South Alabama senior WR Jalen Tolbert declared for the NFL draft on Tuesday.
It should be no surprise that Tolbert (6'3/195) declared his intentions to go pro. He has been a dynamite receiver for the Jaguars in his career, especially this season. Tolbert set career highs in receptions (82), yards (1,474), and touchdowns (8). He has the size and skill set to thrive at the next level, possessing high-end speed and great ball skills to beat defensive backs while he grows in the NFL. He will be one to watch in regards to testing, as it could skyrocket his draft stock.
SOURCE: Jalen Tolbert
Nov 30, 2021, 9:30 PM ET
NFL Draft News: Teams impressed with RB Trestan Ebner
Teams have come away impressed with Baylor running back Trestan Ebner, going as far as comparing him to Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys. Ebner’s pass caching has been brilliant all week. His footwork, as well as the ability to elude defenders, has also been impressive.
Ebner’s Baylor teammate, Tyquan Thornton, had his moments this week. The receiver made some nice receptions yet at the same time was caught off guard on occasion. I’m told Thornton does have some previous knee issues which must be examined and could hurt his draft stock.
Much appreciation, and great rankings. My top 60 doesn't deviate much, but you have undoubtedly helped shape my list, along with the usual online ranking sources. My top ranked player that didn't make your list was Cole Turner, te, nevada at 4.11. Your top ranked player that isn't currently on mine was Kyle Phillips, wr, ucla. I know Waldman recently did a profile on him, and Rambo is the other new name that seems to be shooting up that I will need to take a look at. After all, who doesn't want to draft a guy named Charleston or Rambo? When you get both names on the same player, that might be too much value to pass up.My Dynasty Rookie Draft Board is definitely a work in progress, but here is the latest update.
I would take Burks, Wilson, and London over Walker.My Dynasty Rookie Draft Board is definitely a work in progress, but here is the latest update.
QUARTERBACK
This QB class lacks any elite prospects. Fantasy value of the top prospects will depend greatly on how things shake out in the NFL relocation program (a/k/a NFL Draft). There is a fantasy premium on athletic QBs who can also contribute in the running game, but it is essential that a QB can win via the pass. We could see a seismic shift in the QB landscape this off-season. We have already seen the retirements of Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady, following the departures of Drew Brees and Philip Rivers a year ago. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson could be on the move this off-season, and they would command a king’s ransom. As the old guard steps aside, a new breed of QBs is ushered in. Teams are seeking a Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow or Justin Herbert type of talent. There do not appear to be any QBs like that in this class, so QB-needy teams may look to free agency or trade to fill the void, or fill other needs and target the 2023 Draft for a QB. In addition to Rodgers and Wilson, Deshaun Watson could be on the move, assuming he can resolve his legal woes. Perhaps Miami would move on from Tua. Otherwise, we are looking at mostly stop-gap type signal callers in free agency. Although there are no elite prospects in this QB class, there are several intriguing players. It appears unlikely any of them will be selected in the top 5 picks, but many NFL greats have been selected outside of the top 5.
Prime Destinations: Denver, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Washington, New Orleans, Detroit, Atlanta, NY Giants, Green Bay, Minnesota, Tennessee
RUNNING BACK
- QB1 (Tier 1) Kenny Pickett 6-3 220 Pittsburgh
- QB2 (Tier 1) Matt Corral 6-0 200 Ole Miss
- QB3 (Tier 1) Malik Willis 6-1 215 Liberty
- QB4 (Tier 2) Sam Howell 6-0 220 North Carolina
- QB5 (Tier 2) Carson Strong 6-4 215 Nevada
- QB6 (Tier 3) Desmond Ridder 6-4 215 Cincinnati
- QB7 (Tier 3) Bailey Zappe 6-1 220 Western Kentucky
- QB8 (Tier 4) Kaleb Eleby 6-1 210 Western Michigan
- QB9 (Tier 4) Brock Purdy 6-1 220 Iowa State
- QB10 (Tier 5) EJ Perry 6-2 210 Brown
There is a pretty clear top tier (Hall, Walker and Spiller), but there is no consensus in their order. Draft destination will mostly determine that. All three boast feature-back size, and while they are not elite prospects, they all appear to be NFL starter caliber backs. Given the depth at WR and the scarcity of starting RBs, FOR THE MOMENT, I have the trio atop my early board. I would not fault someone for dipping into the WR class first, and I may eventually end up there myself. I would not call this a particularly deep RB class, but there are some interesting picks even beyond the top tiers. As always, the value of the rookie runners will depend largely on their draft capital and draft destinations. Opportunity is so important. Metrics are significant when evaluating a RB’s potential NFL success, but not in a vacuum; game film fills in some of those gaps. In dynasty football, once a RB has finished his rookie contract, his value often drops precipitously, so there is a premium on getting youth.
