In case you missed it this past weekend, I updated my 2013 dynasty rankings at Pro Football Focus.
My rankings are part of the consensus that includes Chad Parsons and Scott Spratt. The rankings are primarily based on PPR leagues, but can be adapted for any format. Continue reading
The 2010 NFL Draft is finally in the books.
The new 3-day format was the right choice for the NFL with a record number of viewers tuning in to find out who their favorite team drafted.
We watched the entire event to find the players that will make an impact for your fantasy football team in 2010 and beyond.
We can finally update our Top 100 Dynasty Rookie Rankings now that we know where each player will begin their NFL career.
We will continually update these rankings for you until the season begins.
Our dynasty rankings are based on the following:
Stay tuned for more, as we will provide you all the updates you need to know as team mini-camps begin shortly.
For help with your rookie draft, send us a tweet @RookieBlitz or an e-mail.
Rookie Blitz Top 100 Rookies – Dynasty Rankings
We have worked hard at Rookie Blitz headquarters to compile information and game tape for the 2010 NFL Draft class.
We are now ready to release our initial rookie fantasy rankings after reviewing college production, scouting reports, all-star games, and the scouting combine. In our first installment, we reviewed the top tight ends available.
Wide Receiver
Despite concerns about his character and maturity, Dez Bryant is the top wide receiver available. He has everything you look for in a #1 wide receiver and his college production backs up his measurables. Bryant should deserve consideration for the top selection in dynasty rookie drafts.
The depth at the position is impressive, but there are question marks for many players that could cause them to fall to the second round of the NFL Draft. In fact, there is a large gap between Bryant and Golden Tate in our fantasy rankings. Tate has the college production in a pro-style offense and had a solid combine performance to boost his stock. Aside from Bryant, Tate may be one of the most pro-ready players available.
Demaryius Thomas has the size and strength required, however, there are concerns about his ability to run the entire route tree. If you watch highlights of Thomas, most of his big plays came on broken coverage or go-routes over the top of the defense.
Mardy Gilyard and Damian Williams are both more quick than fast and should develop into solid starting options. Gilyard offers added value as a kick returner and it is hard to overlook his college production. Williams does not fit the profile of many of the failed wide receivers from USC in recent years. His game more resembles that of Steve Smith than Dwayne Jarrett or Mike Williams.
We have Andre Roberts rated higher than he will be drafted. Roberts has been the talk of the offseason and his production at the Citadel makes us believe he could be a sleeper in the right offensive system. Mike Williams has first round talent and seventh round character. Williams is the biggest boom-bust prospect available and he will need constant monitoring to succeed. Brandon LaFell and Arrelious Benn will be drafted in the early second round but we are not sold on their pro prospects. It can be argued that both were hurt by poor quarterback play but the lack of college production is alarming.
Dexter McCluster will be an exciting player to watch but may never be a consistent fantasy producer. Jacoby Ford does not play as fast as his 40 yard dash time of 4.28 would indicate. Ford did not stand out at the Senior Bowl, though, his speed is intriguing. For all of the positive buzz that Taylor Price has generated, we have concerns that he was not more of standout at Ohio.
1. Dez Bryant – Oklahoma State
2. Golden Tate – Notre Dame
3. Demaryius Thomas – Georgia Tech
4. Mardy Gilyard – Cincinnati
5. Damian Williams – USC
6. Andre Roberts – Citadel
7. Mike Williams – Syracuse
8. Brandon LaFell – LSU
9. Arrelious Benn – Illinois
10. Dezmon Briscoe – Kansas
11. Eric Decker – Minnesota
12. Jordan Shipley – Texas
13. Carlton Mitchell – South Florida
14. Jacoby Ford – Clemson
15. Jeremy Williams – Tulane
16. Emmanuel Sanders – Southern Methodist
17. Dexter McCluster – Mississippi
18. Shay Hodge – Mississippi
19. Antonio Brown – Central Michigan
20. Riley Cooper – Florida
21. Taylor Price – Ohio
22. Danario Alexander – Missouri
23. Freddie Barnes – Bowling Green
24. David Reed – Utah
25. Marcus Easley – Connecticut
26. Alric Arnett – West Virginia
27. Chris McGaha – Arizona State
28. Verran Tucker – California
29. David Gettis – Baylor
30. Blair White – Michigan State
The NFL Scouting Combine will be held February 24 – March 2, 2010 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
For many, it will be the first chance to evaluate the nation’s top college football players eligible for the 2010 NFL Draft.
It is never too early to start ranking the top players for dynasty leagues and rookie drafts.
Here are our initial fantasy football rookie rankings prior to the NFL Scouting Combine:
Stay tuned all offseason for the latest fantasy football information regarding the 2010 NFL Draft.
It is never too early to start looking ahead in fantasy football. For many dynasty and keeper league owners, there is no offseason. Now is a great time to set up your team for another run in the fantasy playoffs with some savvy free agent signings and trades. Information is power, and keeping one step ahead of everyone in your fantasy league is vital.
