Rookie Spotlight

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 Debate: Flowers, Downs, or Hyatt

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Dynasty Debate: Flowers, Downs, or Hyatt

By Kyle Highfill

 

 

Zay Flowers


Age: 22 (September 11)
Height: 5’9 ft
Weight: 182 lbs
NFL Comparison: T.Y. Hilton

Zay Flowers is going to be one of the most fluctuating draft pick positions we have seen. The tape has shown that he can be a top wideout in the NFL, but it is going to be tougher for him to compete with his smaller frame, if he’s not in the slot. He had one of the best receiving yards per team pass attempt last season at 2.45 yards per attempt, which shows that he can get downfield fast. Flowers only played 33% of his snaps from the slot position last year, which is also why his yards per pass attempt numbers are so high. I think that Flowers is a guy that could have success in the NFL if he is able to use his quickness, like Devonta Smith does, to beat corners off the line and get downfield quickly. Flowers also has great body control and decent hands which makes him more reliable in those deeper pass attempts. The issue with Flowers that people are going to be nervous about is that he is going to be 23 years old when the NFL season comes around. To put that into perspective for you, Ja’Marr Chase just turned 23 years old earlier this month. I have a bad feeling that Flowers may fall in some drafts because of his age and because he isn’t this spectacular athletic freak like the top wide receivers in this class. Flowers is going to need to end up in a good situation if he wants his rookie stock to continue to rise.

 

 

Josh Downs


Age: 21 (August 12th)
Height: 5’9 ft
Weight: 171 lbs
NFL Comparison: Tyler Lockett

Another skinny slot receiver in the NFL? Yes, another slot receiver that is going to be one of the most consistent wide receivers for fantasy football over the next few years. Downs has been one of the most consistent receivers in college football over the past 3 years, after he broke out 2 years ago while posting a class-leading, 3.52 yards per team pass attempt. With such an early breakout age, Downs is ready to go absolutely bonkers in the NFL. His size is small, but given that he’s lined up in the slot position almost 90% of the time, during his time at North Carolina, it won’t really matter. Downs has the capabilities to beat you with his speed, but will beat you with his shiftiness more often than not. Downs won’t be drafted to be the WR1 on a team, but he is going to be a great help to any offense lacking a consistent piece over the middle.

 

 

Jalin Hyatt

Age: 21 (September 25th)
Height: 6’0 ft
Weight: 176 lbs
NFL Comparison: Jameson Williams / Nelson Agholor

In 2020-2021, if you asked the average football enthusiast who Jalin Hyatt is, the answer would most likely be, “I don’t know.” If you asked a football enthusiast this year who Jalin Hyatt is, the answer would most likely be, “A guy that had a lot of big plays for touchdowns.” The issue with this is that his breakout age of 21 is not what we would typically look for in potential studs in the NFL. That’s not to say that he won’t be good in the NFL, but we might just have to lower our expectations a little bit. Hyatt is absolutely a field stretcher and that’s what a lot of teams are looking for in the first couple rounds of the NFL draft. His vertical speed is proven to be a threat for opposing defenses, even against top teams in the SEC. He posted multiple games with 2 TDs or more this year. During his best game this year, he posted 6 receptions, for 207 yards, and 5 touchdowns, against Alabama nonetheless. Hyatt weight is also a concern for the same reasons as Flowers, but he is able to use his speed a little bit better than Flowers can. Hyatt’s potential is definitely there, but it is going to take the situation for him to be able to excel during his first few years in the league. The biggest downfall for Hyatt’s fantasy value will be the lack of receptions he typically gets. When he gets those receptions, they are usually to the house or for a big play, but he is going to have to capitalize on each one if he wants to be a top 12 fantasy wide receiver during his career.

 

Conclusion

There is so much talent between these three wide receivers and that is why they are being ranked between the WR3-6 on almost every big board I have seen. Some analysts even have one of them above guys like Jordan Addison or Quentin Johnston. Currently, my top 6 rookie wide receiver rankings are Jaxon, Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, Jordan Addison, Josh Downs, Zay Flowers, and then Jalin Hyatt. These rankings could fluctuate depending on the NFL draft, but I am a firm believer that talent almost always outweighs situation. It would have to take a pretty bad situation for me to drop any of these wideouts outside of the top 6.

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. 

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.