Prime Destinations: Arizona, Miami, Seattle, Houston, Atlanta, Buffalo, Carolina, Tampa Bay (?), LA Chargers,
WIDE RECEIVER
- RB1 (Tier 1) Breece Hall 6-1 215 Iowa State
- RB2 (Tier 1) Kenneth Walker III 5-10 210 Michigan State
- RB3 (Tier 1) Isaiah Spiller 6-1 225 Texas A&M
- RB4 (Tier 2) Kyren Williams 5-9 195 Notre Dame
- RB5 (Tier 2) Tyler Allgeier 5-11 220 BYU
- RB6 (Tier 2) James Cook 5-11 190 Georgia
- RB7 (Tier 2) Jerome Ford 5-11 220 Cincinnati
- RB8 (Tier 3) Rachaad White 6-2 210 Arizona State
- RB9 (Tier 3) Brian Robinson Jr. 6-1 225 Alabama
- RB10 (Tier 3) Kevin Harris 5-10 225 South Carolina
This is another loaded WR class, although it may fall short of the 2020 and 2021 classes in terms of overall depth. Even so, this is a balanced class, with some elite playmakers at the top and many intriguing, talented players who will go beyond the first two rounds of the NFL draft. Metrics such as breakout age, BMI and target share of offense weigh heavily into a receiver’s prospective value, but game tape doesn’t lie. Those players who were successful in college are generally the same ones dominating in the NFL.
Prime Destinations: New England, Detroit, LA Chargers, New Orleans, NY Jets, Atlanta, Cleveland, Kansas City, Arizona, Chicago, Green Bay, Jacksonville, Houston, Las Vegas
TIGHT END
- WR1 (Tier 1) Treylon Burks (Arkansas) 6-3 225 Arkansas
- WR2 (Tier 1) Garrett Wilson 6-0 188 Ohio State
- WR3 (Tier 1) Drake London 6-5 210 USC
- WR4 (Tier 2) George Pickens 6-3 200 Georgia
- WR5 (Tier 2) Jameson Williams 6-2 189 Alabama
- WR6 (Tier 2) Chris Olave 6-1 188 Ohio State
- WR7 (Tier 2) David Bell 6-2 205 Purdue
- WR8 (Tier 2) Jahan Dotson 5-11 184 Penn State
- WR9 (Tier 3) Wan’Dale Robinson 5-8 185 Kentucky
- WR10 (Tier 3) Romeo Doubs 6-2 200 Nevada
While there is no Kyle Pitts or Pat Freiermuth (or Michael Mayer), this is a very intriguing TE class. Tight End has been a notoriously difficult position to scout. Tight End has proven to be a difficult position to transition from college to NFL, and generally takes several years for a TE to gain his footing. It is usually a bad decision to invest early in a rookie TE in a non-TE-premium league where there is not a clear dominant prospect, and this season there may be no dominant prospect.
Prime Destinations: Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, Seattle, Cleveland, NY Jets, Minnesota, Washington, Indianapolis, LA Chargers, Kansas City
Here is my extremely preliminary combined five-round board (Full PPR, start 1 QB, no TE premium). I have omitted my player analysis and “range of comparisons”, for now. I will add those later as things start to come more into focus.
