Amid one of the most entertaining seasons in recent memory, there have been innumerable surprises, good and bad. Like a thriller movie, there have been equally as many twists and turns throughout the season. With both NFC and AFC playoff pictures wide open, it's shaping to be a dramatic finish for the ages. It's time to bring those early NFL fantasy speculations to the current reality.
Among the series of eye-openers this season, the individuals listed below have stood out among the rest. Let's analyze the good, bad, and ugly surprises the 2021 season has brought about with updated predictions and projections.
The Good: Deebo Samuel
You'll be hard-pressed to find a player better at all facets of the game than Deebo this season. His prowess to separate himself from defenses and his running back-like speed have been on full display. Samuel's instincts for getting himself open have saved Garoppolo's starting job, often making his mediocre quarterback look good. FanDuel projected Deebo Samuel as the 37th WR/ 86th overall to start the season, citing inconsistency and injury concerns. Many also claimed he had a "much lower floor than his potential ceiling."
Since those projections, Samuel has proven his critics wrong at every turn. The University of South Carolina alum currently sits 3rd in the league in receiving yards with 1,028. En route to his ascension, Samuel set a 49er record for most receiving yards through the first 7 games with 819. The fact that he surpassed legend Jerry Rice (781) to do so makes this all the more significant.
Current Outlook
It's no longer a secret, but after Deebo Samuel receives the ball, good luck bringing him down. His combination of power and speed is a nightmare to defend. His league-leading 9.4 avg. yards after the catch is a direct reflection of how difficult he is to tackle.
In addition to strength on his feet, precision route-running places him among the best in separating himself from defensive coverages. Deebo's vision, hands, and route-running give him the appearance of a dynamic weapon for years to come.
The Bad: Saquon Barkley
Going into the 2021 season, Barkley was projected to be taken number 5 in fantasy drafts according to multiple sources. Needless to say, numerous factors have led to him a tremendous recession in terms of numbers this season.
After rushing for over 1300 yards in his 2018 rookie season, the 2018 first overall pick has been a sheer disappointment. His health and lack of consistency, both likely affecting one another, have led to his declining play. The player expected to be a dual-threat in the passing and running game has managed just 379 yds rushing and 224 receiving yards in 2021.
Current Outlook
For a running back, ACL injuries have a tendency to turn players into a shell of their former selves. Barkley's numbers decline this season wouldn't be so troubling if he wasn't coming back from a serious ACL tear. Even after recovery and strength training, in football, ACL injuries can make one less limber and quick. In a position that exerts high strain and requires the utmost nimbleness in your knees, ACL issues can be recurring.
A statement by a local orthopedic surgeon quoted last season that Saquon has a "90% chance of returning to the same level". Suddenly, that remaining 10% is looking more plausible than ever. If things don't turn around quickly for the 4th year running back, things could get even uglier for Barkley and the Giants. In light of a new ankle injury, one must wonder if Saquon becomes a talent derailed by nagging injuries.
The Ugly: Jalen Reager
A disappointment worthy of the category, the former first-round pick from last season has been ugly at best. Selected with high expectations last year, he only regressed worse in his 2021 sophomore season. Reager has 208 total yards through 13 games compared to the 396 he logged last year in two fewer games. In those 13 games, he has posted negative yards twice and 0 yards twice.
Current Outlook
His consistent inconsistency and persistent drops don't paint a pretty picture for Jalen Reager's future in the NFL. An increased role in the WR corps this season has only magnified his inability to perform at the NFL level. He continually appears to regress as his role increases, which is often indicative of a bust. Considering who the eagles passed up to draft Reagor (aka Justin Jefferson, Micah Parsons), this mistake is even more glaring.
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