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[Dynasty] 2023 NFL Draft Class (1 Viewer)

NFL Rookie Watch @NFLRookieWatxh
2023 NFL Draft eligible RB comparisons (via @BradonDeacon):

Bijan Robinson ➡️ Saquon Barkley
Jahmyr Gibbs ➡️ Alvin Kamara
Devon Achane ➡️ Matt Breida
Zach Charbonnet ➡️ R. Stevenson
Sean Tucker ➡️ Aaron Jones

This years RB class is ELITE 👀
Interesting. I've heard a lot of the first two and a lot of reaction, specifically to #2. I'm waiting to see what Waldman has to say.
 
Thoughts on Cedric Tillman?

He had a huge 2021 season. He seemed primed to have the monster season Hyatt wound up having. Injury derailed much of the year.
Great size at 6'3 215 lbs.
Had success against SEC Defenses.

Definitely on the older side. Will turn 23 around draft time.
Probably 3rd or 4th rd rook pick in dynasty drafts.
That is certainly a possibility, although I have Tillman as more of a mid-second rounder right now. Tillman projects as a better pro prospect than former Vol Josh Palmer, who has flashed some ability with the Chargers. Tillman has the size NFL teams love, and while aspects of his game need refinement, the raw skills are there for success at the next level.
Posted a mock a few days ago by Dane Brugler. His mocks are the only kind I bother with because they are not based on what they think but based on NFL feedback from contacts. Anything other type of mocks I don't bother with.

He has Tillman as WR8, pick 53 so pretty much right where you are saying. The team he put him does not mean much to me but ironically he had him paired again with Palmer.

I ought to cancel that subscription. A credible two-round mock is absolute torture for us dynasty nerds. Thanks for leaving out every RB that isn't top 3, Dane.
 
Jared Tokarz @JaredNFLDraft
Here is how the top WRs stack in yards per catch in 2022.

Quentin Johnston TCU - 17.8
Jordan Addison USC - 14.8
Jaxon Smith Njigba OSU (2021) - 16.9
Zay Flowers BC - 13.8
Josh Downs UNC - 10.9
Marvin Mims OU - 20.1 👀
Jalyin Hyatt Tenn - 18.9


Jared Tokarz @JaredNFLDraft
Important to note that these WRs were in all different types of offenses & some were relied on quite differently. For example, a lot quick screens & shorter routes.

Interesting to have the numbers side by side though.
Can't help but notice Marvin Mims jump off the page either.
 
What are your comparisons for Nathaniel Dell? I think he's gonna be better than Toney/Atwell/Tavon Austin

, but how many under 160 lbs top 20 WR have there been? Is he DeVonta Smith?
 
Absolute treasure trove for anyone waiting to see which direction the RB wind might be blowing for Matt Waldman.

https://youtu.be/szWX5S-fcgY

In Waldman fashion, he goes alphabetically (first name) through many backs that nobody but their own mother is aware of, but you will definitely get a taste for what he's thinking for any RB of consequence. A lot of cold water is thrown on the depth RB options that have been gaining some traction in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of rookie drafts. However, one of those guys is quite clearly the Waldman chosen one based on an uncharacteristic comment that is short and sweet -- starts with a T.

A couple of the top 1st round rookie RBs take a direct shot to the bow too. After a lot of negativity, it ends well with a couple of Z RBs that' everyone is well aware of. The Zach Evans "winter slide" might be over if you're like me and value what Waldman has to say about these backs.

While worthwhile, it's still a long listen given the sheer number of backs that he runs through. Here's the gist I got from the backs that matter most:

"WALDMAN GUYS"

Tyjae Spears - "Which NFL team is going to be charged with larceny within 24 months of the NFL Draft?"

Zach Evans - As good, if not better at some facets of running the football than Bijan. There are character concerns after recruiting saga and reported run-ins with coaches. Could reach career peak Clinton Portis levels.

Zach Charbonnet - Slow back with good feet. If he doesn't get beat up too badly in the combine metrics, he's ready to call him an Arian Foster starter kit.

Roschon Johnson - Former QB once compared to Kellen Mond. Intrigued. A lot more of a RB than Taysom Hill. He seems confident he will have a role in an NFL backfield, with legit reasons to believe he could be an NFL starter.

