Welcome to HardnoseRocks! I apologize for my summer hiatus. Apparently, whenever the NFL has nothing to do is always when I am busiest. Anyway, I've decided to cover some of my favorite underrated players to watch this season. In most cases, they are rookies or second-year players who were picked in the second, third, or fourth round. They might just surprise the league this year.
Matt Jones, RB, Washington Redskins
Matt Jones may be able to dodge both the defensive line and the PC Police. He was a relatively unknown rookie last year who worked his way up the depth chart, sharing snaps with Alfred Morris by the end of the season. With Morris in Dallas, Jones is slated to be the starter. Fantasy-wise, he may be a reliable RB2. I wouldn't draft him in the first four rounds, but if he falls out of the draft, I'd pick him up as a free agent.
Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Hyde has finally received the starting job in San Francisco. He was one of the favorite prospects in the draft, and people have had their eye on him since he came out of college. I think this year, he could be a top ten fantasy running back. If he falls to the fourth round, I would take him there. The only problem may be his quarterback, who has had a Jekyll-and-Hyde career. (Sorry. Couldn't resist.)
Devontae Booker, RB, Denver Broncos
One of the best college running backs last year was drafted by the Broncos. He's the perfect fit for a Kubiak offense. In all likelihood, he'll be sharing reps with C.J. Anderson this year. Anderson was largely underwhelming last year, and if this year is anything like the last, Booker may come in as a starter. I would draft him at round 3 at the earliest.
Adam Humphries, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I may be the first to come out and say this, but Humphries has top 10 potential. I watched the Friday night Tampa-Cleveland game, and he stood out in a big way, outplaying Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans. He made some very good hand grabs and always seemed to be in the right place to move the chains. Those who have read my blog know that, coming out of college, I thought Jameis Winston was a prime specimen of bust. At this writing, he has been a pleasant surprise. Humphries may be a great WR2 option for your fantasy team.
Shiloh Ke'o, S, Denver Broncos
As a Broncos fan, I've been keeping my eye on all their players. So it should come as no surprise that one of the cleanest, fastest safeties I've seen in years bleeds orange and blue. Ke'o stood out on special teams this year, shutting down returners from Chicago and San Francisco. I doubt that he'll get many starts this year against T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart, but if a starting safety gets injured, look for him to make a splash.
Ben Garland, OL, Atlanta Falcons
Yes, the offensive line is the least glamorous, least popular, least known job in the NFL. No that did not stop me from putting Ben Garland on this list. While fans won't be wearing his jerseys, and his plays won't make the highlight reel, expect him to be a solid starter for the Falcons for years to come. He stepped in for the Broncos after last year's offensive line injuries and was as good as any starter.
The season is finally upon us! Man, I missed football more than I thought I did. Enjoy watching the games, and keep an eye out for these breakout candidates!
Matt Jones, RB, Washington Redskins
Matt Jones may be able to dodge both the defensive line and the PC Police. He was a relatively unknown rookie last year who worked his way up the depth chart, sharing snaps with Alfred Morris by the end of the season. With Morris in Dallas, Jones is slated to be the starter. Fantasy-wise, he may be a reliable RB2. I wouldn't draft him in the first four rounds, but if he falls out of the draft, I'd pick him up as a free agent.
Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Hyde has finally received the starting job in San Francisco. He was one of the favorite prospects in the draft, and people have had their eye on him since he came out of college. I think this year, he could be a top ten fantasy running back. If he falls to the fourth round, I would take him there. The only problem may be his quarterback, who has had a Jekyll-and-Hyde career. (Sorry. Couldn't resist.)
Devontae Booker, RB, Denver Broncos
One of the best college running backs last year was drafted by the Broncos. He's the perfect fit for a Kubiak offense. In all likelihood, he'll be sharing reps with C.J. Anderson this year. Anderson was largely underwhelming last year, and if this year is anything like the last, Booker may come in as a starter. I would draft him at round 3 at the earliest.
Adam Humphries, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I may be the first to come out and say this, but Humphries has top 10 potential. I watched the Friday night Tampa-Cleveland game, and he stood out in a big way, outplaying Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans. He made some very good hand grabs and always seemed to be in the right place to move the chains. Those who have read my blog know that, coming out of college, I thought Jameis Winston was a prime specimen of bust. At this writing, he has been a pleasant surprise. Humphries may be a great WR2 option for your fantasy team.
Shiloh Ke'o, S, Denver Broncos
As a Broncos fan, I've been keeping my eye on all their players. So it should come as no surprise that one of the cleanest, fastest safeties I've seen in years bleeds orange and blue. Ke'o stood out on special teams this year, shutting down returners from Chicago and San Francisco. I doubt that he'll get many starts this year against T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart, but if a starting safety gets injured, look for him to make a splash.
Ben Garland, OL, Atlanta Falcons
Yes, the offensive line is the least glamorous, least popular, least known job in the NFL. No that did not stop me from putting Ben Garland on this list. While fans won't be wearing his jerseys, and his plays won't make the highlight reel, expect him to be a solid starter for the Falcons for years to come. He stepped in for the Broncos after last year's offensive line injuries and was as good as any starter.
The season is finally upon us! Man, I missed football more than I thought I did. Enjoy watching the games, and keep an eye out for these breakout candidates!
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