theFellowKGB’s Preliminary Rankings (will update post draft)
Quarterbacks
Pos. Rank | Player | School | Year | HT | WT |
1 | Joe Burrow | LSU | Sr | 6-4 | 216 |
2 | Tua Tagovailoa | Alabama | Jr | 6-1 | 218 |
3 | Jake Fromm | Georgia | Jr | 6-2 | 220 |
4 | Justin Herbert | Oregon | Sr | 6-6 | 237 |
5 | Jacob Eason | Washington | Jr | 6-6 | 227 |
6 | Jordan Love | Utah St. | Jr | 6-4 | 225 |
7 | Jalen Hurts | Oklahoma | Sr | 6-2 | 218 |
8 | Anthony Gordon | Washington St. | Sr | 6-3 | 210 |
9 | Cole McDonald | Hawaii | Jr | 6-4 | 220 |
10 | Nate Stanley | Iowa | Sr | 6-4 | 243 |
11 | James Morgan | FIU | Sr | 6-4 | 213 |
#1 Joe Burrow – LSU (stats)
(comp = Matt Ryan) Tape vs Florida
Consensus #1 overall pick but could be slightly over-rated due to the pro scheme and talent of the LSU team last year (4/5 potential 1st round picks), and that’s not even including his leading WR in yards last year in Ja’Marr Chase (2021 draft). I like Burrow but might prefer drafting Tua in dynasty leagues.
#2 Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama (stats)
(comp = Russell Wilson) Tape vs LSU
Wouldn’t be surprised if Tua has a better career than Burrow. Tua also played with several 1st round WRs and top notch talent at Alabama, but I like his improvisation skills more than Burrow when it comes to the next level.
#3 Jake Fromm – Georgia (stats)
(comp = Kirk Cousins) 2018-19 Highlights
I like Fromm’s decision making and consistency the most. He’s not super gifted with arm talent, which will be his biggest knock, but can provide stability to an offense and be a facilitator. He wasn’t asked to do much throughout his 3 years starting at Georgia but he did work very well with Mecole Hardman and Riley Ridley back in 2018. Very under-rated.
#4 Justin Herbert – Oregon (stats)
(comp = Carson Wentz but bigger) 2019 Highlights
Very inconsistent and sometimes makes you cringe with his inaccuracy. He’s your dream prototype size at 6’6″ and has quite the cannon of an arm, but struggles to mix in off speed and touch passes accurately. There are leadership questions as well, so I’m not too excited about targeting Herbert in any dynasty leagues.
#5 Jacob Eason – Washington (stats)
comp = Joe Flacco Tape vs Oregon
Eason also fits into the under-rated tier with Fromm. He has that 6’6″ size just like Herbert but also has some of the same inconsistencies. His biggest asset is the arm strong and will need to work on fundamentals in the pocket for sure. He often settles for sacks and has finished with negative rushing yards in both of his starting seasons. Definitely a project but can benefit from a year or two of learning.
#6 Jordan Love – Utah State (stats)
(comp – Jay Cutler) 2019 Highlights
Poor decision maker but has high quality touch to his throws. He lacks the experience but could develop nicely with a year behind a veteran QB or just time in general with the right QB coaches.
#7 Jalen Hurts – Oklahoma (stats)
(comp = David Garrard) Tape vs LSU
Fantastic athlete and duo-threat QB. He needs to settle down in the pocket at the next level and trust his coaching, but he’ll always be able to make plays we his feet when the play breaks down. He’ll need a good QB coach to help him transition into a better pocket passer but he has the tools to grow into a quality starting QB.
