2015 NFL Draft top fantasy football prospects – SportingNews.com
The 2015 NFL Draft is almost here, and fantasy football owners are already looking forward to drafting “This Year’s Odell Beckham Jr.” and not drafting “This Year’s Johnny Manziel.”
While it’s tough to evaluate a player’s fantasy prospects until we know what team they’ll be playing for, it’s nice to have some background on each player and know their strengths and weaknesses when their names are called on draft day(s). The following players stand out as having the potential to impact fantasy leagues next year. Check Sporting News Fantasy during the draft for live fantasy analysis of all the key picks.
BOOKMARK: SN Fantasy | FOLLOW: @SN_Fantasy
QUARTERBACK
Jameis Winston, Florida State
Winston (6-4, 231 pounds) has the credentials to be a franchise quarterback. The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner compiled a 26-1 record as a starter at Florida State. He threw 40 TDs and 10 interceptions as a red-shirt freshman before throwing 25 TDs and 18 interceptions as a sophomore, but he balanced the turnovers with a knack for making clutch throws in the right situations. Winston would be a no-brainer No. 1 pick if not for a series of off-the-field incidents which included a sexual assault investigation (he was never charged), a misdemeanor charge for shoplifting, and a one-game suspension for yelling at vulgarities in the student union. The upside? A live-arm quarterback who could put up numbers, even for a bottom-feeder franchise. The downside? Maturity issues that can only be answered if Winston doesn’t make another misstep. Winston is going to be given a chance right away. He’s worth the gamble in two-quarterback leagues.
Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Mariota (6-4, 222) put together one of the most efficient seasons in college football history in 2014: 4,454 yards, 42 TDs, four INTs, 68.3 completion percentage, 750 rushing yards and 15 TDs while leading Oregon to the College Football Championship game and winning the Heisman Trophy. Mariota, however, is still answering questions about playing in a zone-read oriented offense for the Ducks. His skill set is a ready-made match for Chip Kelly in Philadelphia because of his college connections, but Mariota has the talent to be successful for any NFL team. He might need more time to develop in a pro-style offense, but if Mariota starts right away he’ll fit in two-quarterback leagues.
Brett Hundley, UCLA
Hundley dazzled as a dual-threat star with the Bruins over the past three seasons, averaging 3,322 passing yards, 582.3 rushing yards and 35.3 TDs per year. Perhaps most important is that his completion percentage went up and his INTs went down each season. With a little seasoning, the 6-3, 227-pound Hundley could become an interesting fantasy prospect in Dynasty Leagues.
Bryce Petty, Baylor
Petty seemingly took a step back last year, but he still put up 3,855 passing yards and 35 total TDs. It’s always tough to evaluate quarterbacks coming from pass-happy spread systems like Baylor’s, but at 6-3, 230 pounds with a strong, accurate arm, Petty has the potential to put up numbers if and when he eventually gets a chance.
RUNNING BACK
Todd Gurley, Georgia
Gurley might be the most-talented player in the 2015 NFL Draft. That’s high praise, but he has the size (6-1, 222 pounds) and speed to be finish in the top 10 in rushing. Gurley averaged 6.4 yards per carry in three seasons at Georgia and was on the way to a monster season in 2014 before it was cut short by a suspension. He also tore his left ACL. If there’s a concern, it might be that Gurley hasn’t had more than 200 rushing attempts in a single season since his freshman year, but that actually might work out in his favor since he has less tread on his tires. Gurley averaged 151.8 rushing yards through six games last season, and he has the potential to be a game-breaker, even as a rookie. Given the fact Gurley is expected to be drafted in the first round, expectations will soar in fantasy leagues.
Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Gordon (6-1, 215 pounds) nearly broke Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record with 2,587 rushing yards in 2014, and it wasn’t a fluke. Gordon had six games with at least 200 rushing yards, and he briefly set the single-game rushing record with 408 yards against Nebraska. Gordon also added 29 TDs and averaged 7.5 yards per carry. Gordon’s trademark is speed, but he wasn’t much of a factor in the Badgers’ receiving game (19 catches, 153 yards). Gordon ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, a time that was slower than expected. Still, expect Gordon to be drafted in the first round, and he’ll either be the first or second rookie drafted in most fantasy drafts along with Gurley. Gordon could fit in as a RB2 or flex play right away.
