2022 NFL Draft Rookie Profile: Dominic Elwood (Fantasy Football)
Welcome to the 2022 Rookie Profile for Dominic “Ghost” Elwood, who just completed a record-breaking season at South Eastern Connecticut (SEC). Elwood received a massive 31.459% of offensive touches for the Woodpeckers, so you could say he saw a gigantic piece of the pi. Elwood just finished his junior season and broke the all-time SEC* rushing record. He rushed for 1,485 yards and 12 touchdowns while also catching 44 passes for 326 receiving yards. You could say he’s actually pretty sick. Like legit. Elwood declared for the 2022 NFL draft and will make an immediate impact on whichever lucky team drafts him. That being said, Elwood will not be attending the combine for personal reasons.
Most analysts have Elwood entrenched in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft because he was a D2 player and scouts couldn’t find out if any teammates went to his birthday party. I’ll be the first to admit that Elwood is a polarizing prospect with a wide range of outcomes. For me personally, I’m planting my flag as the best sleeper of the 2022 draft class.
Measurables
If there’s a flaw in Elwood’s athletic profile, it would be his measurables. He’s 6’-3” and weighs 239 lbs. He’s been clocked at 4.39-seconds in a 40-yard dash, so he’s actually a bit too fast for his size. That’s what earned him the nickname big country in college. I think the greatest threat that Elwood faces is that a lot of NFL teams will probably elect to pick a more traditional-sized back like Kenneth Walker at 5’-10” and 212 lbs (est. 4.55-second 40-yard dash). But for me personally? I’m taking my chances on Elwood 10 times out of 10, and you should too!
What’s on Tape
Not much. The Woodpeckers’ games aren’t often televised. That being said, Elwood is shown in the photo below dodging a defender and then afterward rushed for a 69-yard touchdown – which is why they call him Mr Nice.
What’s Not on Tape
A lot, see above. As you can see in the image below, you can barely see him once he takes off. LOL.
College Critique
Elwood is the kind of college player that did most things well, but he needs to improve at pass blocking. We all know that in the NFL, you need to be able to block for your QB to stay on the field and become a workhorse back. This is another red flag that some scouts see in Elwood. But personally…As someone who just got blocked by Adam Schefter on Twitter, I firmly believe that blocking ability can come from out of nowhere. I think Elwood’s got it in him to be serviceable enough as a blocker to see 250-275 touches per season (in the right system).
2022 Fantasy Outlook
Elwood can make an immediate impact as a rookie in the right offensive scheme. Elwood is a Deebo Samuel-like playmaker and has an incredible football IQ, which is why they call him schemez. I legitimately think rookie offensive player of the year is a possibility for him if he lands with a team like Buffalo. I like to be transparent in my analysis, which is why I’ll fully admit that it’s in the range of outcomes that Elwood goes undrafted. Probable even…because he doesn’t have the cookie-cutter package that old school teams are looking for. I personally think it’s a crock of crap. Elwood is the kind of leader that elevates his team, and he’s got the skills to be elite.
For these reasons, I’m taking Dominic Elwood with the 1.01 rookie pick in dynasty leagues. Without question, tbh.
If you’ve made it to the end of this article, you are allowed to be in on the joke. Dominic Elwood is not a real player. I made him up as a bit. Don’t ruin the joke plz. K Thx. Follow me on Twitter for more fantasy football advice @TheFantasyEng.
*SEC = South Eastern Connecticut, the fake school I made up.