EBF
Footballguy
A few notes before the rankings:
- This list is meant for PPR dynasty leagues. I am not trying to predict where these players will go in the draft. Only how valuable they will be in FF.
- This list is really early. A lot can and will change in the next few months as we get more data points. My breakdowns will be a lot more comprehensive in future editions. My rankings will look a lot different in four months.
- This list usually goes to 24, but it's still early and I'm still in the preliminary phases of reviewing most of these players. Future lists will be longer.
- Without a doubt, the story of this class is the WR depth. There might be 10 or 12 guys with legitimate starting potential. If you need a receiver, you're going to have some interesting options. If you need anything else, you might be screwed.
- I don't think there's an elite prospect in the pool this year, so there's no first tier. We start in the second tier this year.
SECOND TIER
1. WR Markus Wheaton, Oregon State - Wheaton would not have been any higher than 6th on my list last year, but this is a weak draft class and for now he has a tenuous grip on the #1 spot. I look for a lot of things in a prospect. Most simply, I look for a player who has special athletic qualities combined with solid football skills. That's Wheaton. He has a great upfield burst and is a natural playmaker with good hands and instincts. Although his route running is a bit choppy, he has dominated the competition this year, averaging approximately 100 receiving yards and a TD per game. He doesn't have the overwhelming power of a great possession WR and he probably won't reach Mike Wallace levels in a 40 yard dash, but his overall combination of frame and speed makes him a pretty dangerous player. However, he is NOT a can't-miss prospect. He's more of a late first round type of talent who gets the top slot by default.
2. WR Keenan Allen, Cal - A good possession WR who has been a productive player throughout his college career. Allen is a natural football player who can make plays with the ball in his hands and in the air. However, he is not the dynamo that his hype might lead you to believe. Although he is tall, he is not a strong receiver who can overpower defenders before and after the catch. He is actually a bit thin and weak through the upper body. And although he has decent speed and leaping ability, he really isn't a blistering downfield threat. There's no one quite like him in the NFL, but the best comparison might be a taller, thinner Michael Crabtree. I expect Allen to become something like that in the NFL. A good possession WR who lacks the real difference maker qualities to become a true star.
3. RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama - Not a special back, but does enough things well to start and post decent numbers at the next level. Lacy is a big back with surprisingly good feet and hands. He is capable of making sharp cuts in the open field to leave defenders grasping air. However, he's a bit inconsistent in terms of his hips and footwork, sometimes struggling to shift his momentum fast enough to avoid big collisions. I really don't think he's an amazing player destined for stardom. There are many players on this list who have higher ceilings, but for teams needing instant help at RB, Lacy will be a serviceable solution. I would compare his talent level to someone like Ridley, Law Firm, or Greene.
4. WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee - A bit of an enigma. Hunter has some compelling athletic qualities, but also leaves you with the feeling that something is missing. He is a tall receivers with decent strength and very good hops. He runs pretty well and is able to get behind the defense quickly with his long strides. He can sky for the jump ball when covered well. Like a lot of taller receivers with long legs, he is not spectacular at making people miss in the open field, but he does have some shake purely because he's such a good athlete. He should test well at the combine and he does have the look of a first round talent and a potential #1 WR at the next level, but I'd stop short of calling him an elite prospect.
5. RB Gio Bernard, UNC - An immensely productive back who can impact the game in a variety of ways. Lacks a conventional featured back frame and doesn't have amazing quickness or speed to compensate, but he's compact and efficient with good instincts. A dangerous open field playmaker with very good hands. He should be especially valuable in PPR and could be a real weapon for FF teams if he can accumulate a lot of receptions. There are some exciting qualities here, but when I watch his clips I never get the feeling that I'm seeing an elite talent. In terms of talent, I think he's somewhere in the middle between DeAngelo Williams and Shane Vereen. I'm not quite sure if he has the special qualities to be a slam dunk featured back, but the potential payoff is pretty massive given how valuable these pass catching backs can be in FF. I will be keeping a close eye on his combine workout and landing spot, as I think they'll be especially important for him.
6. TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame - In a draft that lacks sure things, the smart money might be to bank on the BPA. Eifert doesn't play a glamor position, but might be the only legitimate first round pass catcher in the whole draft. He has a big frame coupled with the fluid route running and speed of a possession WR. In some respects he reminds me of Jason Witten, who has been a phenomenal NFL player. Eifert is a lot faster than former teammate Kyle Rudolph and looks on the surface like one of the safest picks in the draft.
7. WR Marcus Davis, Virginia Tech - The receiver of choice for the height/weight/speed crowd, Davis is the best pure physical specimen in this draft. He has the frame of a top 10 NFL receiver and flashes the compact strides and overall athletic ability of an elite prospect. He has one of the highest ceilings of any skill position player in the draft and it would not be shocking to see him become the best WR from this draft. However, he is a very risky prospect with suspect pure receiving skills. He has the worst production of any receiver in my top 10 and wasn't even a starter in college until his senior year. He has a tendency to body catch. He is a fluid runner, but might not have the suddenness to generate consistent separation. He is a true boom-or-bust prospect. He could end up becoming a star like Vincent Jackson or merely a great athlete who isn't a great receiver like Josh Morgan. I think the upside is worth a pretty high pick and I suspect that he'll go quite a bit higher in the NFL draft than current mocks would lead you to believe.
8. WR Marquess Wilson, Washington State - An interesting sleeper candidate with some elite qualities, but also some major question marks. Wilson is a very sharp route runner for a 6'4" receiver, showing a fluid and compact stride with surprising suddenness. He is a springy athlete in the mold of AJ Green. He might be the most promising jump ball receiver in the draft, flashing very good body control and coordination. On the down side, he has a rail thin frame that could cause problems in the hyper-physical NFL. He'll also have to answer some pretty serious questions about his character and desire, having quit the team under dubious circumstances earlier this season. At times his game reminds me of successful players like Green, Antonio Bryant, and Nate Burleson. He is a very talented natural receiver with enough athletic ability to play at the next level, but there is considerable risk attached to him as well.
9. WR Robert Woods, USC - I really can't put it into words, but I've never quite been as high on Woods as everyone else. He's not quite big enough to be a possession receiver and not quite fast enough to be a dominant deep threat. I don't think he's a great route runner. He had a low YPC in college and has been completely surpassed by his teammate Marquise Lee. Nevertheless, he has some similarities with my current #1 (Wheaton) and does enough things well to be worth consideration. I doubt he'll ever be a true #1 receiver at the next level, but he could end up being a very good #2 in the right system or a 1B type like Jeremy Maclin.
10. RB Stepfan Taylor, Stanford - A tricky player to evaluate. On the one hand, he's a solid athlete with a good track record of production and a demonstrated the ability to make special plays like
. On the other hand, when I watch him run I sometimes get the feeling that he's merely a backup caliber talent in the NFL. He's compact with deceptive power. He has a very strong base and shows good footwork to make people miss. He's also an instinctive runner and a threat in the passing game. He has a lot of the ingredients for NFL success and could move up my board quite a bit with a strong combine. However, he doesn't have the "wow kind of burst that you expect from a starting NFL back and possesses below average long speed. Like Bernard, the combine and his draft position will go a long way towards determining how high I rank him. I think he has starting potential at the next level, but right now I wouldn't say that he's a lock for it. 11. QB Geno Smith, West Virginia - An accurate pocket passer whose numbers have been a bit inflated by the scheme and supporting cast. His stats paint a really pretty picture and he seems to have the right kind of arm strength and passing instincts for the next level, but scouts have questioned his ability to function under pressure. In a format that puts a premium on the QB position he's worth considering as high as the 1.01, but in most leagues he's probably more of a mid-late first rounder. The general consensus seems to be that he's a solid top 15 type of prospect, but not the kind of slam dunk franchise QB destined for stardom. With that being the case, I'm more inclined to gamble on RBs and WRs barring need or format considerations.
THIRD TIER
12. RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina - I've thought he was overrated since his freshman season, but he might be a borderline first round talent when healthy and could be an interesting stash as a late first rounder. Provided that he returns to full health, his value will spike when he nears his return and you'll be able to cash him in for a higher pick. However, I think his talent has been overblown and I think he lacks the right kind of frame to survive as a long term starter in the NFL.
