First Crack 2021 Rookie Picks (1 Viewer)

[Unwrittenlaw]

Seems like an odd grouping of teams. 

• The Bears have not been very TE friendly.....they have drafted quite a few recently and none have really been fantasy friendly.  Graham did well this year based on TD's early but tailed off as the season went along.
  
• Colts have a lot of TE's so I am not sure why that would be a great destination
  
• Jets are going under a whole coaching change so not sure why that would be a desired destination
  
• Patriots have no QB so tough to say that would be a good spot
  
• Bills might be a nice spot but no guarantee.  They have Brown and Diggs hogging targets 
  

Colts have Burton and Allie-Cox as FAs next year. Doyle is replaceable talent. His Y/R is like 9 and he is 30 yrs old.

Chiefs had no QB either when they drafted Kelce. Look how that turned out. Can never guess who the next QB is. But, no WR talent is a nice hedge.

John Brown is a FA in 2 yrs. The Bills reminds me of the Patriots/Gronk situation when they had Brady and then Welker. Moss left via trade and then a TE emerged as the 2nd option.

 

[socrates]

I will post my very early 2021 Dynasty Draft Board.  With the combine and individual workouts still to come, and landing spots yet to be determined, I know my board will undergo seismic shifts before it is all said and done, but this is still a fun exercise.

1.01    Najee Harris       RB
1.02    Jamarr Chase    WR
1.03    Travis Etienne    RB
1.04    Javonte Williams    RB
1.05    Trevor Lawrence    QB
1.06    DeVonta Smith    WR
1.07    Rondale Moore    WR
1.08    Kyle Pitts        TE
1.09    Jaylen Waddle    WR
1.10    Rashod Bateman    WR
1.11    Kenny Gainwell    RB
1.12    Justin Fields    QB
        
2.01    Terrace Marshall    WR
2.02    Pat Freiermuth    TE
2.03    Jermar Jefferson    RB
2.04    Sage Surratt    WR
2.05    Kadarius Toney    WR
2.06    Tylan Wallace    WR
2.07    Chuba Hubbard    RB
2.08    Amon-Ra St. Brown    WR
2.09    Zach Wilson    QB 
2.10    Zamir White    RB
2.11    Chris Olave    WR
2.12    Tamorrion Terry    WR

 

[rockaction]

I will post my very early 2021 Dynasty Draft Board.  With the combine and individual workouts still to come, and landing spots yet to be determined, I know my board will undergo seismic shifts before it is all said and done, but this is still a fun exercise.

2.10    Zamir White    RB
2.11    Chris Olave    WR
2.12    Tamorrion Terry    WR

Watched highlights of all these guys. If they're still there at this point, I'd be very happy.

Also wouldn't be surprised to see Gainwell and Jefferson taken where you have them. DLF has them at 19 and 29, respectively, while you have them at 11 and 15. That's quite a jump from consensus, but they might indeed jump if their athletic prowess follows them at the combine. I think these guys might be movers.

 

[socrates]

Watched highlights of all these guys. If they're still there at this point, I'd be very happy.

Also wouldn't be surprised to see Gainwell and Jefferson taken where you have them. DLF has them at 19 and 29, respectively, while you have them at 11 and 15. That's quite a jump from consensus, but they might indeed jump if their athletic prowess follows them at the combine. I think these guys might be movers.

I especially wanted to put Tamorrion Terry higher in my initial rankings, but I couldn't decide who to move down!  Terry is a player I am certainly targeting.  He has some definite holes in his game, but you cannot teach his size and speed!  

I may have put both Gainwell and Jefferson higher than some, but I am also ranking based on PPR scoring.  Plus, I put a little extra premium on RBs, I suppose.  Gainwell was the reason Antonio Gibson was not used more at Memphis.  He has an exciting skillset; if he can land in the right situation, I believe he could be a three-down back.

I probably put Jermar Jefferson a bit too high on my list, but I am very intrigued with him.  It will be interesting to look back on this list in a few months and see where he ranks then.

 

[toddthebountyhunter]

I will post my very early 2021 Dynasty Draft Board.  With the combine and individual workouts still to come, and landing spots yet to be determined, I know my board will undergo seismic shifts before it is all said and done, but this is still a fun exercise.