Toa Taua - Nevada RB that's now on my radar. He wants to see acceleration testing in 20-shuttle. Thinks he might have the acceleration, footwork, and power to contribute at the next level and be one of the most surprising backs of the draft.

Jaleel McLaughlin - Youngstown St RB now on my radar. This is the package that people think that they're getting in Jahmyr Gibbs. More explosive version of Gibbs, but not sure how he will hold up playing at 183 lbs. (FWIW, espn has him at 195)

Christian Beal-Smith- So Car RB , that split time with Kenneth Walker at Wake for good reason. Played through a foot injury at SC. Creative. Some Lesean McCoy vibes, but could be more of an Eno Benjamin. One of the more intriguing backs that nobody is talking about.


(+) POSITIVE / NEUTRAL

Bijan Robinson
- Nothing too noteworthy. Better in gap than a zone scheme, which is the direction the NFL has been moving. Not bad in zone but not elite, not sure how well he would transition mid-career.

Kendre Miller - Lamar Miller comp. Smooth, with power and vision. Can be a starter. Keeps pads too high at times. Smooth gait. Wants to see how explosive he is in 20-shuttle.

Deuce Vaughn- A lot of positivity, but the obvious question on whether size will allow him to be more than a gadget contributor. Miniature CMC in the same way that Sproles was a miniature Marshawn Lynch. Gap runner comfortable weaving through tight traffic, efficient use of dynamic movements, curvilinear movement tag.

Devon Achane - More neutral. Straight line runner with bend and cutting. First impression was that he wasn't powerful or creative, but saw it the deeper he went. Lamichael James comparison at a time when the NFL was not spreading the field as much. Leaves it open as to whether he'll end up as a committee option like Gainwell or find a bigger role in an offense.

Tavion Thomas - one-cut, quicker feet than credited, rarely used in passing game. Has rushing skills to be an effective committee back, but probably more of a backup.

Evan Hull - Jeff Wilson vibes. Better zone than gap. NFL reserve player, but might have enough to be more.

Deshaun Fenwick - OR State RB. On the outskirts of being a Fournette, but don't think there's enough explosion.


MEH

Tank Bigsby -
Physical, looked more explosive in '22 than '21, but wonders how good the acceleration is. Needs to be more disciplined bouncing plays outside. Draft capital could sink depending on outcome of 20-shuttle.

Kenny McIntosh - Will belong in the lineage of UGA RBs as an NFL caliber player, but not seeing starter or instant impact player at next level. Size, acceleration, and decision-making to contribute in a gap heavy offense is there. Blocking and receiving skills reliable but not high end. Zone runs are not there, gap only. Lacks top-end speed and decision making. Explosive enough to play, but not expecting him to ever be a Tony Pollard.

Eric Gray- Questions of acceleration and speed. Thinking fringe contributor.

Lew Nichols - okay acceleration. don't think there's enough to be anything more than a reserve in the NFL.

Xazavian Vallady - Could be NFL contributor, thinking he's a better fit in the CFL.

Keaton Mitchell- Doesn't press blocks well. Dynamic with moves. Can play in space, but not good in traffic.


(-) DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A FAN

Jahmyr Gibbs
-- You'll probably need the RSP to learn the extent of not being a fan, Needs to press blocks longer, too quick to cut back. Needs to clean up pass protection. Really not enough here to conclude that Waldman thinks that he doesn't belong in the top half of 1st round rookie drafts, but definitely not one of his guys at this point.

Sean Tucker -- Really the same as above, maybe a little more vitriol. Needs to mature as a perimeter runner and take the early crease inside instead of bouncing it out. Needs to be more patient. Bad decisions at the second level. Wins at the sideline, best RBs win at the middle of the field. Speed to be a gamebreaker.

Worth noting that some of the "hate" for these two might be in context with how much hype they're getting.

Chase Brown - Slow processer, but made it work at college level. Not sure he's as good as some people are saying.

Israel Abanikanda - Lapses reading leverage, trouble in gap zone, not sure that he has the acceleration.