In the second installment of our 2010 rankings we will breakdown the quarterback position. A lot can happen between now and September, and these rankings will give you a glimpse of how we evaluated each player before the start of NFL Free Agency and the NFL Draft.
Our rankings are based on the following factors:
Analysis
Aaron Rodgers erased any doubts from his second-ranked finish in 2008 with his top-ranked finish this season. Peyton Manning is still going strong after his 12th season in the NFL and winning his fourth MVP award. He may have lost some of his luster, but Tom Brady is still a top option at the position and could be an excellent value in 2010 drafts. However, we are concerned about Brady’s receiving options with the devastating injury to Wes Welker and the tough schedule the Patriots will face. Brett Favre silenced many of his critics that he was making a mistake in returning to the NFL at 40 years old. If Favre returns, he will still be considered a top-10 option in 2010. Drew Brees and Philip Rivers are worth an early round selection in 2010. Kyle Orton isn’t a flashy player, but he is one of the best options as your backup quarterback in 2010 with the Broncos’ schedule. Matt Ryan and Jay Cutler are bounce-back candidates and present excellent value after the 10th round. The future looks bright for Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez, and Josh Freeman, but they are too green to be considered as starting options in 2010. Eagles quarterbacks Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb could be on the move this offseason. Vick has long been rumored as a starting option in St. Louis or Buffalo, and Kolb has already been linked to Cleveland because of the new Browns GM Tom Heckert. Kurt Warner is considering retirement at this time. Should Warner return to the Cardinals for another season, they will remain the favorite to win the NFC West again.
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It is never too early to start looking ahead in fantasy football. For many dynasty and keeper league owners, there is no offseason. Now is a great time to set up your team for another run in the fantasy playoffs with some savvy free agent signings and trades. Information is power, and keeping one step ahead of everyone in your fantasy league is vital.
In the first installment of our 2010 rankings we will breakdown the tight end position. A lot can happen between now and September, and these rankings will give you a glimpse of how we evaluated each player before the start of NFL Free Agency and the NFL Draft.
Our rankings are based on the following factors:
Analysis
There is a clear top-five next season with Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark, Vernon Davis, Brent Celek and Jason Witten. Visanthe Shiancoe has developed into a deadly red zone option for the Vikings. Greg Olsen didn’t take the leap forward in 2009 that many expected of him. Jermichael Finley will be a major breakout candidate in many fantasy football magazines this summer. The hype surrounding Finley could cause his average draft position to exceed his expected production. How the Texans handle the Owen Daniels situation could greatly impact his 2010 fantasy prospects. If Daniels moves to another team in 2010, keep a close watch on 2009 draft pick James Casey in Houston.
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In the fifth edition of the Rookie Recap, I will breakdown the performances of Packers linebacker Clay Matthews and Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin.
Clay Matthews
Clay Matthews got the first start of his career against the Vikings, and he saw the majority of the snaps at outside linebacker. Previous starter Brady Poppinga did not even make the box score as Matthews was constantly used as an edge rusher in an effort to get some pressure on Favre. Matthews did not have a big day in the tackle department (1 tackle, 2 asst) but did score a defensive touchdown on Adrian Peterson’s fumble. In an impressive display of athleticism and hustle, Matthews stripped Peterson of the football using only his left arm while the other Packers defenders kept Peterson upright. Matthew’s 42 yard fumble return kept Green Bay within striking distance in the game. Until Matthews starts getting more pressure on the QB, it would be best to keep Matthews reserved in your IDP leagues. Matthews has the NFL pedigree to develop into a solid pro, but may never become a superstar. A great comparison for Matthews would be a more athletic Mike Vrabel.
Percy Harvin
Percy Harvin finally got his chance to play in prime time in front of a national audience and he didn’t disappoint. Harvin did not have a stellar day in the box score (2 rec for 39 yards, 3 returns for 51 yards) but made several plays that leads me to believe that he’s got a bright future in this league. Harvin made an early impact with his run blocking, and he is quickly on his way to becoming one of the best run blocking wideouts in the league. He completely took Packers cornerback Tramon Williams out of a play in the 1st Quarter with his aggressive style. Harvin may be small, but he has a lot of strength and power in his frame.
Harvin is still learning the speed of the game. He took a 4 yard loss on a bubble screen when he completely tried to reverse the field at the line of scrimmage. That play worked often at the University of Florida, but he’ll need to learn to run more north and south in the pros. Harvin did have a 43 yard reception on a go route from the slot and was tackled at the Green Bay 3 yard line. Green Bay made stopping Harvin a focus, and as a result Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice had big fantasy days with a TD grab each.
Since Harvin has joined the Vikings I have seen no evidence that he has any of the poor character traits that caused him to slip in the NFL Draft. With Harvin’s skill set, desire to be great, and his focus on run blocking it leaves little doubt that he’ll be one of the next superstars in the NFL. We haven’t seen the best from him yet.