13. RB Andre Ellington, Clemson - On his good days resembles Jamaal Charles with his home run skills. Has some of the same warts, as he's not the biggest back. Depending on combine and landing spot, could jump up a lot. For now there's too much risk that he's just a committee guy.
14. WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech - Not far off the first tier based on talent. A fearless possession WR with an above average frame and decent athletic ability. Severe character concerns keep his stock down a little bit. And while I like his potential, I don't think he's an obvious star even without the off-field issues.
15. WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia - Projected by some as a first round pick. Maybe I'm underselling him here, but to me he looks like a 'tweener gadget player who doesn't have a real position in the NFL. He doesn't have the downfield receiving ability of DeSean Jackson or Percy Harvin and isn't big enough to be a full-time running back. The closest comparison is Dexter McCluster, who went high in the draft yet hasn't done much in the NFL. That's my fear with Austin.
16. WR Stedman Bailey, West Virginia - I might prefer him over Austin simply because he has a more clearly defined path to FF relevance. Bailey is a solid possession WR with B grade size, speed, quickness, and playmaking ability. He doesn't have the special qualities to be a #1 in the NFL, but could become a quality #2 in the mold of Eric Decker. The problem is that his value will hinge heavily on his situation. On a great offense, he might be a top 20 FF WR. On a mediocre offense, he might be Kevin Walter.
17. WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech - His profile is a bit like Bailey's, although for my money Patton might play with more suddenness and flair. Patton has been a very productive player over the last two seasons. He shows good initial quickness before and after the catch, and is a real threat in the open field. He was one of my favorite sleeper picks entering the season and has gradually ascended draft boards with continued solid play. Like Bailey, he does not have the physical qualities of a conventional #1 receiver. The best NFL comparisons are Steve Johnson and Nate Burleson, meaning he can be a decent #2 receiver or a below average #1 if force-fed the ball like Stevie.
18. WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee - I've seen Patterson ranked as a possible first round pick and that surprises me. I don't really think he's that good. Yes, he is a dangerous open field runner, but he doesn't look like a special receiver in terms of route running and pass catching. He only had one 100+ yard game all season, and it came against lowly Troy. In his defense, he's a JUCO transfer who's still getting acclimated to major college ball. It would not be completely realistic to expect instance dominance. Nevertheless, he strikes me as an overrated prospect. I will definitely go back and review a lot more of him before the draft rolls around though.
19. RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin - I don't particularly like his game and I don't think he's a great NFL prospect, but anyone with a decent frame and all-world production deserves some consideration. I actually think his teammate James White has a chance to be a better pro. However, if Ball is drafted in the top 100 picks to a team that needs instant help, he might be an adequate stop-gap solution.
20. WR Terrance Williams, Baylor - I'm not really seeing what the fuss is about with Williams, a one-dimensional speedster whose production looks to be the product of a friendly college system. He has decent height and awesome stats, but I don't think he looks like a special talent for the next level. I will certainly take another look before the draft. For now, I have him pegged as overrated.
OTHERS:
QB Matt Barkley, USC - Might be underrated at this point. I think he can be an average NFL starter. How exciting is that prospect though?
QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas - He has lots of fans. I'm not one of them.
QB AJ McCarron, Alabama - Flying under the radar, which is weird considering where he plays. Awesome stats and might be more than just a game manager.
RB Michael Dyer, ex-Auburn - I've said it a million times by now, but he's the most talented RB or WR eligible for this draft. If he declares, he becomes a very high pick for me.
RB Lache Seastrunk, Baylor - I doubt he will come out, but FF owners should be hoping that he does. Seastrunk has been on an absolute rampage since becoming the starter and is much more explosive than the likes of Bernard and Taylor.
RB Jonathan Franklin, UCLA - The best player on UCLA's offense is a good sleeper to keep an eye on throughout the postseason.
RB LeVeon Bell, Michigan State - A player that I will reconsider in the next few months. Looks a bit too slow to me, but could be underrated here. Big frame and versatile with great production.
