2014 Rookie Class Thread

Jarvis Landry locked into the slot?
October, 14, 2014
OCT 14
11:55
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
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The Miami Dolphins played Sunday's game (a loss to the Green Bay Packers) without slot WR Brandon Gibson, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. In his absence, Jarvis Landry stepped up with six catches for 75 yards and a score.

The rookie had seven targets, compared to two for Brian Hartline, and may have secured a steady role going forward.

"He also had a 54-yard return in the first quarter that set up an early field goal," noted ESPN Dolphins reporter James Walker. "Landry made a strong case for more playing time, even when Gibson returns."

Even though he doesn't have an elite skill set, Landry is worth adding to rosters in larger fantasy football formats, especially in PPR leagues:


Matt Williamson
Long-term pickups for Week 7
"Brandon Gibson missed the Week 6 game with injury, but Landry might have already passed him on the depth chart. Not the biggest or the fastest, Landry is just a good football player. He has a nastiness to his game and plays a very physical brand of football at the wide receiver position. Miami is a run-first team, and Landry's blocking will endear him to the coaching staff. Plus, as rookies go, he is quite reliable as a receiver. He uses his body well, is good after the catch and can contort himself for highlight-reel receptions. Landry also was a force as a returner on Sunday, which further showcases his abilities with the ball in his hands. Additionally, Landry led his team in receptions (six) on Sunday. Brian Hartline has capped out, so don't be surprised if that becomes the norm throughout the remainder of the season. Landry has even more value in a dynasty format, but surely he is owned in all such formats already."

Bishop Sankey - RB - Titans
Bishop Sankey rushed 16 times for 56 yards in Tennessee's Week 7 loss to the Redskins.
Sankey committed a brutal drop on his lone target in the passing game. It was a screen where Sankey had room to rack up yards. Sankey could have had an additional 20 yards, but had two runs called back by penalty. Sankey was Tennessee's clear lead runner — Dexter McCluster, Jackie Battle and Leon Washington combined for only nine touches — but Sankey has failed to run away with No. 1 duties in Shonn Greene's (hamstring) absence. He remains an RB3, albeit a solid one, until further notice.

Kelvin Benjamin - WR - Panthers
Kelvin Benjamin caught 3-of-6 targets for 61 yards and a touchdown in Carolina's Week 7 loss to the Packers.
Benjamin's score came deep into garbage time, but was impressive as he skied over Packers CB Tramon Williams in the end zone. Benjamin also boxed out Williams on a nifty grab in the second quarter. Although he's averaging just five catches for 68 yards, Benjamin has now found the end zone in 5-of-7 games. He's a WR2 with weekly WR1 upside. Seattle's Legion of Boom represents a stiff Week 8 test, however.

Paul Richardson - WR - Seahawks
Paul Richardson caught four passes for 33 yards in the Seahawks' Week 7 loss to the Rams.
The rookie receiver saw increased reps following Percy Harvin's departure. He was targeted five times on the day playing in three-wide sets on the outside opposite Jermaine Kearse, with Doug Baldwin in the slot. Richardson is a big-play threat, but won't come into re-draft value in Seattle's run-first offense.
Oct

Jarvis Landry - WR - Dolphins
Jarvis Landry caught four passes for 46 yards in the Dolphins' Week 7 win over the Bears.
Landry has officially moved ahead of Brandon Gibson at slot receiver, as Gibson was a healthy scratch on Sunday. Landry was targeted five times on the afternoon as the No. 3 option in the passing game behind Mike Wallace and Charles Clay. He'll flirt with WR4/5 numbers with Tannehill strong as an intermediate passer.

Brandin Cooks - WR - Saints
Brandin Cooks caught 2-of-3 targets for 23 yards against the Lions' Week 7.
Despite Jimmy Graham only playing about 30 snaps, Cooks was a nonfactor against the Lions. The three targets were his lowest total of the season, and the 23 yards was the second lowest output. Cooks is now averaging 8.17 yards per reception this season. He is a much better play in PPR formats.

Blake Bortles - QB - Jaguars
Blake Bortles completed 17-of-31 passes for 159 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in the Jaguars' Week 7 win over the Browns.
He added five carries for 37 yards, gaining much of it on read-option plays. The third overall pick in May's draft has been incredibly turnover prone -- still making an assortment of bad decisions -- but continues to play with aggressiveness, and the Jags are slowly but surely opening up their offense at the intermediate and deep levels. Bortles will remain a boom-or-bust two-quarterback-league option when the Jags face the tough Dolphins defense in Week 8.

Sammy Watkins - WR - Bills
Sammy Watkins had nine catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's Week 7 comeback win over the Vikings.
Watkins was matched up with Xavier Rhodes for most of the game, but beat Captain Munnerlyn for one of his touchdowns. He scored on a two-yard pass from Kyle Orton to give the Bills a win on the final play of the game. After being held in check by Darrelle Revis last week, Watkins was targeted 14 times and back to being the clear featured receiver. Watkins will be on the WR2 radar for Week 8 against the Jets.

Marqise Lee - WR - Jaguars
Marqise Lee caught a 20-yard pass and gained five yards on two rushing attempts in the Jaguars' Week 7 win over Cleveland.
Lee picked up five yards on an early-game jet sweep, but was stuffed on his other rushing attempt. He split time as a sub-package receiver with Allen Hurns, who finished with one catch for seven yards. Lee remains a Dynasty hold, but he isn't worth owning in 14-team re-draft leagues. He'd need a Cecil Shorts or Allen Robinson injury to be a true 2014 fantasy factor.