1.01    Najee Harris       RB
1.02    Jamarr Chase    WR
1.03    Travis Etienne    RB
1.04    Javonte Williams    RB
1.05    Trevor Lawrence    QB
1.06    DeVonta Smith    WR
1.07    Rondale Moore    WR
1.08    Kyle Pitts        TE
1.09    Jaylen Waddle    WR
1.10    Rashod Bateman    WR
1.11    Kenny Gainwell    RB
1.12    Justin Fields    QB
        
2.01    Terrace Marshall    WR
2.02    Pat Freiermuth    TE
2.03    Jermar Jefferson    RB
2.04    Sage Surratt    WR
2.05    Kadarius Toney    WR
2.06    Tylan Wallace    WR
2.07    Chuba Hubbard    RB
2.08    Amon-Ra St. Brown    WR
2.09    Zach Wilson    QB 
2.10    Zamir White    RB
2.11    Chris Olave    WR
2.12    Tamorrion Terry    WR

I like these, especially round 1, although I think league settings and makeup will certainly affect where QB's are actually taken in any league. I can't help but think Olave goes a little higher than you have him and also can't help but wonder if Trey Sermon belongs somewhere in here, maybe even in the top half of round two. Overall nice job though,

 

[socrates]

I like these, especially round 1, although I think league settings and makeup will certainly affect where QB's are actually taken in any league. I can't help but think Olave goes a little higher than you have him and also can't help but wonder if Trey Sermon belongs somewhere in here, maybe even in the top half of round two. Overall nice job though,

I agree that league settings make a huge difference with QBs.  I often feel like I underrate QBs, however.  A good QB will give you many years of production, and you cannot often say that about a good RB, or sometimes even a WR.  Position scarcity no doubt factors in, but if Trevor Lawrence is anywhere near as good as scouts have predicted, we may all look back and wonder why we did not take him even sooner in our fantasy drafts.  I also play in a league which gives 6 points for a passing TD, so perhaps my perspective is skewed.

Trey Sermon may be a runner I need to go back and re-evaluate, as I have him considerably lower than you, I think perhaps because his limitations as a receiver.

Olave is interesting.  I think Olave is more scheme-dependent than some other receivers in this draft.  He is an excellent route runner, and if he lands in the right situation, he will climb way up my list.

 

[rockaction]

I may have put both Gainwell and Jefferson higher than some, but I am also ranking based on PPR scoring.  Plus, I put a little extra premium on RBs, I suppose.  Gainwell was the reason Antonio Gibson was not used more at Memphis.  He has an exciting skillset; if he can land in the right situation, I believe he could be a three-down back.

I probably put Jermar Jefferson a bit too high on my list, but I am very intrigued with him.  It will be interesting to look back on this list in a few months and see where he ranks then.

Cool. I can see all of that. I wasn't comparing by way of criticizing but mainly for discussion purposes because I have a subscription to DLF that others don't have and I have access to that stuff. It just helps gauge it for others, really. Consider it a public service of sorts rather than a quibble. It's something that stuck out.

Anyway, I was excited to see both of those guys run, especially Gainwell. I think Gainwell looks better than Javonte Williams in highlights, frankly. He just has such burst and ability to move -- it's impressive. Jefferson was also impressive. I liked what I saw.

All in all, this is a good exercise, and I'm glad you bumped guys a little higher than otherwise might be, because it provides a jump-off point that's not merely industry consensus. If one is getting down to the thirtieth guy and in a draft position like, say, I'm in (4, 5, 19, 20, 22 then nothing until the fifth round) one might tend to skip watching guys along the way that one should be watching, so this was really beneficial. Thanks for posting.

 

[socrates]

Cool. I can see all of that. I wasn't comparing by way of criticizing but mainly for discussion purposes because I have a subscription to DLF that others don't have and I have access to that stuff. It just helps gauge it for others, really. Consider it a public service of sorts rather than a quibble. It's something that stuck out.

Anyway, I was excited to see both of those guys run, especially Gainwell. I think Gainwell looks better than Javonte Williams in highlights, frankly. He just has such burst and ability to move -- it's impressive. Jefferson was also impressive. I liked what I saw.

