In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Bud Light:
Dear Mitch,
If you're reading this email, you already know. The NFL season is over. The games. The playoffs. Everything.
We're at the Comfort Inn in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. Room 112.
I love you and MOCK DRAFT SZN,
Frank
Kicking It Old School
If you check out my most recent mock draft (the pre-combine version), you'll see that I officially have a bet on EDGE Abdul Carter (Penn State) to go No. 1 overall (+220; FanDuel).
I wish I'd had the vision to bet him when he was +800 or longer, but oh well.
The more I dig into this year's prospects, the more I realize what an old-school hand-in-the-dirt draft class this is.
Lots of teams picking in the top 10—including the Titans at No. 1—need a QB, but there isn't one in this class that's close to a generational talent.
The only potential once-in-a-decade prospects this year are Carter and WR/CB Travis Hunter (Colorado).
Given Hunter's positional uncertainty—as well as Carter's young age (21 years old), strong pedigree (unanimous All-American), and elite production (12 sacks and a nation-leading 24 tackles for loss as a junior)—I think the edge rusher should be the frontrunner to go No. 1.
In their most recent mocks—both just released this week—Daniel Jeremiah and Todd McShay have Carter at No. 1.
And in my opinion, most sharp mockers have pivoted to that position. Those who haven't I imagine will eventually.
A lot can change between now and the NFL Draft, especially with the Combine coming up, but right now Carter No. 1 is a position I increasingly like.
For my lifetime, I'm 484-424 (+102.6 units) betting on the draft. As the NFL draft prop market heats up, I'll put all my bets in our free Fantasy Life Bet Tracker. It might be worth checking out.
Lastly, you’re not going to want to miss my pre-NFL Combine mock draft. 👇🏼
ICYMI: MY PRE-COMBINE NFL MOCK DRAFT
Here is some cool dynasty/draft/college stuff to read…
📈 Is it ever too early for Fantasy Football rankings? Never!
💪 J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold? That and other Vikings offseason questions.
👀 Who are some of the most overrated NFL Draft prospects?
🔮 Michael Penix is going for 4,000 yards and 30 TDs! You heard it here first.
🏴☠️ Cooterdoodle shows how far the Bucs have to go to step up in the NFC.
🤣 A.J. Brown’s impression of Jalen Hurts. Uncanny.
⚡️ Ray G Que and Thor have a Kaleb Johnson prediction for the NFL Combine.
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Recipe for RB Revolution
This year's RB class is shaping up to be a spicy dish.
For those old enough to remember the 2008 class—when we had a magnificent FIVE RBs go in Round 1, Matt Forte and Ray Rice in Round 2, and Jamaal Charles and Steve Slaton in Round 3—this year's class reminds me of that one.
The era is different. Long gone are the days of seeing the NFL value RBs as if they're must-add assets.
But in 2008, dynasty drafters were able to add difference-making fantasy backs throughout the first round of rookie drafts, and we might get that this year.
It's not just Ashton Jeanty in this class. We also have Kaleb Johnson and Omarion Hampton. And others. This class is good. Maybe great.
I'm sure we'll dive into RBs in more depth in a future newsletter—every Saturday edition of the Fantasy Life Newsletter is now devoted to draft content—but for now, check out Thor Nystrom's prospect profiles on the top RBs in the class.
And please join me in petitioning the gods of football to grant these young men the strength to test well at the upcoming combine in Indy.
May the gods bless us all with the RB revolution we need.
Seven Overrated & Underrated Prospects
This week, Ray G Que joined Thor on the Fantasy Life Show to discuss seven overrated and seven underrated draft prospects.
They hit on all the skill positions: QB, RB, WR, and TE.
Just two knowledgeable dudes talking ball.
Check it out.
WHO’S OVERRATED AND WHO’S UNDERRATED?
TreVeyon Henderson Follows Buckeye Title With Run To NFL
TreVeyon Henderson runs with his torso upright and his knees bent like coiled springs. He can accelerate from 0-60 in a blink, and is bursty through holes. Henderson doesn’t have juke-machine agility—he has a little hip stiffness—but he’s extremely sudden laterally when he needs to be.
That springy lower half of his has teleportation qualities east/west—he can pull out the reverse Uno card with a hard foot in the dirt when confronted by immediate penetration and hit the gas down the line the other direction.
Henderson, though, is not a bounce-heavy running back. He is a very unique running back prospect who doesn’t comfortably fit into traditional boxes. Many backs with his athletic profile are finesse air/space archetypes who dance/evade and toggle speeds.
WHY TREVEYON HENDERSON COMPARES TO CLINTON PORTIS
