Wondering what rookies to target in 2019? With rookies it is always tough since there is always one who will flop (Rashaad Penny) and a surprise that never makes anyone’s draft board (Phillip Lyndsay).
Now it is too early to tell what will happen, the best thing we could do is listen to what the coaches, beat writers, and GM’s are saying from the OTA’s.
Let’s see who will make my draft board.
Quarterback
One stands above the rest!
Kyler Murray- Arizona Cardinals: I think honestly at this point, there is no one else you could take a chance on at Quarterback. Unless you are in a dynasty league or keeper league that drafts rookies, then the other names would come into play. Murray is a running quarterback that came from a spread offense at Oklahoma. There are a lot of questions about Murray’s height, how will he see over the offensive line and how would his field vision be. I am sure the experts thought the same about a guy named Russell Wilson, and we can see how that turned out! Kliff Kingsberry, Arizona Cardinals head coach, said before he took the role in an interview; “Kyler is a freak….I would take him with the first pick of the draft if I could.” Oct 28, 2018. Coach got his QB lets see if it is a match made in heaven or would this be a love affair like Chip Kelly and Marcus Mariotta? It will be interesting to see. Murray is on my board but later rounds as a QB 2.
Running Back
Deep Class , who will shine from this group?
Josh Jacobs- Oakland Raiders- Clear cut top rookie running back! Jacobs has no one behind him to even compete for the job. We saw how Jon Gruden used Jalen Richard last year, so I would think he wouldn’t even be a factor. Jon Gruden wanted the Alabama running back in Silver and Black in this year’s draft and got him. There was speculation that the Eagles were going to move up and grab Jacobs, but the Raiders made sure they got their man. Mike Mayock was quoted as saying that Jacobs could be a 3 down back, which in the fantasy world that is a true number one back. Jacobs is on my board and everyone elses! He is going as high as a RB1 I will have to see how I feel at my pick.
David Montgomery-Chicago Bears: David Montgomery is going to be the guy in Chicago! He is a good contact balance runner that can take a hit and keep moving. With Jordan Howard moving to the Eagles, there are 250 carries to split between Montgomery and the newly acquired Mike Davis. Tariq Cohen will have the same role as the speedy change up receiving back and flat out ball. I see good things from David Montgomery this year, definitely on my radar and on my board.
Miles Sanders-Philadelphia Eagles: I have to give love here to Miles Sanders, being from Philadelphia and that my friends would bash me if I didn’t! Sanders was a stud at Penn State but not Saquon Barkley stud like. My concern with Sanders and this backfield would be how is Doug Pederson going to divvy up the carries? The Eagles now have Jordan Howard, Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood and who knows maybe Darren Sproles will be back. Deuce Staley was quoted as saying “Any time you have competition in a room those guys embrace it. I love it being a coach, because you’ve got a lot of guys that got to keep it turned on, as we say. So, they’re all competing against one another. It’s all positive. Good energy in the room.” This will definitely be something to watch! Sanders is on my board but later rounds.
Darrell Henderson-Los Angeles Rams: I love Darrell Henderson for one good reason, anyone can run the ball for the Rams! Last year an out of shape C.J. Anderson was basically taken off of his couch and plugged in and it rejuvenated his career! I have been a Todd Gurley guy since he came into the league, but who knows about that knee. If Gurley goes down, Henderson is in a great position to take over the duties! He has the skills and the kid can flat out ball! If you take a chance on Gurley in say the third round, handcuff him with Henderson, you will not be disappointed. Henderson is on my board in the later rounds, but I am trying to stay away from Gurley.
Justice Hill Baltimore Ravens: I am not as high as everyone else on Justice Hill due to the fact the Raven’s signed former New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram and Lamar Jackson being a run first quarterback. I will say this, given the opportunity Hill could shine! Hill is a straight up homerun hitter, very fast and should be good compliment to the Baltimore Ravens backfield. As of right now Hill is not on my board but if he is available late, I may take a swipe at him.
Handcuff Alert – If you are going to draft the below 2 running backs make sure you handcuff them with the following:
Dalvin Cook W/Alexander Madison Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin Cook has a chance to be stud this year with a revamped offensive line, and the Vikings taking the top center in the draft in Garrett Bradbury. Cook is on top of my draft board this year. Let’s face it though, he is injury prone and has not been able to stay on the field. Alexander Madison has power, long speed, and can catch the ball. He has the makings of being a stud! Do yourself a favor take Cook but back it up later in the draft with Alexander Madison in the later rounds.
