Rookie Watch Part III
Alright, you can probaly feel the 2017 football season (as well as the fantasy drafts) fast approching. With that being said, here are a few more rookiees to keep an eye on this coming preseason and season.
1.Samuel Curtis
The person: Curits has quick speed and versatility. Some have compared him to Percy Harvin.
The place: In CAR, Curtis is expected to take the slot reciever position, and yet he could take some snaps in the running game as well, if so - he could have good numbers even as a rookie WR.
X Factors: Curtis seems to have been bitten by the injury bug early, and has missed some valuable time at camp.
What to watch for: How he is used. Does he get any looks in the backfield? How many looks in the passing game?
2.Jamaal Williams (GB)
The person: Williams is a 4th round draft pick, but he has good size at 6’ and being 212lbs.
The place: GB already has a dynamic RB in Ty Montgomery. However, Montgomery has reportedly struggled with pass protection, something that Williams could be better at with his size. In addition, Williams could be the goal-line back (one on a very good offense).
X Factors: The RB coach (Ben Sirmans) says that williams will be the #2.
What to watch for: How much time Williams gets on the field as the #2? Will he in fact be used as a goal line back? Will he be used any other way… change of pace back?
3.John Ross
The person: John Ross is fast, and was drafted #9 overall. Unfortunatly, Ross has been recovering from off season shoulder injury.
The place: At CIN, Ross has the oppurtunity to be a good #2, to the very good #1 who would usually draw most of the attention from a defensive backfield.
X Factors: Brandon Lafell had 107 targets last year. That was with A.J. Green gone for 6 weeks however. Tyler Boyd had 81. The point is, if Ross can stay on the field, he will likely get his targets.
What to watch for: How long before he gets to play. It’s looking like he will be able to play week #1, but will he get on the field at any time during the preseason?
4.Marlon Mack
The person: Mack has been desribed as a big play waiting to happen, and is a dynamic back. Mack is USF’s all time leader in yards rushing, all-purpose yards, and TD’s.
The place: IND has one of the best backs of the last decade in Frank Gore. Gore just keeps going, and going, and going. But, eventually Gore will hang up the cleats. So, this makes Mack a back with massive potential, especially in dynasty leagues. IND has had a pretty good offense after all.
X Factors: One of keys cogs (if not THE cog) to that offense is Andrew Luck however, and he happens to be sidelined at this time, and may not be able to return before week #1.
What to watch for: Can Mack out perform Christine Michael and Robert Turbin? More importantly, will Luck get on the field at anytime soon, and how will he look when he does? If Luck can stay on the field, and Gore ever gets off the field, Mack could be in line for some heafty fantasy points.
Up Next: Sleepers to Watch