DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans
This rookie did not look like a rookie versus the Vikings this past weekend. He had 4 catches for 52 yards and a TD. On his TD reception he leaped over the coverage and completed the catch all the way to the ground. D-Hop is the type of guy who you may want to consider with a late round flier pick in redraft leagues. He will be starting opposite of Andre Johnson so he should see plenty of single coverage throughout the year. The big question is will Schaub throw the ball enough on this run first offense? He is easily worth a top 3 pick in rookie drafts this summer. I’m all over this guy come draft day!
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Vikings
When you hear the term “raw ability”, you are hearing about someone who is able to play the game strictly on their athletic ability and limited football IQ. This applies to Patterson. Watching the game versus Houston this weekend it popped off the screen how athletic and big Patterson is. I didn’t see a wide variety of routes from Patterson, but with limited playing time, that’s expected. His kick-off return to midfield was telling and he blew through the coverage with great speed and vision. He quickly identified the hole and did not hesitate to hit it. He also caught 4 passes on 8 targets for 54 yards. It’s obvious that the Vikings plan to get the ball in this guy’s hands. After this performance he has made himself a top 5 pick in all rookie drafts. Definitely worth looking at this guy late in drafts, especially if points are awarded in your league for return yards.
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, Patriots
Dynasty owners need to jump on this guy ASAP. Redraft owners need to closely monitor this guy leading up to your draft because he just might be the #1 WR for Tom freaking Brady. Before Friday night’s game, reports out of Patriots camp was the Thompson and Brady were working well together. It certainly showed on Friday night as Brady targeted Thompkins often. The 25-year-old UDFA from Cincinnati caught 4 passes on 5 targets for 23 yards. Nothing too huge statistically, but the fact alone that Brady trusts Kenbrell is all I need to know as an owner. If this trend continues, Thompkins might become a flex play in redraft leagues.
Giovanni Bernard, RB, Bengals
The 2nd round pick for the Bengals didn’t have an explosive game with any highlight reel plays, but he did get 10 carries and 6 targets in 1 half of football. Reading between the lines, Bernard will be getting plenty of touches in this offense, even if he is splitting time with the Law Firm. Gio finished with 44 yards from scrimmage along with a TD and 3 receptions. Bernard is slam dunk #1 overall pick in rookie drafts and has lower end #2 RB appeal. If he gets to round 7-8 in re-draft leagues, feel free to pounce on him as that is good value at that point in the draft.
Christine Michael, RB, Seahawks
There is no doubt that Marshawn Lynch is the cowbell up in Seattle, but if he ever needs a break, Christine Michael will step right in and provide the same threat out of the backfield. Michael ran hard for 89 yards on 16 carries and made players miss often. Robert Turbin is penciled in as the back-up RB behind Lynch right now, but I have a feeling that it won’t last the entire season. He probably will be drafted very late, if at all, in all redraft leagues, by I know I won’t be passing on him. He is a strong runner who will be the handcuff to Lynch. Dynasty owners need to understand that this guy is a long-term investment, so be patient and wait for his opportunity.
