That's what makes this hobby fun is difference of opinion. In my case, I'd argue both those guys looked great in small doses and did enough to make their future look bright despite the questions you mention. You combine that with a dog #### class of rookies and it's pretty easy to see why some of us would easily take them over anybody in this class if they were coming out this year.
Agreed. If the bolded didn't exist, these leagues would be a bore.
I would agree that Michel and Johnson passed the eye test in small doses, to a certain degree. But if I'm being honest, I think the red flags for both are
glaring red flags. More so for Michel as despite NE grabbing him in the late 1st, I was a bit dubious due to his age (a 23+ year old rookie now 24) and reported knee concerns. So I had some pause entering last season, whereas Michel believers may not have. But following 2018, if you weren't extremely alarmed by the fact that he had 7 catches in 13 regular season games and averaged less than 11ppg in ppr scoring, then you have more confidence than I. I don't expect NE to pound him 25+ times per game like they did during the playoffs, and if they do, my confidence level that he can remain healthy is not high. And I don't see them relegating James White to a nominal role considering how important he is to their offense.
I thought Johnson looked better than Michel, is actually involved and effective in the passing game, and is extremely young (still just 21). But, I'd be remiss if I overlooked the fact that he's on the Lions. And they just can't seem to figure it out, regardless the coach, scheme, or personnel. Patricia coming from the Patriots tree combined with talk of limiting Johnson's usage gives me some pause. At least enough to not proclaim him a no brainer 1.01 in this class.
Which leads to the biggest disconnect, I don't think this is a "dog ####" class of rookies. In fact, I think Brown/Harry/Metcalf all have top 10 dynasty WR upside. There are a couple RB's that I think, especially in ppr, can easily supplant the likes of Michel/Johnson in dynasty rankings should they land in reasonable situations post-draft. The NFL draft will really sort this stuff out, and I think there's a better than not chance that it sends the value of 1.01 spiking from where it's at right now, namely due to the lack of clear cut 1.01 prospect and unknown landing spots. Might also depend upon team needs. If I needed a RB, I'd probably rank them Johnson, 1.01, Michel. If I needed a WR I'd rank them 1.01, Johnson, Michel. And I was looking for best value as of right now I'd go 1.01, Johnson, Michel, because 1.01 gives you all sorts of options post draft. That's my .02.