DeWayne McBride-- Ball security and pass protection concerns. Makes decisions with cutbacks he shouldn't. Not very dynamic. A roster candidate, but needs a significant spurt to reach Zamir White level.

Moh Ibrahim -- Like Lew Nichols, but with even more question marks. Don't think he can be Rudi Johnson.
 
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Absolute treasure trove for anyone waiting to see which direction the RB wind might be blowing for Matt Waldman.

https://youtu.be/szWX5S-fcgY

In Waldman fashion, he goes alphabetically (first name) through many backs that nobody but their own mother is aware of, but you will definitely get a taste for what he's thinking for any RB of consequence. A lot of cold water is thrown on the depth RB options that have been gaining some traction in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of rookie drafts. However, one of those guys is quite clearly the Waldman chosen one based on an uncharacteristic comment that is short and sweet -- starts with a T.

A couple of the top 1st round rookie RBs take a direct shot to the bow too. After a lot of negativity, it ends well with a couple of Z RBs that' everyone is well aware of. The Zach Evans "winter slide" might be over if you're like me and value what Waldman has to say about these backs.

While worthwhile, it's still a long listen given the sheer number of backs that he runs through. Here's the gist I got from the backs that matter most:

"WALDMAN GUYS"

Tyjae Spears - "Which NFL team is going to be charged with larceny within 24 months of the NFL Draft?"

Zach Evans - As good, if not better at some facets of running the football than Bijan. There are character concerns after recruiting saga and reported run-ins with coaches. Could reach career peak Clinton Portis levels.

Zach Charbonnet - Slow back with good feet. If he doesn't get beat up too badly in the combine metrics, he's ready to call him an Arian Foster starter kit.

Roschon Johnson - Former QB once compared to Kellen Mond. Intrigued. A lot more of a RB than Taysom Hill. He seems confident he will have a role in an NFL backfield, with legit reasons to believe he could be an NFL starter.

Toa Taua - Nevada RB that's now on my radar. He wants to see acceleration testing in 20-shuttle. Thinks he might have the acceleration, footwork, and power to contribute at the next level and be one of the most surprising backs of the draft.

Jaleel McLaughlin - Youngstown St RB now on my radar. This is the package that people think that they're getting in Jahmyr Gibbs. More explosive version of Gibbs, but not sure how he will hold up playing at 183 lbs. (FWIW, espn has him at 195)

Christian Beal-Smith- So Car RB , that split time with Kenneth Walker at Wake for good reason. Played through a foot injury at SC. Creative. Some Lesean McCoy vibes, but could be more of an Eno Benjamin. One of the more intriguing backs that nobody is talking about.


(+) POSITIVE / NEUTRAL

Bijan Robinson
- Nothing too noteworthy. Better in gap than a zone scheme, which is the direction the NFL has been moving. Not bad in zone but not elite, not sure how well he would transition mid-career.

Kendre Miller - Lamar Miller comp. Smooth, with power and vision. Can be a starter. Keeps pads too high at times. Smooth gait. Wants to see how explosive he is in 20-shuttle.

Deuce Vaughn- A lot of positivity, but the obvious question on whether size will allow him to be more than a gadget contributor. Miniature CMC in the same way that Sproles was a miniature Marshawn Lynch. Gap runner comfortable weaving through tight traffic, efficient use of dynamic movements, curvilinear movement tag.

Devon Achane - More neutral. Straight line runner with bend and cutting. First impression was that he wasn't powerful or creative, but saw it the deeper he went. Lamichael James comparison at a time when the NFL was not spreading the field as much. Leaves it open as to whether he'll end up as a committee option like Gainwell or find a bigger role in an offense.

Tavion Thomas - one-cut, quicker feet than credited, rarely used in passing game. Has rushing skills to be an effective committee back, but probably more of a backup.

Evan Hull - Jeff Wilson vibes. Better zone than gap. NFL reserve player, but might have enough to be more.

Deshaun Fenwick - OR State RB. On the outskirts of being a Fournette, but don't think there's enough explosion.


MEH

Tank Bigsby -
Physical, looked more explosive in '22 than '21, but wonders how good the acceleration is. Needs to be more disciplined bouncing plays outside. Draft capital could sink depending on outcome of 20-shuttle.