RB Mike Gillislee, Florida - I'll go back and watch more of him, but he looks really average to me. This year's Pead.
RB Kenjon Barner, Oregon - A system back with decent quicks and speed, but not much frame. I don't see him making an impact.
RB Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt - Another sleeper who basically looks like a backup to me.
RB James White, Wisconsin - Unlikely to declare and isn't an elite prospect even if he does, but has some promising qualities.
RB Dennis Johnson, Arkansas - A solid backup type who does everything well, but doesn't really stand out as a starting caliber player.
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas - Basically a complete afterthought for the time being. Could be worth a cheap gamble based on his former reputation.
RB Christine Michael, Texas A&M - Pretty good frame with some power and quickness. He's worth keeping an eye on and could move up the list.
WR Chad Bumphis, Mississippi State - A tough, underrated possession receiver.
WR Cody Hoffman, BYU - Tall and pretty fluid with enough speed and skill to potentially become an NFL starter if he declares.
WR Tavarres King, Georgia - Monster YPC numbers and decent athletic ability make him a day three sleeper to monitor.
WR Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma - Explosive slot receiver has definite NFL talent if he chooses to enter the draft.
WR Mike Davis, Texas - Slim, speedy deep threat with a knack for the big play.
WR Ace Sanders, South Carolina - Deadly punt returner with Andrew Hawkins potential as a receiver.
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson - Had a big year and could appear in future editions of the list. I haven't been blown away by the clips I've seen though.
WR Devonte Christopher, Utah - Kyle Williams type who could stick in the NFL.
TE Zach Ertz, Stanford - Would probably make the list if I thought he was going to declare. I'm not sure he will though.
TE Travis Kelce, Cincinnati - A really compelling sleeper who has a chance to rise up the charts.
TE Jordan Reed, Florida - A receiving specialist who will draw inevitable Hernandez comparisons.
TE Nick Kasa, Colorado - Sleeper talent buried on a horrible team.
TE Dion Sims, Michigan State - Probable high pick known as much for his blocking as for his receiving skills.
- This list is meant for PPR dynasty leagues. I am not trying to predict where these players will go in the draft. Only how valuable they will be in FF.
- This list is really early. A lot can and will change in the next few months as we get more data points. My breakdowns will be a lot more comprehensive in future editions. My rankings will look a lot different in four months.
- This list usually goes to 24, but it's still early and I'm still in the preliminary phases of reviewing most of these players. Future lists will be longer.
- Without a doubt, the story of this class is the WR depth. There might be 10 or 12 guys with legitimate starting potential. If you need a receiver, you're going to have some interesting options. If you need anything else, you might be screwed.
- I don't think there's an elite prospect in the pool this year, so there's no first tier. We start in the second tier this year.
SECOND TIER
1. WR Markus Wheaton, Oregon State - Wheaton would not have been any higher than 6th on my list last year, but this is a weak draft class and for now he has a tenuous grip on the #1 spot. I look for a lot of things in a prospect. Most simply, I look for a player who has special athletic qualities combined with solid football skills. That's Wheaton. He has a great upfield burst and is a natural playmaker with good hands and instincts. Although his route running is a bit choppy, he has dominated the competition this year, averaging approximately 100 receiving yards and a TD per game. He doesn't have the overwhelming power of a great possession WR and he probably won't reach Mike Wallace levels in a 40 yard dash, but his overall combination of frame and speed makes him a pretty dangerous player. However, he is NOT a can't-miss prospect. He's more of a late first round type of talent who gets the top slot by default.
2. WR Keenan Allen, Cal - A good possession WR who has been a productive player throughout his college career. Allen is a natural football player who can make plays with the ball in his hands and in the air. However, he is not the dynamo that his hype might lead you to believe. Although he is tall, he is not a strong receiver who can overpower defenders before and after the catch. He is actually a bit thin and weak through the upper body. And although he has decent speed and leaping ability, he really isn't a blistering downfield threat. There's no one quite like him in the NFL, but the best comparison might be a taller, thinner Michael Crabtree. I expect Allen to become something like that in the NFL. A good possession WR who lacks the real difference maker qualities to become a true star.
3. RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama - Not a special back, but does enough things well to start and post decent numbers at the next level. Lacy is a big back with surprisingly good feet and hands. He is capable of making sharp cuts in the open field to leave defenders grasping air. However, he's a bit inconsistent in terms of his hips and footwork, sometimes struggling to shift his momentum fast enough to avoid big collisions. I really don't think he's an amazing player destined for stardom. There are many players on this list who have higher ceilings, but for teams needing instant help at RB, Lacy will be a serviceable solution. I would compare his talent level to someone like Ridley, Law Firm, or Greene.
4. WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee - A bit of an enigma. Hunter has some compelling athletic qualities, but also leaves you with the feeling that something is missing. He is a tall receivers with decent strength and very good hops. He runs pretty well and is able to get behind the defense quickly with his long strides. He can sky for the jump ball when covered well. Like a lot of taller receivers with long legs, he is not spectacular at making people miss in the open field, but he does have some shake purely because he's such a good athlete. He should test well at the combine and he does have the look of a first round talent and a potential #1 WR at the next level, but I'd stop short of calling him an elite prospect.
5. RB Gio Bernard, UNC - An immensely productive back who can impact the game in a variety of ways. Lacks a conventional featured back frame and doesn't have amazing quickness or speed to compensate, but he's compact and efficient with good instincts. A dangerous open field playmaker with very good hands. He should be especially valuable in PPR and could be a real weapon for FF teams if he can accumulate a lot of receptions. There are some exciting qualities here, but when I watch his clips I never get the feeling that I'm seeing an elite talent. In terms of talent, I think he's somewhere in the middle between DeAngelo Williams and Shane Vereen. I'm not quite sure if he has the special qualities to be a slam dunk featured back, but the potential payoff is pretty massive given how valuable these pass catching backs can be in FF. I will be keeping a close eye on his combine workout and landing spot, as I think they'll be especially important for him.
6. TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame - In a draft that lacks sure things, the smart money might be to bank on the BPA. Eifert doesn't play a glamor position, but might be the only legitimate first round pass catcher in the whole draft. He has a big frame coupled with the fluid route running and speed of a possession WR. In some respects he reminds me of Jason Witten, who has been a phenomenal NFL player. Eifert is a lot faster than former teammate Kyle Rudolph and looks on the surface like one of the safest picks in the draft.
7. WR Marcus Davis, Virginia Tech - The receiver of choice for the height/weight/speed crowd, Davis is the best pure physical specimen in this draft. He has the frame of a top 10 NFL receiver and flashes the compact strides and overall athletic ability of an elite prospect. He has one of the highest ceilings of any skill position player in the draft and it would not be shocking to see him become the best WR from this draft. However, he is a very risky prospect with suspect pure receiving skills. He has the worst production of any receiver in my top 10 and wasn't even a starter in college until his senior year. He has a tendency to body catch. He is a fluid runner, but might not have the suddenness to generate consistent separation. He is a true boom-or-bust prospect. He could end up becoming a star like Vincent Jackson or merely a great athlete who isn't a great receiver like Josh Morgan. I think the upside is worth a pretty high pick and I suspect that he'll go quite a bit higher in the NFL draft than current mocks would lead you to believe.
8. WR Marquess Wilson, Washington State - An interesting sleeper candidate with some elite qualities, but also some major question marks. Wilson is a very sharp route runner for a 6'4" receiver, showing a fluid and compact stride with surprising suddenness. He is a springy athlete in the mold of AJ Green. He might be the most promising jump ball receiver in the draft, flashing very good body control and coordination. On the down side, he has a rail thin frame that could cause problems in the hyper-physical NFL. He'll also have to answer some pretty serious questions about his character and desire, having quit the team under dubious circumstances earlier this season. At times his game reminds me of successful players like Green, Antonio Bryant, and Nate Burleson. He is a very talented natural receiver with enough athletic ability to play at the next level, but there is considerable risk attached to him as well.
