Hello and welcome to the final installment of my annual Top 100 Rookies series before the combine drills! If you’re new to the series, every year I put together 100 rookies entering the NFL draft and rank them based on the impact I believe they’ll have for fantasy football purposes (of course). So no, this is not just another “big board” or “where they’ll go in the real NFL draft” conversation. This is specifically designed for you to use as a data point in building your own rookie rankings for upcoming dynasty league rookie drafts. And of course, it’s here to help you learn a few fun things to make you sound smart among your friends as the NFL combine and draft are approaching.
And yes, the NFL combine results will certainly change these rankings a bit. But the goal here is to establish a baseline understanding of where these players should rank given what we know now and how they can help themselves in the coming weeks and months to help their draft and fantasy football stock.
I used to keep things limited to offensive players, but for those of you who are super nerds like me having some individual defensive players (IDPs) included definitely helps for your upcoming drafts too.
Some things to note as you read:
- The position listed is where I believe they will play most frequently
- “EDGE” players are typically 3-4 outside linebackers or pass-rushing 4-3 defensive ends
- “DL” are typically DTs and DEs that will work exclusively between the 0 and 5 techniques on the defensive line
- “LB” are the playmaking off-the-ball linebackers
- Scoring format assumed is 1 QB, PPR and a balance between tackle heavy and big play (for the IDPs)
If you missed the first four installments:
- Rookies Ranked No. 21 to No. 40
- Rookies Ranked No. 41 to No. 60
- Rookies Ranked No. 61 to No. 80
- Rookies Ranked No. 81 to No. 100
If you have any questions or comments on these ranks find me on Twitter @FF_TravisM! But without further ado, here are the players currently ranked No. 1 to No. 20 in the 2020 Top 100 Rookies series!
20. K.J. Hamler, WR Penn State
Let’s start with the positive. Hamler broke out in his first collegiate action. He’s certainly got elite speed. And he can separate with ease on a wide variety of route concepts.
But this NFL combine week has been rough on him, and it doesn’t look like it is getting better. Hamler measured under 5 feet 9 inches and below 180 pounds, which places him in a pretty unfriendly receiver archetype for fantasy football upside. And to make matters worse he won’t be able to feature his elite speed due to a hamstring tweak. So there won’t be another chance for him to prove his worth until Penn State’s pro day. His stock is falling right now, but he’s still a likely candidate for early draft capital. That could save the day for his chances.
19. Tua Tagovailoa, QB Alabama
