allen Bradford, USC

If I had to pick one of the unknown guys to rocket up the boards this year, I would probably choose Leshoure. He came on strong towards the end of last season and finished first in the Big 10 in yards per carry. He has an NFL frame at 6' 240 with good foot quickness and decent speed. Illinois fans view him as a less athletic version of Rashard Mendenhall and I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment. I think he's roughly 70% Mendenhall and 30% Michael Bush. He doesn't appear to have the raw athletic ability of a first round talent, but he's on the cusp and I could see him coming off the board in the 2nd-4th round range with a big season.

Washington is a productive four year starter with a pro frame and question marks about his burst/quickness/speed. Vereen is another productive Cal back who's similar to Julius Jones. King is an athletic, but slender former top recruit who will continue to split time with fellow NFL prospect Washaun Ealey. James is electric, but rail thin and lacking power. Bradford is a straight-line bull in the mold of Charles Scott, but more athletic.

WATCH LIST

RB Mario Fannin, Auburn

RB Jamie Harper, Clemson

RB Evan Royster, Penn State

RB Darren Evans, Virginia Tech

RB Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

RB John Clay, Wisconsin

RB Graig Cooper, Miami

RB Delone Carter, Syracuse

RB Broderick Green, Arkansas

RB Montel Harris, Boston College

RB Brynn Harvey, Central Florida

RB Shaun Draughn, North Carolina

RB Matt Asiata, Utah

RB Brandon Bolden, Mississippi

RB Marc Tyler, USC

RB Donald Buckram, UTEP

RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

RB Derrick Locke, Kentucky

RB Enrique Davis, Mississippi

RB Robert Turbin, Utah State

RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee

RB Milton Knox, Fresno State

RB Doug Martin, Boise State

RB Chris Polk, Washington

Turbin reminds me of guys like Xavier Omon and Jalen Parmele. Decent combination of size and skill. Just not quite on the elite level athletically. Carter rushed for over 1000 yards last season and has a good frame for the next level, but is currently off the team due to off-field issues (although he might return soon). Royster, Evans, Thomas, Harper, Clay, and Murray are familiar names who haven't impressed me much thus far. Harris and Draughn are productive, athletic backs who lack ideal bulk. Knox is a total longshot who never really got a chance at UCLA. The top sleeper picks here might be Fannin, Tyler, and Green. All of them have NFL size. Poole is the favorite to start at RB for Tennessee, a job that has typically been the prelude to an NFL career.

 

[EBF]

Here are some good Leshoure highlights:

Not bad, but a cut below Mathews/Greene/Mendenhall IMO.

 

[J-Dawg]

Awesome work EBF, thanks for taking the time to do that. I will definitely be referring to that post a lot during the season to track the progress of the players you've mentioned.

 

[Patoons]

Two more drafts:

Backyard Brawl

1. AJ Green

2. Mark Ingram

3. Ryan Williams

4. Michael Floyd

5. Jonathan Baldwin

6. Julio Jones

7. Jacquizz Rodgers

8. DeAndre Brown

9. Andrew Luck

10. Jaime Harper

11. Terrance Tolliver

12. Daniel Thomas

13. Jake Locker

14. John Clay

Backyard Brawl II

1. AJ Green

2. Mark Ingram

3. Michael Floyd

4. Ryan Williams

5. Jonathan Baldwin

6. Julio Jones

7. Jacquizz Rodgers

8. DeAndre Brown

9. Shane Vereen

10. Andrew Luck

11. Daniel Thomas

12. Jake Locker

13. Jamie Harper

14. Noel Devine

 

[kremenull]

Here is the breakdown as promised. There's nothing too earth-shattering here. As I mentioned earlier, I tried to find this year's Greene/Mendenhall/Mathews and came up empty. I simply didn't see anyone who stood out to me as an obvious future starter.

SUREFIRE HIGH NFL DRAFT PICKS

Mark Ingram, Alabama

As of right now, this RB class begins and ends with Ingram. I don't think Ingram is even the best NFL RB prospect on his own college team (that would be Trent Richardson), but he's the only back in this class who looks like an obvious instant starter at the next level. Solid balance and power with enough speed/quicks to manage. Cedric Benson might be a decent comparison in terms of his pro outlook.