Sleeper = Anthony Gordon – Washington State (stats)
Tape vs Oregon
Running Backs
Pos. Rank | Player | School | Year | HT | WT |
1 | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin | Jr | 5-11 | 219 |
2 | J.K. Dobbins | Ohio St. | Jr | 5-10 | 217 |
3 | D’Andre Swift | Georgia | Jr | 5-9 | 215 |
4 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | LSU | Jr | 5-8 | 209 |
5 | Zack Moss | Utah | Sr | 5-10 | 222 |
6 | Cam Akers | Florida St. | Jr | 5-11 | 212 |
7 | AJ Dillon | Boston College | Jr | 6-0 | 250 |
8 | Eno Benjamin | Arizona St. | Jr | 5-9 | 195 |
9 | Joshua Kelley | UCLA | Sr | 5-11 | 219 |
10 | Ke’Shawn Vaughn | Vanderbilt | Sr | 5-10 | 218 |
11 | Antonio Gibson | Memphis | Sr | 6-2 | 221 |
12 | Ty’Son Williams | BYU | Sr | 6-0 | 220 |
13 | Darrynton Evans | App. St. | Jr | 5-11 | 200 |
14 | JaMycal Hasty | Baylor | Sr | 5-9 | 205 |
15 | Rico Dowdle | South Carolina | Sr | 6-0 | 210 |
16 | Michael Warren | Cincinnati | Jr | 5-11 | 222 |
17 | Scottie Phillips | Ole Miss | Sr | 5-8 | 211 |
18 | Lamical Perine | Florida | Sr | 5-11 | 211 |
19 | Pete Guerriero | Monmouth | Jr | 5-10 | 190 |
20 | Anthony McFarland Jr. | Maryland | Soph | 5-9 | 198 |
#1 Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin (stats)
comp = Corey Dillon 2019 Highlights
Best pure runner of the group. Outstanding production throughout career, but yes, behind a fantastic offensive line at Wisconsin. Taylor was not used as a pass catcher in his first two years very much, but showed great improvement last year with 26 grabs for 252yds and 5 TDs. Worth consideration as the 1.01 in all rookie/dynasty drafts, pending draft fit.
#2 JK Dobbins – Ohio State (stats)
comp = Ray Rice 2019 Highlights
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dobbins is the RB1 in this draft. He has been used as a pass catcher in all three years, catching 71 passes total. The experience as a pass catcher could entice teams to select him over Taylor, as the NFL continues to trend towards dual threat backs. He’s not as Elite as JT when it comes to a pure runner, but it’s close.
#3 D’Andre Swift – Georgia (stats)
comp = DeAngelo Williams Highlights
His last name says it all. Very productive on the ground and in the passing game. His main comparison is DeAngelo Williams but I also see a little bit of Aaron Jones in his game. With the right landing spot, Swift can be a Top 10 back in this league.
#4 Clyde Edwards-Helaire – LSU (stats)
comp = Devonta Freeman 2019 Highlights
The ultimate 3rd down pass catching back. Don’t sleep on his running ability either, he is a complete weapon and could be one of the most productive and long tenured backs of this class in PPR leagues.
#5 Zack Moss – Utah (stats)
comp = Ricky Williams 2019 Highlights
One of the most under-rated prospects in this class. Moss is very fluid and can be effective as a pass catcher as well. He finished his career at Utah with three straight 1,000 yard rushing seasons and rushed for double digit TDs in those three seasons. Highly productive player that will be a bargain in rookie drafts and worth a late 1st.
#6 Cam Akers – Florida State (stats)
comp = Marshawn Lynch 2019 Highlights
Banger! Was productive as a freshman, dipped a bit as a sophomore, but finished strong as a Junior. He increased his receptions total every year and has the ability to be an every down back and wear defenses out. Another under the radar player you can get in the late 1st round of drafts that could produce top 10 fantasy numbers.
#7 AJ Dillon – Boston College (stats)
comp = Derrick Henry 2019 Highlights Tape vs Clemson
Probably my favorite sleeper and most under-rated back in this class. Dillon is a joy to watch. He rushed for 4,382 yards in three seasons at Boston College and scored 40 total TDs. He wasn’t used much as a receiver but can be functional on 1st and 2nd down passing plays. Probably not a 3rd down passing situation back, so the Henry comparison is spot on.
#8 Eno Benjamin – Arizona State (stats)
comp = LeSean McCoy 2019 Highlights
One of the best pass catching backs in this class. He caught 77 balls in his last two seasons while rushing for 2,725yds and scoring 30 total TDs. He will likely be used as #2 back his rookie year, but has the potential to be an every down fantasy stud.
#9 Joshua Kelley – UCLA (stats)
comp = Terrell Davis 2019 Highlights
Kelley was highly productive the last two seasons on some very bad UCLA teams. He rushed for 2,303yds and 24 TDs while adding 38 receptions for 264yds and 1TD. I have Terrell Davis as his comp, but a current comp could be Jordan Howard.
