Cody Folden

Rookie Spotlight: Chase Brown

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Rookie Spotlight: Chase Brown

By: Cody Folden

 

Another rookie spotlight where the player was an absolute weapon for his team. Chase Brown out of Illinois was a complete menace. A 5-year player, 1 at Western Michigan and 4 at Illinois, Brown racked up 676 carries for 3,558 yards in his career. Brown attended the combine and ran a 4.43 40 and a 1.53 10-yard split. He also accrued 9 straight games with over 100 yards rushing in 2022. It would have been 11 straight if it was for week 10 at Purdue where he ran for 98 yards. This year, he was impressive, averaging 5 yards per carry(328 carries on the year) and 8.9 yards per reception. Now you know his stats, let's get into the prospect. 

 

Positives

 

Workhorse

 

As stated above, during his 5-year career in college he had 676 carries. In Chase Brown's 2022 campaign, he amassed 328 carries alone. Brown was the Illinois offense in some games. In 10 out of his 12 games, he reached over 20 attempts and he was a walking first down. Brown has great vision, balance, and footwork that makes him feel like he plays at 220. He isn’t the best a breaking tackles, but he always falls forward. Only two players beat him in 2022 for more yards from scrimmage, Deuce Vaughn (1936) and Bijan Robinson (1894).

 

Play Action Game

 

With 328 carries in a season, in this modern college game, you are going to see a lot of stacked boxes on the defense. One thing Brown does brilliantly is his ability to fake that he has the ball. His quarterback, Tommy Devito, and Brown knew what they were doing. They could get the defender to take a step forward and give the offense the advantage in the passing game. Brown specifically has great technique with the ball fake. Creating opportunities for his teammates to shine. 

 

Receiving 

 

Illinois underutilized Brown in the receiving game. He had a career 58 receptions with 521 yards and 3 TDs. Chase Brown is a weapon in the open field and the hope is this gets utilized more in the NFL. Routes out of the backfield are a definite piece of his game that he excels at. He has a good plant foot. If the defender isn’t directly running at him and he can make them guess. He wins.

Negatives

 

Age

Some may not like that he played 5 years, or that he is already 22, turning 23 during the NFL season. Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, Javonte Williams, and Tyler Allgeier are the only backs younger than that have a prominent role. He is seasoned in college and the play style of Illinois will help him transition into the NFL.

 

Ball Security

 

 On film, he had a few issues last year keeping the ball secure. Brown was sometimes late switching to the correct hand and after the initial contact, it seems like he is conceding on the play, loosening his grip and bracing for more contact.

 

Run after contact 

 

This is the biggest issue. Breaking tackles is very important and if initial contact was made, he is more than likely going down. Did he break tackles in games? Yes, but those are the obvious attempts where you only get a hand or arm on him and don’t trip up the ball carrier. When Brown gets physically hit, his feet die after contact and he goes down. Illinois opened holes for him to use his speed to gain yards and get into his breaks. 

 

Favorite Game

 

There are many games that could be your favorite. Brown had a 3 game stretch versus Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska where he went over 145 yards in each game. He was dominant throughout the year. One game sticks out. Illinois versus Indiana. 36 rushes for 199 yards. This game ended up being a loss for Illinois. 

 

Ironically, if this is the only game you watch of Brown you would question my “cons” list. In the first few minutes of film, he runs physical and breaks about 3 tackles on the opening drive. Indiana ultimately snuffs him at the line of scrimmage in the endzone. The game is physical and shows he was a definite workhorse in college football last year. 

 

Player Comparisons: Jamaal Williams, Rex Burkhead

 

First, one thing I haven't talked about that is very important is his vision at the line of scrimmage and finding where the openings are. Le’veon Bell was a master at this. Chase Brown is around that level. His ability to be patient and find an opening is the best in the class. Like previously stated, his plant foot does him wonders in this regard. 

 

The player comparisons I have for Chase Brown are Jamaal Williams and Rex Burkhead. The NFL can use Chase Brown like Bill Belichick did Burkhead early in his career and Brown would succeed. The NFL could also use Chase Brown like Jamaal Williams. Comes into the league in a prove-it 3rd down role, and shows so much potential; to then splitting carries with another running back(Aaron Jones). Eventually taking another backs role (D’andre Swift), to then getting a multiyear contract in a significant role on your next team.