Terrance West - RB - Browns
Terrance West rushed five times for eight yards and had no gain on his one reception in the Browns' Week 7 loss to Jacksonville.
The entire Cleveland ground game was bottled up by the Jags, as Ben Tate managed 16-36 on the ground while Isaiah Crowell went 7-18. The Browns did not score a touchdown in the 24-6 defeat. West remains an RB4 in fantasy leagues as a rotating change-of-pace back with Crowell behind clear-cut starter Tate.

Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater completed 15-of-26 passes for 157 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Bills.
Bridgewater was sacked five times behind a Vikings offensive line that lost starting C John Sullivan and RG Vlad Ducasse to injuries. His biggest play was a 38-yard completion to Greg Jennings in the first half, with his touchdown coming on a four-yard bubble screen to Cordarrelle Patterson. Bridgewater's fantasy upside is limited by his supporting cast and the Vikings pass protection issues. He'll have a chance to get back on track in a plus matchup against the Bucs in Week 8.

Allen Robinson - WR - Jaguars
Allen Robinson secured 4-of-7 targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in the Jaguars' Week 7 win over the Browns.
The Jaguars gave Robinson opportunities to make plays downfield this week. He couldn't win a few contested vertical catches, but did break a tackle and go to the house on his 31-yard second-quarter score. Robinson is the most talented wideout in the Jaguars' corps. He's earned weekly WR3 consideration, especially in PPR leagues. Jacksonville will take on Miami's defense next.

Tre Mason - RB - Rams
Tre Mason rushed for 85 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries in the Rams' 28-26, Week 7 win over the Seahawks.
After shining last Monday night on nine snaps, Mason was handed the reins against Seattle, out-touching Benny Cunningham 18-7, while Zac Stacy rode the bench, playing one snap and not registering a touch. It sure looks like a changing of the guard. After picking up 24 yards on his first NFL carry last week, Mason ripped off a 28-yarder Sunday. He found the end zone from six yards out in the first quarter. The Rams are going to ride the "hot hand," and Mason has it. Coach Jeff Fisher likes to ride one back. Mason needs to be owned in all formats.

Kyle Fuller - DB - Bears
Bears CB Kyle Fuller exited Week 7 against the Dolphins with a hip injury and will not return.
Fuller was hurt in the second quarter. He tried loosening the hip up on the stationary bike, but couldn't and is out for the rest of the game. Fluid hips are more important for cornerbacks than any other position. He's day-to-day.

Report: Kyle Fuller suffers broken hand, hip pointer in loss

Posted by Mike Wilkening on October 19, 2014, 9:33 PM EDT
Kyle Fuller
AP
One of the NFL’s top defensive rookies is reportedly on the mend with two injuries suffered in defeat on Sunday.

Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller sustained a broken hand and a hip pointer in Chicago’s 27-14 loss to Miami, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Sunday evening. Veteran Sherrick McManis filled in for Fuller on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Fuller stepped into a bigger role when long-time Bears standout Charles Tillman suffered a season-ending injury in Week Two, and the first-round pick from Virginia Tech quickly proved ready to play. Fuller has intercepted three passes this season, notching 33 tackles.

The Bears (3-4) play at New England next Sunday.

Mettenberger QB LsU set to start for the Titans this week.

V 4
8:03
AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
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Even though the St. Louis Rams upended the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday with Tre Mason leading their backfield (19 carries for 65 yards), coach Jeff Fisher said he isn't prepared to name the rookie his lead back.

"We're gonna continue with the same thing," Fisher said Monday. "I can't tell you who's starting this week."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that, "Fisher said the running back situation remains a week-to-week thing, based in part on scheme and approach."

Of course, Fisher said the same thing last week before giving Mason 19 carries, Benjamin Cunningham four and Zac Stacy zero on Sunday. Reading between the lines, Fisher is looking for a hot hand, and more and more, it looks like Mason is going to be that hot hand:


Nick Wagoner
Tre Mason stakes claim to starting job
"Although all signs point to Mason being the primary ball carrier moving forward, that's not something he's spending much time thinking about. 'I prepare every day like my number is going to be called,' Mason said. 'Coming into the game, my number was called and I just do what I do every day in practice. I think of games as a practice with a lot of people watching.' Based on the recent trend, those people watching will get to see much more of Mason as the season wears on."

Zach Mettenberger - QB - Titans
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the Titans used the bye week to get Zach Mettenberger a lot of plays.
Mettenberger was thrown into the fire right before the bye against the Texans. He started off shaky, but caught fire late, going 20-of-28 for 237 yards with two touchdowns in the second half. Two weeks taking all the first-team reps is encouraging, but we'd be higher on him as a streamer if he didn't have to play at Baltimore in Week 10. It's a very difficult place to play and the Ravens' defense is smarting after getting humiliated at Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football.

Donte Moncrief - WR - Colts
Donte Moncrief played on just nine snaps through 2:57 left in the third quarter of Monday night's win at New York.
Moncrief finished with 25 snaps, but that's irrelevant. Before garbage time, he was out-snapped by Hakeem Nicks 37-9, a maddening number for anyone that has watched Nicks play at all this year. Until the coaches make the move and insert Moncrief as the No. 3 wideout, he won't be a viable fantasy play.

Donte Moncrief - WR - Colts
Donte Moncrief caught just one pass for two yards in the Colts' Week 9 win over the Colts.
Moncrief secured his lone target as he played well behind No. 3 receiver Hakeem Nicks with Reggie Wayne (elbow) back in the lineup as the No. 2 to No. 1 T.Y. Hilton. Moncrief played maybe ten snaps before garbage time. Nicks managed just 3-44-0 on four targets. Moncrief's unpredictable playing time is a major concern for his re-draft value.

