The Pre-Draft Bloom 100

Photo: USA Today Sports

Two weeks and counting until the draft I hope this finds all of you well and safe and appreciating what there is to appreciate in all of our lives. I appreciate the opportunity to bring you the 17th edition of the Bloom 100. We are all still catching our breath from the craziest offseason month of our lives in March, so it will be tough for the draft to be more exciting than that rollercoaster. That is, unless you’re in dynasty leagues where rookie drafts often follow right on the heels of the NFL Draft, when everyone is still processing the newest data dump about the future of the NFL. As always, I, Matt Waldman, and a ton of guests will be broadcasting and reacting live to the first round on our YouTube channel and I’ll be updating this for draft capital and destination by Tuesday after the draft.

The Bloom 100 is ranked with the following type of dynasty fantasy football league in mind:

• Full IDP lineups including DT and CB
• PPR, start 3 WR
• Deep lineups and rosters

Of course, depending on your league scoring and settings, the placement of some positions can change, but the tier breaks and rankings within positions should be good to use across all league formats.

How are the classes?

Overall

The #1 fantasy rookie in this class probably wouldn’t have gone in the top five of rookie drafts last year, and that goes double for Superflex leagues. The top two picks still have some premium value because of the quality of the top two backs and running back scarcity.

Quarterback

Six guys who will likely get a chance to start at some point, and one that should add a lot of value as a runner, with 3-4 others who certainly aren’t slugs, but no franchise quarterbacks.

Running Back

Two bell cows and maybe two other starters when the dust settles. We might only see three or four backs go on the first two days.

Wide Receiver

Five will go in the first round, perhaps as many as seven and there’s a solid second tier that should go on the second day. Lots of intriguing gambles for later in rookie drafts, too.

TE

No one is going to threaten the Top 5 in fantasy without a truly ideal situation. This is an even poorer rookie draft for TE-premium leagues

Defensive Tackle

Two players who will go in the first and have fantasy potential, but no true difference maker

EDGE

A class that should land three players in the Top 10 and see a lot more go off of the board in the Top 50 picks. A good crop for sack-heavy/big-play leagues.

Off-Ball Linebacker

A very strong first-round duo (assuming Dean goes in the first - he’ll go early in the second if not), and a solid group of second-day picks who could start and be fantasy factors.

Safety

Kyle Hamilton might be the best overall player in the draft. Only the surplus of startable safeties on most IDP waiver wires lowers his value.

Cornerback

Three premium prospects will likely go in the top 12-15 picks and at least 2-3 more will go in the Top 50 picks and could start from day one.

Pre-draft Strategy Cheatsheet

• Trade down for less than you normally would unless you are in a position to get one of the top two running backs
• The difference between the value of WR1 and WR5 isn’t very big and everyone will have a different ranking of the five. Getting one of the last two on the board will be one of the better values in the first round
• Don’t overpay for the quarterbacks. They are being pushed up the board by a poor overall class and quarterback desperation. In four years, it’s possible none will be starters. Just like in the NFL draft, you’re better off trading a pick to take one of them than taking one at value in Superflex drafts
• IDP will be good value in the late first and early second because of the poor quality of the offensive class
• There’s no tight end that is going to save your TE-premium team in the draft this year

1. Breece Hall (RB-Iowa State) - Hall has a higher ceiling than Walker, at least as an athlete, and he has more to work in the passing game than Walker, but is far from a finished product in that capacity. He’s more of a boom/bust prospect than Walker, but they are close enough in caliber that landing spot and draft capital will determine who is ahead on this list post-draft. Hall’s stepdad, Jeff Smith, was drafted in the 10th round in 1985, playing four years in the NFL, and Hall of Famer Roger Craig is his cousin.

2. Kenneth Walker III (RB - Michigan State) - Walker has the strength to break tackles, quickness to make tacklers miss, and valid, sound vision to project as an instant NFL starter on early downs. He also possesses the long speed to make game-changing plays once he gets to the third level. Walker does enough in the passing game to stay on the field on third down and can get better as a blocker or receiver, and he’s the safest running back pick in this class.

**TIER BREAK - the two projected lead backs are the prizes of this class, landing spot will be the tiebreaker**

3. Garrett Wilson (WR-Ohio State) Wilson might be the first receiver drafted, but he is not the most skilled route runner in this class. He possesses great burst and game at the catch and after the catch. Wilson can make game-changing plays. If he becomes more refined in his routes with good releases against press, he’ll likely be the best receiver in this class.

4. Jameson Williams (WR-Alabama) - Williams is the best deep threat in this class. His draft stock is clouded by a championship game ACL tear that could limit his rookie year impact, but for teams looking to take the top off of the opposing defense, Williams is just what they want. If he can improve on contested catches and as a route runner, he could be a star, but if not, his quarterback quality will determine his value.

