The 2014 NFL Draft is less than two months away and with Pro Days rolling day by day, the rankings are forever changing. At running back the interest is always at two levels; how can this player help my favorite team and how can this player help my fantasy team? Breaking down the rookie class the rankings and fantasy spin.
No. 1 Carlos Hyde
Pros:
- Ideal size at 6-foot-0 and 242 pounds.
Best rookie runner between the tackles.
Can handle 30 touches a game.
Cons:
Could be a one-year wonder.
Off the field issues forced three game suspension
Pass catching
Fantasy Spin: Hyde can be this years Eddie Lacy in the sense that he can handle any load the team wants him to carry. In a strong locker room Hyde while be a solid flex play or low RB2.
Pro Comparison: Taller, heavier Eddie Lacy
Best Fit: Browns or Jaguars
No. 2 Tre Mason Pros: Pure offensive weapon
Pass catcher
Agility and feet will limit big hits
Cons:
Can his game translate from Auburn scheme?
Runs too high for his frame
5-foot-9 and under 200 pounds is not ideal
Fantasy Spin: Mason can be Ray Rice or he can be Montario Hardesty in his career. He is a player that can be the cornerstone of an offense, but his placement is key. A team like the 49ers could use him, but they often “red shirt” their rookies.
Pro Comparison: Ray Rice
Best Fit: New York Giants
No. 3 Bishop Sankey Pros:
Best field vision in years
Patience in finding gaps
Finesse style gives him longevity.
Great first cut
Cons:
Won’t lower shoulder
Limited speed for his size
Add weight to 209 pound frame
Fantasy Spin: Sankey’s field vision and finesse are his greatest allies and put him in the Frank Gore class. His sure hands and great first cut make him Gio Bernard. Put them together you have a player who can be a RB1 in 2-3 years if he puts on weight.
Pro Comparison: Mix of Frank Gore and Gio Bernard
Best Fit: Tennessee Titans
No. 4 Jeremy Hill
Pros:
Ideal size and measurements
Power back with ability to burst through second level
Can carry whole work load
Cons:
Many red flags off the field
Would be classes top prospect if not for red flags
Power back shelf life short
Fantasy Spin: If a team can look past Hill’s numerous arrests and innocents, he can be the steal of the draft. He can step in day one a contribute to the running game and make any running duo better. It wouldn’t be surprising if he is best back in five years.
Pro Comparison: LeGarrette Blount
Best Fit: New York Jets
No. 5 Lache Seastrunk
Pros:
Speed is incredible
Deadly in space
Great lateral cuts
Cons:
No power to speak of
Pass catching ability comes and goes
Disappointing 2013 campaign
Fantasy Spill: Seastrunk has the ability to be a fantasy juggernaut in the future. He needs to come into his own and decide what type of player he will be. His hands have come into question and he didn't have a catch in 2013. High RB2 is a goal he can achieve by 2016, but until then just monitor.
Pro Comparison: C.J. Spiller
Best Fit: Falcons
Rapid Fire:
Ka’Deem Carey: Zac Stacy (Flex play in 2015 with RB/WR tag)
Charles Sims: Mix of Matt Forte and Darren Sproles (Possible keeper to monitor)
Dri Archer: Jahvid Best (Moniter Keeper)
De'Anthony Thomas: Jacquizz Rodgers (Pass catching RB. Low Flex)
Who are you taking a chance on in your fantasy draft? Tell us @SportsWN
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