Leonard Fournette W/Ryquell Armstead Jacksonville Jaguars: I was on the Fournette wagon last year, drafted him in 3 of my 4 leagues in the first round, he was on my bench by week 11. It was a wasted pick and sometimes that happens, but you have to recover. That’s why if you take Fournette this year, back him up with Ryquell Armstead. Living local to Temple University I was able to see some highlights through the years of Armstead’s play. Armstead is a physical runner who starts the play on fire and finishes on fire. He is a good blocker, not relevant in fantasy but if Fournette throws a tantrum, gets hurt or suspended, Armstead could be on the field all 3 downs. Definitely handcuff these 2 if you are drafting Fournette.
Wide Receivers
The nickname bunch!
Tyshun”Deebo” Samuel WR San Francisco 49ers
Tyshun”Deebo” Samuel San Francisco 49ers : If you read my article about waiting on a quarterback in your fantasy draft , I wrote about the man crush Kyle Shanahan has on Tevin Coleman. Well here is another man crush, Tyshun “Deebo” Samuel. Shanahan had Samuel on his roster at the senior bowl, and now has drafted him on the 49ers. Kyle absolutely loves this kid! GM John Lynch was quoted as saying, “When you watch him on that field, I think the thing that jumps out, just the fight, the grit, the toughness, and when you mix that with a guy who can get it and catch a slant and be gone, that’s a pretty fun combination.” Deebo should be the opening day slot receiver. Deebo has some things to learn about the Shanahan scheme, but he is the type of player that once he gets the ball into his hands, he could make things happen. Deebo has made it to my draft board, Welcome young man!
Marquise “Hollywood “Brown Baltimore Ravens: I am on the wait and see approach with Marquise “Hollywood“ Brown by no fault of his own. Until we see Lamar Jackson actually throw the ball, I am not sure how Brown would come into play. I am not on any Ravens receiver’s this year, but doesn’t mean that Brown couldn’t make an impact in 2019. Brown plays with a high boost of energy and rediculous top-end speed. He can play inside and outside making scheming easy for coaches to put him all over the field. Brown can turn short catches into big touchdown plays. The 3 weaknesses I see, he is very skinny and short, needs more strength in his hands, and well, he plays for a team who did not like to throw the ball in 2018. Maybe that will change with this addition of Hollywood! I will wait for the Pre-Season before I put “Hollywood” on my board.
N’Keal Harry New England Patriots- I am 50/50 on N’Keal Harry, only because it is the Patriots and Josh McDaniel’s never being predictable. McDaniel’s loves to spread the ball around especially to his backs and Julian Edelman. Edelman has said he was impressed with Harry and even Tom Brady has invited Harry to his exclusive throwing sessions. With Gronk retiring there are 72 targets available to be spread around. Harry is a physical wide receiver who will fight for the ball. He lacks separation and stutters on his release skills you need when playing on the outside and that is where he will be lining up. I would rather draft a safer wideout unless he starts shining in the pre-season. As of right now Harry is not on my board until the later rounds, he has been going early.
DK Metcalf Seattle Seahawks: Well since there is no flashy nickname for DK, let’s just call him “Big Poppa Pump” after the great Scott Steiner former wrestler. DK’s physique is insane! Getting back to football, on draft day the experts couldn’t believe DK dropped to 64th pick in the second round. Just because you are built like a train doesn’t mean you have the skills that you need to succeed. Dk can not move laterally and has a hard time changing direction. He doesn’t run routes well at all. He’s a straight-lined player with 67 career receptions. He can make big plays when he the opportunity is there. I think he will be a work in progress. Dk is off my draft board as of right now.
Mecole Hardman Kansas City Cheifs: I want to point out, I do not condone what Tyreek Hill has been alleged of off the field. It is heartbreaking and disgusting. If your looking at on the field, no one could catch a deep ball like Tyreek Hill. I really do not think Hardman will be able to track the long ball down like Tyreek has done. Also, learning Andy Reid’s system has been tough on receivers over the years. But good things have come out of camp and will be interesting to watch. Andy Reid said “We’re asking him to do a lot and he’s staying up on it. Sometimes he’s not quite sure and there’s a little hesitation, then the next time he runs it, he’s got it. So that’s what you’re looking for. We’ve been happy with his progress.”. Mecole Hardman is on my draft board but not as high as the current adp.
Tight End
In a group of many drafted, one stands out!
TJ Hockenson TE Detroit Lions
TJ Hockenson-Detroit Lions: Matty Patricia is probably looking for the next Gronk! This kid is going to be a stud! He checks all the boxes when looking at a tight end. Big, athletic, good hands, can get separation, and can also run block so that should keep him on the field! There could be plenty of targets with the ailing Marvin Jones, the aging Danny Amendola and the overrated Kenny Galladay. Hockensen should be able to beat Jessie James for the starting job. It all will depend if Mathew Stafford can accurately connect with him down the seam. I would take a chance once the big names are gone in your draft. Tj Hockenson is on my draft board once the top 2 are gone.
Please comment below and tell me who are your rookie targets for your draft board and your rookie busts?