- TE1 (Tier 1) Trey McBride 6-4 260 Colorado State
- TE2 (Tier 1) Jalen Wydermyer 6-5 255 Texas A&M
- TE3 (Tier 2) Isaiah Likely 6-4 240 Coastal Carolina
- TE4 (Tier 2) Jeremy Ruckert 6-5 250 Ohio State
- TE5 (Tier 2) Jelani Woods 6-7 275 Virginia
- TE6 (Tier 2) Cade Otton 6-5 250 Washington
- TE7 (Tier 2) Derrick Deese, Jr. 6-4 235 San José State
- TE8 (Tier 3) Lucas Krull 6-6 260 Pittsburgh
- TE9 (Tier 3) Charlie Kolar 6-6 256 Iowa State
- TE10 (Tier 3) Greg Dulcich 6-3 245 UCLA
Your feedback is always welcome!
1.01 RB1 (Tier 1) Breece Hall 6-1 215 Iowa State
1.02 RB2 (Tier 1) Kenneth Walker III 5-10 210 Michigan State
1.03 RB3 (Tier 1) Isaiah Spiller 6-1 225 Texas A&M
1.04 WR1 (Tier 1) Treylon Burks 6-3 225 Arkansas
1.05 WR2 (Tier 1) Garrett Wilson 6-0 188 Ohio State
1.06 WR3 (Tier 1) Drake London 6-5 210 USC
1.07 WR4 (Tier 2) George Pickens 6-3 200 Georgia
1.08 WR5 (Tier 2) Jameson Williams 6-2 189 Alabama
1.09 WR6 (Tier 2) Chris Olave 6-1 188 Ohio State
1.10 RB4 (Tier 2) Kyren Williams 5-9 195 Notre Dame
1.11 WR7 (Tier 2) David Bell 6-2 205 Purdue
1.12 WR8 (Tier 2) Jahan Dotson 5-11 184 Penn State
2.01 RB5 (Tier 2) Tyler Allgeier 5-11 220 BYU
2.02 RB6 (Tier 2) James Cook 5-11 190 Georgia
2.03 RB7 (Tier 2) Jerome Ford 5-10 209 Cincinnati
2.04 QB1 (Tier 1) Kenny Pickett 6-3 220 Pittsburgh
2.05 TE1 (Tier 1) Trey McBride 6-4 260 Colorado State
2.06 WR9 (Tier 3) Wan’Dale Robinson 5-8 185 Kentucky
2.07 WR10 (Tier 3) Romeo Doubs 6-2 200 Nevada
2.08 QB2 (Tier 1) Matt Corral 6-0 200 Ole Miss
2.09 TE2 (Tier 1) Jalen Wydermyer 6-5 255 Texas A&M
2.10 RB8 (Tier 3) Rachaad White 6-2 210 Arizona State
2.11 WR11 (Tier 3) John Metchie III 6-0 195 Alabama
2.12 QB3 (Tier 1) Malik Willis 6-1 215 Liberty
3.01 QB4 (Tier 2) Sam Howell 6-0 220 North Carolina
3.02 QB5 (Tier 2) Carson Strong 6-4 215 Nevada
3.03 WR12 (Tier 4) Jalen Tolbert 6-3 190 South Alabama
3.04 WR13 (Tier 4) Justyn Ross 6-4 205 Clemson
3.05 QB6 (Tier 3) Desmond Ridder 6-4 215 Cincinnati
3.06 RB9 (Tier 3) Brian Robinson Jr. 6-1 225 Alabama
3.07 RB10 (Tier 3) Kevin Harris 5-10 225 South Carolina
3.08 TE3 (Tier 2) Isaiah Likely 6-4 240 Coastal Carolina
3.09 TE4 (Tier 2) Jeremy Ruckert 6-5 250 Ohio State
3.10 WR14 (Tier 4) Alec Pierce 6-3 213 Cincinnati
3.11 WR15 (Tier 4) Skyy Moore 5-10 195 Western Michigan
3.12 RB11 (Tier 3) Zamir White 5-11 215 Georgia
4.01 WR16 (Tier 4) Khalil Shakir 6-0 190 Boise State
4.02 WR17 (Tier 4) Christian Watson 6-5 208 North Dakota State
4.03 RB12 (Tier 3) Jerrion Ealy 5-8 190 Ole Miss
4.04 WR18 (Tier 4) Kyle Phillips 5-10 186 UCLA
4.05 TE5 (Tier 2) Jelani Woods 6-6 275 Virginia
4.06 WR19 (Tier 4) Erik Ezukanma 6-3 220 Texas Tech
