Some thoughts on the 2020 Rookie Class

[bjd5211]

Has Etienne officially declared yet?

No one from Clemson or LSU have, just like no one from OSU or OU had until their season was over.

[hockeyBjj]

Great reads. Thank you. Love seeing someone not going with the consensus and having their reasoning for why a guy is up or down for them not just an empty hot take.

[cantguardjake]

Akers is nothing special. He seems decent enough in pass protection and for the most part has nice hands out of the backfield, but he runs stiff and doesn’t seem to have too much feel for the running back position. Didn’t surprise me at all when I saw that he played quarter back in high school after watching his tape.

I doubt he’s anything more than a fourth round NFL selection, maybe a late third at best if he blows the combine out of the water (which I doubt will happen).

[bjd5211]

Well, Etienne won't be a part of this rookie class, he's staying for his Senior year.

[FantasyFreak]

Well, Etienne won't be a part of this rookie class, he's staying for his Senior year.

Really surprised by this. He does need to get better in pass pro, and another year to hone his receiving skills isn't a bad thing. Putting on another 5 pounds would help, too. I'm sure the draft grade and perceived rank amongst his peers factored in. Seems that the dynasty community may have been overvaluing him vs the NFL, going into this draft. It happens. Another year should give him time to become a more complete back, and perhaps add the weight he needs to be a true lead back at the next level.

[nathanq42]

Well, Etienne won't be a part of this rookie class, he's staying for his Senior year.

Really surprised by this. He does need to get better in pass pro, and another year to hone his receiving skills isn't a bad thing. Putting on another 5 pounds would help, too.

How much will it help though? Best case he jumps from mid second to mid first? Worst he busts his knee and falls from mid second to the fourth? Kid should have taken the money.

[FantasyFreak]

Well, Etienne won't be a part of this rookie class, he's staying for his Senior year.

Really surprised by this. He does need to get better in pass pro, and another year to hone his receiving skills isn't a bad thing. Putting on another 5 pounds would help, too.

How much will it help though? Best case he jumps from mid second to mid first? Worst he busts his knee and falls from mid second to the fourth? Kid should have taken the money.

Don't know. Maybe he would have fallen further than the mid 2nd. We really don't know. What if he was given a 3rd round grade? I don't agree with his decision, but there are holes to his game, and I've heard he's really playing more about 205 than the 210 listed, but I whatever his reasons are, they must make sense to him, with all the information he has that we don't.

[kmbryant09]

Very unfortunate news regarding Etienne. My first time through his tape, and I wasn't too sure how elite of a prospect he would be in my eyes.

After watching some more tape and watching him against Ohio State & LSU, he was really starting to grow on me. While his game has its weaknesses, I continued to be impressed with his contact balance and surprising lower body strength (being able to drag defenders and fall forward) to go along with his obvious game-breaking speed.

Will almost undoubtedly be my RB #1 in next year's class.

[Snake]

Clemson donors must be sliding some serious $$$ under the table.

Please don’t let this be Bryce Love 2.0

[Orenthal Shames]

Clemson donors must be sliding some serious $$$ under the table.

Please don’t let this be Bryce Love 2.0

Etienne: I'm projected as a 2nd round pick. That's four years, $2.8M at least.

Boosters: We can pay more than that.

Etienne: I'm coming back for my "degree"

[Krypto_King]

I really enjoyed this but I can't get past pairing Lamb with "not explosive enough." I expect him to jump out of the gym, he reminds me of prime Sammy

[FantasyFreak]

I really enjoyed this but I can't get past pairing Lamb with "not explosive enough." I expect him to jump out of the gym, he reminds me of prime Sammy

No way he runs low 4.4's IMO. Prime Sammy wasn't that good. Maybe athletically, but I don't think Lamb is that athletic. I don't expect him to test as well, but if he stays healthy, he should have a better career, because lets face it, Watkins is a bust.

[alewilliam789]

I really hope that none of these players get injured, but I think all these RBs coming back to school will teach a lesson to all these upcoming prospects to always declare when they have the opportunity. I personally cannot see them gaining as much value as they think they will. With RB prospects a lot of the skills they have are pretty cut/dry

[Bot101]

Outside of like 5 or 6 guys, this class is being massively overrated as a whole. I stocked up on 2nds in one league and I'll be trying to cash those chips in.

[nathanq42]

There are only 3 players I really want. jeudy, Dobbins, swift (in that order). And I'd be very happy if someone reached so I can snag lamb as well. CEH & shenault also intrigue me but they aren't must haves.