All in all, this is a good exercise, and I'm glad you bumped guys a little higher than otherwise might be, because it provides a jump-off point that's not merely industry consensus. If one is getting down to the thirtieth guy and in a draft position like, say, I'm in (4, 5, 19, 20, 22 then nothing until the fifth round) one might tend to skip watching guys along the way that one should be watching, so this was really beneficial. Thanks for posting.

The Scouts will eventually come around to my way of thinking LOL!

It is all good if it generates discussion!   It is fun to put together these early rankings.  All of our lists will no doubt look much different by the time we draft in August, but this is all part of that process.

 

[DropKick]

The Scouts will eventually come around to my way of thinking LOL!

It is all good if it generates discussion!   It is fun to put together these early rankings.  All of our lists will no doubt look much different by the time we draft in August, but this is all part of that process.

I think you do a great job.  Just don't let it go to your head.

 

[socrates]

I think you do a great job.  Just don't let it go to your head.

Thanks.  LOL  I have been humbled far  too many times for that to happen.  

 

[Spike]

The Scouts will eventually come around to my way of thinking LOL!

It is all good if it generates discussion!   It is fun to put together these early rankings.  All of our lists will no doubt look much different by the time we draft in August, but this is all part of that process.

I surely hope we are not holding dynasty drafts in August. 

 

[finfansteve]

Mine is always late August for the past 33 years

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I surely hope we are not holding dynasty drafts in August. 

Mine is always late August for the past 33 years

I'm guessing this is dynasty vs redraft. The former usually drafts shortly after the NFL draft, the latter closer to the season starting.

I'd find it weird to draft for dynasty in August.

 

[menobrown]

I'm extremely curious about two late surging RB's. Trey Sermon and Rhamondre Stevenson. I don't think any of them are going to test particularly well, Stevenson in particular. But hard to ignore the way Sermon is running and Rhamondre is a very intriguing big back with very good pass catching skills. I'm thinking both of them have a shot to be day 2 picks and in my leagues a third round RB is usually not going to be on the board when round 3 starts of our dynasty drafts. Wondering what others think of these two?

 

[socrates]

I'm guessing this is dynasty vs redraft. The former usually drafts shortly after the NFL draft, the latter closer to the season starting.

I'd find it weird to draft for dynasty in August.

We have held our dynasty rookie drafts in August for nearly over 30 years now.  Heck, sometimes even into September.  We usually like to have Preseason Week #3 in the books to further evaluate players (and account for preseason injuries), plus, the draft is not strictly rookies.  Most teams grab their kickers in the draft, and some even their team defense.

Edit to add:  We also have a Free Agency period in June and July, unlike most leagues, so we could not begin a draft until that has been completed.

 

[rockaction]

I'm extremely curious about two late surging RB's. Trey Sermon and Rhamondre Stevenson. I don't think any of them are going to test particularly well, Stevenson in particular. But hard to ignore the way Sermon is running and Rhamondre is a very intriguing big back with very good pass catching skills. I'm thinking both of them have a shot to be day 2 picks and in my leagues a third round RB is usually not going to be on the board when round 3 starts of our dynasty drafts. Wondering what others think of these two?

Are you looking for eye test highlights or somebody who watched Ohio St. and Oklahoma? Because I rarely watch CFB during the year. I took the time to watch their highlights and they both looked pretty impressive, with Sermon hanging a huge day on what looked like a slow Northwestern front. Stevenson looked actually surprisingly bursty for a big guy. There were times he would accelerate through holes where I didn't think he'd have it in him to get through them. He reminded me of James Robinson, but faster (and that probably has to do with competition level of collegiate vs. pro). Sermon broke a memorable head tackle against Clemson.

See how they test and where they go. One thing I've become sort of convinced of: What really determines a great fantasy back is pure volume. Touches. Nothing else. Find a guy who gets touches and you'll rarely not find a guy that doesn't in some way regress to a mean and have a yard/touch average of somewhere around a scatterplot fit line. But in the pros, people forget, most times they have to earn their touches through talent in practice. (Yes, Iverson, talking to you.) So talent often does determine touches which determines volume for fantasy.

