Combine serves as an early preview for rookies
Running backs Barkley, Chubb were impressive.
It may not feel like it, but fantasy football season has started. Just because we’re months away from the first kickoff doesn’t mean we can’t speculate on the impact of the rookie class that’s about to join the fantasy talent pool.
That said, let’s not get too crazy about the results of a single weekend of physical fitness tests. Need I remind you of the 4.22 40-yard dash time of John Ross last year? Ross scored negative fantasy points last season.
Notable performers from the NFL scouting combine:
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson didn’t run or jump at the combine for a reason. He wants to be a quarterback in the NFL and made that known by only throwing at the combine. He had a few nice throws, but his body of work shows he’s a bit erratic . ... Sam Darnold didn’t throw, but that shouldn’t hurt him too much . ... Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield looked sharp and impressive. Allen is similar to the Eagles’ Carson Wentz . ... Quinton Flowers, out of South Florida, ran a 4.64 and could end up playing another position.
Running backs
Saquon Barkley was as good as advertised, recording the second-fastest time in the 40 at 4.40. He also had the best vertical at 41 inches and tied Georgia’s Nick Chubb for most reps in the bench press at 29. It’s clear Barkley will be the top back taken, but where he goes will be huge in determining if you draft him for your fantasy team.
The fastest running back at the combine was Nyheim Hines out of N.C. State, who ran a 4.38. His size is a detriment to his fantasy value. Hines has been described as a poor man’s Alvin Kamara. Don’t get too excited, though. He’s not Kamara, but he can see similar usage.
Chubb is the kind of prospect that can go undrafted in your fantasy league. He’s a solid back but doesn’t knock you out in any one area. He would definitely have to be drafted in a good situation in order to carry a decent amount of fantasy value.
Texas fans will recognize the third-best benchpress performer, Chris Warren III. He decided to transfer after the 2017 season but re-routed to enter the draft. Warren’s the type of runner that can wear down defenses. He comes with question marks, but the talent is there. A shrewd offensive guru would find a way to use him well.
Bo Scarbrough had the best broad jump at 10 feet, 9 inches. He looks a lot like Derrick Henry and if he finds a good landing spot, he could outshine his predecessor. Scarbrough won’t play on third down, but if he ends up in an offense that utilizes more run than pass, he could have some fantasy relevance.
Wide receivers
Calvin Ridley looked great during catching drills, which isn’t a surprise since he’s a firstround prospect. He’ll be expected to contribute early, but you’ll have to make sure he’s put in a good situation with a solid quarterback.
D.J. Moore is projected to be a second-round pick and looks like a good fit to play in the slot. He ran a 4.42 in the 40 and had the second-best vertical among wideouts. Moore also had the top broad jump among receivers and has the tools to contribute early.
D.J. Chark’s 4.34 could be a playmaker. The LSU product was the fastest wide receiver in the 40. Receivers out of LSU tend to get better in the NFL when they have better quarterback play (See: Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry). We’ll see if that happens for the speedy Chark.
Texas A&M’s Christian Kirk could turn out to be a nice flex play before this season is over. He’ll need to find a good fit, given he’ll most likely contribute as a slot receiver. If he enters a situation where he’s the third option, he could end up having a productive year, winning against teams’ lesser defenders.
James Washington ran just a 4.54, but he impressed during catching drills. He’s projected as a second-rounder and could possibly be a fantasy flex option if he ends up in a good spot as a team’s No. 2 receiver.
Another prospect who ran a 4.54 was SMU’s Courtland Sutton. The difference between Washington and Sutton is size; Sutton is 6-3 and in the right situation could be a nice red-zone target.
Deon Cain ran a 4.43 and has been compared to the Dolphins’ Kenny Stills. Where Stills has shown to be a semi-reliable WR2 or flex option, Cain could end up even better. The 6-2 receiver does a lot of things well and could start right away wherever he ends up.
Antonio Callaway is an interesting prospect. He may surprise if he gets his head screwed on straight. Callaway was suspended all of last season due to offthe-field issues. He ran a 4.41 at the combine so he definitely has the speed to be a game-breaker.
Tight ends
Mike Gesicki out of Penn State had great day in non-catching drills. He was tops at the position in the shuttle and cone drills. He also had the fastest 40, the best broad jump and vertical at the position. His catching drills were a bit disappointing, however.
It’s important to note that tight ends hardly ever contribute early as rookies in fantasy football. Evan Engram’s TE1 finish last season was more of an exception.
That said, another name to note is Hayden Hurst. He’s older than most other rookies will be, after he took a run at a baseball career. Hurst is wellrounded and sure-handed. Guys like that tend to make an impact for a while.
Another tight end who is more of a pass-catcher is Oklahoma’s Mark Andrews, who’s 6-5 and can play like a receiver. While he isn’t wellrounded, he can be productive if put in the right situation.