After the third and final day of the NFL Draft, there were still fireworks left to muddy up the Jets quarterback situation, the Ravens backfield, and add intrigue to the Miami backfield. I am taking a quick look at some of the fantasy relevant players unearthed this past Saturday. Players get listed in the order they were selected:
QB Bryce Petty, NYJ
The former Baylor signal caller did not adapt well to taking snaps under center in Mobile. He is plenty athletic with a strong arm, but has sloppy footwork and is quite inaccurate.
WR Jamison Crowder, Washington
Duke’s “little engine that could” is more quick than fast and is a slot/return guy only. He is not physical enough to play the outside. I’m not sure if he will see the field in year one.
WR Justin Hardy, Atlanta
This is a polished undersized pass catcher should start from the slot day one. Hardy saw a high volume of targets in college and can play in the Falcons high-tempo offense.
TE Blake Bell, San Francisco
This athletic former college quarterback convert improved throughout the entire 2014 season. Bell is extremely raw, but is already a solid blocker and catches the ball with his hands. It might take him a bit to get up to speed in the NFL though.
DL Za’Darius Smith, Baltimore
Smith uses his quick feet and fluidity while being explosive off the ball. He impressed me at the Senior Bowl practices. Not sure how much time the defender will see this season, but he is worth the investment.
WR Vince Mayle, Cleveland
The former Washington State receiver has a big powerful body, but doesn’t play to his size. Perhaps Bowe can help him with that, then again Dwayne resembled that remark from time to time.
RB Javorius Allen, Baltimore
He is a straight-ahead power back with little wiggle. Allen runs too high and lets defenders into his body too much. Allen could be a role player in goal line situations.
RB Mike Davis, San Francisco
Davis is a powerful runner with good vision and excellent hands. The back has issues with pass blocking and would be a good committee back with Carlos Hyde.
WR DeAndre Smelter, San Francisco
This could be the Anquan Boldin replacement in a year. He is big and powerful, but played in the very rudimentary Georgia Tech offensive scheme with limited routes. Smelter is coming off an ACL injury and only has two years of football experience. I believe in his athletic ability over his rawness.
RB David Cobb, Tennessee
This one speed, physical runner is a great complement to the more slashing Bishop Sankey. He should take over the goal line and short yardage work for the Titans.
WR Rashad Greene, Jacksonville
The former Florida State receiver could find a role in the slot. He isn’t real physical, but always found a way to get open. Greene is a reliable target and every young quarterback could use one.
WR Stefan Diggs, Minnesota
Diggs was quite injury-prone in Maryland, but could seamlessly play on the inside or outside. He is a stash in dynasty leagues if something happens to Mike Wallace.
QB Brett Hundley, Green Bay
This athletic quarterback needs help with poise and footwork. It’s hard to think of a better role model in Aaron Rodgers or coaching staff to make that happen.
RB Jay Ajayi, Miami
One of the best running backs in this class dropped due to injury concerns. He finds himself in a good situation with only Lamar Miller in his way.
TE Jesse James, Pittsburgh
The big, athletic former Penn State tight end did not have a lot of production in his college career. He is hard to bring down, but needs to work on his blocking and improve his quickness.
WR Kenny Ball, Tampa Bay
This might be Vincent Jackson’s replacement in a year or two. He is a great run blocker and a good possession receiver. Stash in year one.
WR Darren Waller, Baltimore
Another former Georgia Tech wide out that may be big enough to play a move tight end role. Waller is raw, but could make an impact in 2017.
WR Tre McBride, Tennessee
If you draft him, be patient with this small school prospect. He attacks the ball well in the air, but has issues separating and his route running needs work.
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