5. Treylon Burks (WR-Arkansas) - Burks' size/speed/athleticism combination is tantalizing, but his game as a wide receiver is a work in progress. Some see him with a Deebo Samuel path to value. But he might not be as fast and quick out of the blocks as Samuel, so there’s some bust or limited ceiling potential if his bread and butter wide receiver game doesn’t improve.

6. Chris Olave (WR-Ohio State) - Olave doesn’t have a spectacular measurable or circus-play calling card, he is just a technician who plays under control, but very fast. Olave isn’t that thick or strong, so there might a weakness against handsy NFL corners, but when he can operate freely, good things happen. Olave is the safest pick and if he’s in a good offense with a top quarterback, he could move up as high as #3.

7. Drake London (WR-USC) - Is London a classic “X” receiver, winning outside with size and contested-catch skills, or is he “just” a big slot. His ceiling isn’t as high as other receivers in the top five of this class, but he offers a size and experience combination that none of the other five have. Man coverage could give him trouble and separation might not be easy to come by, so the quarterback he is paired with will be key.

**TIER BREAK - The top five receivers are tightly packed, with safer plays (London, Olave) and risk/reward plays (Burks, Williams) and Wilson having the best combination of floor and ceiling. Landing spot could shake up this order**

8. Devin Lloyd (LB-Utah) - Lloyd is a do-everything linebacker who can drop into coverage, blitz, and play the run. He’s not a stout player when it comes time to take on a blocker, but can elude attempts to blot him out, and Lloyd diagnoses the action quickly, which enhances the value of his quality athleticism and tools. He is also a former wide receiver with good hands when it’s time to make a pick. He’s worth a first-round pick in IDP rookie drafts and could go in the top 10.

9. Nakobe Dean (LB-Georgia) - Dean is a sideline-to-sideline middle linebacker with blitz and coverage skills. The only thing holding back his draft stock other than positional value is a smallish - for the NFL - frame that probably can’t add any more bulk. He’s also a natural leader and tireless worker. He’s a very safe pick in the first round of IDP rookie drafts.

IDP TIP: Depending on your scoring, Lloyd and Dean could belong in the tier with the top wide receivers. Every-down linebackers are getting harder to find.

10. Jahan Dotson (WR-Penn State) - Dotson has all of the requisite speed, quickness, and skill you want in a receiver who can play multiple roles in an NFL offense. He could have some trouble with more combative NFL corners and lacks a true physical edge, but Dotson is a high-floor prospect who could feast in a quality offense.

11. George Pickens (WR-Georgia) - You have to love Pickens' big plays and ability to snag just about anything thrown at him, but in the NFL he’ll face more challenging competition at the catch point and in routes, which makes him more of a boom/bust prospect. He’s also only a year removed from a spring 2021 ACL tear. A little more play strength could unlock his considerable upside.

12. Jalen Tolbert (WR-South Alabama) - Tolbert combines athleticism, skill, and toughness to put together a complete game. He’s more WR2 than WR1 in NFL depth chart terms, but Tolbert is a high floor prospect with strong production, consistency, and performances against big-time competition.

13. Skyy Moore (WR-Western Michigan) - Moore is hard-nosed and has no fear at the catch point or working the middle of the field. He needs to tighten up his route running to realize his potential, but his competitive toughness gives you faith that he’ll be in the top half of his range of outcomes. He ran faster than some anticipated at the combine (4.41) to help his stock, but some will get stuck on the Michigan game when he was held to 2-22.

14. Malik Willis (QB-Liberty) - The ball comes out of Willis’ hand hot, he has natural arm talent to make throws from lots of platforms and outside of structure, and he is a threat as a runner, but he is a major work in progress when it comes to having a process to engage with NFL defenses, avoiding bad decision, and throwing with accuracy consistently. Willis was at Auburn for two years (he also for three years went to the same high school as Cam Newton) before transferring to Liberty after losing a competition with Bo Nix. He could go as early as the Top 10 but is just as likely to fall to the late first round - which would be better for him because it would lower fan expectations in year one and help his team avoid pressure to start him right away. Think of Willis similar to Jalen Hurts for fantasy. He can be your starter as long as he’s the starter, but he’s no sure thing to hold onto the job past year three of his career.

Superflex Tip: Don’t take Willis before the top two running backs and be willing to trade out of an early pick to a team that wants him if you don’t need a quarterback.

15. Aidan Hutchinson (DE-Michigan) - Hutchinson is still the favorite to go #1 overall. Think of him as a less talented Bosa brother, which highlights the subpar nature of this year’s first round. Hutchinson will be an every-down player and very productive.

16. Christian Watson (WR-North Dakota State) - The speed, athleticism, and size are all there to project Watson as a future starter and merit a pick after the top five are off of the board, maybe even in the first round, but there is a big unknown since we haven’t seen him against top competition. He doesn’t play quite as big as his 6’5” 208 frame indicates, so patience may be necessary and coachability (which he has by all indications) will be important.