#10 Ke’Shawn Vaughn – Vanderbilt (stats)
comp = Cadillac Williams 2019 Highlights
Vaughn gets lost among the many great SEC running backs, so he gets to be a little under the radar in this class. He rushed for 2 straight 1,000yd seasons at Vanderbilt and scored 24 total TDs in those seasons. He had a nice year catching the ball last year with 29 receptions for 286yds and 2 TDs, so he has every down potential. A modern comp could be Kerryon Johnson.
Wide Receivers
Pos. Rank | Player | School | Year | HT | WT |
1 | CeeDee Lamb | Oklahoma | Jr | 6-2 | 189 |
2 | Justin Jefferson | LSU | Jr | 6-3 | 192 |
3 | Jerry Jeudy | Alabama | Jr | 6-1 | 192 |
4 | Henry Ruggs III | Alabama | Jr | 6-0 | 190 |
5 | Denzel Mims | Baylor | Sr | 6-3 | 215 |
6 | Laviska Shenault Jr. | Colorado | Jr | 6-2 | 220 |
7 | Michael Pittman Jr. | USC | Sr | 6-4 | 220 |
8 | Bryan Edwards | South Carolina | Sr | 6-3 | 215 |
9 | Tee Higgins | Clemson | Jr | 6-4 | 215 |
10 | Quintez Cephus | Wisconsin | Jr | 6-1 | 207 |
11 | Devin Duvernay | Texas | Sr | 5-11 | 210 |
12 | Brandon Aiyuk | Arizona St. | Sr | 6-1 | 206 |
13 | Jalen Reagor ^ | TCU | Jr | 5-11 | 195 |
14 | Van Jefferson | Florida | Sr | 6-2 | 197 |
15 | Antonio Gandy-Golden | Liberty | Sr | 6-4 | 220 |
16 | KJ Hamler | Penn St. | Soph | 5-9 | 176 |
17 | Tyler Johnson | Minnesota | Sr | 6-2 | 205 |
18 | Jauan Jennings | Tennessee | Sr | 6-3 | 208 |
19 | Donovan Peoples-Jones | Michigan | Jr | 6-2 | 208 |
20 | Lynn Bowden Jr. | Kentucky | Jr | 6-1 | 200 |
#1 CeeDee Lamb – Oklahoma (stats)
comp = Davante Adams 2019 Highlights
The most polished WR of the group, Lamb can fit into any offense. He has a well developed route tree and can operate as an outside WR as well as the slot.
#2 Justin Jefferson – LSU (stats)
comp = Michael Thomas Peach Bowl vs Oklahoma
Big slot WR. LSU heavily used him in the slot last year on option and deep vertical routes to take advantage of mismatches against safeties. High football IQ and knack for getting open when a play breaks down. Massive upside in PPR leagues.
#3 Jerry Jeudy – Alabama (stats)
comp = Tory Holt 2019 Highlights
Perhaps the most versatile and electric playmaker of the bunch. Can line up at any WR spot and will give his new offensive coordinator a fun task of creating plays for him. He’s a fantastic route runner who relies heavily on his change of direction to create separation. He would best serve as a slot WR but Jeudy has the tools to succeed as an outside WR and help stretch the field
#4 Henry Ruggs – Alabama (stats)
comp = Santana Moss 2019 Highlights
Blazing 4.27 40 speed of course but there’s more to Ruggs’ game than that. His speed will command respect at the next level, so we should expect a lot of off-coverage on Ruggs. Experience and more patient corners may be able to neutralize him, but Ruggs does have the technical attributes you like in a WR1 and should be featured in perimeter routes as a field stretcher.
#5 Denzel Mims – Baylor (stats)
comp = Brandon Marshall 2019 Highlights
High flying deep threat who excels at acrobatic contested catches. Many will wonder if his contested catches are the result of his inability to create separation, but Mims is able to create just enough separation in several different ways. He’s fantastic at changing direction and speeds throughout his route to lull his defender just enough. He’ll most likely need a quality quarterback to contribute right away, one not afraid to throw into tight spaces.