Duke Johnson, Miami
Johnson starred as a do-it-all back for Miami, where he compiled 2,073 total yards and 13 TDs as junior. He also ranked fourth among backs with at least 200 carries with 6.8 yards per rush. Johnson (5-9, 207 pounds) ran a 4.54 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and he’s good enough out of the backfield (38 receptions, 421 yards) to be a feature back right away if he lands in the right spot. Johnson isn’t the biggest back, but he’s a tougher inside runner than you think. He’s a notch below Gurley and Gordon, but the gap isn’t significant.
Tevin Coleman, Indiana
Coleman (5-11, 206 pounds) proved the ultimate home-run hitter in Indiana’s spread offense, and it led to some ridiculous totals. Not only did Coleman rush for 2,036 yards and 15 TDs last season, and the average distance on those TDs was an incredible 40.3 yards per score. Coleman didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and he averaged just 22 receptions the past two seasons. He would be a better fit in an offense that utilizes more shotgun sets, but his ability to break off the long touchdown will make him an enticing late-round flier in 2015. He consistently produced against stiff competition.
Jay Ajayi, Boise State
For those that must make into the comparison to former Boise State running back Doug Martin, Ajayi is bigger (6-0, 221 pounds) and put up better numbers in his final two seasons with the Broncos. Ajayi’s 40 time (4.57) isn’t all that different than Gordon’s (4.52). Ajayi rushed for 3,248 yards and 46 TDs the past two years, and he had 50 receptions as a junior. Ajayi comes cheaper than Gordon or Gurley on fantasy draft day, but depending on the situation he might lead all rookies in rushing yards and TDs. Remember how prolific Martin was as a rookie?
T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
Yeldon is the next in the line of Alabama’s assembly line of NFL running backs under Nick Saban, but he doesn’t come in with nearly as much fanfare as Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson or Eddie Lacy. Yeldon (6-1, 226 pounds) quietly produced an average of 1,111 yards and 12 rushing TDs the past three seasons for the Crimson Tide, but his numbers took a hit in Lane Kiffin’s more pass-friendly offense as a junior. Yeldon’s 40-yard dash time of 4.61 leaves a lot to be desired, and he won’t open as a starter. Still, he was a consistent player in the SEC. As a rookie, Yeldon figures to be a handcuff who will add depth to a fantasy roster.
Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
Abdullah nearly broke Mike Rozier’s all-time rushing record at Nebraska. Abdullah finished with 4,588 yards the past four years, and he added 690 receiving yards. Abdullah doesn’t have prototypical size (5-9, 205 pounds), and he ran a 4.60 in the 40-yard dash. He’s still a decisive runner and proved a durable playmaker for the Cornhuskers, and he’ll get a shot as a rotation back as a rookie. Abdullah’s track record is proven, and he’ll be a value pick for running back hunters in the later rounds.
David Johnson, Northern Iowa
Here’s your FCS flier that will get some attention in the preseason, much like Cleveland’s Terrence West did in 2014 — only Johnson is bigger (6-1, 224 pounds), and he ran a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Johnson not only strung together three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at Northern Iowa, but he also had 30-plus receptions all four years. Johnson’s senior season – which entailed 2,086 total yards and 19 TDs – suggests he can play at the NFL level. He also had 138 yards in a win against FCS champion North Dakota State. Johnson will need to prove he’s the same imposing down-hill runner against NFL defenses, but he’ll add depth to any backfield. Johnson’s highlight reel is impressive.
Javorius Allen, USC
Allen, nicknamed ‘Buck,’ enjoyed a fantastic junior season for the Trojans with 1,489 rushing yards and 11 TDs against Pac-12 competition. He had eight 100-yard games in USC’s first nine contests before a late-season fade of sorts. He still finished with 5.4 yards per carry and 11 TDs, and he also had 41 receptions out of the backfield. Allen built his draft stock by running a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Allen won’t cost much, but he’s the type of back who can build some draft-day capital with an impressive preseason.