Odell Beckham - WR - Giants
Odell Beckham caught eight passes for 156 yards in the Giants' Week 9 blowout loss to the Colts on Monday night.
Beckham and Rueben Randle each saw a team-high 11 targets. The rookie was easily the lone star for the Giants on the night in the beatdown. His biggest play was a 59-yard catch-and-run as he slalomed up the right sideline to eventually set up Andre Williams' one-yard touchdown two plays later. After an extremely frustrating summer that saw ODB miss the entire training camp because of a hamstring injury, Beckham has put it behind him to be the star of the Giants' offense. He plays at a different speed and has incredible hands. Beckham has WR2 upside the remainder of the year.

Tre Mason - RB - Rams
Coach Jeff Fisher said the Rams will continue to use a committee approach at running back.
Give it up. It's the same tune coach has been singing every Monday. And it's crystal clear that Tre Mason is the far superior talent in the Rams' backfield. Mason handled 19 of the 23 running-back carries against San Francisco, while Benny Cunningham played third downs and Zac Stacy rode the bench. However, Fisher insists Mason missed some holes and continues to say Stacy will remain a big part of the offense. Look for Mason to get most of the work Week 10 vs. Arizona.

Martavis Bryant - WR - Steelers
Martavis Bryant played on 37-of-72 snaps (51.3 percent) in Sunday night's win over the Ravens.
It's a season-high in both snaps and snap percentage for Bryant, who just made his NFL debut in Week 7. Over the last three weeks, he's piled up 10-167-5 and is riding back-to-back two-touchdown games. We're not expecting him to unseat Markus Wheaton (39 snaps) completely, especially with the Steelers offense humming at historic levels. But Bryant has clearly earned a major role, especially in the red zone. Even at just 50-60 percent of the snaps, he's on the WR3 radar in plus matchups -- like Week 10 against the Jets' anemic secondary.

Kyle Van Noy - LB - Lions
Lions activated SLB Kyle Van Noy (abdominal) off IR/designation to return.
The rich get richer up front. Van Noy, second-round rookie out of BYU, was ticketed for significant rotational snaps before going down in the preseason. He'll ramp back up now.

Charles Sims - RB - Buccaneers
Bucs GM Jason Licht said Charles Sims is very likely to make his NFL debut in Sunday's game against the Falcons.
Sims did not dress in Week 9 as the third-round rookie had limited practice time under his belt. The coaches should be much more comfortable with him this week. We'd still expect Bobby Rainey to start and handle the majority of touches if Doug Martin (ankle) sits, but Sims should mix in on a lot of passing downs and then begin to earn more base work from there. He remains a must-stash as a running back that could be featured toward the end of the season.

Martavis Bryant - WR - Steelers
Martavis Bryant caught three passes for 44 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday night's win over the Ravens.
Bryant now has five touchdowns in the three games he's been active. He was targeted just five times this week, with both of his scores coming from inside the 20-yard line. Bryant has emerged as the Steelers' biggest red-zone threat and should continue to see an expanded role. He's worth targeting on waivers in leagues where he's still available.

Terrance West - RB - Browns
Following Sunday's win over the Bucs, coach Mike Pettine said Terrance West has "earned those touches."
We knew West had surged ahead of Isaiah Crowell, but Sunday showed that he's pushing ahead of an ineffective Ben Tate. West out-touched Tate 16-14 and shined in pass pro. "When you looked at the tape and really compared the three, we feel he's really coming on," Pettine said. Expect the RBBC to continue here, but West is tilting toward the top of the pile. The Browns face the Bengals on Thursday night.

Paul Richardson - WR - Seahawks
Paul Richardson secured 3-of-5 targets for 12 yards in the Seahawks' Week 9 win over the Raiders.
The second-round pick was bottled up every time he touched the ball on offense. Despite scintillating speed and a prominent role as Seattle's No. 3 receiver, Richardson offers no better than boom-or-bust WR4 value in fantasy leagues. And that might even be a stretch. Richardson would be no more than a hail mary bye-week filler in Week 10 against the Giants.

Carlos Hyde - RB - 49ers
Carlos Hyde rushed two times for 17 yards and had one catch for five yards in the 49ers' Week 9 loss to the Rams.
Hyde made a nice one-handed grab on his only catch, and looked explosive on a 13-yard run. Hyde has looked good enough to be a big-time fantasy asset if ever given the starting job, but he is still clearly behind Frank Gore in the running back pecking order. Through eight games Hyde is on pace for 100 carries for 356 yards and four touchdowns.

Derek Carr - QB - Raiders
Derek Carr completed 24-of-41 throws for 194 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in the Raiders' Week 9 loss to the Seahawks.

Carr threw two first-half interceptions, one to Richard Sherman and another to Bruce Irvin, who made a spectacular play and broke tackles en route to the end zone for a 35-yard pick six. Showing a short memory, Carr rallied back the Raiders to within six points in the second half, connecting with Mychal Rivera on a pair of one-yard touchdowns. Although Carr has easily been the most impressive rookie quarterback in the NFL this season, the Raiders will enter a Week 10 date with Denver at 0-8. Carr's supporting cast simply isn't strong enough for him to be viewed as more than a boom-or-bust option in two-QB leagues.

Tre Mason - RB - Rams
Tre Mason rushed 19 times for 65 yards in the Rams' shocking Week 9 win over the 49ers.
The stat line is not impressive, but the workload was. Mason received 19 of the 23 running-back carries while dominating the early-down snaps. He even saw some work on third down, making a nice block on a third-down conversion in the first quarter. The Rams have apparently realized Mason gives them the best chance to win now and in the future. He should get the majority of the work going forward, and will be an interesting RB2 the rest of the season.