#6 Laviska Shenault Jr. – Colorado (stats)
comp = Julio Jones Highlights
All purpose Weapon. Can line up all over the field at various WR spots and even in the back field as a runner. The biggest concern will be his injury history with three surgeries in one year. He’s 6’0″ and 227, so plenty of strength and build to take on NFL defenses. Colorado made every effort to get the ball in his hands in a variety of ways, so Shenault is an exciting talent with the upside of a Julio Jones or Dez Bryant.
#7 Michael Pittman Jr. – USC (stats)
comp = Mike Williams 2019 Highlights
#8 Bryan Edwards – South Carolina (stats)
comp = Javon Walker 2019 Highlights
#9 – Tee Higgins – Clemson (stats)
comp = Hakeem Nicks 2019 Highlights
#10 Quintez Cephus – Wisconsin (stats)
comp = Anquan Boldin 2019 Highlights
#11 Devin Duvernay – Texas (stats)
comp = Randall Cobb 2019 Highlights
#12 Brandon Aiyuk – Arizona State (stats)
comp = Golden Tate 2019 Highlights
#13 Jalen Reagor – TCU (stats)
comp = Brandin Cooks 2019 Highlights
#14 Van Jefferson – Florida (stats)
comp = Julian Edelman 2019 Highlights
#15 Antonio Gandy-Golden – Liberty (stats)
comp = Michael Floyd 2019 Highlights
Sleepers:
KJ Hamler – Penn State (stats) Highlights
Tyler Johnson – Minnesota (stats) Highlights
Jauan Jennings – Tennessee (stats) Career Highlights
Donovan Peoples-Jones – Michigan (stats) Highlights
Lynn Bowden Jr. – Kentucky (stats) Highlights
KJ Hill – Ohio State (stats) Highlights
Tight Ends
Pos. Rank | Player | School | Year | HT | WT |
1 | Harrison Bryant | FAU | Sr | 6-5 | 240 |
2 | Adam Trautman | Dayton | Sr | 6-6 | 253 |
3 | Chase Claypool | Notre Dame | Sr | 6-5 | 229 |
4 | Hunter Bryant | Washington | Jr | 6-2 | 239 |
5 | Brycen Hopkins | Purdue | Sr | 6-5 | 245 |
6 | Cole Kmet | Notre Dame | Jr | 6-5 | 250 |
7 | Devin Asiasi | UCLA | Sr | 6-3 | 279 |
8 | Albert Okwuegbunam | Missouri | Jr | 6-5 | 255 |
9 | Jared Pinkney | Vanderbilt | Sr | 6-4 | 260 |
10 | Thaddeus Moss | LSU | Soph | 6-3 | 249 |
11 | Cheyenne O’Grady | Arkansas | Sr | 6-4 | 256 |
12 | Josiah Deguara | Vanderbilt | Sr | 6-3 | 240 |
#1 Harrison Bryant – FAU (stats)
comp = Hunter Henry 2019 Highlights
Best well rounded TE of the bunch. Is a bit lighter than your typical blocking tight end but his versatility as a pass catcher and sound blocker make him an ideal TE project.
#2 Adam Trautman – Dayton (stats)
comp = Dawson Knox 2019 Highlights
Talented pass catcher (70rec, 916yds, 14TDS in 2019) with great size (6’6″ – 253lbs), just needs to be refined as a traditional blocking TE.
#3 – Chase Claypool – Notre Dame (stats)
comp = Jared Cook 2019 Highlights
Played WR at NDU but is expected to shift to a hybrid TE/WR role.
#4 Hunter Bryant – Washington (stats)
comp = Evan Engram 2019 Highlights
More of a pass catching TE than a traditional dual threat blocker, similar to an Evan Engram role would be best.
#5 Brycen Hopkins – Purdue (stats)
comp = Dustin Keller 2019 Highlights
Encouraging promise as a blocker but needs to refine his pass catching ability, specifically more consistent at the catch.
#6 Cole Kmet – Notre Dame (stats)
comp = Martellus Bennett 2019 Highlights
Needs work as a blocker but shows upside with run after the catch ability.
#7 Devin Asiasi – UCLA (stats)
comp = Alge Crumpler 2019 Highlights
Exciting upside as a deep threat receiving weapon. Very raw, but plenty to work with.
#8 Albert Okwuegbunam – Missouri (stats)
comp = Austin Seferian-Jenkins 2019 Highlights
Tremendous size and strength, but very raw in both passing and blocking phases. Could develop into a TE1 eventually.