by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Washington’s Bishop Sankey was one of the most productive running backs in college football in 2013. When a running back puts up this type of line you would think there are high expectations:

1,870 yards (5.7 yards/carry)
20 TD
28 receptions for 304 yards and 1 TD

However, there are also some concerns based on his size (5’9″, 209 lbs.). NFL.com in their combine scouting report for Sankey said that:

“Lacks ideal bulk and functional run strength — not a robust tackle-breaker. Too often grounded by single-tacklers or tripped up by the ankles. Shows some hip tightness. Average explosion, speed and elusiveness.”

Read more

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Is interesting that there has been talk of LSU junior wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. sliding into the late first round. It’s not like his 2013 numbers really stand out, with 59 receptions for 1,152 yards and 8 TD. In fact, the TD were spread across just four games and only once did have more than six receptions in a contest.

However, he clearly has electric ability (19.5 yards per catch) and put those skills on display at the Combine. According to Walter Football:

“The 5-foot-11, 198-pounder had an official 40 time of 4.43 with a 10-yard split of 1.50. Beckham performed well with good speed and hands in the gauntlet. The Combine served to confirm that he is worthy of a late first-round pick.”

His yards per reception was actually second most in college football among receivers with at least 50 catches (Mike Evans had a 20.2 mark). He also added an additional 1,005 yards on returns and won the Paul Horning Award as college football’s most versatile player.

Read more

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

While his size will likely keep him from being a full-time running back, Kent State’s Dri Archer put himself on the map with his performance at the Combine. According to Walter Football:

“Kent State running back Dri Archer burned the track in the 40-yard dash with an official time of 4.26, which was faster than any player at last year’s Combine. That was only .02 away from tying Chris Johnson for the all-time fastest 40 at the Combine. Archer (5-8, 173) is undersized to be a full-time running back, but he can also work as a slot receiver. In the field drills, Archer showed nice fluid athletic ability with change-of-direction skills. He had loose hips to change direction on a dime.”

Archer’s big season came in 2012, when he amassed 1,429 yards & 16 TD on the ground and another 561 yards & 4 TD through the air. He was also electric in the return game, with 591 yards and 3 TD on kickoff returns (36.9 yards/return).  Unfortunately he failed to match those numbers in 2013, as he was hampered by injuries.

Read more

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

While he’s listed at 5’10″ and 185 pounds, Lindsay Schnell of Oregonian Live (click here for the article) used the word “generous” to describe that listing. That said, there’s no questioning the talent of the Oregon State sophomore who won the Biletnikoff Award this season as the best receiver in college football.

The final numbers were certainly eye popping:

• 128 receptions
• 1,730 yards
• 16 TD

In fact the only game he failed to reach 80 yards was in his final one, when he picked up 8 receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.  The size is obviously going to be concerning, but if you have the ability to make plays you are going to have value for fantasy owners and NFL franchises.

Read more