Rookie Spotlight: Anthony Richardson

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Rookie Spotlight: Anthony Richardson

By Justin Herrera

 

 

Anthony Richardson is the biggest boom or bust player in this year's draft. Last year was his only full year as the QB for the Florida Gators, he threw for 2,549 yards, 17 TDs, and ran for 654 yards and 9 TDs. He’s got the potential to be the next big quarterback in the league but he’ll most likely need a year to refine his game. As of right now, he looks to be drafted within the top-15 and for Dynasty drafts should be considered top-5 in Superflex leagues and end of the first, and beginning of the second for single QB leagues.

 

Positives

-Big Arm 

-Speed/Mobility 

-Goes into tackles low 

-Short Memory

-Great acceleration

As far as the positives go AR15 is a physical monster, he’s got one of, if not the biggest arm in the draft. He and Ricky Pearsall made it look easy at times with the speedy receiver hauling in multiple deep passes for touchdowns. Match that with his elite acceleration and his ability to lower himself into tacklers. A perfect example was an 81-run against LSU, he showed acceleration on the outside and when he was caught he bounced off the defender like he was a human pinball. 

 Richardson seems to have a short memory with interceptions, bouncing back from the first three weeks, which were miserable for the young QB. He threw four interceptions and zero touchdowns during that stretch, he then finished the last nine games with 17 TDs and five interceptions. His game against Florida State University was a tough one to watch on tape. The one thing that was positive about the abysmal second against the Seminoles was that Richardson kept going and keep throwing. He’s going to need this trait in the league because the NFL is usually rough on first-round QBs. The best learn their lessons and don’t let it affect your confidence. I think this guy has the ability to move on to the next drive if there’s a turnover. Overall Richardson’s upside is through the roof, the problem is his floor is never-ending.

 

Negatives

-Overthrows deep receivers

-Tries to make the throw/Needs to throw it away more

-Makes routine throws look hard

-Can’t read defenses

-No touch

-Can’t make tight-window throws

As I said at the end of the positives blurb, AR15’s floor is a never-ending free fall. He has some accuracy issues, to say the least. Richardson has issues with overthrowing his targets in the intermediate to the deep-ball range. He also has some touch issues when throwing short passes. Richardson seems to beam the football into his player's hands, making passes such as screens and dump-offs harder for players to catch and take off. This was a problem we’ve seen with Trey Lance in his first preseason games, he’d throw a fastball at receivers and it bounced off their hands more times than not. 

This can probably be attributed to his lack of reps as the starter, with only one season as the guy in Florida. One last thing I wanted to address is he has trouble reading defenses. AR15 seems prone to want to go downfield before he checks it down, while it's not bad to look for the big play, he will have to develop a sense for what the defense is going to do and attack it patiently. I don’t know if it was playing from behind a lot this season or what, but overthrowing deep balls in double coverage will lead to turnovers in the NFL.

 

 

 Comps: Jalen Hurts, Trey Lance

Richardson has the skillset teams are looking for in the modern game. If I were to compare him to anyone it would be Jalen Hurts. Hurts came into the NFL needing to work on his throwing mechanics but had enough arm and rushing ability to get by until this past season. Where he took his next step into the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL. The narrative is kind of spun the same for Richardson, he's a big-armed QB with mobility for days. If he lands in the right situation with a coach that has the ability, patience, and desire to develop him then we could easily be looking at the next big superstar.

My Favorite AR15 game

Louisiana State University, this game showcased everything that makes Richardson a big-time prospect. He opened the game with a 51-yard touchdown throw and had an 81-yard touchdown run that showcased his speed and determination that will make him a problem at the next level. This game was a loss for the Gators but for AR15’s stock, it was a big-time bump. This game wasn’t the most statistically pleasing, but it was the little things like completing 60 percent of his passes.

AR15’s Worst Game(s)

Florida State, so I chose this game in particular because of the hype behind the rivalry. This game was important and it was at the end of the year so no excuses for your play, you were either good or you weren't. Richardson showed both sides of AR15 in this game. Richardson’s first half was great, he completed five of ten passes with three touchdowns, including a 52-yarder and a 43, both to Ricky Pearsall. AR15 looked good, but then the second half came around and that was a different story. Richardson completed four of seventeen passes with three of them coming on the very last drive. He made screen passes look difficult, was short on passes downfield, and lacked touch on underneath passes. He couldn’t run the ball effectively with the Seminoles' defense running contain on the outside. And everything he was throwing downfield was to either a well-covered receiver or well off its target. This is the game where you could’ve pulled all the positives and negatives for AR15 and had a pretty accurate list.