4.07 WR20 (Tier 5) Charleston Rambo 6-1 185 Miami
4.08 RB13 (Tier 4) ZaQuandre White 6-2 205 South Carolina
4.09 RB14 (Tier 4) Zonovan Knight 5-11 210 North Carolina State
4.10 RB15 (Tier 4) Tyler Badie 5-8 198 Missouri
4.11 RB16 (Tier 4) Max Borghi 5-9 195 Washington State
4.12 RB17 (Tier 4) Abram Smith 5-11 221 Baylor
5.01 WR 21 (Tier 5) Jaivon Heiligh 6-2 200 Coastal Carolina
5.02 RB18 (Tier 5) Hassan Haskins 6-1 220 Michigan
5.03 RB19 (Tier 5) Sincere McCormick 5-9 200 UTSA
5.04 WR 22 (Tier 5) Dareke Young 6-3 220 Lenoir-Rhyne
5.05 RB 20 (Tier 5) CJ Verdell 5-8 211 Oregon
5.06 WR 23 (Tier 5) Calvin Austin III 5-7 173 Memphis
5.07 RB 21 (Tier 5) Dameon Pierce 5-10 215 Florida
5.08 RB 22 (Tier 5) Pierre Strong Jr. 5-11 202 South Dakota State
5.09 RB 23 (Tier 5) Keaontay Ingram 5-11 225 USC
5.10 TE6 (Tier 2) Cade Otton 6-5 250 Washington
5.11 TE7 (Tier 2) Derrick Deese, Jr. 6-4 235 San José State
5.12 QB7 (Tier 3) Bailey Zappe 6-1 220 Western Kentucky
In a February vacuum going strictly on top talent, I tend to agree. But it's unlikely that rookie drafts will only include 1 RB in the top 4 in August. Landing spots will say a lot, but I think it's likely there will be at least two intriguing NFL backfields that invest 2nds at the RB spot, and I won't be surprised to see RBs go 1-2, or maybe even 3 going in the top 5 of the rookie draft, per usual. As placeholders, I agree with Hall and Walker as the top 2 RBs.I would take Burks, Wilson, and London over Walker.
I agree, Rambo deserves consideration for his name alone!Much appreciation, and great rankings. My top 60 doesn't deviate much, but you have undoubtedly helped shape my list, along with the usual online ranking sources. My top ranked player that didn't make your list was Cole Turner, te, nevada at 4.11. Your top ranked player that isn't currently on mine was Kyle Phillips, wr, ucla. I know Waldman recently did a profile on him, and Rambo is the other new name that seems to be shooting up that I will need to take a look at. After all, who doesn't want to draft a guy named Charleston or Rambo? When you get both names on the same player, that might be too much value to pass up.
I think you hit the nail on the head.In a February vacuum going strictly on top talent, I tend to agree. But it's unlikely that rookie drafts will only include 1 RB in the top 4 in August. Landing spots will say a lot, but I think it's likely there will be at least two intriguing NFL backfields that go big at the RB spot, and I won't be surprised to see RBs go 1-2, or maybe even 3 going in the top 5 of the rookie draft, per usual. As placeholders, I agree with Hall and Walker as the top 2 RBs.