9. WR Robert Woods, USC - I really can't put it into words, but I've never quite been as high on Woods as everyone else. He's not quite big enough to be a possession receiver and not quite fast enough to be a dominant deep threat. I don't think he's a great route runner. He had a low YPC in college and has been completely surpassed by his teammate Marquise Lee. Nevertheless, he has some similarities with my current #1 (Wheaton) and does enough things well to be worth consideration. I doubt he'll ever be a true #1 receiver at the next level, but he could end up being a very good #2 in the right system or a 1B type like Jeremy Maclin.
10. RB Stepfan Taylor, Stanford - A tricky player to evaluate. On the one hand, he's a solid athlete with a good track record of production and a demonstrated the ability to make special plays like
. On the other hand, when I watch him run I sometimes get the feeling that he's merely a backup caliber talent in the NFL. He's compact with deceptive power. He has a very strong base and shows good footwork to make people miss. He's also an instinctive runner and a threat in the passing game. He has a lot of the ingredients for NFL success and could move up my board quite a bit with a strong combine. However, he doesn't have the "wow kind of burst that you expect from a starting NFL back and possesses below average long speed. Like Bernard, the combine and his draft position will go a long way towards determining how high I rank him. I think he has starting potential at the next level, but right now I wouldn't say that he's a lock for it. 11. QB Geno Smith, West Virginia - An accurate pocket passer whose numbers have been a bit inflated by the scheme and supporting cast. His stats paint a really pretty picture and he seems to have the right kind of arm strength and passing instincts for the next level, but scouts have questioned his ability to function under pressure. In a format that puts a premium on the QB position he's worth considering as high as the 1.01, but in most leagues he's probably more of a mid-late first rounder. The general consensus seems to be that he's a solid top 15 type of prospect, but not the kind of slam dunk franchise QB destined for stardom. With that being the case, I'm more inclined to gamble on RBs and WRs barring need or format considerations.
THIRD TIER
12. RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina - I've thought he was overrated since his freshman season, but he might be a borderline first round talent when healthy and could be an interesting stash as a late first rounder. Provided that he returns to full health, his value will spike when he nears his return and you'll be able to cash him in for a higher pick. However, I think his talent has been overblown and I think he lacks the right kind of frame to survive as a long term starter in the NFL.
13. RB Andre Ellington, Clemson - On his good days resembles Jamaal Charles with his home run skills. Has some of the same warts, as he's not the biggest back. Depending on combine and landing spot, could jump up a lot. For now there's too much risk that he's just a committee guy.
14. WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech - Not far off the first tier based on talent. A fearless possession WR with an above average frame and decent athletic ability. Severe character concerns keep his stock down a little bit. And while I like his potential, I don't think he's an obvious star even without the off-field issues.
15. WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia - Projected by some as a first round pick. Maybe I'm underselling him here, but to me he looks like a 'tweener gadget player who doesn't have a real position in the NFL. He doesn't have the downfield receiving ability of DeSean Jackson or Percy Harvin and isn't big enough to be a full-time running back. The closest comparison is Dexter McCluster, who went high in the draft yet hasn't done much in the NFL. That's my fear with Austin.
16. WR Stedman Bailey, West Virginia - I might prefer him over Austin simply because he has a more clearly defined path to FF relevance. Bailey is a solid possession WR with B grade size, speed, quickness, and playmaking ability. He doesn't have the special qualities to be a #1 in the NFL, but could become a quality #2 in the mold of Eric Decker. The problem is that his value will hinge heavily on his situation. On a great offense, he might be a top 20 FF WR. On a mediocre offense, he might be Kevin Walter.
17. WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech - His profile is a bit like Bailey's, although for my money Patton might play with more suddenness and flair. Patton has been a very productive player over the last two seasons. He shows good initial quickness before and after the catch, and is a real threat in the open field. He was one of my favorite sleeper picks entering the season and has gradually ascended draft boards with continued solid play. Like Bailey, he does not have the physical qualities of a conventional #1 receiver. The best NFL comparisons are Steve Johnson and Nate Burleson, meaning he can be a decent #2 receiver or a below average #1 if force-fed the ball like Stevie.
18. WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee - I've seen Patterson ranked as a possible first round pick and that surprises me. I don't really think he's that good. Yes, he is a dangerous open field runner, but he doesn't look like a special receiver in terms of route running and pass catching. He only had one 100+ yard game all season, and it came against lowly Troy. In his defense, he's a JUCO transfer who's still getting acclimated to major college ball. It would not be completely realistic to expect instance dominance. Nevertheless, he strikes me as an overrated prospect. I will definitely go back and review a lot more of him before the draft rolls around though.
19. RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin - I don't particularly like his game and I don't think he's a great NFL prospect, but anyone with a decent frame and all-world production deserves some consideration. I actually think his teammate James White has a chance to be a better pro. However, if Ball is drafted in the top 100 picks to a team that needs instant help, he might be an adequate stop-gap solution.
20. WR Terrance Williams, Baylor - I'm not really seeing what the fuss is about with Williams, a one-dimensional speedster whose production looks to be the product of a friendly college system. He has decent height and awesome stats, but I don't think he looks like a special talent for the next level. I will certainly take another look before the draft. For now, I have him pegged as overrated.
OTHERS:
QB Matt Barkley, USC - Might be underrated at this point. I think he can be an average NFL starter. How exciting is that prospect though?
QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas - He has lots of fans. I'm not one of them.
QB AJ McCarron, Alabama - Flying under the radar, which is weird considering where he plays. Awesome stats and might be more than just a game manager.
RB Michael Dyer, ex-Auburn - I've said it a million times by now, but he's the most talented RB or WR eligible for this draft. If he declares, he becomes a very high pick for me.
RB Lache Seastrunk, Baylor - I doubt he will come out, but FF owners should be hoping that he does. Seastrunk has been on an absolute rampage since becoming the starter and is much more explosive than the likes of Bernard and Taylor.
RB Jonathan Franklin, UCLA - The best player on UCLA's offense is a good sleeper to keep an eye on throughout the postseason.
RB LeVeon Bell, Michigan State - A player that I will reconsider in the next few months. Looks a bit too slow to me, but could be underrated here. Big frame and versatile with great production.
RB Mike Gillislee, Florida - I'll go back and watch more of him, but he looks really average to me. This year's Pead.
RB Kenjon Barner, Oregon - A system back with decent quicks and speed, but not much frame. I don't see him making an impact.
RB Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt - Another sleeper who basically looks like a backup to me.
RB James White, Wisconsin - Unlikely to declare and isn't an elite prospect even if he does, but has some promising qualities.
RB Dennis Johnson, Arkansas - A solid backup type who does everything well, but doesn't really stand out as a starting caliber player.
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas - Basically a complete afterthought for the time being. Could be worth a cheap gamble based on his former reputation.
RB Christine Michael, Texas A&M - Pretty good frame with some power and quickness. He's worth keeping an eye on and could move up the list.
WR Chad Bumphis, Mississippi State - A tough, underrated possession receiver.
WR Cody Hoffman, BYU - Tall and pretty fluid with enough speed and skill to potentially become an NFL starter if he declares.
WR Tavarres King, Georgia - Monster YPC numbers and decent athletic ability make him a day three sleeper to monitor.
WR Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma - Explosive slot receiver has definite NFL talent if he chooses to enter the draft.
WR Mike Davis, Texas - Slim, speedy deep threat with a knack for the big play.
WR Ace Sanders, South Carolina - Deadly punt returner with Andrew Hawkins potential as a receiver.
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson - Had a big year and could appear in future editions of the list. I haven't been blown away by the clips I've seen though.
WR Devonte Christopher, Utah - Kyle Williams type who could stick in the NFL.
TE Zach Ertz, Stanford - Would probably make the list if I thought he was going to declare. I'm not sure he will though.
TE Travis Kelce, Cincinnati - A really compelling sleeper who has a chance to rise up the charts.
TE Jordan Reed, Florida - A receiving specialist who will draw inevitable Hernandez comparisons.
TE Nick Kasa, Colorado - Sleeper talent buried on a horrible team.
TE Dion Sims, Michigan State - Probable high pick known as much for his blocking as for his receiving skills.
for later. Nice work EBF