Jordan Matthews - WR - Eagles
Jordan Matthews caught three passes for 40 yards with a touchdown in Sunday's Week 9 win at Houston.
Matthews burned Texans CB Dre Hall out of the slot for a pretty 11-yard touchdown from Mark Sanchez in the second quarter. However, he saw just four targets -- a low since Week 2. Even though the Eagles aren't thrilled with Riley Cooper outside (see Vincent Jackson trade attempt), no one outside of Jeremy Maclin is featured in this scheme. Matthews is an up-and-down WR4 heading into Week 10 against the Panthers. The second-round rookie is on pace for 64 catches, 626 yards and six touchdowns.

Allen Robinson - WR - Jaguars
Allen Robinson caught four passes for 35 yards in the Jaguars' Week 9 loss to the Bengals.
Robinson was targeted eight times mostly on short routes to try and take advantage of his post-catch running ability. It didn't translate to any big gains, and Allen Hurns was the deep-threat on the opposite side. Robinson has monster upside, but these games will happen. He's merely a WR4 in re-draft, though his Dynasty ceiling is about as high as they come. The Jaguars get the Cowboys in London next Sunday.

Jarvis Landry - WR - Dolphins
Jarvis Landry caught five passes for 46 yards and one touchdown in the Dolphins' Week 9 win over the Chargers.
Landry was targeted six times and has emerged as the clear No. 2 receiver to Mike Wallace. He's so much better as a real-life player who runs great routes and knows how to get open. Landry capped off the Dolphins' 37-0 win by scoring from 14 yards out late in the third quarter. He did a great job post-catch to sneak inside the front left pylon. Landry is merely a WR4/5.

Allen Hurns - WR - Jaguars
Allen Hurns caught seven passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the Jaguars' Week 9 loss to the Bengals.
Hurns was targeted a team-high nine times. He made the plays on his two touchdowns with both throws from Blake Bortles being badly underthrown. Hurns roasted Leon Hall on his 40-yard touchdown but had to legit stop to make the catch. Hall ran right by him at the goal line. Hurns then caught an 18-yard score that easily could have been intercepted. Hurns is going to have these blowup games, but is nothing more than a WR5 as the No. 3 receiver.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins - TE - Buccaneers
Austin Seferian-Jenkins managed one catch for three yards in the Bucs' Week 9 loss to the Browns.
He was targeted only three times. The Bucs need to get more from their underneath and over-the-middle pass catchers with Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans commanding so much attention on the perimeter. So far, ASJ has yet to step up to the plate. He'll be a weak TE1 streamer when Tampa faces Atlanta next.

Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater completed 26-of-42 passes for 268 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's Week 9 win over the Redskins.
Bridgewater badly overthrew a wide open Cordarrelle Patterson early on and showed little chemistry on deep balls, but made good decisions and moved the football. He added three rushes for 20 yards. Bridgewater continues to profile as a bit of a game manager, failing to throw more than one TD pass in a game all year and averaging just 11.1 yards per completion. It keeps him as a weak QB2 as the Vikings head into their bye.

Blake Bortles - QB - Jaguars
Blake Bortles completed 22-of-33 passes for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the Jaguars' 33-23, Week 9 loss to the Bengals.
The stat line was prettier than Bortles' actual play. He could have easily thrown four interceptions, but Bengals LB Emmanuel Lamur dropped three of them. Bortles' lone pick was a horrible toss into triple-coverage in the end zone late in the fourth quarter with the Jaguars trying to mount their comeback. His two touchdowns, both going to Allen Hurns, were really bad underthrows Hurns had to come back for. The Jaguars "host" the Cowboys in London in Week 10 before going on their bye week.

Mike Evans - WR - Buccaneers
Mike Evans busted out for seven catches, 124 yards, and two touchdowns in the Bucs' Week 9 loss to Cleveland.
The Buccaneers attacked Buster Skrine and K'Waun Williams, with Evans recording a 24-yard touchdown against each. OC Marcus Arroyo promisingly made use of his big wide receivers, giving both Evans and Vincent Jackson opportunities to make plays in the air. They did, but particularly Evans, who was the star on Tampa Bay's side. Keep in mind Evans just turned 21 in August. He's got an incredibly bright future. Through eight games -- with one missed due to an injury -- Evans is on pace for a 64-920-8 stat line during his rookie year.

Terrance West - RB - Browns
Terrance West rushed 15 times for 48 yards and caught a two-yard touchdown in the Browns' Week 9 win over the Buccaneers.
Although Ben Tate got the start, West led the team with 16 touches to Tate's 14, and Isaiah Crowell didn't play a solitary offensive snap. West was the Browns' primary back for almost all of the second half, with Tate managing three yards on ten carries. West also deserves credit for some big-time blitz pickups. The Browns' running game is stuck in mud, but West suddenly offers flex value based strictly on volume. Expect Cleveland to continue to use an RBBC when it faces Cincinnati on Thursday night.

Second-half expectations for Bridgewater
November, 4, 2014
NOV 4
2:48
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
20COMMENTS0EMAILPRINT
During Sunday's tilt between the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins, rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater threw a deep ball to a wide open Cordarrelle Patterson that missed him by several feet. It was emblematic of their inability to connect in recent weeks, and coach Mike Zimmer spread the blame around on both of them.

“Teddy was expecting it to be a little more inside,” Zimmer said, per the Star-Tribune. “So it was more of a miscommunication than anything else. Obviously he should have hit it. But I think maybe Cordarrelle could have done a better job of catching it, too.”

Zimmer added that, "It’s nothing between the two [off the field]. We’re not precise enough in a lot of areas. We’re trying to get Cordarrelle involved in the offense. We’d love for him to be involved but guys have to make sure that they are in the right places all the time.”

Bridgewater hasn't been shy about targeting Patterson, but they haven't connected often. In five games as the starter, Bridgewater has targeted Patterson 35 times, but the receiver has just 13 receptions for 157 yards and a score.