SUREFIRE NFL DRAFT PICKS

Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

Noel Devine, West Virginia

All of these guys should eventually be drafted, yet they all have warts. Ryan Williams has the lighting quickness that I like to see in a pro runner, but the DeAngelo Williams comparisons don't jive with me because this Williams doesn't have the same kind of lower body bulk or power. I wonder if his slight frame will translate to the NFL. It hasn't hurt Jamaal Charles or Chris Johnson, but this guy is less of a pure speed back. I think he's overrated at the moment. I like Jacquizz Rodgers more as an NFL prospect because he's a lot stockier and stronger. In a best case scenario he could be another MJD, but he's shorter than a typical top RB prospect and he might not have the same kind of pure speed as MJD. Devine is a dynamic runner with a tiny frame. He's one of those guys who will definitely make a pro roster and help a team, but whose FF prospects are cloudy because he has such an unconventional skill set.

PROBABLE NFL DRAFT PICKS

RB Mikel Leshoure, Illinois

RB Derrick Washington, Missouri

RB Shane Vereen, California

RB Caleb King, Georgia

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

RB Allen Bradford, USC

If I had to pick one of the unknown guys to rocket up the boards this year, I would probably choose Leshoure. He came on strong towards the end of last season and finished first in the Big 10 in yards per carry. He has an NFL frame at 6' 240 with good foot quickness and decent speed. Illinois fans view him as a less athletic version of Rashard Mendenhall and I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment. I think he's roughly 70% Mendenhall and 30% Michael Bush. He doesn't appear to have the raw athletic ability of a first round talent, but he's on the cusp and I could see him coming off the board in the 2nd-4th round range with a big season.

Washington is a productive four year starter with a pro frame and question marks about his burst/quickness/speed. Vereen is another productive Cal back who's similar to Julius Jones. King is an athletic, but slender former top recruit who will continue to split time with fellow NFL prospect Washaun Ealey. James is electric, but rail thin and lacking power. Bradford is a straight-line bull in the mold of Charles Scott, but more athletic.

WATCH LIST

RB Mario Fannin, Auburn

RB Jamie Harper, Clemson

RB Evan Royster, Penn State

RB Darren Evans, Virginia Tech

RB Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

RB John Clay, Wisconsin

RB Graig Cooper, Miami

RB Delone Carter, Syracuse

RB Broderick Green, Arkansas

RB Montel Harris, Boston College

RB Brynn Harvey, Central Florida

RB Shaun Draughn, North Carolina

RB Matt Asiata, Utah

RB Brandon Bolden, Mississippi

RB Marc Tyler, USC

RB Donald Buckram, UTEP

RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

RB Derrick Locke, Kentucky

RB Enrique Davis, Mississippi

RB Robert Turbin, Utah State

RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee

RB Milton Knox, Fresno State

RB Doug Martin, Boise State

RB Chris Polk, Washington

Turbin reminds me of guys like Xavier Omon and Jalen Parmele. Decent combination of size and skill. Just not quite on the elite level athletically. Carter rushed for over 1000 yards last season and has a good frame for the next level, but is currently off the team due to off-field issues (although he might return soon). Royster, Evans, Thomas, Harper, Clay, and Murray are familiar names who haven't impressed me much thus far. Harris and Draughn are productive, athletic backs who lack ideal bulk. Knox is a total longshot who never really got a chance at UCLA. The top sleeper picks here might be Fannin, Tyler, and Green. All of them have NFL size. Poole is the favorite to start at RB for Tennessee, a job that has typically been the prelude to an NFL career.

Pretty nice analysis EBF. Leshoure could be a nice prospect, I just hate the type of spread offense he plays in with a QB like Juice Williams and all of the delayed handoffs, freezing defenses quite often. Seems like Leshoure is constantly running through gaping holes in this system, so kind of tough to determine if it is him or the system. But seems like he has some talent though, may be a nice call here by you.On the other hand, I have been one of the guys to compare Ryan to DeAngelo, and I believe the comparison is very close. If you look at DeAngelo entering college, he was listed as 5-10, somewhere between 185-190 lbs. It would stand to reason that his leg strength that you point to as one of his strengths, probably developed over time and as a Frosh/Soph, he wasn't nearly the physical stature he is today, or has been the last couple of seasons. It is not unreasonable to expect a similar physical development out of a guy like Ryan Williams, since he did just complete his (redshirt) Frosh season. I would actually say that he is ahead of DeAngelo at this point in their respective careers, at the least pretty even in terms of production, pedigree, and physical development. I see a very similar body-type here as well as similar running styles and traits...vision, balance, burst, speed/quickness. And I fully expect in a year or two that Ryan will be able to increase his leg drive and overall power to be up to snuff for a pro RB in this department. I think sometimes we tend to look at the finished product (DeA, and other NFL RBs) and want to see the exact type of physical attributes in these 19-20 year old players without taking into account physical growth and maturity, as well as their skill set's growth and maturity as well.