Jeremy Langford, Michigan State
Langford flourished at Michigan State the past two seasons with back-to-back 1,400 yard seasons. He also averaged 20 rushing TDs in those two seasons as the centerpiece of a pro-style offense. Langford ran a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He’s not quite as flashy as predecessor Le’Veon Bell, and Langford doesn’t have the same presence as a pass-catcher. Here’s the reason to be impressed with Langford: He rushed for at least 100 yards in 16 of 17 games against Big Ten competition the past two years. He’s a proven physical runner who will get a shot at some point.
WIDE RECEIVER
Amari Cooper, Alabama
Cooper ran an impressive 4.42 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but potential fantasy owners should focus even more on these numbers: 124 receptions, 1,727 yards and 16 TDs. Those were Cooper’s totals last season at Alabama. Cooper plays bigger than his 6-1, 211-pound frame, so he can work the sidelines and the middle of the field. Depending on where he ends up, he has the potential to be an immediate contributor and work as a WR2 in fantasy leagues.
Kevin White, West Virginia
White has elite speed (4.35 40-yard dash time) and good size (6-2, 215 lbs) and could easily be the top rookie receiver in this year’s class. He caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 TDs last year, but with Tavon Austin’s relative struggles so far in the NFL, fantasy owners will be leery of trusting another West Virginia receiver. White and Austin had almost identical 40 times, but the former stands almost seven inches taller and weighs 40 pounds more. Even though White’s stats might have been inflated by playing at WVU, he has more physical tools at his disposal than Austin and should be in better position to succeed in the NFL.
Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
Few receivers can match Green-Beckham’s size (6-5, 237 pounds) and speed (4.49 40-yard dash) – not just in this year’s draft class, but in the entire NFL. Of course, it’s not all good news for the former Missouri standout. DGB was limited to practices at Oklahoma last year after getting dismissed from Mizzou for misconduct (two marijuana violations and an investigation involving a physical altercation with his girlfriend). Green-Beckham had a breakout sophomore season, catching 59 passes for 883 yards and 12 TDs, and got stronger as the season went on. It’s always tough to evaluate players who sat out a year, but physically, Green-Beckham is ready to contribute right away. Whether he can put it all together, keep his nose clean, and adapt to an NFL offense is another story, but his size alone makes him a red zone presence from Day 1, which, in turn, makes him worth stashing on fantasy rosters.
DeVante Parker, Louisville
Parker has good size (6-3, 208 lbs) and speed (4.45 40-yard dash time) and proved to be a dynamic big-play guy during his four years at Louisville. He averaged 19.9 yards per catch last year, and over his final three seasons, he scored 27 touchdowns in 32 games. He was limited to just seven games last season after breaking the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, but he’ll be fully recovered for the start of next year. As is the case with most rookie receivers, Parker could be inconsistent, but the tools are there for big production.
Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
What’s not to like about Strong? He produced big numbers during his two years in college (average of 78.5 catches, 1,143.5 yards, 8.5 TDs), has great size (6-4, 212 pounds) and speed (4.44 40-yard dash time) and can jump out of the gym (42-inch vertical). If Strong winds up in the right situation, he could contribute Week 1 and function as a legit WR3 for fantasy owners.
Devin Smith, Ohio State
Smith averaged a ridiculous 28.2 yards per catch during his final season in Columbus, which allowed him to post 931 yards and 12 TDs despite catching just 33 balls. Obviously, Smith has to become more polished before consistently contributing, but at 6-1, 200 pounds and possessing 4.42 speed, Smith has the tools to be a nice boom-or-bust play.
Breshad Perriman, Central Florida
Perriman ran a 4.25 40-yard dash during his pro day, which is impressive however you look at it, but when you factor in that he’s 6-2, 212 pounds, it’s downright scary. The Central Florida star put up 1,044 yards and nine TDs on just 50 catches last year and possesses elite game-breaking ability. As a rookie, Perriman will likely to be a boom-or-bust player, but he possesses a good amount of Dynasty value depending on where he ends up.
Nelson Agholar, USC
Agholor steadily improved throughout his three-year career at USC, but he really broke out last season, catching 104 passes for 1,313 yards and 12 TDs. The 6-0, 198-pounder ran an impressive 4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, so he could sneak up (or past) on some defensive backs if he gets a chance to play.