Kenny McIntosh - Will belong in the lineage of UGA RBs as an NFL caliber player, but not seeing starter or instant impact player at next level. Size, acceleration, and decision-making to contribute in a gap heavy offense is there. Blocking and receiving skills reliable but not high end. Zone runs are not there, gap only. Lacks top-end speed and decision making. Explosive enough to play, but not expecting him to ever be a Tony Pollard.

Eric Gray- Questions of acceleration and speed. Thinking fringe contributor.

Lew Nichols - okay acceleration. don't think there's enough to be anything more than a reserve in the NFL.

Xazavian Vallady - Could be NFL contributor, thinking he's a better fit in the CFL.

Keaton Mitchell- Doesn't press blocks well. Dynamic with moves. Can play in space, but not good in traffic.


(-) DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A FAN

Jahmyr Gibbs
-- You'll probably need the RSP to learn the extent of not being a fan, Needs to press blocks longer, too quick to cut back. Needs to clean up pass protection. Really not enough here to conclude that Waldman thinks that he doesn't belong in the top half of 1st round rookie drafts, but definitely not one of his guys at this point.

Sean Tucker -- Really the same as above, maybe a little more vitriol. Needs to mature as a perimeter runner and take the early crease inside instead of bouncing it out. Needs to be more patient. Bad decisions at the second level. Wins at the sideline, best RBs win at the middle of the field. Speed to be a gamebreaker.

Worth noting that some of the "hate" for these two might be in context with how much hype they're getting.

Chase Brown - Slow processer, but made it work at college level. Not sure he's as good as some people are saying.

Israel Abanikanda - Lapses reading leverage, trouble in gap zone, not sure that he has the acceleration.

DeWayne McBride-- Ball security and pass protection concerns. Makes decisions with cutbacks he shouldn't. Not very dynamic. A roster candidate, but needs a significant spurt to reach Zamir White level.

Moh Ibrahim -- Like Lew Nichols, but with even more question marks. Don't think he can be Rudi Johnson.
What about Chris Rodriguez RB Kentucky?
 
Absolute treasure trove for anyone waiting to see which direction the RB wind might be blowing for Matt Waldman.

https://youtu.be/szWX5S-fcgY

In Waldman fashion, he goes alphabetically (first name) through many backs that nobody but their own mother is aware of, but you will definitely get a taste for what he's thinking for any RB of consequence. A lot of cold water is thrown on the depth RB options that have been gaining some traction in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of rookie drafts. However, one of those guys is quite clearly the Waldman chosen one based on an uncharacteristic comment that is short and sweet -- starts with a T.

A couple of the top 1st round rookie RBs take a direct shot to the bow too. After a lot of negativity, it ends well with a couple of Z RBs that' everyone is well aware of. The Zach Evans "winter slide" might be over if you're like me and value what Waldman has to say about these backs.

While worthwhile, it's still a long listen given the sheer number of backs that he runs through. Here's the gist I got from the backs that matter most:

"WALDMAN GUYS"

Tyjae Spears - "Which NFL team is going to be charged with larceny within 24 months of the NFL Draft?"

Zach Evans - As good, if not better at some facets of running the football than Bijan. There are character concerns after recruiting saga and reported run-ins with coaches. Could reach career peak Clinton Portis levels.

Zach Charbonnet - Slow back with good feet. If he doesn't get beat up too badly in the combine metrics, he's ready to call him an Arian Foster starter kit.

Roschon Johnson - Former QB once compared to Kellen Mond. Intrigued. A lot more of a RB than Taysom Hill. He seems confident he will have a role in an NFL backfield, with legit reasons to believe he could be an NFL starter.

Toa Taua - Nevada RB that's now on my radar. He wants to see acceleration testing in 20-shuttle. Thinks he might have the acceleration, footwork, and power to contribute at the next level and be one of the most surprising backs of the draft.