 

Chase Brown’s tape got me really excited for his NFL future. LIke every prospect though, its about where they are drafted.

Best Fits

 

Houston Texans

I know, Rex Burkhead is on this team. The player comparison was for when he was on the Patriots. It's a good fit because Dameon Pierce is a prime candidate for a regression year. Late in the year, Pierce started leveling out late in the year. It could have been the rookie wall, or it could be Pierce getting figured out and playing to his draft position. For Pierce to be efficient you need him to get 10-15 carries. Chase Brown would be a great complement to Pierce and both would be effective in the offense.

 

Tennesse Titans

If, and it's a big if, Derrick Henry gets traded. Chase Brown can be the every down back. Hassan Haskins and Julius Chesnut have proven they are great backups that can put in work when you need them too. They are not volume plays. Chase Brown is.

 

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas, like Houston, needs another running back, but not for the same reasons. Tony Pollard has shown he can be an effective RB1 in fantasy and the field. Dallas running 2 running back sets with Chase Brown and Tony Pollard is way scarier than it was with Ezekial Elliott last year. Defenses wouldn't be able to stack the box because both running backs could run inside and out, and also receive if needed. Perfect security blankets and broken play guys to help out Dak Prescott. 

 

Washington Commanders

How much longer are they going to do the Antonio Gibson experiment? Personally, and preferably, for Gibson’s sanity get him off this team. Brian Robinson is the starting RB and while he is a good blocker and between the tackles runner. If Gibson wasn’t around they need a running back that knows misdirection. Jonathan Williams showed some promise late in the season last year but isn’t as dynamic as Gibson or Brown. Chase Brown could fit Antonio Gibson’s role well. Less likely this one happens, but still a decent spot to land.

 

Los Angeles Chargers

If Austin Ekeler really gets traded, Chase Brown could be the lead back. If he doesn’t and plays for the Chargers this year, Chase Brown would still play a significant role in the offense. We have said this many times about running backs getting drafted to them for quite some time. They will hit eventually. Chase Brown fits the scheme and could essentially fit the Chargers offensive mold. 

 

Dynasty Dilemma: Hayden Hurst

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Dynasty Dilemma: Hayden Hurst

By Cody Folden

 

Going into his 6th season, Hayden Hurst is the definition of a dynasty dilemma. Coming out of the draft in 2018 already at 25 years old, was a significant “con” coming out. I will argue that with his age he came into the league as a very good blocker and still is. With career stats of 177 receptions for 1,718 yards and 14 TDs, these numbers are not the best to look at from a fantasy perspective. 

Drafted by Baltimore in 2018, in the first round, everyone started buying into the notion that they got their starting tight end. Baltimore then drafted Mark Andrews in the same draft and it was apparent in training camp Mark Andrews was the receiving threat and Hayden Hurst was the blocking tight end. Out of his 70 career games, he has started 31. Injury has been a part of that, lasting only 2 seasons in Baltimore. He then got 2 years in the Atlanta Falcons organization,  expected in fantasy circles to make big strides because, again, he was the number 1 guy. Then, they draft Kyle Pitts. In his first season with Atlanta he started 9 out of 16 games and then 5 out of 13 in the next season, Pitts was a big reason for that. Hurst then signed a 1-year prove-it deal with Cincinnati where he put up 52 receptions 414 yards and 2 touchdowns. He now gets a 3-year deal with the Carolina Panthers who desperately need pass catchers. 

 

A huge reason to buy is his catch percentage in the last 2 years was 83.9% and 76.5%. He catches balls when they are thrown his way. With what looks like a rookie quarterback coming in and a backup in Andy Dalton. You need sure hands. He instantly becomes one of the best targets on the team and with the rumors of Adam Thielen also ending up there. You couldn't ask for two better veteran football players to come and be security blankets for a rookie QB. 

Hurst, like stated above, is a good blocker. The Carolina Panthers will probably be in the top 5 rushing offenses in the upcoming year and Hurst is going to make that prediction a reality. Miles Sanders, D’Onta Forman and Chuba Hubbard will need good blocking. With a good offensive line already, Hurst only builds into that narrative.