**TIER BREAK - the stud LBs/Hutchinson could be in the first round wide receiver tier, depending on your scoring system. Willis is worth more in 4 pt pass TD/pt per 25 passing yard leagues**

17. Isaiah Spiller (RB-Texas A&M) - Spiller’s bad combine should be chalked up to an injury, as his tape was more than good enough to make him the RB3 in this year’s class. We’ll look to draft capital to see whether his stock suffered greatly from the combine numbers - but it shouldn’t - Spiller was a starter as a freshman in the SEC. He’s not going to stand out for his raw athleticism, but Spiller has good feet and decision-making, he’s physical and durable, and he’s an advanced pass catcher. Spiller followed in his father’s footsteps to play football at Texas A&M. He could move up a tier if he goes on the second day to a good landing spot.

18. James Cook (RB-Georgia) - Cook is likely to make his money on passing downs, where he is skilled enough to be split out wide and run wide receiver routes. He won’t be an every-down back like his big brother Dalvin, but Cook could be a solid RB2/Flex in PPR leagues in the right spot. He’ll be tough to pass on in the second if he gets selected on day two.

19. Kyle Hamilton (S-Notre Dame) - You can find analysts who wonder if Hamilton will be the best player in this draft, although he might not even go in the top 10 because of depressed positional value for safeties. He’s a well-built athlete with linebacker size who can excel in every aspect of the position from being a ball thief, to forcing a fumble as a downhill tackler against the run, Hamilton will be a defensive coordinator’s dream. He’s a very safe pick in the second round of rookie drafts.

20. Christian Harris (LB-Alabama) - Harris started as a true freshman at Alabama and didn’t miss a game in his three years. He can handle all of the linebacker duties against the pass and run, but his read and react skills, tackling, and take-on of blockers in the run game can all improve, which gives him a high ceiling, but one that might take some time to reach.

21. Quay Walker (LB-Georgia) - The cavalcade of defensive stars in the Bulldog defense continues with Walker, who has a long frame, great range and tackling ability, and he can hold up well in man coverage against the pass. If his instincts improve and he gets better at reading the action in front of him, he could greatly exceed his modest college production in the pros.

22. Zamir White (RB-Georgia) - White is as good at the one-cut-and-go game as any back in this class. He wasn’t expected to survive for very long after experiencing many health problems at birth but obviously triumphed over that difficulty. There will be questions about his knees after he tore both ACLs, and an unexpected fall in the draft could be a sign that the medicals did not come back with an optimistic outlook. Passing game skills are mostly unknown. He is a strong, determined runner who can lead his team in carries and rushing scores.

23. Trey McBride (TE-Colorado State) - McBride is a true two-way tight end, a Mackey Award winner who also caught 90 balls for 1,121 yards last year. He doesn’t have ideal length or athleticism, but McBride is a good route runner with good hands, and he’s tough enough to handle himself making catches over the middle in tight quarters. He won’t be an elite fantasy tight end, but the potential for a long career of top 10 fantasy tight end finishes is well within reach.

24. Kayvon Thibodeaux (EDGE-Oregon) - Thibodeaux is more of a prototypical bendy, explosive edge rusher. He still has room to grow physically and in his game. Root for a 4-3 defensive team like the Lions or Jets to land him to give him the DE designation and increase his IDP value. He’ll also be worth more in big-play scoring leagues.

25. Travon Walker (DE-Georgia) - Walker probably has the highest ceiling of the top three edge rushers, but he also has the lowest floor. He can line up just about anywhere on the defensive line and will be very active against the run. Walker is still learning how to strategize as a pass rusher, but could still go #1 to the Jaguars.

26. Khalil Shakir (WR-Boise State) - Shakir doesn’t fit in a typical NFL wide receiver archetype, but he makes an impact with the ball in his hands and plays with high-end competitive toughness. He’s not a burner and isn’t going to win with length, but he’s coming into the league at the right time - when teams are more willing to blur the line between a running back and a wide receiver.

27. Alec Pierce (WR-Cincinnati) - Pierce uses his big frame and strength, but is also fast and smart against zone coverage. He’s not that quick or twitchy, so good man coverage could stick to him on Sundays. It’s not clear whether he’ll be a true deep threat in the NFL despite his impressive measured straight-line speed (4.41 at the combine).

**TIER BREAK - By this point in your rookie draft, you’re looking at rolls of the dice, or limited ceiling players**

28. Brian Robinson (RB-Alabama) - We have to be open to Robinson having more than advertised because he was highly recruited, but chose to stay home in Alabama, where he had to toil behind NFL-bound running backs for most of his college career. He’s a big, strong back with a productive stubbornness running the ball and good feet. Robinson won’t win footraces, but he is decisive and might be able to contribute on passing downs, while his special teams contributions will help him stay active on gamedays as a rookie.