A good top 5 would be Burks, Hall, Wilson, Spiller, London. Even though I like London, I worry about his ability to separate at the next level. Great at contested catches, but I want to see him get open. He struggled with that some at the college level. If you want to put Walker at 5 instead of London I wouldn't squawk at it. Or perhaps even Bell, who I like too. I would put at least 3 WRs over Olave, possibly 4.In a February vacuum going strictly on top talent, I tend to agree. But it's unlikely that rookie drafts will only include 1 RB in the top 4 in August. Landing spots will say a lot, but I think it's likely there will be at least two intriguing NFL backfields that go big at the RB spot, and I won't be surprised to see RBs go 1-2, or maybe even 3 going in the top 5 of the rookie draft, per usual. As placeholders, I agree with Hall and Walker as the top 2 RBs.
A good top 5 would be Burks, Hall, Wilson, Spiller, London. Even though I like London, I worry about his ability to separate at the next level. Great at contested catches, but I want to see him get open. He struggled with that some at the college level.
Fair comparisons.A couple of NFL comps that I've heard in the recent past that I would like to wipe from my register if there are those who have followed closely enough to refute.
London = M. Pittman
Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to like about M. Pittman as a fantasy asset, but are we sure someone like Pickens doesn't get healthy and is the more dynamic NFL WR? If the upside exceeds Pittman, I can see spending a 1.5 or 1.6. But if the upside is Pittman, I think I want to hunt bigger game at that spot, such as Pickens making a full recovery and becoming the guy many were gushing about before the injury, or maybe even a Jameson Williams.. or Dotson(?)
Olave - could be this year's Michael Thomas of the WR class
Can't even tell you where I picked this up last year, but I have to admit that it stuck in my head. First strike, Ohio State WR, so that's very convenient. Second strike, Olave is smaller. So it was probably just a lazy comp from a Buckeyes fan, but I guess any connection is that we're talking about a workman like player that wasn't flashy in college, but maybe he outshines his prospect ranking and can become the top (or one of the top) WRs from this class if he finds a good home. Maybe smaller MT is correct. So perhaps late 1st is a good spot.
I think Pittman surprised some with his YAC ability, but it's a fair comparison IMO. He can only hope he is good as Mike Evans, who I don't love because he disappears too often, but I suppose that is a good comparison as well.Fair comparisons.
I have London higher rated than I did Pittman. I would rate London closer to Mike Evans or Vincent Jackson.
My range of comparisons for Olave included a different former Buckeye, Terry Glenn.
Not counting 2021 obviously, Pickens had 727 yards and 8 TDs in 2019, but only 36 receptions and 500+ yards in 2020. The 8 TDs in 2019 was nice, but to me, he hasn't been productive enough. He had a semi breakout his freshman year but didn't improve his 2nd year. That has to be a red flag, even with lousy QB play in 2020. He was never a very fast prospect who exploded off the line of scrimmage and his injury will only make this a bigger issue. I also doubt his strength at the next level with that lanky body, but I'll give him a pass because A J Green has that type of body. Pickens could easily be the biggest boom-bust prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft class. His behavior issues presents another red flag. Having said all that, he could be one of the best WR in the class when he fully heals from the ACL injury and is drafted by a team with a great downfield QB and great coaching. That is a lot of "ifs".Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to like about M. Pittman as a fantasy asset, but are we sure someone like Pickens doesn't get healthy and is the more dynamic NFL WR?
3.01 QB4 (Tier 2) Sam Howell 6-0 220 North Carolina
3.02 QB5 (Tier 2) Carson Strong 6-4 215 Nevada
3.03 WR12 (Tier 4) Jalen Tolbert 6-3 190 South Alabama
3.04 WR13 (Tier 4) Justyn Ross 6-4 205 Clemson
3.05 QB6 (Tier 3) Desmond Ridder 6-4 215 Cincinnati
3.06 RB9 (Tier 3) Brian Robinson Jr. 6-1 225 Alabama
3.07 RB10 (Tier 3) Kevin Harris 5-10 225 South Carolina
3.08 TE3 (Tier 2) Isaiah Likely 6-4 240 Coastal Carolina
3.09 TE4 (Tier 2) Jeremy Ruckert 6-5 250 Ohio State
3.10 WR14 (Tier 4) Alec Pierce 6-3 213 Cincinnati
3.11 WR15 (Tier 4) Skyy Moore 5-10 195 Western Michigan
3.12 RB11 (Tier 3) Zamir White 5-11 215 Georgia
I think Davis Mills might have been a top 3 QB in this class, had he stayed another year. I don't necessarily love his situation in Houston, but nor do I hate it. I would slot him in around the same as Howell and Strong.Like a lot of dynasty leagues, mine combines rookies and free agents that were locked in at the end of season. Typically, the top FAs start to garner serious consideration around the 3rd round.