 

One of the significant reasons why you would sell Hurst in fantasy is impatience. If you are the manager that drafted him way back in 2018 and you still have him, this isn’t for you. Fantasy Football is obviously about getting results. He finally started all the games that he played, for the first time last year. Although, because of an injury, not a full season. 13 out of 13 is a good number but he has only been available for a full regular season schedule twice; his second year in the league (Baltimore) and his third year (Atlanta). In those 32 games, he also only started 13 of them. The inconsistency in games started and played over the entirety of his career is definitely a concern. 

 

Hayden Hurst in year 5 had his second-highest yards per game in his career with 31.8. I know for most, that is lackluster. We have to remember that the tight-end position in fantasy football is a barren wasteland. Sometimes you need multiple tight ends on your roster to make a good team stay just that. If you don’t have one of the top 4 tight ends in your league you will have probably 3 or 4 of these types of guys on your roster. With a new 3-year deal, he will be on the field and will be a great dump-off reception candidate for, at least, his age 30 and 31 seasons. If you can pick him up on waivers I would, if you don't have him, find out which manager does and gauge how impatient he is, and offer a late-round rookie pick to get consistency, if healthy. 

 

Rookie Spotlight: Tank Dell

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Rookie Spotlight: Nathaniel “Tank” Dell

By Cody Folden

 

The Houston Cougars offense last year was run by Nathaniel “Tank” Dell. With 109 receptions, 1398 yards, and 17 TDs he was a force to be reckoned with in college football last year. Honestly, where would this offense have been without Tank Dell? His stats speak for that and Clayton Tune can thank Tank for a combine invite. Running a 40-yard dash of 4.49 seconds, and a broad jump of 10’1’’ only helped what was, again, a poor showing for receivers. Like Zay Flowers, he did everything he needed to do to keep, or rise, his draft stock. 

 

Positives

Makes Defenders Miss

When he buys in, his routes are crispy. Watching his game against Tulane shows you everything you need to know about Tank Dell. One of those things, his comeback routes, are a thing of beauty. His plant foot is key. The way he disguises his break to be an in or out route and then it becomes a comeback route is everything you want to see. This definitely made his quarterback play better and a PSA for defenders, don’t watch the feet, watch the belly button.

 

Physicality

Even though he is a little smaller in stature, 5 foot 8 inches, and weighing in at 165 pounds he is surprisingly physical. He will shadow defenders to get them away from the play because he needs constant eyes on him. He will also block, albeit, maybe not well but he will do it, and in the NFL all you just need to get in someone’s way for a play to break open. 

 

In Game Speed

His combine time, as stated above, was 4.49. Wasn’t the fastest or the slowest at the combine, maybe a little slower for his height, but if you watch any of his tape you can tell he plays fast, knows what he is doing, and in the open field he will not be caught. His 10–yard split of 1.49 is more desirable anyways. You don't see 40-yard routes too often. You see 10-yard routes all the time. If Dell gets some separation he is going to catch it. 

 

Negatives

Drops

This is a big problem to have in most cases. Does Tank Dell have stone hands? Absolutely not. The reason for his drops is because of a small catch radius sometimes and his quarterback not being accurate, but the bigger reason is, he always wants to make a dynamic play. Sometimes he starts running/making a play before securing the most important part, the ball. With an accurate QB, good coaching, and a jug machine. This can be handled. 

 

Physical DBs

I know above, it is stated that his physicality is a strength. In my explanation you can see my case, any physical DB (which there are a lot of in the NFL) Dell could have some problems. He focuses on finesse and speed that some defensive backs can and will bully him around a little bit. Working on hand technique and bulking up a little bit should free him up. 

 

Freelance 

There are multiple instances of Dell running a route and Tune throwing it to a different part of the field. This could be because Houston's offense doesn't have option routes and Dell optioned the route. I don't have that type of knowledge. I can tell you that Tune and Dell were not on the same page. 

 

Favorite Game

There are many games to choose from on behalf of what his stat lines were. 5 games over 120 yards receiving last year and with that 5 multiple TD games. In fact, the bowl game is the only game this year in that he didn't surpass 50 yards, but had 2 scores. My favorite game, however, and is mentioned above is the Tulane game. His Tulane stat line was 8 receptions 73 yards and 2 TDs. He was all over the field for the Cougars and this game showed all of what was talked about in this game. Did he have better overall games, yes, did he have better catches, also yes. This game showcases Tank Dell in his best light and even though it was a loss, (because of another combine invite Tyjae Spears, another workhorse) he may have won the day in showcasing his highs and lows. 