Bridgewater carries plenty of fantasy upside as we roll into the second half of the season, especially if he and Patterson can get on the same page:


Matt Williamson
Long-term pickups for Week 10
"The game seems to be slowing down for Bridgewater. He has been jittery and frenetic in the pocket, but is now showing calmer feet as he gains experience and confidence at this level. The Vikings' offensive line remains a problem area somewhat surprisingly, especially at left tackle, but Bridgewater is playing tough in the pocket and has weapons to throw to -- although Cordarrelle Patterson remains an enigma. This is an up-and-coming team with an exceptional young nucleus and strong coaching staff. (Keep in mind there's also still a chance Adrian Peterson returns this season, further bolstering the Vikings' offensive attack.) Bridgewater is now playing better than his fantasy numbers indicate and is more accurate with his ball placement, but it might not be long before that balances out. It should also be noted that he has attempted 42 passes in each of his past two games and hasn't thrown an interception during that stretch. Bridgewater started this game slowly and still struggles with deep-ball accuracy, but Minnesota's coaching staff is starting to trust him more and more. After Minnesota's bye next week, they face the Bears, Packers, Panthers and Jets, which could lead to a lot of passing by Bridgewater ... and quality numbers."

http://blog.startribune.com/sports/randball/a-well-reasoned-look-at-why-the-vikings-anthony-barr-leads-the-pack-as-nfls-top-defensive-rookie

A well-reasoned look at why the Vikings' Anthony Barr leads the pack as NFL's top defensive rookie
Posted by: Michael Rand Updated November 5th at 4:20pm 281666461 0 comments
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barrThe Raiders’ Khalil Mack has generated a lot of buzz as a top contender for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but SB Nation’s Stephen White has a nice look at why he’s more impressed by another linebacker — the Vikings’ Anthony Barr:
The results (for Mack) have been encouraging but they have also not been earth-shattering either. Yeah, Mack is rushing better, but he still hasn’t recorded a sack. Yes, he is a hitting machine who goes from sideline to sideline like a heat-seeking missile, but he still hasn’t forced a fumble so far this season. I guess what I’m saying is, yeah I see the potential like everybody else, but that’s mostly all there is right now — potential. Let’s at least agree that actual production should matter a lot in who gets picked for Defensive Rookie Of The Year, no?
Which brings me to the guy I would have expected to be getting showered with the love that Mack has been getting, Minnesota Vikings rookie linebacker Anthony Barr. … Vikings head coach/defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer knows exactly how to use Barr’s talents to the fullest. But it’s not just that they are putting Barr in a position to succeed, the rookie is doing his part by making the most of the spots he is put in. When it comes to making big plays, Barr has been a weapon for his team.
If you are asking me what I want to see from a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, I’m going to tell you I want to see them make splash plays. I assume that if they were picked that high they should be able to make the routine plays routinely. What nobody can ever know for sure, however, is if those high draft picks will be able to make the spectacular plays, the rare plays that only the best of the best players can make. Based on what I have seen so far, Barr has done a lot more to impress me as the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Well-said. There is still plenty of season yet to be played, but we agree that Barr is the front-runner at this point.

OV 7
2:27
PM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN Insider
30COMMENTS0EMAILPRINT
With an 0-8 record, the Oakland Raiders don't have much hope for their short-term future. However, they have one bright light in the form of rookie linebacker Khalil Mack, who has lived entirely up to the hype that comes with being the fifth overall pick in the draft.

Despite his team's losing ways, Mack has been good enough to receive high-end praise.

Per ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson, ESPN NFL analyst Merril Hoge believes Mack already is the most complete linebacker in the game.

"I think he is going to be one of the most complete, dominant linebackers we've ever seen," Hoge said. "He is just a phenomenal football player. I've never seen a linebacker make this type of easy transition to the NFL."

The Raiders square off against the high-powered Denver Broncos offense this weekend, so even Mack will have his hands full. Still, there should be an intriguing matchup between Mack and Julius Thomas, because Mack has looked promising when battling tight ends thus far:


Adam Caplan
Early returns on Raiders' Mack are promising
"When the Oakland Raiders selected Khalil Mack with their first-round pick earlier this year, the thought in league circles was that he might struggle a bit as a linebacker in the Raiders' 4-3 defensive scheme since he played in a 3-4 in college. And some executives said prior to the draft that he seemed to lack coverage instincts on tape. However, a source who studied his game tape recently while doing some advanced scouting said that the first-year player had been one of the most impressive rookies he's seen on tape so far this season. What stood out? His pass-rushing ability was first and foremost, but he's improved at setting the edge against the run and his ability to cover tight ends might be his most surprising attribute, according to the source."

I love Mack, however, as the 5th overall pick, he has no sacks, no int's, and no ff's. I highly doubt Merril Hoge would be as positive if he were say............ a Jet. He's been a beast against the run so far though.

Just for fun @ a rough time, who would you like on the Jets in this years draft class. Top 3:

1) Kelvin Benjamin WR / Panthers - He's a faster than I thought 6'5" freak that snatches and fights for the ball. I thought he was average @ Florida State.
2) Korey Fuller CB / Bears - This kid is a good CB when healthy (who does that sound like).
3) Odell Beckham Jr. WR / Giants - Did anyone see that wild reverse catch he caught in practice. This was my pick for the Jets but the Giants jumped us.
Those are the 3 that pop into my head.

Go Jets...Cyborg

cysporsche wrote:Just for fun @ a rough time, who would you like on the Jets in this years draft class. Top 3:

1) Kelvin Benjamin WR / Panthers - He's a faster than I thought 6'5" freak that snatches and fights for the ball. I thought he was average @ Florida State.
2) Korey Fuller CB / Bears - This kid is a good CB when healthy (who does that sound like).
3) Odell Beckham Jr. WR / Giants - Did anyone see that wild reverse catch he caught in practice. This was my pick for the Jets but the Giants jumped us.
Those are the 3 that pop into my head.

