2013 Fantasy Rookies: Three Up, Three Down - 2 comments

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As I sit on the couch post-NFL Draft, my mind starts to really get geared up for the upcoming fantasy drafts. Interestingly, I am already starting to see some players that I like more and less than the national pundits in the rookie draft class. So I figured it’s probably time to start going out on some limbs and talk about my early thoughts. Today’s article is going to highlight three players I am much higher on than most, and three players I am starting to realize I will not own because I don’t like them as much as others. I will now put a big asterisk next to this column; I reserve the right to change my mind as we learn more about camp competitions, injuries, etc.

Three Up

If you are in a Cafe league with me, you’ll have to reach to get these guys.

Denard Robinson, RB, Jaguars

He went 135th, but from a skill/natural ability perspective there probably aren’t 10 players in this draft that can make you stare in amazement at sheer freakish ability. I like him as a flier for two reasons. First is situation: Maurice Jones-Drew isn’t getting any younger and Rashad Jennings is clearly not the back of the future. Robinson has an opportunity to get there. Second, I live in Indiana and watch a lot of Big Ten. Much like I said last year about Russell Wilson, this kid just has an “it” factor. He will need to start tying his shoelaces though.

Ryan Swope, WR, Cardinals

First of all, I will refrain from the obvious comparison to Wes Welker. I instead see him as this year’s T.Y. Hilton. He is shifty, gets into space well and will be a great check-down target for noodle-armed Carson Palmer. I see Swope as a matchup nightmare, and Bruce Arians seems to know how to utilize speedy slot guys, like Hilton.

Zac Stacy, RB, Rams

Stacy averaged 5.4 yards per carry in college. For Vanderbilt. In the SEC. I admittedly bump him up because I am not sold on Isaiah Pead or Daryl Richardson and see Stacy getting a very legit shot at two-down work from the start. I think Pead is the change-of-pace back. I think Stacy will be under-drafted because there are already two young backs on the roster, but not by me.

Three Down

I will not own these players in many leagues.

Marcus Lattimore, RB, 49ers

I hate to feel this way. He appears to be an incredible kid and I am rooting hard for him. However, legs aren’t supposed to bend the way his did during his severe injury. and there are three legit NFL RBs already on the 49ers’ roster. Drafting him means you are pretty much foregoing the 2013 season, and he will cost a first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts. I sincerely hope I am wrong and he goes all Adrian Peterson on me.

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Vikings

If Ryan Leaf were a WR, this would be him. He has all the talent in the world, but I just have a hunch he will not put the work in to excel in the NFL. I also think he will have a lot of pressure to instantly replace Percy Harvin’s production, and that probably isn’t fair. I would rather own his college teammate, Justin Hunter.

Montee Ball, RB, Broncos

Off the top of my head: Laurence Maroney, Tyrone Wheatley, Beanie Wells, Anthony Thomas, Mike Hart and Ron Dayne. All were elite college running backs in the Big Ten, but all completely forgettable at the pro level. Not sure why exactly, but I don’t expect much from Ball. Great landing spot, but he is no better than Knowshon Moreno. However, he will be drafted as a building block-type player in dynasty leagues. To me, he is not that.

So there you have it: a glimpse into my post draft rookie draft mind. I am sure my lists are different than yours and that is what makes fantasy so much fun.

 
Just an average guy that enjoys talking fantasy. Follow me here in the forum under username murphysxm.
 

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