The future of fantasy football is in today’s college stars. There are two options: the pro-ready quarterbacks and the high-level production running backs, or the dual threat running backs that can generate PPR numbers for the NFL. The pass-catchers that are explosive in playmaking and have upside scoring in the red zone should also be considered.
Here are five NFL prospects that we should be following up on after watching college tape.
We’ll start by talking about the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. Young’s short stature of 6 feet, 194 lbs will be a subject of debate throughout the draft process. However, Young’s traits as a passer in Alabama’s pro-style system saw him throw for more than 4,800 yards and 47 touchdowns last season with just seven interceptions.
Young’s field vision is excellent. He can spot the gaps and find the void before the ball hits the ground. Young is an accurate thrower and can create space in pockets. He also has the arm strength to push it down the field.
Young’s ability in the pocket to win or to attack the edges with movement concepts applies to today’s NFL systems. He will be a fantasy star with a high ceiling and the potential to become a QB1.
Stroud, a high-traits prospect, has plenty to fantasize about. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds. You can see his arm talent and ability to move on tape. When he’s forced to use his legs, I would like to see him do more with them. This is a great boost for fantasy scramble attempts or quarterback-designed runs.
Stroud was a big success in his first season of playing for Ohio State. His QBR (91.6), was among the top in the country. He also threw 44 touchdowns and completed 71.9% more passes than 10 yards per attempt. Stroud was a total showman in the Buckeyes’ Rose Bowl victory over Utah. He threw for 573 yards with six touchdowns, and five completions of at least 20 air yards.
I would love to see him make more throws from contested pocket. Sometimes he can look like he is playing 7 on 7, and the Buckeyes pass system is very heavily structured. Stroud is a fantasy quarterback who has high ceilings, despite only 12 career college starts.
Robinson is the best dual-threat player in a pro-style offense so I am putting him here This is what fantasy football players want when running back. Robinson has a great attitude, is quick to react and presses the line. Robinson’s 6-foot, 217-pound frame combined with a combination power and wiggle at second level resulted in 81 missed tackles in only 10 games last season. Robinson is also a big player, with 15 rushes exceeding 15 yards in this past season.
Although he has demonstrated the ability to handle high volume college play, his receiving skills will boost his fantasy potential in pro football. Robinson caught 25 passes from different alignments last year. Robinson can run screens, unders and swings from backfield sets. He can also flex outside the formation to draw coverage matchups. Robinson is a three down back with potential upside for PPR in the right system.
Smith-Njigba is quite ridiculous in his Rose Bowl tape. His record-breaking numbers (15 receptions, 314 receiving yard and 3 touchdowns) are also remarkable. Although you can see the verticals and catch-and run targets, or his smooth route running, it was far more than one game. Smith-Njigba averaged nearly 17 yards per catch last season. He accumulated 1,606 receiving yards, nine touchdowns and played with first-round picks Garrett Wilson And Chris Olave.
Stroud should see an increase in his production this year. 1 target. Smith-Njigba’s route running is well defined. He also has the flexibility to be used as a motion/movement option. This includes catching the ball on small screens and running jet sweeps. Smith-Njigba should be the college’s top wide receiver going into 2022.
Mayer’s physical profile and red zone upside make him a viable inline or tight end. Mayer, who ran the NFL route concepts at Notre Dame, caught 71 out of 96 targets last year. He is strong after the catch and has a 6-foot-4, 251-pound frame to protect against defenders. Five of his seven touchdowns he caught were within the 20-yard line. Mayer knows how to leverage his size and knowledge about the route tree.
Mayer is a good red zone target and can score high. He can also use his speed to stretch the seams on play-action, run deep crossing routes, or isolate outside as an outer target. In 3-by-1 sets, Mayer can also play backside receiver X. Based on what I have seen, Mayer appears to be a day-one quarterback in the NFL. Mayer also has fantasy potential as an all-star receiver at three-by-1 sets.