Go Jets...Cyborg

There's no way Sammy Watkins wouldn't be at the top of my list, but he was an unrealistic target.

If we're just talking about first rd:

1) Fuller CB Va-Tech
2) Cooks WR Oreg St
3) Deone Bucannon S Wash St

Mike Evans - WR - Buccaneers
Mike Evans caught seven passes for 125 yards and one touchdown in the Bucs' 27-17, Week 10 loss to the Falcons.
A week after going 7-124-2 against Cleveland, Evans was targeted nine times while working mostly against RCB Robert Alford. He out-leaped the cornerback for a 22-yard touchdown in the side of the end zone in the second quarter before later reeling in a 34-yard grab on the sideline, doing an excellent job of getting both feet in bounds. He does such a great job of winning by using his 6-foot-5, 231-pound frame. With five touchdowns in his last five games, Evans is in the WR2 conversation with the Panthers up next.

Bruce Ellington - WR - 49ers
49ers WR/KR Bruce Ellington sustained an ankle injury in Sunday's Week 10 win at New Orleans and did not return.
The 49ers did not update Ellington's status after the game. The fourth-round rookie has 5-54-1 on the season.

John Brown - WR - Cardinals
John Brown caught five passes for 73 yards and one touchdown in the Cardinals' Week 10 win over the Rams.
Brown was targeted nine times, just one behind Larry Fitzgerald for the team lead. Meanwhile, Michael Floyd caught just 1-of-4 targets. As guest analyst and current Colts QB Matt Hasselbeck pointed out as a guest analyst, Brown is running all the T.Y. Hilton routes in Bruce Arians' offense. Brown has the highest upside in Arizona's pass game. He's a weekly WR4 dart-toss.

Paul Richardson - WR - Seahawks
Paul Richardson did not catch a pass in Sunday's Week 10 win over the Giants.
The first target that came Richardson's way was picked off and the second one was at his feet in the end zone. The speedy yet undersized No. 3 receiver has a total of five catches for 32 yards in the three games since the Percy Harvin trade.

Cody Latimer - WR - Broncos
Broncos rookie WR Cody Latimer recorded his first NFL catch in Week 10 against the Raiders, gaining nine yards.
He got a garbage-time catch with Brock Osweiler in the game. The 56th overall pick in May's draft, Latimer has been a healthy scratch for several games so far this season. The promising 22-year-old still carries plenty of Dynasty value.

Derek Carr - QB - Raiders
Derek Carr completed 30-of-47 passes for 192 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in the Raiders' Week 10 loss to Denver.
Although the Raiders were mostly competitive for the initial quarter and a half of this game, it wasn't because of their offense. The Raiders went three-and-out on five of their first eight possessions and couldn't even rack up many yards in garbage time. Oakland will face San Diego next. Carr touched up the Chargers for four touchdown passes in those teams' Week 6 meeting, but has fallen off since. Carr will be a low-end two-quarterback-league play.

Odell Beckham - WR - Giants
Odell Beckham caught seven passes for 108 yards in Sunday's 38-17 Week 10 loss at Seattle.
In Seattle where wideouts typically go to die, Beckham was truly impressive. He beat Richard Sherman on a double-move early on for a pretty 44-yard catch and continued to win 1-on-1 battles against all of Seattle's corners from there. Over the last three weeks, Beckham has totaled 19 catches for 298 yards with two touchdowns. The No. 13 overall pick is even better than advertised and will be Eli Manning's go-to guy against the 49ers in Week 11. ODB is a WR2 weekly now.

Brandin Cooks - WR - Saints
Brandin Cooks caught 5-of-8 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans' Week 10 loss to the 49ers.
Cooks ran right by 49ers slot CB Jimmie Ward in the second quarter, ringing up his second receiving touchdown in three games. Cooks has been much more productive at home this season, so it's good news for his owners that the Saints will remain in New Orleans through Week 12. Cooks will be an upside WR3 against the Bengals next Sunday.

Jarvis Landry - WR - Dolphins
Jarvis Landry caught 7-of-10 targets for 53 yards in Miami's Week 10 loss to the Lions.
Landry's 10 targets led the team, while the seven catches were the most of his young NFL career. Landry has blown by Brian Hartline for No. 2 duties, but limited to check downs and chain-moving looks, he's nothing more than a WR4/5 for re-draft purposes.

Carlos Hyde - RB - 49ers
Carlos Hyde rushed four times for 36 yards and a touchdown in San Francisco's Week 10 loss to the Saints.
Hyde churned out nine rugged yards on his first-quarter touchdown, but didn't see the ball again until overtime. Hyde ripped off gains of 15, nine and three in the extra period. He remains an unpredictable, touchdown-dependent bet behind Frank Gore, but Hyde should be owned in all 12-14 team leagues for the season's stretch run.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins - TE - Buccaneers
Austin Seferian-Jenkins caught five passes for 30 yards and one touchdown in
ASJ was targeted nine times. He cashed in from one yard away for his second career touchdown. But also took a dumb penalty by using the football as a prop in his end-zone celebration, costing the team 15 yards. ASJ remains a mid-range TE2 with a much higher ceiling that we likely won't see until 2015.

Sammy Watkins - WR - Bills
Sammy Watkins had just four catches for 27 yards in Sunday's Week 10 loss to Kansas City.
Watkins was targeted a team-high 10 times, but didn't appear fully over his groin issue. He remained the clear featured player on offense despite playing injured. On a short week, Watkins will have a difficult matchup on Thursday night against Dolphins CB Brent Grimes. He'll be just a borderline WR2 option.