29. Dameon Pierce (RB-Florida) - Pierce has the look of a back whose best ball is still ahead of him. Florida didn’t lean on him, but his strong lower body, steady game, and high effort should get him drafted and win him a roster spot to build on (which will be helped by his experience on special teams coverage units). While he won’t break any long runs or make many highlight plays, Pierce has the dedication and physical edge that coaches appreciate.

30. Pierre Strong (RB-South Dakota State) - Strong is the marquee small school back in this class with his speed and patience, making him a terrific fit in an outside zone scheme. He is also a good pass-catcher with a little bit of success under his belt as a passer but isn’t a pile pusher/tackle breaker, so his NFL role could be limited.

31. Tyler Badie (RB-Missouri) - Badie finally got his shot at Missouri when Larry Rountree was drafted by the Chargers last year and he did well with it, earning first-team all-SEC honors. His receiving skills are outstanding and he is willing as an early-down runner, but Badie is undersized and might fit in best as a role player in the NFL.

32. Kenny Pickett (QB-Pitt) - Pickett is likely to go off of the board as the first quarterback, potentially to Carolina at #6 (he was a Temple commit to Matt Rhule originally before changing his mind), but he’s not necessarily the best fantasy quarterback prospect. His athleticism is underrated and he is the most pro-ready, but this quarterback class lacks a true “franchise” prospect, which has pushed Pickett up the board out of desperation. He tends to fall apart late in games and will fold if he doesn’t identify where pressure is coming from pre-snap, but he should function well as a rhythm passer in a west coast system and he can make plays outside of structure. He’ll likely start before the end of his rookie year, if not at the beginning.

Superflex Tip: Pickett will be a first-round pick in Superflex rookie drafts, but he’s very unlikely to become a QB1 for fantasy. He’s only worth a pick in the late first and if you sorely need a quarterback.

33. Desmond Ridder (QB-Cincinnati) - Ridder is a top-end athlete, even among NFL quarterbacks, and he has experience and a good processor to go through reads and make the right decision in the pocket. He has had accuracy issues, but improved every year at Cincinnati and improved as games went on, so it’s not a fatal flaw. He might not start as early as Pickett, but he has a higher ceiling, especially for fantasy. Ridder was not highly recruited, and now Bengals head coach Zac Taylor gave him his only FBS scholarship offer to play for the Bearcats.

Superflex Tip: Ridder has the best chance to be the third quarterback in the first round. If that happens he’ll go in the first round of Superflex rookie drafts, but like Pickett is only worth a pick if you sorely need a QB2.

34. Justyn Ross (WR-Clemson) - Ross might have been a top 5 wide receiver in this class, but 2020 spinal surgery has cast a cloud over his future and ability to regain pre-injury form. His size and game at the catch point could be activated by enough speed to be a factor downfield. It’s easy to bet on a player who had 1000 receiving yards as a true freshman at Clemson even though he wasn’t even a starter.

35. Matt Corral (QB-Mississippi) - Corral flourished under Lane Kiffin, and the system there developed his game on play-action passes, RPOs, and quick hitters and otherwise set him up for success, but there are questions about how he will do without Kiffin. He’s another quarterback in this class that is athletic enough to add fantasy points as a runner, and like Ridder, the team that takes him will likely take him late in the first or in the second, so he can be brought along with patience. He played with current NFL players Michael Pittman Jr and Colby Parkinson in high school.

36. Sam Howell (QB-North Carolina) - Howell is yet another quarterback prospect in this class that can create with his legs, upping his fantasy profile, but he is also yet another quarterback prospect in this class that didn’t run an offense that simulates NFL decision-making. Howell shines on deep balls, but he isn’t patient enough in the pocket and makes some bad decisions. In a highly managed system, he could be a hit in both fantasy and NFL terms. Howell completed his degree before leaving North Carolina despite entering the draft as a junior.

Superflex Tip: Corral and Howell both have enough upside to merit picks in the early second round of Superflex rookie drafts as long as they land in spots with opportunity in the first two rounds.

37. Danny Gray (WR-SMU) - Gray took the junior college route to relevance, with speed as his calling card. He oozes athleticism and can add value after the catch, but multiple areas of his game need tightening up if he is going to find playing time on Sundays. Some have compared him to Darnell Mooney.

38. Greg Dulcich (TE-UCLA) - Dulcich is fast for a tight end and he adds some value after the catch. He could improve as a route runner and doesn’t always make the tough play at the catch point. The team that takes him won’t be doing it for his blocking, but Dulcich only has a modest fantasy ceiling.

