Engel's Angles - NFL Draft 2019 Rookie Reactions and Hot Takes

April 30, 2019

Scott "the King" Engel gives his initial and most essential fantasy football observations about the rookie class from the 2019 NFL Draft.

Here are some of my initial and most essential fantasy observations from the 2019 NFL Draft.

Some of you asked for specific observations on social media and here are your answers.

I'm not big on rookies in yearly leagues, but I'll be targeting one specific TE.

The King's Rookie Hot Takes

Josh Jacobs can be an immediate high-end fantasy RB2: Jacobs fills an immediate need on an improving offense. He just has to stay healthy. Jacobs runs high, which could expose him to a lot of big hits and potential injuries. Otherwise, he has nifty change of direction moves, runs well in short space and knows how to finish. He can also catch passes out of the backfield and pass blocks well, which means he can see heavy reps. Jacobs could score combined double figure TDs as a rookie.

Don’t overrate David Montgomery and Miles Sanders: The new Bears and Eagles RBs do not have a fully clear path to production, and rookie RBs don’t always shine just because they land in a spot where they seem to fill a need. Montgomery is going to have to beat out free agent pickup Mike Davis for playing time, and could lose out to the veteran. Sanders has to contend with Jordan Howard for playing time and could be in a time share at best. He did have blocking and ball security issues in college.

Be patient with Mecole Hardman:  The rookie is expected to fill the role of Tyreek Hill, who appears unlikely to remain with the team. But that is just a lot to expect from a newcomer, and Patrick Mahomes has already shown he can spread the ball around to various targets. Hardman should have his shining moments in his first pro campaign, but inconsistency will rule. He’s a great dynasty pick, but will be boom or bust in 2019. Hardman could win you a DFS tournament, though.

N’Keal Harry could be the best rookie WR in Fantasy Football: A big, fluid target who adjusts well to all types of throws, Harry fills an immediate need for an obviously superb passer. Brady can still make all the throws, and Harry can make plays downfield and after the catch. He could threaten to be a Fantasy WR2 as a rookie.

Parris Campbell will be unreliable initially: Campbell is an electric playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field and obviously enters a situation with a great QB. But there are many other notable targets for Andrew Luck to go to and Campbell will not be a frequent pass-catcher, he will have his moments to explode. He will give the Colts passing game an extra dimension, but will be a more fearsome real life player than Fantasy player in his first pro season.

D.K. Metcalf might be a big TD producer right away: Even if the Seahawks had a healthy Doug Baldwin, they really needed a big target on key passing downs and in the goal line area. Metcalf needs some polishing, but he could catch seven to eight TD passes as a rookie.

A bad outlook for Marquise Brown: The electrifying playmaker is a needed piece for Lamar Jackson, but the QB has a ways to go as a downfield thrower. His evolution as he plays through his warts will hurt Brown’s early career production. Miles Boykin could actually be more dependable for receptions initially.

Noah Fant will be a Fantasy starter in Year One: Fant is going to make an instant impact as a rookie TE. He looks like a big, athletic WR and will be a threat near the goal line. He can use his quickness and separation skills to make many significant plays. I would not be surprised to see him become a prime target for Joe Flacco or Drew Lock very quickly.

Darrell Henderson should be a top handcuff: When the Rams drafted him, talk started anew that Todd Gurley’s knee could be a lingering issue. Gurley went 11^th overall in SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio’s first draft with rookies. He was more of a top-five guy before the NFL Draft, when the Rams elected to not re-sign C.J. Anderson.

Terry McLaurin should be drafted late: He played with Dwayne Haskins in college, and the rest of the Washington WR crew is mediocre. McLaurin already has the apparent edge in familiarity.

Drew Lock will end up being the second-best Fantasy QB in the class: He throws an excellent deep ball and plays without fear. Lock is a gunslinger that will unseat Joe Flacco this year and boost the production of the Denver playmakers in the passing game.

Kyler Murray can be a Fantasy starter as a rookie: Russell Wilson was an effective Fantasy starter as a rookie, and we all know that is who Murray compares to as a pro. Murray’s ability to hit high percentage throws, use play action and gun the ball deep, plus run for more yardage and scores, will make him a viable all-around Fantasy contributor as a rookie.

Devin Singletary could get buried on the depth chart: Some owners will draft a guy just because the veteran or veterans ahead of him have seen better days or just unimpressive. Don’t make that mistake with Singletary. He is small and is not going to replace LeSean McCoy as a featured back, and could also sit behind Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon.

Why Daniel Jones?: Here is my take, since everyone else has given one. The Giants want to base their offense around a superb running back and high percentage passing. Jones fits that kind of offensive scheme, as he has reliable, but not spectacular pass-catchers. The Giants want to employ a methodical offensive approach and Jones fits the bill. Which means Golden Tate can regain form as a PPR WR2, as he will be very busy as soon as Jones’ rookie year.

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