Allen Robinson - WR - Jaguars
Allen Robinson caught 5-of-10 targets for 60 yards and a two-point conversion against the Cowboys in London Week 10.
Robinson only caught 50% of his targets, but that was more on Blake Bortles than the rookie wide out. Bortles did not put the ball in the correct spot for Robinson to make plays, often throwing to the wrong shoulder in tight coverage. Robinson has dominated targets for Jacksonville this season, and is a great player to target for the fantasy playoffs. The Jaguars get the Texans, Ravens, Titans and Texans again Weeks 14 thorough 17.

Martavis Bryant - WR - Steelers
Martavis Bryant caught four passes for 143 yards with one touchdown in Sunday's Week 10 loss to the Jets.
Bryant was a rotational player once again, playing about half the snaps as expected. When the Steelers were forced to go back to their no-huddle, he was not on the field as the rookie does not know the offense well enough. But the day was saved in garbage time as Bryant outran a Jets secondary that had given up on the play for an 80-yard bomb. He'll be a boom-or-bust WR3 against the Titans in Week 11.

Charles Sims - RB - Buccaneers
Making his NFL debut, Charles Sims rushed for 23 yards on eight carries in the Bucs' Week 10 loss to the Falcons.
He added two catches for 17 yards, but also lost a fumble on his seventh carry. The Bucs didn't go away from the rookie, however, and he and Bobby Rainey each received 10 touches. Rainey managed 60 yards. But neither looked great, with Rainey doing "damage" in garbage time. With Doug Martin (ankle) possibly entering the mix next week in Washington, it's now a muddy backfield. Sims can line up out wide and play all three downs like Rainey, but is a current-regime draft pick. They'll wanna see what he can do.

Blake Bortles - QB - Jaguars
Blake Bortles completed 22-of-37 passes for 290 yards and an interception Week 10 against the Cowboys.
The numbers do not look terrible, but Bortles struggled with accuracy all game. He routinely threw to the wrong shoulder of his receivers, and threw to no one on a couple occasions. He only turned the ball over once, though, and was sacked once after taking 19 during his first 7 games. Bortles will face the Colts Week 12 following the Jaguars' bye week.

Jace Amaro - TE - Jets
Jace Amaro caught two passes for six yards with a touchdown in Sunday's Week 10 win over the Steelers.
Amaro's touchdown came when Mike Vick hung in the pocket, hung in the pocket some more, and then found his rookie tight end in the back of the end zone from five yards out. Amaro also was featured plenty, tying for the team-high with five targets and getting a 20-yard reception called back by a questionable penalty against Jeff Cumberland. A smooth mover and red-zone target, Amaro will be a decent desperation kind of TE2 when the Jets come out of their bye against the Bills.

Zach Mettenberger - QB - Titans
Zach Mettenberger completed 16-of-27 passes for 179 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the Titans' Week 10 loss to Baltimore.
The Titans got off to a fast start in the first quarter as Mettenberger connected on gains of 17, 17, 17, 15, and 15 to a wide variety of pass catchers. His lone touchdown came in the initial frame on a three-yard shovel pass to Leon Washington. The Titans wouldn't convert another first down until midway through the fourth quarter, however, as coach Ken Whisenhunt called a miserably conservative game, and Mettenberger held onto the ball far too long, taking five sacks. Mettenberger won't even be an option in two-quarterback leagues when the Titans face the Steelers in Week 10.

Bishop Sankey rushed 17 times for 58 yards and caught three balls for 19 yards in the Titans' Week 10 loss to the Ravens.
Shonn Greene was benched after an early goal-line fumble, and Dexter McCluster suffered a knee injury, never to return. So Sankey was largely an every-down back against Baltimore, and showed some chain-moving ability while handling 20 touches as coach Ken Whisenhunt called a brutally conservative game. Sankey is a solid prospect, but isn't quite as quick as he was billed to be coming out of the University of Washington, and doesn't run with much power. He runs like a less-aggressive Knowshon Moreno. Sankey will continue to be an underwhelming flex option when the Titans take on the Steelers in Week 11. Nov 9 - 4:20 PM

Allen Hurns - WR - Jaguars
Jaguars WR Allen Hurns exited Week 10 against the Cowboys after suffering a concussion.
Hurns took a big hit to the helmet from Cowboys LB Anthony Hitchens. He stayed down on the field for a couple minutes before walking off under his own power. Hurns caught 1-of-2 targets for nine yards before leaving.

Beckham is sick.

Yeah, I was praying the Jets would take ODB. Have to think he wouldn't have gotten past Idzik. Was really a surprise when the Giants took him at #12. I wonder if we took Pryor as much because certain players we were betting on didn't fall to us and he was a last-minute decision?

This WR class is amazing. Watkins, Evans, ODB, Cooks, and Robinson have all looked like big time producers as rookies...they all have the chance to be really special over time.

There are lot of WRs still waiting to get a chance. I think Adams, Moncreif, Ellington, Latimer, and Lee are all going to get shots at producing more next year. Adams, Moncreif, and Lee have already shown flashes.

I wonder about Pryor being another victim of Rex thrusting a young highly drafted player into the lineup before they deserve it.  In a relater matter, are we also seeing the Idzik competition mantra finally playing out in the defensive secondary?  I love some of these young unheralded players stepping up when given the opportunity. Positions should be earned, not some entitlement as Rex has so often provided. Pryor will get the message and eventually be the impact SS that we drafted, probably not this year though.  I believe that Hyatt has it correct with regards to SS's in that it takes a couple of years for an impact.  So its' way too early for the many people who are calling bust.

Seahawks impressed by Odell Beckham

Posted by Josh Alper on November 10, 2014, 6:38 AM EST
New York Giants v Seattle Seahawks
Getty Images
The Seahawks rolled over the Giants in the fourth quarter on Sunday, breaking open a tight game and waltzing away with a 38-17 victory on their home field.