39. Isaiah Likely (TE-Coastal Carolina) - Likely was an offensive centerpiece and looked as impressive as you’d expect a future NFL player to look at a lower level of competition. He’s a rare big-play tight end but needs to run better routes in the short and intermediate game to hit his peak.

40. Jelani Woods (TE-Virginia) - Woods tested as a freakish athlete for a 6’7” 275 behemoth. He doesn’t play up to his measureables, but he has the frame to be a valuable inline tight end and red-zone weapon. There are flashes of good route running and Woods is tough to bring down after the catch, making him a boom/bust prospect.

41. Calvin Austin III (WR-Memphis) - Austin is tiny by NFL standards at 5’9” 162, but he doesn’t shy away from battle. He can produce as a slot receiver and returner and he has legit deep speed (4.32 40). The former walk-on can get swallowed up at the catch point, but the NFL is getting better at finding roles for players like him.

42. Jermaine Johnson (EDGE-Florida State) - Johnson was a key member of the Georgia defense that ended up winning the 2021 national championship but transferred to Florida State before the season to get more playing time, and it paid off. He’s likely to go in the top half of the first round as the fourth edge defender off of the board because of his length, athleticism, effort, and strong hand-fighting skills. Both 4-3 and 3-4 teams will be looking at him, so his landing spot will affect his IDP value.

43. Channing Tindall (LB-Georgia) - The Georgia defense was so good this year that Tindall, who didn’t start, could easily have a long career as a starter in the NFL. He’s a seek-and-destroy linebacker against the run and should be an effective blitzer, but his coverage skills weren’t fruitful at Georgia, so he’ll need to improve to be an every-down player.

44. Troy Anderson (LB-Montana State) - Anderson is a rare prospect who had success as a quarterback, running back, and linebacker in college. He is still a work in progress when it comes time to shed a block or finish a tackle, but the football acumen, versatility, and speed are there for him to develop into a defensive cornerstone.

45. Leo Chenal (LB-Wisconsin) - Chenal is a monster against the run, with the size and reactions to plays unfolding to blow up offensive plans. He is athletic enough to project as a three-down linebacker, but he has to improve as a blitzer and in coverage to fulfill that role and his fantasy upside in the pros.

46. Wan’Dale Robinson (WR-Kentucky) - Robinson is too small to be an outside receiver, likely to get overwhelmed at the catch point against NFL corners and he’s not a route running technician. His quicks, toughness, and play after the catch will encourage his team to manufacture touches for him. Watch to see if he lands with the Rams to be reunited with his college offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, who was hired this offseason in the same role for the Rams.

47. Lewis Cine (S-Georgia) - it’s unclear how much Cine benefited from playing in the all-world Georgia defense, but he’ll be highly drafted nonetheless. He’s an enforcer against the run and can turn and run with speedsters in the deep passing game, so he’ll rarely if ever leave the field. Cine needs to be a little quicker in his reactions in coverage and convert interception opportunities to hit his high ceiling.

48. John Metchie (WR-Alabama) - Like his college team Jameson Williams, Metchie is recovering from an ACL tear, but unlike Williams, he doesn’t have a lot of upside despite his Alabama pedigree. Metchie is an advanced route runner who will make his living in the slot, but he probably won’t make many big plays or out physical his opponents.

49. Kevin Austin Jr. (WR-Notre Dame) - Austin is the kind of player we like to stash on fantasy practice squads. He missed most of 2019 and 2020 due to a suspension and broken foot, but came on in 2021, especially in the second half of the season. He looks the part and can make a difference in the deep passing game, so he should hear his name called on the third day despite much less experience than his peers.

50. David Bell (WR-Purdue) - Bell is this year’s underwhelming athlete who just gets open - at least in the short and intermediate areas. Will he be able to work NFL corners like he did Big Ten defensive backs? His ceiling is low and he’ll only fit in the slot, but he could become a core contributor with his advanced approach to the game.

51. Tyler Allgeier (RB-BYU) - The former walk-on isn’t a flashy prospect, but he is big, tough, strong, and crafty with good feet and good instincts. His receiving and pass-blocking skills are too spotty to consider him three-down back material.

52. Brian Asamoah (LB-Oklahoma) - Asamoah is always around the action against the run and he can knife into the backfield to make plays. He is undersized and can get caught up in the wash vs. the run, and his coverage skills need developing but have promise.

53. Chad Muma (LB-Wyoming) - Like his predecessor at MLB for the Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals starter Logan Wilson, Muma hoovers up ballcarriers and racks up tackles, so make note of him if you play in tackle-heavy scoring IDP leagues. He diagnoses the short passing game well and got three interceptions last year, but Muma doesn’t love taking on blockers in the run game and his range might be limited in the pros.

54. Bo Melton (WR-Rutgers) - Melton is a tough, smart, speedy receiver whose production was held back by his offense and quarterback. His route running should help him stick, but his smallish frame could limit his upside.