Player Comparisons

Devante Parker, Brian Hartline

These two players are grinders. They worked for what they were and are in the league. Devante Parker does the dirty work and is a security blanket, you need a reception Parker is your guy. Brian Hartline had similar combine numbers as Tank Dell and Hartline had to prove his worth and played with Brandon Marshall and Ted Ginn Jr. What were those two guys? An alpha receiver and a deep threat. Brian Hartline was underneath and every route those guys didn't run. Tank Dell can be an alpha wide receiver but probably not right away. He needs to go to a team with receivers that can teach him to be a pro,  and like Brian Hartline, be the top option at wide receiver. 

Best Fits

LA Rams

As long as the rumors are true. Tank Dell can be an ideal fit in an offense with Cooper Kupp leading the way. Kupp is a consummate professional. Small school guy that has become one of the best wide receivers in the league. This is exactly what Dell will need. Having Sean McVay and Mike LaFleur as coaches is just the cherry on top. 

Baltimore Ravens

This one is more of a long shot but I feel would be a good fit. In Tank Dell’s eyes, he can become the WR1 in this offense, especially if Lamar Jackson stays. Rashod Bateman needs competition. Draft a young guy and let them battle it out. It might possibly help both WRs prove their potential.

Seattle Seahawks

Another team that can fit Tank Dell’s skills. As stated above, it has all the boxes for Dell to succeed.  DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are perfect receivers to learn from and Dell could easily be the heir apparent to Lockett once he is done playing or gets traded. Do I see that happening, possibly because of age. Lockett and Dell also have similar profiles and would be a good player comparison.

Tennessee Titans

This team is in full rebuild mode and needs a lot of work. The thing about the Titans that is most intriguing is Treylon Burks. He needs help, and Tank Dell would fall nicely into the WR 2 role for Tennessee, regardless if Ryan Tannehill is playing QB or not. 

Dynasty Dilemma: Rashod Bateman

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Dynasty Dilemma: Rashod Bateman

By Cody Folden

 

If you haven't read Joe Goodwin’s article on Rashod Bateman in August of 2022, before you read this I would go and refer to that first. It is a very good article and is still relevant even an year later. Why? Rashod Bateman’s injury plagued season. Bateman played in six games and caught 15 passes for 285 yards and 2 touchdowns.. In his first 2 seasons he has played a total of 18 games starting 9 of them but averaging 13.1 per reception. The wide receiver coming out of Minnesota was a first round draft pick and as of right now hasn’t lived up to that potential. There are a few reasons for this though, first is the obvious injury, as we have talked about above. Second is, Batemans QB Lamar Jackson has also not been able to stay on the field. Finally, the coaching staff doesn't give WRs that enough to win at some points.

The 2023 season is a make or break year for Rashod Bateman in Baltimore I believe. With never having an injury history before going to Baltimore, it could be assumed that the training staff isn’t doing enough, the production on the field hasn’t been there but you can read anything about how good he is in practice and off the field that he has the talent. When your GM calls out his own picks saying that he is going to keep swinging because he hasn't found his All Pro guy might not be the way to go about it and you could see why a 23 year old player could be offended. The NFL is fast paced and there is no patience anymore. So what do we do with him in the fantasy?

 

 

As stated above, a few HUGE reasons to buy is his 13.1 yard per reception for his career. That is a good number and if he can get WR1 or even WR2 targets. If Bateman stays healthy those could be good numbers at the end of the season. In college, at Minnesota he averaged 16.2 yards per reception while playing in the Big 10 where there are great cornerbacks in that league. He has the ability for big plays, as he has shown in the NFL. September 18th, 2022 the Ravens are on the 25 yard line, Bateman is lined up in the slot and Lamar Jackson throws a beautiful ball to Bateman coming off of a slant route 7 yards down the field, and the rest is history. 75 yards later, its a touchdown. If you don't know the play, watch the play, watch his crisp route at the top and see how the defender bites to create the separation. This play gives you every reason to buy and we haven't even talked about Bateman still only being 23. Like many NFL general managers though, fantasy managers do not have the patience to see things come to fruition sometimes.

