flat_earth
Footballguy
Felix Jones vs. Donald Brown
I’d be interested to see some discussion in Shark Pool comparing these two RB prospects from a dynasty perspective. On paper, they seem very similar:
Felix Jones, DAL
5’10” – 207lbs – 22 years old – 1 year of NFL experience (NOTE: the Cowboys website lists him at 6’0” 218lbs, but his combine measurements seem much more accurate)
Picked #22 Overall in 2008
Donald Brown, IND
5’10” – 210lbs – 22 years old – Rookie
Picked #27 Overall in 2009
Both have shown flashes of top-flight talent but are stuck behind productive 26 year old veteran starters (Barber/Addai) on good teams. Both have battled injury problems in their young careers, but generally have looked very good when they are on the field. Jones is viewed as a bit more of a ‘big play’ guy while Brown seems to be more of a between the tackles runner. Both have proven themselves to be decent receivers, but are questionable is pass protection.
My question is this: how do you view these two going forward? My perception from the three dynasty leagues I play in is that Donald Brown is valued much more highly than Felix Jones. Is this valid from a talent perspective, or is it just a case of Brown being a rookie while Felix has had a year to lose his luster?
When I’ve had a chance to watch Felix Jones play, I’ve gotten the impression that his straight line speed isn’t as crazy good as everyone seems to think. He has been chased down multiple times from behind on long runs/passes. However, his quickness and cutting ability seem to be top-notch, and his penchant for big plays cannot be denied. He explodes through the hole and gets to the 2nd level very quickly and fluidly. I haven’t seen him catch anything other than screen/swing passes, but he seems very good at those. He is patient and uses his blockers well in space. On the negative side, Dallas is loaded with RB talent and there seems to be fewer snaps to go around. Also, after two season’s worth of nagging injuries I half expect him to come up limping after every play.
Donald Brown has looked faster and more explosive than I expected him to look, as I’ve heard him called a plodder/grinder around this forum frequently. From what I’ve seen, he runs with good power between the tackles, and has very good speed in space. He doesn’t look particularly shifty or quick to me, but he has excelled at the short passing game much like Felix Jones has. It does not appear that Brown has yet entered Peyton Manning’s ‘Circle of Trust’ on the field for whatever reason, and that seems to be a big factor in why his snaps have been limited. On the other hand, the path to being an unquestioned starter down the road seems easier for Brown than Jones. He has Addai clearly in front of him, but Addai is injury prone himself and is likely due for a new contract soon (anyone know his exact status)? There is no one behind Brown on the depth chart to challenge for snaps like Tashard Choice does in Dallas.
So, what say you? How different (or similar) are the long term prospects for Donald Brown and Felix Jones?
I’d be interested to see some discussion in Shark Pool comparing these two RB prospects from a dynasty perspective. On paper, they seem very similar:
Felix Jones, DAL
5’10” – 207lbs – 22 years old – 1 year of NFL experience (NOTE: the Cowboys website lists him at 6’0” 218lbs, but his combine measurements seem much more accurate)
Picked #22 Overall in 2008
Donald Brown, IND
5’10” – 210lbs – 22 years old – Rookie
Picked #27 Overall in 2009
Both have shown flashes of top-flight talent but are stuck behind productive 26 year old veteran starters (Barber/Addai) on good teams. Both have battled injury problems in their young careers, but generally have looked very good when they are on the field. Jones is viewed as a bit more of a ‘big play’ guy while Brown seems to be more of a between the tackles runner. Both have proven themselves to be decent receivers, but are questionable is pass protection.
My question is this: how do you view these two going forward? My perception from the three dynasty leagues I play in is that Donald Brown is valued much more highly than Felix Jones. Is this valid from a talent perspective, or is it just a case of Brown being a rookie while Felix has had a year to lose his luster?
When I’ve had a chance to watch Felix Jones play, I’ve gotten the impression that his straight line speed isn’t as crazy good as everyone seems to think. He has been chased down multiple times from behind on long runs/passes. However, his quickness and cutting ability seem to be top-notch, and his penchant for big plays cannot be denied. He explodes through the hole and gets to the 2nd level very quickly and fluidly. I haven’t seen him catch anything other than screen/swing passes, but he seems very good at those. He is patient and uses his blockers well in space. On the negative side, Dallas is loaded with RB talent and there seems to be fewer snaps to go around. Also, after two season’s worth of nagging injuries I half expect him to come up limping after every play.
Donald Brown has looked faster and more explosive than I expected him to look, as I’ve heard him called a plodder/grinder around this forum frequently. From what I’ve seen, he runs with good power between the tackles, and has very good speed in space. He doesn’t look particularly shifty or quick to me, but he has excelled at the short passing game much like Felix Jones has. It does not appear that Brown has yet entered Peyton Manning’s ‘Circle of Trust’ on the field for whatever reason, and that seems to be a big factor in why his snaps have been limited. On the other hand, the path to being an unquestioned starter down the road seems easier for Brown than Jones. He has Addai clearly in front of him, but Addai is injury prone himself and is likely due for a new contract soon (anyone know his exact status)? There is no one behind Brown on the depth chart to challenge for snaps like Tashard Choice does in Dallas.
So, what say you? How different (or similar) are the long term prospects for Donald Brown and Felix Jones?