And defenses this year were up against it because of COVID. Just remember that all these guys out there looking good are playing defenses that never were able to really assemble to play zones, tackle, get basics, etc. Brian Burke at ESPN did some extensive analytical work and sort of came to the conclusion that offenses had dominated in a much different way this year historically than in years past. So there's that to consider.

But thanks for the heads up on Stevenson. He's intriguing if he can get out of that 4.6-4.65 forty range he's likely in.

 

[Gally]

I surely hope we are not holding dynasty drafts in August. 

Mine is always late August for the past 33 years

I'm guessing this is dynasty vs redraft. The former usually drafts shortly after the NFL draft, the latter closer to the season starting.

I'd find it weird to draft for dynasty in August.

We always draft the weekend prior to Labor Day weekend.  Everyone knows the date and usually there isn't much going on.  Its nice to have a set time frame to make sure everyone can schedule around it.

 

[menobrown]

Are you looking for eye test highlights or somebody who watched Ohio St. and Oklahoma? Because I rarely watch CFB during the year. I took the time to watch their highlights and they both looked pretty impressive, with Sermon hanging a huge day on what looked like a slow Northwestern front. Stevenson looked actually surprisingly bursty for a big guy. There were times he would accelerate through holes where I didn't think he'd have it in him to get through them. He reminded me of James Robinson, but faster (and that probably has to do with competition level of collegiate vs. pro). Sermon broke a memorable head tackle against Clemson.

See how they test and where they go. One thing I've become sort of convinced of: What really determines a great fantasy back is pure volume. Touches. Nothing else. Find a guy who gets touches and you'll rarely not find a guy that doesn't in some way regress to a mean and have a yard/touch average of somewhere around a scatterplot fit line. But in the pros, people forget, most times they have to earn their touches through talent in practice. (Yes, Iverson, talking to you.) So talent often does determine touches which determines volume for fantasy.

And defenses this year were up against it because of COVID. Just remember that all these guys out there looking good are playing defenses that never were able to really assemble to play zones, tackle, get basics, etc. Brian Burke at ESPN did some extensive analytical work and sort of came to the conclusion that offenses had dominated in a much different way this year historically than in years past. So there's that to consider.

But thanks for the heads up on Stevenson. He's intriguing if he can get out of that 4.6-4.65 forty range he's likely in.

I watched less college football this season then any year since I started watching football. Well at least until several weeks ago when the conference championships started and since then I've tried to watch full games of any big time dynasty prospect or one put on my radar. I actually mainly was interested in the last OU game just to watch Stevenson, if he was out I would not have even watched.

So after watching both of these RB's last few games in full I must say it's been impressive and so impressive that when I don't see them listed in a lot of peoples top 5-10 at the RB position it leaves me wondering what am I missing? So when you asked me am I looking for eye test highlights or someone who watched them all year I think a better way for me put is I'm asking for someone to tell me if I'm being to high on them because of a few game sample size?

Agree with most of what you said regarding how they test but also were they go because volume for a RB is key and really I think everyone feels that way whether they admit it or not. Where and when these players get drafted will drive the value for them more then living room scouting. Now for me I'll be doing some non-dynasty drafts before the NFL draft so I try and get some idea before the NFL draft, especially on RB's.

Sermon did come into the year with some hype and was on my radar but then did nothing. Been reading up on him lately and some people are thinking the fact he did not even get on campus until the fall, had no off season work with the team that he just was a little lost early on and finally got acclimated. I'm was actually pulling for Ohio St to win last week just because I want to see more of him and specifically more of him versus a solid Alabama D.

And on Stevenson funny you mentioned Robinson because I recall reading Yahoo's Eric Edholm(who is quite good) and he said Stevenson looked like a juiced up version of Robinson. In fact here is Edholm's article were he mentioned both Sermon and Stevenson as winners in bowl season: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-where-do-the-jets-go-if-they-miss-out-on-qb-trevor-lawrence-184254289.html

Also here is Jim Nagy on Stevenson before their last bowl game:

@JimNagy_SB

NFL fans of teams with a RB need should pay attention to Oklahoma’s Rhamondre Stevenson tonight. 240-lber with the feet of a 195-lber. Not nearly enough buzz about him.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So after watching both of these RB's last few games in full I must say it's been impressive and so impressive that when I don't see them listed in a lot of peoples top 5-10 at the RB position it leaves me wondering what am I missing? 