 

 

As of March 13th, 2023 we still don’t know his quarterback situation. Like above, is there reason to believe he has WR1 potential? Yes, but he has not proved that yet. Will he ever? With injuries riddling him so far and at such a young age, we just really don't know. The draft capital for Bateman coming out was in the middle of the first round or early second round and his rate of return just hasn’t been there. Remember, fantasy managers are even less patient compared to NFL GMs and that can be the wrong move in dynasty formats.

 

This argument skews one way and I believe it's obvious why. This offseason may be the cheapest Bateman ever is. If you don't have him and want him, you might get him for a 3rd round rookie pick if the person you are trading with is impatient, do your homework. Even giving up a 2nd round rookie pick to get him would get most managers to think about it. If you have Bateman stake, he has shown flashes and his value will either go up or you have an easy cut candidate down the road. In this draft depending where you are landing, Bateman is still a better option then most of the wide receivers this year and already established in the league. Hold your stock. Since there has to be a verdict, the stance for the article is for the person who does not have Bateman on his team.

 

Rookie Spotlight: Zay Flowers

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Rookie Spotlight: Zay Flowers

By Cody Folden

 

Zay Flowers could be the Swiss Army knife of the draft. At 5’9” 182 pounds, and in a scouting combine full of disappointment and lack of flair at the wide receiver position, Flowers had a workout that was exactly what he needed.. Running a 4.42 forty and having a 1.53 10 yard split was just what was expected for him. In his 4 years at Boston College, he finished with a stat-line of 200 catches for 3,056 yards and 29 TD's. The yardage mark makes Flowers number 10 all time for receiving yards in the ACC. His senior year was his best with 78 receptions and 1,077 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He did everything stat wise his senior season to enter the NFL draft as a top WR prospect. 

 

Positives

Versatility 

Dynamic in Open Field

Good Core

With his small stature we know he will be out for some teams, but there are things about his game that he excels at, and other parts that need fine tuning. Flowers versatility is one of the best in this class. He can line up inside, outside, and motion to anywhere on the field and know exactly where he is. With the versatility comes a good core and feet. In the open field Flowers is the definition of slippery. He’s got that natural twitch about him that makes defenders second guess where he is going to be and by then it is already too late. With mediocre QB play he stayed dynamic. 

 

Negatives

Route Running

Body Catches

Slim Frame

These 2 things may come to a surprise with the numbers he puts up, but sometimes he doesn't sell his route as much as he needs to so that the defender buys in and gets faked out. He has the core and mental capacity to do it and this may be a result of Flowers being the only option for Boston College all year, but something he can definitely improve on. Flowers catches with his pads (body) far too often on film to be happy with but, again, this can be worked on and fixed. As for the slim frame he added alot of weight for the combine. That isnt his play weight so, like every year, people will be worried about his slim frame. Remember all the negative connotations about Devonta Smith? It worked out for him, and I feel it can work for Flowers too with good luck and a lack of major injury in college. 

 

 

NFL Player Comparisons

Devonta Smith, Curtis Samuel, Wandale Robinson

There is no question these types of players have a strong presence in the game today. The comparisons are for these three players because they all have proven they can play the X and Z receivers respectively. They can line up and be successful as the farthest receiver from the QB and all can thrive by being the “flanker” or motion man. Zay Flowers also fits this category. 

 

Best Fits

San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan is an offensive guru. We all know this, the one thing he can't get right is keeping his quarterback healthy. The 49ers already have 2 dynamic receivers and a second year player in Danny Gray that can fly. If they stay with Brock Purdy, they need one more dynamic and albeit cheap weapon. Zay Flowers is that guy.

 

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings and their fans feel they have a head coach in Kevin O’Connell that is also dynamic. They have the arguable #1 receiver in the game today in Justin Jefferson, and with a smaller WR free agency market and having a need at the position. I believe they focus on defense in free agency and use their draft picks on offense. With a dynamic receiver, K.J Osborn, and an almost inevitable extension to TJ Hockenson; they need a WR of Flowers ability. 

 

Arizona Cardinals: Another WR destination with the rumors of DeAndre Hopkins getting traded and cutting Chosen Anderson. The new coach Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort need more weapons. Why not grab Zay Flowers to be your flanker and pair him with Hollywood Brown and Rondale Moore.