One of the plays that put the game firmly in Seattle’s pocket was an Earl Thomas interception in the end zone on a pass that Giants quarterback Eli Manning tried to get to rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham. Beckham was well covered by Richard Sherman, though, and the ball came late from Manning, leading to the interception and the end of the chances for a Giant upset.

That was a negative moment for Beckham, but it was the only one on the day. Beckham got the better of Sherman for much of the day and finished with seven catches for 108 yards as the only dynamic offensive option for the Giants Offense. His play left the Seahawks impressed. Coach Pete Carroll said Beckham is “a great one” and Sherman said the Giants were right to try to get the ball to Beckham whenever they can.

“Beckham is a great player,” Sherman said, via NJ.com. “They have to depend on him. They have to take risks. They have to take shots in a game like this. That was his shot [on the interception]. He was able to get one earlier, which was a great play by him. Unfortunately, they weren’t about to get this.”

The Giants season is headed for the dumpster, but Beckham’s arrival will always remain a bright spot in 2014 because it looks like the Giants have obtained a game-changing receiver to build their offense around in 2015 and beyond.

Superman55 wrote:

cysporsche wrote:Just for fun @ a rough time, who would you like on the Jets in this years draft class. Top 3:

1) Kelvin Benjamin WR / Panthers - He's a faster than I thought 6'5" freak that snatches and fights for the ball. I thought he was average @ Florida State.
2) Korey Fuller CB / Bears - This kid is a good CB when healthy (who does that sound like).
3) Odell Beckham Jr. WR / Giants - Did anyone see that wild reverse catch he caught in practice. This was my pick for the Jets but the Giants jumped us.
Those are the 3 that pop into my head.

Go Jets...Cyborg

There's no way Sammy Watkins wouldn't be at the top of my list, but he was an unrealistic target.

If we're just talking about first rd:

1) Fuller CB Va-Tech
2) Cooks WR Oreg St
3) Deone Bucannon S Wash St

In my mock last year, I have Beckham Jr. #1, Saferian-Jenkins TE 2nd & Buchanon CB in the 3rd round.

Go Jets...Cyborg

cysporsche wrote:

Superman55 wrote:

cysporsche wrote:Just for fun @ a rough time, who would you like on the Jets in this years draft class. Top 3:

1) Kelvin Benjamin WR / Panthers - He's a faster than I thought 6'5" freak that snatches and fights for the ball. I thought he was average @ Florida State.
2) Korey Fuller CB / Bears - This kid is a good CB when healthy (who does that sound like).
3) Odell Beckham Jr. WR / Giants - Did anyone see that wild reverse catch he caught in practice. This was my pick for the Jets but the Giants jumped us.
Those are the 3 that pop into my head.

Go Jets...Cyborg

There's no way Sammy Watkins wouldn't be at the top of my list, but he was an unrealistic target.

If we're just talking about first rd:

1) Fuller CB Va-Tech
2) Cooks WR Oreg St
3) Deone Bucannon S Wash St

In my mock last year, I have Beckham Jr. #1, Saferian-Jenkins TE 2nd & Buchanon CB in the 3rd round.

Go Jets...Cyborg

Well, Buchannon went 1st rd and was the best safety in the draft...as I (and HYATT) predicted.

Buchannon had more career INTs in the pac 12 than Ha-Ha and Pryor had combined. Dude was a stud. Not sure how scouts missed out on him (I felt the same way about Trufant the year before, then he sky rocketed also).

ODB turned out amazing, Amaro looks better than ASJ so far, but AJS will be better next year, IMO.

I think I had Dennard CB, Moncreif WR, and CFed TE...

Dennard is the Bengals #4, Moncreif is the Colts #4, and CFed has been hurt all year...all 3 would be starters for us today though but CFed, because he got hurt...just like McDougle.


I wanted TJ Ward at safety for us.

Superman55 wrote:Mettenberger QB LsU set to start for the Titans this week.

I think the future play of Zack Mettenberger QB with the Titans is key towards the Jets draft next year. We know the Raiders will stick with Carr, and the Jags with Bortles, so that leaves the Bucs & Titans as the only bottom 5 teams needing a QB. The Rams will be looking QB if Davis crashes & burns in the 2nd half of the season.

I know Mel Kiper currently has Winston in the mid first round simply because of off the field issues; however, if Winston continues to carry Florida State on his shoulders, and wins another Heisman Trophy Award, he could pass Mariota in his draft status ?

I still hate the fact that we will be drafting another QB with our 1st round pick.

Go Jets...Cyborg

cysporsche wrote:

Superman55 wrote:Mettenberger QB LsU set to start for the Titans this week.

I think the future play of Zack Mettenberger QB with the Titans is key towards the Jets draft next year. We know the Raiders will stick with Carr, and the Jags with Bortles, so that leaves the Bucs & Titans as the only bottom 5 teams needing a QB. The Rams will be looking QB if Davis crashes & burns in the 2nd half of the season.

I know Mel Kiper currently has Winston in the mid first round simply because of off the field issues; however, if Winston continues to carry Florida State on his shoulders, and wins another Heisman Trophy Award, he could pass Mariota in his draft status ?

I still hate the fact that we will be drafting another QB with our 1st round pick.

Go Jets...Cyborg

I dont feel Winston is a better draft prospect.  I really don't.

Throw in cursing out fans, coaches, and the dean of the college leading him to be kicked out of over 20 practices, as well as being up on a sexual assault case (currently) after being up for rape...no way Idzik draft's this Rae Carruth clone...

Joe Caporoso @TurnOnTheJets · 1h 1 hour ago
Confused by people who say Pryor is a bust after 10 games but say to wait on calling Amaro a good player/pick. Seems contradictory. #Jets