I think:

a) groupthink takes over pretty quickly in the "scouting" community and

b) people talk out of their butt a lot and seem credible just because their site looks kind of cool.

 

[Boston]

I think:

a) groupthink takes over pretty sucky in the "scouting" community and

b) people talk out of their butt a lot and seem credible just because their site looks kind of cool.

Will add a C which is the opposite of A (I agree with your A but this is directed more at the fantasy community)...that is some people just love to be different and show how smart they are (and often use words that makes it sound like they are actually employed by an NFL franchise)...you look at their rankings and they just have to have some wildcards in there so that the 1 out of 20 times they hit on it they can show how smart they are.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Will add a C which is the opposite of A (I agree with your A but this is directed more at the fantasy community)...that is some people just love to be different and show how smart they are (and often use words that makes it sound like they are actually employed by an NFL franchise)...you look at their rankings and they just have to have some wildcards in there so that 1 out of 20 times they hit on it they can show how smart they are.

For sure. There's lots of that used as clickbait.

"Click to find out why Tanner Morgan is the REAL #1 QB!"

 

[socrates]

Not nearly enough buzz about him.

Stevenson probably should be on people's radars.  In this copycat world of the NFL, I wonder how much teams will be influenced by bruising backs like Derrick Henry and AJ Dillon.  The NFL has become a pass-first league, and finesse backs with well-rounded skills seem to be the current favor, or even a committee of role players.  Personally, I love old school, smashmouth football, where teams lined up, mano-a-mano, and beat the living snot out of one another.  That was a man's sport!  (insert manly grunt here)  Give me Ironhead Heyward, Christian Okoye or Jerome Bettis -- or going back even further, Larry Csonka, Earl Campbell and John Roggins.  You better tighten your chinstrap before you tried to take them down.  Stevenson looks to me like a downhill runner with good feet, but he also offers some value as an outlet receiver.  I would love to see him land in a situation where he can excel, but recent history does not bode well for his chances to become a feature back in the NFL.  I like him as an underrated prospect, however.

 

[rockaction]

For sure. There's lots of that used as clickbait.

"Click to find out why Tanner Morgan is the REAL #1 QB!"

Are you sure that's not the Jets in the fourth round drafting "James Morgan" of FIU to be a quarterback that never sees the field and never gets evaluated even in the perfect year for it? Because I think that might be who you mean.

 

[menobrown]

Stevenson probably should be on people's radars.  In this copycat world of the NFL, I wonder how much teams will be influenced by bruising backs like Derrick Henry and AJ Dillon.  The NFL has become a pass-first league, and finesse backs with well-rounded skills seem to be the current favor,

Part of that intrigue with him  is that while not quite built like those two behemoth's he's currently built like a bruising back but one with skills as a runner and receiver like you see on a lot of finesse backs. 

May not sound like the most ringing endorsement in the world but for me from what I've seen  his size, pass catching ability and athletic profile is giving me a Michael Bush  type comp right now.

 

[rockaction]

Part of that intrigue with him  is that while not quite built like those two behemoth's he's currently built like a bruising back but one with skills as a runner and receiver like you see on a lot of finesse backs. 

May not sound like the most ringing endorsement in the world but for me from what I've seen  his size, pass catching ability and athletic profile is giving me a Michael Bush  type comp right now.

Michael Bush was a very cool hybrid back who was a much better football player than fantasy guy. He got his chance -- I think -- to run as the one once but couldn't quite pull it off the way people thought he might. Just by way of saying "I remember him!"

 

[rockaction]

Just read the Yahoo article that menobrown linked to. Apparently Stevenson was serving a suspension, rumored to be drug-related, that began last year and ran into this one. That's always a red flag, but also explains why he's off of the radar of most people. So either caveat emptor or by way of explaining his low ranking (Sermon also transferred from Oklahoma. Presumably he was behind Stevenson, though I can't say for certain): 

"Speaking of Oklahoma, Sermon’s former teammate has helped his draft cause as well. Stevenson’s season was delayed with what was reported to be a drug-related suspension that dated back to last season’s semifinals game against LSU, and it stretched until the fifth game of this season."