Whether Ryan Williams becomes a superstar or not in the NFL is certainly not known at this time, but he has a legit shot and is certainly headed in the right direction thus far. I say you're currently missing the boat on this one and he could end up being a mid-to-late 1st Rd draft choice come next April.

 

[jurb26]

SUREFIRE HIGH NFL DRAFT PICKS

Mark Ingram, Alabama

SUREFIRE NFL DRAFT PICKS

Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

Noel Devine, West Virginia

PROBABLE NFL DRAFT PICKS

RB Mikel Leshoure, Illinois

RB Derrick Washington, Missouri

RB Shane Vereen, California

RB Caleb King, Georgia

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

RB Allen Bradford, USC

WATCH LIST

RB Mario Fannin, Auburn

RB Jamie Harper, Clemson

RB Evan Royster, Penn State

RB Darren Evans, Virginia Tech

RB Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

RB John Clay, Wisconsin

RB Graig Cooper, Miami

RB Delone Carter, Syracuse

RB Broderick Green, Arkansas

RB Montel Harris, Boston College

RB Brynn Harvey, Central Florida

RB Shaun Draughn, North Carolina

RB Matt Asiata, Utah

RB Brandon Bolden, Mississippi

RB Marc Tyler, USC

RB Donald Buckram, UTEP

RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

RB Derrick Locke, Kentucky

RB Enrique Davis, Mississippi

RB Robert Turbin, Utah State

RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee

RB Milton Knox, Fresno State

RB Doug Martin, Boise State

RB Chris Polk, Washington

I'm not sure I understand how you are listing your groups. Are you saying that only 10 RBs are likely to be drafted this year? If so, there are far too few guys in tier 3 (probable NFL DRAFT PICKS). There will easily be double that number drafted, probably more. Several guys in the watch list should be moved up.

 

[EBF]

Here is the breakdown as promised. There's nothing too earth-shattering here. As I mentioned earlier, I tried to find this year's Greene/Mendenhall/Mathews and came up empty. I simply didn't see anyone who stood out to me as an obvious future starter.

SUREFIRE HIGH NFL DRAFT PICKS

Mark Ingram, Alabama

As of right now, this RB class begins and ends with Ingram. I don't think Ingram is even the best NFL RB prospect on his own college team (that would be Trent Richardson), but he's the only back in this class who looks like an obvious instant starter at the next level. Solid balance and power with enough speed/quicks to manage. Cedric Benson might be a decent comparison in terms of his pro outlook.

SUREFIRE NFL DRAFT PICKS

Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

Noel Devine, West Virginia

All of these guys should eventually be drafted, yet they all have warts. Ryan Williams has the lighting quickness that I like to see in a pro runner, but the DeAngelo Williams comparisons don't jive with me because this Williams doesn't have the same kind of lower body bulk or power. I wonder if his slight frame will translate to the NFL. It hasn't hurt Jamaal Charles or Chris Johnson, but this guy is less of a pure speed back. I think he's overrated at the moment. I like Jacquizz Rodgers more as an NFL prospect because he's a lot stockier and stronger. In a best case scenario he could be another MJD, but he's shorter than a typical top RB prospect and he might not have the same kind of pure speed as MJD. Devine is a dynamic runner with a tiny frame. He's one of those guys who will definitely make a pro roster and help a team, but whose FF prospects are cloudy because he has such an unconventional skill set.

PROBABLE NFL DRAFT PICKS

RB Mikel Leshoure, Illinois

RB Derrick Washington, Missouri

RB Shane Vereen, California

RB Caleb King, Georgia

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

RB Allen Bradford, USC

If I had to pick one of the unknown guys to rocket up the boards this year, I would probably choose Leshoure. He came on strong towards the end of last season and finished first in the Big 10 in yards per carry. He has an NFL frame at 6' 240 with good foot quickness and decent speed. Illinois fans view him as a less athletic version of Rashard Mendenhall and I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment. I think he's roughly 70% Mendenhall and 30% Michael Bush. He doesn't appear to have the raw athletic ability of a first round talent, but he's on the cusp and I could see him coming off the board in the 2nd-4th round range with a big season.

Washington is a productive four year starter with a pro frame and question marks about his burst/quickness/speed. Vereen is another productive Cal back who's similar to Julius Jones. King is an athletic, but slender former top recruit who will continue to split time with fellow NFL prospect Washaun Ealey. James is electric, but rail thin and lacking power. Bradford is a straight-line bull in the mold of Charles Scott, but more athletic.