Wondering if you would put any of these FAs from my league above these 3rd round fantasy rookie projections?
QB: Huntley, Heinicke, Davis Mills, Minshew, (Matt Ryan & Winston also UFA, but strictly immediate needs for backup)
RB: Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Tony Jones, Kylin Hill, S. Ahmed, M. Boone, James White, Jeff Wilson, Craig Reynolds, Hasty
WR: Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, Cedric Wilson, Mims, Eskridge, Amari Rodgers, J. Darden, Cephus, Tylan Wallace, Harry, Agholor, Duvernay, James Washington
TE: Tonyan, Njoku, Moreau, Okwuegbunam, Hurst, Jarwin, Harrison Bryant, Granson, Gray
I wouldn't put too much value in Willis as a starting caliber QB right now unless I got him later in the draft to minimize cost. He may develop, but the odds are against it IMO. My guess is that in SF drafts he will go way before other studs and to me, even though I don't play SF, that is very risky.I agree with Pickett at the top of SF. Don't play SF to say with certainty, but 1.07 sounds about right if he finds a decent home.
I actually give Malik Willis the nod in my 1-QB league for the rushing upside, even though I think Pickett and Corrral might have a better chance to stick as a starting QB.
I agree. He is a swing-for-the-fences type of pick. In non-Superflex, you may have the luxury of taking a chance on Willis. I have him as my QB3 right now based on his upside, but I suspect by the time drafts come around, he may be firmly behind Howell.I wouldn't put too much value in Willis as a starting caliber QB right now unless I got him later in the draft to minimize cost. He may develop, but the odds are against it IMO. My guess is that in SF drafts he will go way before other studs and to me, even though I don't play SF, that is very risky.
I think the term "raw" is overused, but IF there ever was someone to attach it to it is Willis. Even in SF I would let someone else take the risk and choose one of the highly touted WRs in this draft. Like I said earlier, I don't play SF, so my knowledge on drafting in them is limited, but I could see someone taking Willis over Bell or Olave and I would rather have either over Willis. My guess is that Burks, Wilson, and perhaps London would all go before Willis in SF, but I could be wrong. I don't see myself liking that format because of the value that is placed on mediocre QBs over better players at other positions. You have to give up your first born for a good QB in SF.I agree. He is a swing-for-the-fences type of pick. In non-Superflex, you may have the luxury of taking a chance on Willis. I have him as my QB3 right now based on his upside, but I suspect by the time drafts come around, he may be firmly behind Howell.
NBC Sports Edge analyst Tyler Forness says Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder has struggled with his accuracy at the Tuesday Senior Bowl practice.
These Senior Bowl sessions are vital for Ridder (6'4/215) , since he is lodged in a very unsettled quarterback group and needs a strong showing to solidify his status as a first round quarterback. Multiple clips have been making the social media rounds that show Ridder either shorting running backs on dump-offs or missing Tyler Badie on a wide open wheel route by five yards. The dual-threat Bearcats signal caller will need to tighten up his game as the week continues if he wants to climb the quarterback rankings. For his part, ESPN's Matt Miller also thought Pickett and Strong both outperformed Ridder.
SOURCE: Tyler Forness on Twitter
Feb 1, 2022, 2:55 PM ET
According to Reese's Senior Bowl, Nevada WR Romeo Doubs led all National Team receivers by reaching 21.25 MPH on a deep route according to Zebra Technology.
