Category: Uncategorized

Fantasy Football Rookies to Watch

We are still about 2 months away from the 2014 NFL draft, but people are already looking forward to what this crop of rookies will bring to the table. People who play in one day fantasy leagues might be a little hesitant to draft a rookie from the very beginning, but they could be impact players by the middle of the season. It is hard to predict what type of success players will have before they are actually on a specific team, but here are a few players poised to be breakout stars from day one.

Quarterback – Blake Bortles

There are 3 quarterbacks who seem to be thought of as franchise type of quarterbacks. Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater and Bortles all expect to hear their name called within the 1st 10 picks of the draft. However, it seems as though Bortles will be the most NFL-ready at this point in time. Not only is he the biggest and strongest quarterback of the bunch, but he has shown quite a bit of poise as a pocket passer so far in his career. He might not have the same type of ceiling as the other 2 players, but look for him to be the best option in one day fantasy leagues in 2014 at that position.

Running Back – Ka’Deem Carey

There are not a lot of people very high on the upcoming running back rookie class, but every season there are at least a few surprises to keep an eye on. It looks as though Ka’Deem Carey has the potential to be an impact player in one day fantasy leagues this upcoming season. At 5’9” and 207 pounds, Carey is never going to be a guy who provides a lot of long runs for big yards. However, he can do a little bit of everything and he has a knack for finding the end zone. It would not be a surprise at all to see him get a lot of touches in the red zone for whichever team drafts him.

Wide Receiver – Sammy Watkins

This one seems pretty obvious, but there are some other wide receivers who could make an impact as well. Sammy Watkins was absolutely sensational for Clemson in college, and he has the size and speed to be a number 1 wideout in the future. Even if he is selected by a team that has some talent at receiver already, he should be able to get more than enough touches from the very beginning. A guy like Mike Evans might have more red zone potential, but Watkins is the total package who should be an impact player in fantasy football for years to come.

Shannon Smith – special contributor to DraftAce

Logan Ryan scouting report

[divider top=”0″ style=”solid”]
Logan Ryan CB Rutgers #11
Ht: 5’11”
Wt: 191

[divider top=”0″ style=”solid”]

[draftace membership]

Size/Athleticism: Adequate height and size. He’s well-rounded athlete who played quarterback in high school.

Coverage: Likes to step up in press coverage, but he isn’t exceptionally strong or fast. He struggles to consistently knock guys off their routes and when he doesn’t, receivers can easily gain a step on him once they’re around him. Did a nice job covering receivers in the slot. He’s quick with his footwork and is able to stick with them on the quick slants. He may be an ideal nickel corner at the next level.

Ball skills: Consistently gets his hand on the ball when he’s in position, but he’ll drop some interceptions.

Run support: Plays like he’s afraid of contact at times. He’ll hang out near the ball carrier and jump in only when he sees an opportunity to try to strip the ball. Not a wrap-up tackler. He swipes at the feet, which causes him to miss a lot of tackle tackle opportunities. His tackle stats aren’t bad, but it’s misleading. He make them when the right opportunity presents itself, but he doesn’t make a ton of impact tackles.

Intangibles: Two-year starter. Hasn’t been matched up with many elite receivers – Big East lacks much offensive NFL talent and he wasn’t challenged in many non-conference games either.

Durability: No known issues.

Comments: Ryan is somewhat limited by his physical tools, but may be an ideal nickel corner in the NFL. His straight-line speed is only average and his size is lacking, which limits his potential on the outside. But he’s very quick and demonstrates consistent footwork when matched up with receivers in the slot. His ability lock down a slot receiver and take away the quick slants and curls could make him a valuable asset in the NFL.

[/draftace membership]

RG3 is carrying the Redskins

Just one month into his NFL career Robert Griffin III is already carrying the Washington Redskins. Just how important is he to their success?

Given the uncertainty of his current health situation, most sportsbooks currently have the Vikings/Redskins game off the board, more Sportsbook reviews information available here.

It has become clear that Redskins go as Griffin goes, which means he needs to learn to protect himself. Griffin was knocked out of the game last week, and complained about the Rams taking cheap shots at him the week before. While injuries are sometimes out of your control, Griffin needs to learn that he can take himself out of dangerous situations.

If Griffin doesn’t learn to avoid hits, these injuries are going to continue to mount. His mobility is an asset, but he simply needs to learn to be smart about when to use it and when to play it safe.

Cordy Glenn to play left tackle for Bills

The Buffalo Bills are planning to let 2nd-round pick Cordy Glenn compete for the starting job at left tackle, and began using him there this weekend at rookie camp. It’s an odd decision considering Glenn’s size (6’6″, 343 lbs) and his lack of athleticism. Most draft analysts, myself included, assumed Glenn would be shifted inside to guard or to right tackle.

Bills new left tackle?

This move raises more questions about the Bills strategy when it comes to the offensive line. Despite having significant holes on the line, especially at tackle, the Bills have ignored the position in recent drafts. Then just when Demetress Bell stepped with a reasonably solid performance in 2011 at left tackle, the Bills let him walk as a free agent.

For whatever reason, the Bills don’t value the offensive line position. It’s a unique strategy, but their their patchwork offensive line strategy has worked reasonably well so far. However, with a relatively immobile quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick, having a slow-footed rookie at left tackle could lead to disastrous results.