Kentucky was another game where AR15 struggled mightily with his accuracy, completing 40 percent of his passes with zero TDs, two interceptions, and only four rushing yards. The reason I have the Seminole game as his worst and not this one is that I wanted to give him the benefit of early-season mistakes. This was the second start of his first season as “the guy” in Florida. Richardson was all over the place with his throws, while his first interception was a big play from a defensive end. His second one on the other hand was due to a misread or miscommunication with the receiver. Richardson threw it early on a hitch route and got picked off by the opposing corner.

Best Fits

Seattle: The Seahawks have two first-round picks and are looking into retaining Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith. This would be a great situation for AR15, getting to learn from a QB that is mobile, and knows the feeling of critics doubting his talents. Smith can help guide him, and when Richardson is ready he’ll have talents such as Ken Walker and DK Metcalf to work with as well as a young offensive line. 

Detroit: The Lions have all the same perks that the Seahawks do, but their pick is right after the Hawks. In Detroit, you get a mentor who was a first-round pick and two speedy game-breaking wide receivers. And a strong offensive line with an LT that's going into his third year.

Washington: This is an interesting spot, whether he slips to 16 or trade up to grab Richardson. Offensive Coordinator Eric Bienemy brings in a guy who has seen a young talented kid become the best QB in the league. Maybe this experience could help both AR15 and Bienemy’s careers. The only issue is they will need a vet to help him develop.

Las Vegas: The Raiders are in need of a QB at pick number seven. They’ll probably go with a more refined QB such as a Will Levis, but having AR15 throw to Davante Adams has some definite appeal to it.

NY Jets: The Jets much like the Raiders are looking for someone to come in and take this roster to the next level immediately. This means this could be a pick that's traded or someone like Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo could be there as the veteran presence. If that's the case then having Garrett Wilson for 5-10 years should be beneficial to Richardson’s game.

Tampa Bay: The Bucs feel like they're in full rebuild mode and could consider a young QB, but I feel like this is the worst spot for Richardson. The talent that made this team a champion has either retired or is on the wrong side of their prime years.

 

Rookie Spotlight: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

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Rookie Spotlight: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

By Kyle Highfill

 

Is JSN the next NFL superstar?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a good chance to be the WR1 off the board. He is the best slot WR in this draft and the only WR I see with the chance to go before him is Quentin Johnston. If JSN had been draft eligible last year, there’s a chance he would’ve gone before his former teammates, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. I have JSN going at the 1.02 - 1.04 in rookie drafts, depending on your team’s needs.

JSN is 6’1, 200 pounds and runs around a 4.45 40. He had an amazing year in 2021 posting 95 receptions, 1,606 yards and 9 TDs. To wrap up 2021, he posted 15 receptions for 347 yards, and 3 TDs. Sadly, JSN got hurt in the second game of 2022 so we didn’t get to see another massive year from him. He is going to be fully healthy for the combine and training camp, so that will not factor into how teams draft him.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba probably has the best route tree in this class, which is what makes him one of the most polished WRs coming into the draft. My biggest comparison I think JSN will live up to is Keenan Allen. These two are so similar from the fact their route running is so clean, but what they can do after the catch is even more impressive. JSN has the sneaky quickness that will impress people. He lacks that 4.2 downfield speed, but all of his other qualities make up for it. Like Allen, JSN is able to use his body so well to create separation and make unreal catches.

 

Bests Fits

Philidelphia Eagles: The Eagles don’t have a ton of flaws, so I wouldn’t be shocked if they snagged him at the 1.10, if they pass on Bijan Robinson. The Eagles lack a slot WR, and this would make them a lock to have a top 2-3 offense next year.

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings need someone to complement Justin Jefferson with Thielen’s career being close to over. If Kirk Cousins is their answer for the next couple years, why not give him another weapon?

Los Angeles Chargers: If the Chargers get rid of Keenan Allen, I think they are the prime team to get a guy like JSN. Like I said before, JSN is basically Allen but way younger and way cheaper.

Tennessee Titans: If the Titans figure out their QB situation, within free agency, I wouldn’t be shocked for them to draft JSN to help out Treylon Burks.

 

Prediction

I think the highest he will go is the picks 10 or 11 to the Eagles or Titans, but I can see him going to the Chargers at pick 21. If not, the Baltimore Ravens will be licking their chops if he falls to them at pick #22. If he falls past the Vikings at pick 24, the Giants and Cowboys will battle it out to get him 2 picks later.

 

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