55. David Ojabo (EDGE-Michigan) - Ojabo was born in Nigeria and later lived in Scotland until he was 15. He ended up at Blair Academy in New Jersey, where he watched teammate and 2021 first-round pick Odafe Oweh transition to football and took up the sport in his junior year. He has a lot of room for growth around the foundation of his athleticism, length, flexibility, and footwork, but an Achilles injury suffered during his pro day could delay his takeoff.

56. George Karlaftis (EDGE-Purdue) - Karlaftis moved to the United States from Greece when he was 13, and some team will be richer for it. He’s durable, consistent, and plays with power and a hot motor. Karlaftis isn’t a top-end athlete like the edge defenders likely to go in the top 10, but he’ll almost certainly be drafted to play end in a 4-3 defense, helping his IDP fantasy value.

**TIER BREAK - Now we’re down to lottery tickets and players with positional value issues**

57. Zaquandre White (RB-South Carolina) - A Matt Waldman project, White flashes everything you want in a back physically, but he clearly needs to be coached up to bring all of that potential to the surface consistently. He catches the ball well out of the backfield and also had a stint as a linebacker.

58. Jalen Pitre (S-Baylor) - Pitre projects as a super-athletic defender who can play multiple roles. He was a hybrid linebacker/safety at Baylor and proved he can make plays in the backfield as a pass rusher and against the run, but also be a sticky frustrating-to-face player in man coverage. He should go on the second day and project as an NFL starter sooner or later.

59. Jaquan Brisker (S-Penn State) - Brisker is very athletic and he can play multiple roles ranging from box safety to covering a tight end one-on-one. The game was slowing down for him last year, so the best is yet to come.

60. Carson Strong (QB-Nevada) - Strong is probably the best pure passer in this class. He’s a classic pocket passer who can adjust to defensive deception and make “NFL throws”, but he has a problem knee that has required multiple recent surgeries and medical procedures since the 2020 season. Before his knee problems popped up, Strong was a high school basketball league MVP as a junior. He could end up being the best quarterback in this class if his knee holds up and his offensive line is sound. If a team uses a second-round pick on Strong, he’ll move up this list, especially in Superflex.

Superflex Tip: Strong is much closer to the QB2-5 tier in Superflex than the gap here (assuming 1QB lineups) indicates, but if he falls to the third day, assume that his knee did not pass its tests with flying colors.

61. Grant Calcaterra (TE-SMU)- Calcaterra was ticketed for an NFL future after a strong first and second year with Oklahoma in 2017 and 2018 - even earning himself first-team All-Big XII honors. He retired because of concussions but came back in 2021. He’s a natural pass-catcher and if he’s drafted, it will be for receiving skills and speed.

62. Jeremy Ruckert (TE-Ohio State) - Ruckert has untapped receiving potential and athleticism and has displayed enough as a blocker and receiving to get drafted on the second day in a league that loves to use multiple tight ends. He’s not creative after the catch or a sharp route runner, but in the right offense, he could be a fantasy-relevant tight end in time.

63. Jerome Ford (RB-Cincinnati) - Ford was once a prized Alabama recruit but said he wasn’t comfortable in their culture. He made good on his transfer to Cincinnati with a breakout 2021 as the lead back that highlighted his size and strength. Ford shows potential as a receiver but needs more patience and nuance as a runner if he is going to hit in the NFL. The pieces are there, but Ford has to put it all together.

64. Kyren Williams (RB-Notre Dame) - Williams was a slot receiver in high school and has an all-around contributor profile with advanced skills as a receiver and pass blocker. He isn’t ever going to be a starting running back, but for fantasy, he could level off as a PPR spot starter and best-ball role player in a best-case scenario.

65. Cole Turner (TE-Nevada) - Turner is a converted wide receiver who had great success (especially in the red zone) once he was moved to tight end. His size/speed/athleticism combination will make him a project for teams to develop into a passing game weapon.

66. Devonte Wyatt (DT-Georgia) - Wyatt is a strong 3-tech prospect who can generate pressure, clog lanes against the run, and find the ball and chase down the ball carrier. He could go in the first round and should have some fantasy value in leagues that start a defensive tackle.

67. Cade Otton (TE-Washington) - Don’t let his meager stats fool you, Otton has the route-running skills and hands to be a good receiving tight end in the NFL. He’s not an especially physical tight end, including as a blocker, but Otten has a knack for getting open and can add value after the catch.

68. Charlie Kolar (TE-Iowa State) - Kolar has an ideal frame to be a two-way tight end. He has good hands and uses his size to block out when the ball is in the air, but he’s not a dynamic athlete and needs to add more physical edge to hit his ceiling and unlock more of his tools.