 

[Buckna]

We always draft the weekend prior to Labor Day weekend.  Everyone knows the date and usually there isn't much going on.  Its nice to have a set time frame to make sure everyone can schedule around it.

My leagues are always set for a week after the NFL draft, but every year people want to start early because they are excited.

I’ve seen posters talk about leagues that draft their first 1 or 2 rounds right after the draft and then do rounds 3 or 4 a week or two into preseason. Something I would like to try someday, seems like it would make late round picks much more valuable in the hopes you land that later round or undrafted guy that rockets to the top in preseason.

 

[DropKick]

I think:

a) groupthink takes over pretty quickly in the "scouting" community and

b) people talk out of their butt a lot and seem credible just because their site looks kind of cool.

I've really enjoyed some youtube videos of people dissing Justin Herbert's chance of success in the NFL.

 

[socrates]

Part of that intrigue with him  is that while not quite built like those two behemoth's he's currently built like a bruising back but one with skills as a runner and receiver like you see on a lot of finesse backs. 

May not sound like the most ringing endorsement in the world but for me from what I've seen  his size, pass catching ability and athletic profile is giving me a Michael Bush  type comp right now.

I think the Michael Bush comparison is a good one.  I was sure Bush was going to be the next great thing.  I don't recall now why he wasn't.  For a big guy, Stevenson really has good footwork. The more I see of him, the more I like!  Honestly, why isn't he being talked about more? 

 

[Zyphros]

I'm extremely curious about two late surging RB's. Trey Sermon and Rhamondre Stevenson. I don't think any of them are going to test particularly well, Stevenson in particular. But hard to ignore the way Sermon is running and Rhamondre is a very intriguing big back with very good pass catching skills. I'm thinking both of them have a shot to be day 2 picks and in my leagues a third round RB is usually not going to be on the board when round 3 starts of our dynasty drafts. Wondering what others think of these two?

Curious is a good way to put it. Watching older versions of Sermon I don’t see anything to get very excited about. Watching Ohio St Sermon looks really good. I’m a bit torn on him but I’m putting him in my “good soldier tier” which is basically good depth for NFL rosters. There’s a lot of warning signs for me when it comes to Sermon so I’ll probably be a bit lower on him than most. 
 

I think I’ve watched only 2 games of Stevenson but overall I like enough of what I see as a deeper add. He’s speculative for sure but that’s what I like finding later on. That’s where you get the advantage I believe. I need to find more videos of his for sure but I would have him below Sermon (although slightly) for now. 
 

The real dark horse I want is Larry Rountree. Look into him a bit and get back to me. I don’t want to give my opinion on him yet because it’s incomplete but he looks like my favorite underdog.

 

[Boston]

Curious is a good way to put it. Watching older versions of Sermon I don’t see anything to get very excited about. Watching Ohio St Sermon looks really good. I’m a bit torn on him but I’m putting him in my “good soldier tier” which is basically good depth for NFL rosters. There’s a lot of warning signs for me when it comes to Sermon so I’ll probably be a bit lower on him than most. 
 

I think I’ve watched only 2 games of Stevenson but overall I like enough of what I see as a deeper add. He’s speculative for sure but that’s what I like finding later on. That’s where you get the advantage I believe. I need to find more videos of his for sure but I would have him below Sermon (although slightly) for now. 
 

The real dark horse I want is Larry Rountree. Look into him a bit and get back to me. I don’t want to give my opinion on him yet because it’s incomplete but he looks like my favorite underdog.

Curious as to what you think about the Carter kid from UNC...this time of the year everyone has their favorites after the top prospects and he is one of mine (and I don't think many others are as high on him)...saw him play quite a few times and he always impressed me...he has a "zip" to his game and he can catch the ball as well...being a primary back is probably a stretch but I think he can be a better Nyheim Hines (especially in the running game) and I think there is a ton of value in that for where he will probably be drafted.

 

[socrates]

Curious as to what you think about the Carter kid from UNC...this time of the year everyone has their favorites after the top prospects and he is one of mine (and I don't think many others are as high on him)...saw him play quite a few times and he always impressed me...he has a "zip" to his game and he can catch the ball as well...being a primary back is probably a stretch but I think he can be a better Nyheim Hines (especially in the running game) and I think there is a ton of value in that for where he will probably be drafted.

