2016 NFL Rookie Predictions: Josh Doctson – Yahoo Sports (blog)

Bench presses counted. Cone drills clocked. And tape reviewed. While NFL scouts have been scribbling in their notebooks for months, fantasy owners are just now examining this year’s incoming class. In order to keep fans of the virtual game fully informed and a step ahead of the competition, the Roto Arcade crew is here to provide you with the necessary goods. Today’s college stud under the microscope is TCU WR Josh Doctson.

College Highlights: The Gumby-like wideout posted silly numbers in TCU’s up-tempo ‘air raid’ offense. During his four-year tenure in Forth Worth, he established school records in receiving yards (2,785) and touchdowns (34). As a senior, his best collegiate season, he hauled in 79 receptions for 1,337 yards (17.0 ypc) and 14 TDs, a line which earned him first-team All-American honors. Remarkably, that achievement was accomplished in only 10 games, a broken wrist sidelined him over the Horned Frogs’ final three tilts.  

Pluses: Doctson is a wonderful blend of size, athleticism and downfield abilities. Leaper. His 41-inch vertical was a Combine best. Equipped with fly-trap hands, he dropped only six of 84 catchable balls in 2015. Undaunted in one-on-one confrontations. High points ball beautifully. Will win most battles in possession or red-zone situations. Though he lined up in slot only 6.1 percent of time last year, he thrived in those situations, meaning he could be deployed outside or in. His exceptional shuttle times are key separation indicators and explain why he gashed defenses on slants. Instinctively comes back for the ball. 

Minuses: Due to TCU’s simplistic vertical scheme his route tree is underdeveloped. Will need to absorb playbook quickly to make an instant impact. In general, won’t leave DBs in the dust. His 4.50 40-yard dash at the Combine was marginal. Powered only 14 bench reps. Needs to pound the protein shakes to conquer NFL-level press coverage. Lean frame could leave him susceptible to nicks, scrapes. 

Pro-Comp(s): Allen Robinson, Keenan Allen, Jordan Matthews 

Team Fits: Cincinnati, Minnesota, Houston 

Fearless Forecast: Among this year’s average WR class, Doctson is arguably the most pro-ready. Though he needs to add upper-body strength, his ladder-climbing talents and separation skills along the wing are intoxicating attributes. Most scouts currently view him as a high-end No. 2, but with physical growth and experience he projects as a go-to weapon. If thrust into the right situation, immediate WR3 dividends are a realistic possibility. If he dons a Bengals jersey, for example, it’s entirely conceivable he finishes in range of 60-800-6 Year 1. However, in a less desirable environment (e.g. Minnesota), those numbers would be farfetched. Still, Doctson is a highly draftable commodity in 12-team formats given his knack for scoring six. He possesses the upside to consistently crack starting fantasy lineups by midseason, if not sooner. 

Harass Brad on Twitter @YahooNoise. And come hang with him and the Yahoo Fantasy crew at Ditka’s in downtown Chicago for the NFL Draft April 28-29.

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