WATCH LIST

RB Mario Fannin, Auburn

RB Jamie Harper, Clemson

RB Evan Royster, Penn State

RB Darren Evans, Virginia Tech

RB Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

RB John Clay, Wisconsin

RB Graig Cooper, Miami

RB Delone Carter, Syracuse

RB Broderick Green, Arkansas

RB Montel Harris, Boston College

RB Brynn Harvey, Central Florida

RB Shaun Draughn, North Carolina

RB Matt Asiata, Utah

RB Brandon Bolden, Mississippi

RB Marc Tyler, USC

RB Donald Buckram, UTEP

RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

RB Derrick Locke, Kentucky

RB Enrique Davis, Mississippi

RB Robert Turbin, Utah State

RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee

RB Milton Knox, Fresno State

RB Doug Martin, Boise State

RB Chris Polk, Washington

Turbin reminds me of guys like Xavier Omon and Jalen Parmele. Decent combination of size and skill. Just not quite on the elite level athletically. Carter rushed for over 1000 yards last season and has a good frame for the next level, but is currently off the team due to off-field issues (although he might return soon). Royster, Evans, Thomas, Harper, Clay, and Murray are familiar names who haven't impressed me much thus far. Harris and Draughn are productive, athletic backs who lack ideal bulk. Knox is a total longshot who never really got a chance at UCLA. The top sleeper picks here might be Fannin, Tyler, and Green. All of them have NFL size. Poole is the favorite to start at RB for Tennessee, a job that has typically been the prelude to an NFL career.

Pretty nice analysis EBF. Leshoure could be a nice prospect, I just hate the type of spread offense he plays in with a QB like Juice Williams and all of the delayed handoffs, freezing defenses quite often. Seems like Leshoure is constantly running through gaping holes in this system, so kind of tough to determine if it is him or the system. But seems like he has some talent though, may be a nice call here by you.On the other hand, I have been one of the guys to compare Ryan to DeAngelo, and I believe the comparison is very close. If you look at DeAngelo entering college, he was listed as 5-10, somewhere between 185-190 lbs. It would stand to reason that his leg strength that you point to as one of his strengths, probably developed over time and as a Frosh/Soph, he wasn't nearly the physical stature he is today, or has been the last couple of seasons. It is not unreasonable to expect a similar physical development out of a guy like Ryan Williams, since he did just complete his (redshirt) Frosh season. I would actually say that he is ahead of DeAngelo at this point in their respective careers, at the least pretty even in terms of production, pedigree, and physical development. I see a very similar body-type here as well as similar running styles and traits...vision, balance, burst, speed/quickness. And I fully expect in a year or two that Ryan will be able to increase his leg drive and overall power to be up to snuff for a pro RB in this department. I think sometimes we tend to look at the finished product (DeA, and other NFL RBs) and want to see the exact type of physical attributes in these 19-20 year old players without taking into account physical growth and maturity, as well as their skill set's growth and maturity as well.

Whether Ryan Williams becomes a superstar or not in the NFL is certainly not known at this time, but he has a legit shot and is certainly headed in the right direction thus far. I say you're currently missing the boat on this one and he could end up being a mid-to-late 1st Rd draft choice come next April.

DWill was already bulky in college. The guy has Barry Sanders legs.

http://www.bestsportsphotos.com/images/t_28047_02.jpg

Ryan Williams has more narrow calves and ankles, although the difference isn't as pronounced as I thought it was.

http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/92519293....30A760B0D811297

Quizz Rodgers is actually closer to DWill in terms of physique.

http://www.cockytalk.com/attachment.php?at...mp;d=1249582960

 

[EBF]

I'm not sure I understand how you are listing your groups. Are you saying that only 10 RBs are likely to be drafted this year? If so, there are far too few guys in tier 3 (probable NFL DRAFT PICKS). There will easily be double that number drafted, probably more. Several guys in the watch list should be moved up.

Obviously there will be more than 10 RBs drafted. This is an early list without the benefit of seeing which backs dramatically improve their stock during the season season. Some of the guys on the watch list will be in that group. Other guys like Harper, Murray, Thomas, and Royster are getting a lot of love in early draft rankings. I didn't put them on the probable list though because they look like 4th+ rounders at best to me.

 

[jurb26]

I'm not sure I understand how you are listing your groups. Are you saying that only 10 RBs are likely to be drafted this year? If so, there are far too few guys in tier 3 (probable NFL DRAFT PICKS). There will easily be double that number drafted, probably more. Several guys in the watch list should be moved up.

Obviously there will be more than 10 RBs drafted. This is an early list without the benefit of seeing which backs dramatically improve their stock during the season season. Some of the guys on the watch list will be in that group. Other guys like Harper, Murray, Thomas, and Royster are getting a lot of love in early draft rankings. I didn't put them on the probable list though because they look like 4th+ rounders at best to me.