Michael Carter is very intriguing.  I like your comparison to Nyheim Hines.  Carter does not have quite the speed of Hines, but, while Hines bounced his runs outside a lot, Carter shows good vision and patience running between the tackles.  I see shades of D'Andre Swift in his game, although Carter lacks the size and power to shed tacklers (I am not suggesting Carter is in Swift's class as a runner).  Carter is not suited to be a bellcow-type back, but he could certainly find a role with the right team.

 

[Zyphros]

Curious as to what you think about the Carter kid from UNC...this time of the year everyone has their favorites after the top prospects and he is one of mine (and I don't think many others are as high on him)...saw him play quite a few times and he always impressed me...he has a "zip" to his game and he can catch the ball as well...being a primary back is probably a stretch but I think he can be a better Nyheim Hines (especially in the running game) and I think there is a ton of value in that for where he will probably be drafted.

I like him a lot actually. Not quite on my favorites list but I just like his game a lot. He's just fun. I don't think he's big enough or talented enough to be a top RB though. I don't disagree with anything you said, he has that zip and catches well, Hines is a decent comp too. 

Overall I think he's good between the tackles, great at pass catching, explosive and quick. There's really nothing I dislike about him. Other than his size. There were people thinking Hines was a top RB in his own class thinking he could be a workhorse type of RB. I bet there will be some that think that about Carter. You're on the losing side of that bet. 

It'll take a good landing spot, and a coach who's willing to use him like Hines and scheme for him. How many coaches can you think of that would do that? I can think of maybe 4. 

If he's anything like the start to Nyheim Hines' career, that looks to be a win for Carter. 

 

[Truebluey]

 " On 12/12/2020 at 8:07 PM, Truebluey said:

Seems like DeVonta Smith will go higher than 1.07, but I've been wrong before."

It’ll be pretty much impossible for him to go higher on my list at least. The only way is if he absolutely destroys the combine and everyone else above him bombs it. 

Will be interesting. Watching Waddle and Smith on the same field all season. Seemed a bit risky for Waddle to keep playing after the injury.

 

[Edgar]

Javonte Williams is a beautiful runner. Not enough hype around him right now. 

 

[steelers1080]

I'll agree - it is easier than ever to get good/really good/even great WRs much later than you could before. 

I mean, Elijah Moore is a FIRST team All American...and almost nobody mentions his name.

As a very casual college football fan I had never heard of Elijah Moore before right now. He does look extremely talented, but he is tiny. That's probably why he's not super high on most boards/talk shows. That said, if the Steelers lose Juju as expected, then I'd love for them to replace him with Moore in the slot. That'd be killer.

 

[socrates]

As a very casual college football fan I had never heard of Elijah Moore before right now. He does look extremely talented, but he is tiny. That's probably why he's not super high on most boards/talk shows. That said, if the Steelers lose Juju as expected, then I'd love for them to replace him with Moore in the slot. That'd be killer.

Elijah Moore is about the size of Steve Smith, and when you watch Moore's highlights, you cannot help but see the similarities.  Elijah Moore is scrappy like Steve Smith and has excellent quickness and athleticism, but Steve Smith also tested well at the scouting combine, running a 4.39 forty with a 38.5 inch vertical.  Moore is quick, but I will be surprised if he shows that kind of elite speed and athleticism.  There is still a long way to go until the NFL draft, and still much to be sorted, but Elijah Moore is an exciting talent.

This WR class is not nearly as loaded as last season's elite crop of receivers, but it is very deep, as @Andy Dufresne has observed.  Here are a couple more receivers not being discussed much:  Damonte Coxie (Memphis) is  6-3, 197.  He doesn't look to me to have great speed, but he has strong hands and his build-up speed offers glimpses of downfield openings.  Whop Philyor (Indiana), 5-10, 180, may not be quite on Elijah Moore's level, but he is a lot of fun to watch as well.

 

[zed2283]

 

[jm192]

Shame there's not going to be a combine.  Probably prevent some big rises.  May lead to more hidden gems in rookie drafts?

 

[zed2283]

Shame there's not going to be a combine.  Probably prevent some big rises.  May lead to more hidden gems in rookie drafts?

Going to be a looooong offseason