69. Dax Hill (S-Michigan) - Hill’s fantasy upside might be capped by his ability to cover slot receivers and lack of size to hold up as a box safety (although he’s more than willing in run support), but he could go in the first round and will be a key piece of whatever defense he lands in.

70. Tyquan Thompson (WR-Baylor) - Thompson’s 4.28 speed should get him drafted on the third day. Few receivers with his stringbean body type (6’3” 182) live up to their potential, and he could have trouble getting off of the line and staying on his route against aggressive NFL corner play.

71. Abram Smith (RB-Baylor) - Smith came was part of now Carolina head coach Matt Rhule’s first recruiting class at Baylor, and he even spent time at linebacker while he was in Waco. He’s a no-nonsense downhill runner if a bit one-dimensional who has barely been used before a strong 2021 campaign that earned him second-team all Big 12 honors. Smith is obviously willing to do whatever he has to for his team, including special teams, which should help him make a roster out of training camp.

72. JoJo Domann (LB-Nebraska) - Domann switched from safety to linebacker in 2019, so he has the coverage skills to stay on the field on passing downs. The speed and nose for the game make him comfortable playing in space, but he might get overwhelmed against the run in the box and needs to be more consistent as a tackler.

73. Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE-Penn State) - Ebiketie was born in and lived in Cameroon until he was 12, so he’s still relatively new to football compared to his peers. He has to get better against the run to be a three-down player and relevant fantasy IDP, but his pass rush traits and development arrow pointing up could get him drafted in the first two rounds.

74. Boye Mafe (EDGE-Minnesota) - Mafe is still a work in progress, especially against the run, but he has all of the natural traits you look for in an edge rusher, and he could break into the first round of the draft. Mafe has a terrific first step and he’s more than athletic enough to drop into coverage, so he could end up being a 3-4 outside linebacker.

75. Tyrion Davis-Price (RB-LSU) - Teams looking for a bruiser to do dirty work between the tackles will be interested in Davis-Price. He is a good pass blocker, but inexperienced as a receiver. What he lacks in elusiveness or imagination, Davis-Price makes up for with stamina and toughness. He projects as a useful backup or committee back.

76. Isaiah Weston (WR-Northern Iowa) - Weston dominated a lower level of competition with superior athleticism and speed and he showed off an exciting deep ball game. He’s more of a project with the need to learn about releases and route running before he can make an NFL impact, but his ceiling is higher than most of the Day 3/UDFA wideouts.

77. Ahmad Gardner (CB-Cincinnati) - Gardner should be the first corner off of the board and could even go in the top five. That means he’ll be a starter from day one, and he should be with his length and shutdown ability one-on-one on the boundary. He can improve his tackling, but can also get home on the corner blitz and he picks the ball out of the air like the converted wide receiver he is.

78. Derek Stingley Jr. (CB-LSU) - Stingley was the #1 corner in this class after the 2019 season - winning consensus All-American honors after being the first true freshman to start for the LSU defense in 34 years, but he hasn’t been able to maintain his previously high level of play, in part due to injuries. That won’t keep him from going in the first round, perhaps even in the top 10. He’ll be an instant starter and get tested frequently. Stingley will also need to prove that he can hold up against the run, as he’s more of a finesse corner.

79. Trent McDuffie (CB-Washington) - McDuffie should be a first-round pick, perhaps even the second corner off of the board. He has everything you want in a corner except size. McDuffie’s athleticism and fast processor are married to make him a corner that quarterbacks may end up avoiding in the pros the way they did at Washington.

80. Kevin Harris (RB-South Carolina) - Harris is a big back who knows how to finish runs. His NFL application won’t include passing downs, but he could find a long-term home and fantasy-relevant productivity if he is married to a power running game.

81. Kennedy Brooks (RB-Oklahoma) - Brooks has led some talented committees in the Sooner backfield, and he was never the most athletic runner on the roster. He is, however, very patient and natural in his running style in a zone scheme. If he could run with more urgency and develop a physical edge, Brooks might surprise in the NFL.

82. Isaiah Pacheco (RB-Rutgers) - Pacheco stayed home to play football in New Jersey and had to endure multiple tragedies in his family as an older brother and an older sister were both murdered in separate incidents. Lance Zierlein said he “plays the game like a race car with no brakes”. He’s sudden and combative, but not very refined as a runner, needing more patience and deliberation to unlock his potential.

83. Rachaad White (RB-Arizona State) - White was unheralded out of high school and had to go the junior college route to big-time college football. He has great phone booth quicks and creativity to create big plays and White is also an accomplished pass catcher. The size and strength aren’t there to be a true lead back, but White can be a contributor in the NFL with fantasy injury upside.

84. Keaontay Ingram (RB-USC) - Ingram led the Texas Longhorns in rushing in 2019, but Bijan Robinson eventually replaced him as the starter in 2020, so he transferred to USC. He fit in and posted a strong enough season to possibly get drafted on the back of his vision, patience, and burst. He needs to run with more edge and could get more powerful to help his chances of making a roster.