OK, I understand you don't like them very much. I don't like most of those guys either but there are almost certain to be drafted. I'd say they should be moved into that group w/o even having to see anything else this year.

 

[MAC_32]

I'd say you may want to add Bryce Brown to your watch list, EBF, but if he declares for the 2011 draft it's likely because he is team-less in 2010 so there won't be anything to watch.

My God this kid's a grade A moron.

 

[EBF]

New Quizz Rodgers highlights:

This kid is super dirty. Reminiscent of Barry Sanders and DeAngelo Williams. I know he's short, but with his low center of gravity, leg strength, and ability to cut on a dime, I'm still bullish about his pro potential.

 

[moderated]

New Quizz Rodgers highlights:

great skills but he's just so tiny.Sanders was a lot heavier. Guys like him and MJD are thought of as small but they have a lot more weight then Quizz. If he can't carry another 25lbs without losing skills then he won't succeed in the NFL in a large enough role to be relevant in FF.

 

[EBF]

New Quizz Rodgers highlights:

Ray Rice? MJD? Jamaal Charles?Quizz is listed at 5'7" 191 on Oregon State's site. That's good for a BMI of 29.9, which is right in line with guys like Rice and Westbrook, who were 5'8" 200 pounds entering the NFL. People often confuse "short" with "small." They're two different things. Quizz Rodgers is short, but he's not necessarily small. He's carrying a lot of weight for his frame. Just look at the kid:

http://www.fantasyfootballbrothers.com/wp-...izz-Rodgers.jpg

http://www.fantasycollegeblitz.com/wp-cont...zRodgers2-1.jpg

He's a rock. And it translates onto the field, where you often see him breaking tackles and getting second chance yards with his power in addition to his quickness. I'd argue that an absolute worst case scenario provided that he stays healthy is a Darren Sproles career trajectory. I think he runs with more power than Sproles ever did. He might not have the thump of MJD or Ray Rice though. He's probably somewhere in between, which is why I brought up DeAngelo Williams. I see Quizz as a similar type of player in a slightly shorter frame.

Backs with this combination of foot quickness and lower body strength almost always do well in the NFL. I missed out on MJD when he was a prospect because I dismissed him as "too small" despite his dynamic ability. Similar concerns also limited the number of leagues in which I drafted Ray Rice before his rookie season even though I was a big fan of his game. I'm not going to make that mistake this time around. I'll be disappointed and wary if Quizz tips the scales below 190 pounds at the combine, but I'm not going to dismiss his potential just because he has a short frame.

 

[jurb26]

New Quizz Rodgers highlights:

191 is small for a NFL RB no matter how you try to spin it. The truth of the matter is he probably isn't even a legit 191 either. The weights they list at these schools if pretty unreliable. Regardless, he looks pretty small in those pictures too IMO. I mean a guy like MJD is listed at 5'7", 208. He's the same height as Quizz yet carries 17 lbs more. That is a LOT more. MJD can carry that extra weight and not loose his quickness/speed, that much we know. We don't know if Quizz will be able too. We don't even know if he can physically reach that weight.

 

[kremenull]

New Quizz Rodgers highlights:

I agree. He is rather tiny, and not all that elusive for such a small guy, IMO. At his size, it is a pre-requisite to have "waterbug" moves in order to avoid taking too much punishment. When little guys like him try to be physical runners, it usually spells bad news. Noel Devine is a whole lot better than Rodgers, if he had Rodgers' frame he'd be a LOCK for superstardom in the NFL.......which just goes to show you how tiny he (Devine) is. Devine is 10x more electric than Rodgers......I just don't see a lot of long runs from Rodgers ala Best, Spiller, Sanders, CJ2k, Devine, MJD, Sproles, Nap Kaufman, and others of this stature. Rodgers appears to be more Troy Davis than MJD.......

BTW, why no mention of Brandon Saine?

 

[Boone22]

New Quizz Rodgers highlights:

I'm more than happy to admit that I don't know crap about college players and can't even begin to judge "QuizZ" but he's only 7 lbs lighter than what this guy is listed at on NFL.com...Ahmad Bradshaw | #44 | RB

New York Giants | Official Team Site

Height: 5-9 Weight: 198 Age: 24

Born: 3/19/1986 Bluefield , VA

College: Marshall

Experience: 4th season

 

[EBF]

I agree. He is rather tiny, and not all that elusive for such a small guy, IMO. At his size, it is a pre-requisite to have "waterbug" moves in order to avoid taking too much punishment.

I guess we're watching two different videos. He makes some insane cuts in those clips.