Sammie Coates, Auburn
Coates has the size (6-2, 212 pounds) and speed (4.43 40-yard dash), but it’s reasonable to expect an adjustment period going from Auburn’s sped-up, run-heavy attack to an NFL offense. Coates averaged 21.6 yards per catch over the past two seasons, but it seems unlikely he’ll have consistent success in Year 1 in the NFL. He’s worth watching as the season goes on if you’re in a Dynasty League.
Phillip Dorsett, Miami
Dorsett is this year’s “undersized speedster du jour” after running a 4.33 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The 5-9, 185-pounder really broke out last year, averaging 24.2 yards per catch and scoring 10 touchdowns. He profiles similar to Tavon Austin, only without the high volume of pass-catching reps. Dorsett has upside, but it might take him a while to find a consistent rhythm within an NFL offense.
Rashad Greene, Florida State
Greene lacks ideal size (5-11, 182 pounds) and top-end speed (4.53 40-yard dash), but the back of his hypothetical football card is impressive. Greene posted consecutive 1,100-yard seasons, including a 99-catch, 1,365-yard campaign in 2014. He was never a big touchdown guy in college, but he caught at least seven all four seasons. He finds a way to get it done, and he has the chance to be a real steal for whatever team winds up with him. Dynasty leaguers will want to keep tabs on Greene all season.
Tre McBride, William and Mary
McBride has gotten some buzz thanks to an impressive Combine performance that included a 4.41 40-yard dash time, but his numbers at FCS William and Mary don’t jump off the page (64-809-4 last season). His best year was actually in 2012 when he averaged 81.5 yards per game and scored 10 times. There could be a number of reasons for his relative regression, but McBride (6-0, 210 pounds) will need some seasoning before becoming a factor in fantasy leagues.
Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
Lockett caught 106 passes for 1,515 yards and 11 TDs during his final season at Kansas State. At 5-10, 182 pounds, he has “possession receiver” written all over him, and his 4.40 40-yard dash time suggests he could have major success in that role if he finds the right home.
TIGHT END
Maxx Williams, Minnesota
Williams’ size is impressive, and the 6-4, 249-pound tight end impressed even more with the second-fastest 40 time among tight ends (4.77). Williams led Minnesota in every receiving category with 36 receptions, 569 yards, eight TDs last season. He did that with opposing defenses knowing he was the best option in a light-passing attack. Six of Williams’ TDs came in the red zone last season, and he averaged 16.2 yards per catch the last two years. He also scored a highlight-reel 54-yard touchdown in the Citrus Bowl against Missouri. Williams should be a situational player right away, and he’ll make some flashy plays.
Devin Funchess, Michigan
Funchess (6-4, 232 pounds) profiles as a slower, lighter version of Detroit’s Eric Ebron, which isn’t the best sell for fantasy owners. Funchess switched from tight end to receiver as a junior, but he ran a 4.70 in the 40-yard dash. Funchess played through injuries and inconsistent quarterback play the past two seasons, but he has shown the ability to be a presence in the intermediate passing game. He averaged 15.3 yards per catch as a tight end as a sophomore before becoming more of a possession read with 11.8 yards per catch as a junior. There’s potential down the line, and Funchess has shown glimpses of tremendous athletic ability. He’ll need to land in an offense that showcases his versatility to be a factor as a rookie.
Nick O’Leary, Florida State
O’Leary (6-3, 252) brings a physical presence to the position, but his stock slipped a bit after he ran a 4.93 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. O’Leary, however, can work between the seams. He scored five of his 13 TDs outside the red zone over the past two seasons, and he had 11 games with more than 50 yards. He can line up in the slot, which will be an attractive fit for an offense looking for help at tight end. There’s some sleeper appeal, but he’ll likely be a boom-or-bust play as a rookie.
Clive Walford, Miami
Walford in the next in the long line of tight ends to come from “The U,” and he’s one of the bigger tight ends in this year’s class at 6-4, 251 pounds. Walford enjoyed a breakout season with the Hurricanes as a senior with 44 catches for 676 yards and seven TDs. He closed the regular season strong with back-to-back 100-yard games against Florida State and Virginia. Six of Walford’s seven scores came inside the red zone last year. He’ll start as a late-round flier and a backup fantasy option, but there’s upside here if you trust that Miami pipeline.
This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service – if this is your content and you’re reading it on someone else’s site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers.