Jaleel McLaughlin - Youngstown St RB now on my radar. This is the package that people think that they're getting in Jahmyr Gibbs. More explosive version of Gibbs, but not sure how he will hold up playing at 183 lbs. (FWIW, espn has him at 195)

Christian Beal-Smith- So Car RB , that split time with Kenneth Walker at Wake for good reason. Played through a foot injury at SC. Creative. Some Lesean McCoy vibes, but could be more of an Eno Benjamin. One of the more intriguing backs that nobody is talking about.


(+) POSITIVE / NEUTRAL

Bijan Robinson
- Nothing too noteworthy. Better in gap than a zone scheme, which is the direction the NFL has been moving. Not bad in zone but not elite, not sure how well he would transition mid-career.

Kendre Miller - Lamar Miller comp. Smooth, with power and vision. Can be a starter. Keeps pads too high at times. Smooth gait. Wants to see how explosive he is in 20-shuttle.

Deuce Vaughn- A lot of positivity, but the obvious question on whether size will allow him to be more than a gadget contributor. Miniature CMC in the same way that Sproles was a miniature Marshawn Lynch. Gap runner comfortable weaving through tight traffic, efficient use of dynamic movements, curvilinear movement tag.

Devon Achane - More neutral. Straight line runner with bend and cutting. First impression was that he wasn't powerful or creative, but saw it the deeper he went. Lamichael James comparison at a time when the NFL was not spreading the field as much. Leaves it open as to whether he'll end up as a committee option like Gainwell or find a bigger role in an offense.

Tavion Thomas - one-cut, quicker feet than credited, rarely used in passing game. Has rushing skills to be an effective committee back, but probably more of a backup.

Evan Hull - Jeff Wilson vibes. Better zone than gap. NFL reserve player, but might have enough to be more.

Deshaun Fenwick - OR State RB. On the outskirts of being a Fournette, but don't think there's enough explosion.


MEH

Tank Bigsby -
Physical, looked more explosive in '22 than '21, but wonders how good the acceleration is. Needs to be more disciplined bouncing plays outside. Draft capital could sink depending on outcome of 20-shuttle.

Kenny McIntosh - Will belong in the lineage of UGA RBs as an NFL caliber player, but not seeing starter or instant impact player at next level. Size, acceleration, and decision-making to contribute in a gap heavy offense is there. Blocking and receiving skills reliable but not high end. Zone runs are not there, gap only. Lacks top-end speed and decision making. Explosive enough to play, but not expecting him to ever be a Tony Pollard.

Eric Gray- Questions of acceleration and speed. Thinking fringe contributor.

Lew Nichols - okay acceleration. don't think there's enough to be anything more than a reserve in the NFL.

Xazavian Vallady - Could be NFL contributor, thinking he's a better fit in the CFL.

Keaton Mitchell- Doesn't press blocks well. Dynamic with moves. Can play in space, but not good in traffic.


(-) DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A FAN

Jahmyr Gibbs
-- You'll probably need the RSP to learn the extent of not being a fan, Needs to press blocks longer, too quick to cut back. Needs to clean up pass protection. Really not enough here to conclude that Waldman thinks that he doesn't belong in the top half of 1st round rookie drafts, but definitely not one of his guys at this point.

Sean Tucker -- Really the same as above, maybe a little more vitriol. Needs to mature as a perimeter runner and take the early crease inside instead of bouncing it out. Needs to be more patient. Bad decisions at the second level. Wins at the sideline, best RBs win at the middle of the field. Speed to be a gamebreaker.

Worth noting that some of the "hate" for these two might be in context with how much hype they're getting.

Chase Brown - Slow processer, but made it work at college level. Not sure he's as good as some people are saying.

Israel Abanikanda - Lapses reading leverage, trouble in gap zone, not sure that he has the acceleration.

DeWayne McBride-- Ball security and pass protection concerns. Makes decisions with cutbacks he shouldn't. Not very dynamic. A roster candidate, but needs a significant spurt to reach Zamir White level.

Moh Ibrahim -- Like Lew Nichols, but with even more question marks. Don't think he can be Rudi Johnson.
What about Chris Rodriguez RB Kentucky?
Yeah, I forgot about that one. Seemed pretty "meh" on him. Compared him to Spencer Ware, but without the explosion or power that made Ware what he was. He probably has him a notch above Ibrahim if I had to guess
 

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