85. Andrew Booth (CB-Clemson) - Booth is an outstanding athlete, and he is very aggressive when the ball is in the air and against the run. That can also lead to big mistakes and missed tackles, but when he makes a play on the ball in flight at the catch point, you’ll see why he could sneak into the first round. He will definitely have a target on his back as soon as he’s in the starting lineup, so the rookie corner rule is in effect.

86. Marcus Jones (CB/RET-Houston) - Jones is too small to be an outside corner, but he should be a good fit as a slot corner, which is a quasi-starter in a lot of defenses. The reason he is on this list is that one of the all-time best returners in college history with nine kick and punt return touchdowns in his career, making him very relevant in leagues that score return yards.

87. Jordan Davis (DT-Georgia) - Davis projects as a massive run stuffer with the athleticism of a defensive end. It’s not clear how many snaps he can play and hold up over a season, and he might not have a lot of passing down impact, but Davis could easily turn into a play-wrecker and fantasy-relevant player in DT-required leagues.

88. Logan Hall (DL- Houston) - Hall was a three-tech defensive tackle in college, but he can slide outside on early downs and make hay as an interior pass rusher on passing downs. The length, athleticism, and feet are there for Hall to develop into an impactful pass rusher.

89. Velus Jones (WR/RET-Tennessee) - Jones is a raw receiver, but could make a team as a return specialist. If he flourishes in the return game, it could create opportunities for manufactured touches on offense. There’s a possibility that he develops into a competent route runner, so Jones is worth monitoring.

90. James Mitchell (TE-Virginia Tech) - Mitchell should improve as a route runner and he is one of the best tight ends in this class after the catch. He might be better off as a move tight end and is probably a year or two away from competing for significant snaps.

91. Erik Ezukanma (WR-Texas Tech) - Ezukanma is a big target who wins at the catch point and is fast enough to play downfield. He’s not a refined or diverse route runner, but Ezukanma plays with a physical edge and he was the first Red Raider receiver to make all-Big XII first team since Michael Crabtree.

92. Makai Polk (WR-Mississippi State) - Polk was super productive during his one year with Mike Leach, but it’s not clear what his calling card will be in the NFL. He’s excellent at the catch point and makes good decisions on the fly, but his route running and athleticism might be below average among NFL receivers, so his ceiling is low.

93. Jerrion Ealy (RB-Ole Miss) - Ealy is too small to be an every-down back and he’s not a true speedster, but he’s not a dainty runner, he’s elusive, he’s a good receiver, and he can add value as a kick returner.

94. Ty Chandler (RB-North Carolina) - Chandler did well for himself by transferring from Tennessee to North Carolina, and his receiving ability and kick return prowess should help teams take a chance on his patience bordering on too deliberate running style.

95. Zonovan Knight (RB-NC State) - “Bam” is a power back by trade, but he also has good pass-catching skills and kick return ability to help him stick on a roster.

96. Hassan Haskins (RB-Michigan) - Haskins is a big back who put Michigan on his shoulders in the huge win over Ohio State this season. He is tough to bring down and would fit best in a gap scheme, but isn’t very dynamic. He has a chance to make a roster as a late-round back due to his special teams and pass blocking ability.

97. Damone Clark (LB-LSU) - Clark is a good pick in leagues with ample injured reserve or taxi squad spots, as he’s a second-day talent that will fall well into the third day because he recently had spinal surgery that will likely cost him the 2022 season. He has the size, speed, and finisher’s touch as a tackler to be a highly productive pro, but his instincts are questionable and make him an inconsistent player and tough to project.

98. Snoop Conner (RB-Ole Miss) - Conner has an NFL build at 5’10” 222 and his attitude as a runner will fit in on Sundays. He probably projects as a short-yardage back and early down grinder a la Peyton Barber, but there’s enough on tape as a receiver and pass blocker to think he could grow into more, assuming teams don’t knock him too much for his poor combine showing.

99. Skylar Thompson (QB-Kansas State) - Thompson is a developmental prospect with dual-threat ability and quality pocket passing skills. He’s also missed a lot of time due to injury and doesn’t have a lot of experience for an older prospect. Thompson was a second-team all-state basketball player as a sophomore in high school. Matt Waldman and Mark Schofield like him, and that’s good enough to make him worth stashing away in Superflex or deep leagues.

100. Devon Williams (WR-Oregon) - Williams was once one of the most sought after recruits in the country, but he never lived up to his traits during stops at USC and Oregon. He’s raw as a receiver and the stuff that made him so coveted doesn’t show up often on tape, but the success of fellow transfer to the Ducks and current Saint Juwan Johnson in a conversion to tight end creates a scenario where Williams could eventually matter for fantasy football.