Fantasy Football: An Early Look At The 2020 Rookie WRs (Part 2)
Editor’s Note: For a look at some of the other 2020 Rookie WRs, check out WR Part 1 by Kyle Yates.
For NFL Draft enthusiasts and Dynasty fanatics, the 2019 Draft is in the rearview mirror. Rookies Marquise Brown, Kyler Murray, Josh Jacobs, etc. haven’t even entered their first training camp yet, but that doesn’t stop the diehards from looking forward.
Some might say it’s too early to look at the 2020 Draft Class, but they would be wrong. If you have people around you saying that, ditch them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life…
This 2020 Class has the potential to be special. There are some insanely talented players that are eligible for the NFL Draft in Las Vegas next year and it’s time to look ahead and get a grasp on who you should be watching this College Football season.
(Note: The players are listed below in no particular ranking order)
Laviska Shenault – Colorado Buffaloes
Strengths: Laviska Shenault is the force that drives the Colorado offense. He lines up all over the field and is the definition of versatile. On any given drive, you’ll see him lined up out wide, in the slot, in the backfield or as the wildcat option on the goal line. He’s fast, has excellent hands and is a threat constantly with the ball in his hands.
There aren't a lot of players in the country more dangerous with the ball in their hands than Laviska Shenault pic.twitter.com/Ml64WVJxCa
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) May 28, 2019
Needs Improvement: I’d love to see Colorado continue to run the offense through Shenault and give him more opportunities to win in traditional wide receiver molds. Essentially, give him the opportunity to refine his route running, understand leverages on defenders and how to win in contested situations. We know Shenault can win in the open field, but can he continue to develop the other aspects of his game that can translate to a well-rounded NFL wide receiver?
2019 Outlook: Shenault is already on the radar of a lot of Dynasty players for the 2020 draft. Can he continue to dominate the PAC-12 and improve on his stat line from last season? If so, we could be talking about Shenault in the 1st round conversation.
Henry Ruggs III – Alabama Crimson Tide
Strengths: Speed. Dear goodness gracious, speed. Ruggs is projected to run in the 4.2’s at the combine and that shows up on tape. While Jeudy is going to get the majority of the attention this season, Ruggs is no slouch. He possesses short area quickness, but the top end speed to run right by defenders. However, not only does he have rockets taped to his feet, but he’s tough and does not shy away from contact. He has great hands and is able to high point and attack the ball and make some unreal catches. He’s a well-rounded prospect that is not going to get the respect he deserves due to who is across from him in that offense.
Henry Ruggs III with the BURNERS (called back idc) pic.twitter.com/eCXv74yf1m
— Michael Kist (@MichaelKistNFL) October 13, 2018
Needs Improvement: Ruggs is frequently used in the short passing game (screens, slants, outs, etc) and this doesn’t require an expansive release package and diverse route tree. When he is targeted on deep balls, he’s typically relying on his speed to simply blow by defenders and Tua is able to deliver an accurate ball in stride. I’d love to see some more opportunities for Ruggs to win with great route running and release off the line of scrimmage. This could elevate his stock immensely come draft time.
2019 Outlook: As previously mentioned, that Alabama offense is stacked at wide receiver with Jeudy, Ruggs and guys like Smith and Waddle. Can Ruggs get the targets needed to show off his skills week in and week out? The production may not end up being what we want it to be come draft time, but if Ruggs can show enough on tape to display his talents and abilities, we could be talking about Ruggs as one of the top wideouts in this class.
Jalen Reagor – TCU Horned Frogs
Strengths: Electric with the ball in his hands and, just like Ruggs, appears to have rockets taped to his feet. Reagor is the perfect deep threat for a team at the next level with his speed, but he also possesses the ability to go up and get the ball. He’s confident in 50/50 situations, which is surprising for someone with his size, and he also has a great release off the line of scrimmage.
Rewatched some TCU-Baylor yesterday. Jalen Reagor is so dangerous. Should be one of the nation's best in 2019. pic.twitter.com/UbHo3IFGaF
— Max Olson (@max_olson) May 7, 2019
Needs Improvement: Through watching a few games of Reagor’s tape, I’m a fan of what he brings to the table. If he didn’t have a carousel of starting QBs there at TCU, I think we would see a lot more production from Reagor than we already have. With that being said, the one thing I am concerned about, especially for a guy who will be used as a deep threat in the NFL, is that we see the occasional focus drop from Reagor. He’ll start to turn his head too soon to start looking at where he’s going to go next before fully securing the ball. This is a minor thing though and something that can be worked on this season.
2019 Outlook: Reagor’s going to put up some highlight reel plays this college football season and I fully expect him to blow up the Scouting Combine with his speed and vertical jump. He’ll need to focus on consistency and securing the football, but there’s reason to keep a close eye on the 195 pound speedster from TCU.