Rookie Watch Part II
Ok, so in the first installment of our rookie watch, we looked at the guys that everyone mostly already knows about. Here are some more rookies to keep an eye on, despite being a little less noticed than those first 4 guys mentioned. You may wish to add them on the 2nd end of your draft. And they have a bit more value in Dynasty leagues.
1. Cory Davis
The person: Davis definitly has the talent to be a fantasy force. He is 6’-3”. He has reportedly looked “explosive” in camp. He had an ankle issue earlier in camp, but said that he is 100% recovered.
The place: TEN has been a run heavy team, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The Offense as a whole has other weapons, this leaves room for a rookie like Davis to grow and develop.
X Factors: TEN’s QB situation is stable. Tajae Sharpe has been injured, and is still recovering. What this means is that Davis is likely going to start opposite Rishard Matthews.
What to watch for: Rookie WR’s usually take a little time to develop. Few dominate early. Look to see how Davis looks adjusting to the NFL.
2. Samaje Perine
The person: Perine (pee-rhine) had 196 carries for 1,060 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns his last year at Oklahoma, adding 10 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown in 2016. This was all while sharing a backfield with Joe Mixon (who was the lead back at Oklahoma).
The place: In WAS, Perine will have to dethrone Rob Kelly who had mixed reviews on his performance. Early speculation is that Kelly will be the seasons' starter, and leader of the backfield in touches, with Perine taking over as the #1 RB by mid-season. WAS as a whole certainly has the potential to be a very good offense for the 2017 season.
X Factors: Redskins ranked 21st in rushing yards last year, 2nd in passing yards. So, they have been a passing team, and the NFC East looks primed to be a pass heavy division this year.
What to watch for: Since many expect Perine to eventually take the reigns from Kelly, look for how these two do in the preseason, and how many touches they get.
3. O.J. Howard
The person: Howard is 6’-6”, and has been said to be the most pro-ready TE to come out of the NFL draft in a long time. His physical tools are top notch.
The place: TB has a good offense with a developing QB in the NFC South, an offense heavy division. However, part of that TB offense is an already established Cameron Brate, along with some other pretty talented receivers.
X Factors: Much like WR’s, TE’s usually take some time to develop before becoming dominate players. Therefore, Howard may be more of a dynasty play.
What to watch for: How much he is used, since Brate is still there. Also, if and how fast he adjusts to pro level play.
4. David Njoku
The person: Similar to Howard, Njoku is has the athletic profile to dominate.
The place: CLE has a good running offense. They also lack any established WR’s, and they let their best TE go in Gary Barnidge. This means that Njoku has an open door of opportunity in CLE.
X Factors: If Brock Osweiler gets the nod to start in CLE, look for Njoku to get plenty of targets. Osweiler has a history of boosting a TE’s value. On the other hand, If DeShone Kizer starts, Njoku could benefit from that too, as rookie QB’s often fall back on their TE’s.
What to watch for: Njoku looked like a man among boys in college. In CLE he will have the opportunity to shine, and he has the talent to do so. The volume he gets may be enough to give him fantasy value, but will the team ever be good enough to put up points?
Next up: Part III of Rookie Watch