Doubs (6'2/200) proved himself at the collegiate level by recording back-to-back 1,000 yard receiving seasons in former Nevada OC Matt Mumme's air raid offense. At the Senior Bowl he is battling a strong group of wideouts in order to enhance his draft stock, as he helped to gain some recognition by recording the top speed among all wideouts. Other notable marks were generated by Alec Pierce - 19.82 MPH, and Bo Melton - 18.41 MPH. Doubs currently projects as a mid-round prospect who is looking so solidify his draft status with an impact showing at the Senior Bowl.
SOURCE: Reese's Senior Bowl
Feb 1, 2022, 3:14 PM ET
North Dakota WR Christian Watson has made some impressive plays for the National Team during Tuesday's Senior Bowl practice session.
Watson (6'4/211) has been the favorite target of Kenny Pickett in the early going, making multiple catches in 11-on-11 drills, including a nice grab across the middle where he had to reach back to reel in an off-target throw. He also excelled in 1-on-1's and showed advanced receiving acumen on a few contested sideline routes. Watson had recorded an official 4.4 40-yard dash during his initial recruitment phase, so he should back up his on field prowess in testing. In his college career, Watson caught 43 passes for 800 yards and seven touchdowns while also rushing 15 times for 114 yards, 7.6 YPC and a touchdown on the ground. He will be a player to watch as the Senior Bowl week unfolds.
SOURCE: Cole Thompson on Twitter
Feb 1, 2022, 2:30 PM ET
Michigan RB Hassan Haskins (ankle) was forced to withdraw from the Senior Bowl due to injury.
Haskins (6'1/220) sustained the injury in the CFP semi-final game against Georgia where he rushed just nine times for 39 yards due to the ailment. On the year the rugged interior ball carrier rushed 270 times for 1,327 yards, 4.9 YPC and twenty touchdowns for the Wolverines. He was one of the highest graded running backs on Pro Football Focus, earning an overall grade of 91.3, with a rushing grade of 89.3. Haskins forced a total of 56 missed tackles on the year and had 16 breakaway runs (runs of 15 or more yards) which account for 28.8% of his rushing yards on the season. He will hope to be back up to speed for the NFL Scouting Combine in early March.
SOURCE: Dave Birkett on Twitter
Feb 1, 2022, 3:28 PM ET
WR1 in the 2022 NFL Draft: Garrett Wilson or Jameson Williams?
Receiver rankings for the 2022 NFL Draft are all over the board, and it’s anyone’s guess how they’ll fall in the draft. But here’s what I’m piecing together after talking with people the past couple of days.
Right now, it looks like the top spot a the position could go to either Garrett Wilson of Ohio State or Jameson Williams of Alabama. Medical exams on Williams’ knee during the 2022 NFL Combine loom large in his final ranking.
There are a lot of teams who like Treylon Burks of Arkansas as the third wideout on the board. But just as many fear he’ll turn into the next N’Keal Harry.
While teams like Chris Olave, they feel he doesn’t have great upside. Is he already at his ceiling? Drake London draws a variety of opinions. Teams like London’s ability but fear he’s just a big college wideout who’ll struggle separating at the next level.
Ohio State TE Jeremy Ruckert has been frequently cited by Senior Bowl attendees as being a standout performer during the first two practice sessions.
Ruckert (6'5/252) wasn't used in the passing game that much thanks to the presence of three all-american caliber wideouts being present at OSU, but he has shown through the first two Senior Bowl practices that he can be a factor as a pass catcher as well as an inline blocker. He made several nice catches throughout the first day and made a couple of particularly nice grabs on Day 2 as well. He lined up inside during red zone drills, making a nice outside cut and extending his arms outside his frame to pull down a tough, contested catch over Jalen Pitre while staying in bounds and picking up an extra 7-10 yards thanks to some fancy footwork. Ruckert is vaulting himself up the list of a pretty good tight end class and could find himself in the second-third round conversation if he continues to excel in the post-season evaluation process.
SOURCE: Tyler Forness on Twitter
Feb 2, 2022, 3:29 PM ET