Dynasty Rookie Buzz

Dynasty Rookie Buzz by @GNFF_Godfather 

Rookie drafts are going down and pretty soon redrafts will kick off and GMs will be reaching for certain rookies. Here are the young talents with increasing buzz as training camp approaches.

J.J. ARCEGA-WHITESIDE – PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The big-bodied bully out of Stanford impressed the Eagles staff through OTAs  and minicamp. Beat writers have reported the second-round rookie being unstoppable at getting open and becoming a legitimate red zone threat for Carson Wentz. Arcega-Whiteside has completed a strong offseason program but there are still hurdles to overcome. JJAW earned PFF’s highest red zone receiving grade ever with a 94.0 Through his entire career at Stanford, Arcega-Whiteside caught 27 of 39 red zone targets for 25 combined first downs and touchdowns per PFF. All he has to do is stay healthy, as does Wentz for the chemistry to keep blooming. 

“I’ve seen my share of rookie wide receivers in my time covering the Eagles, and I would put Arcega-Whiteside alongside Jordan Matthews as the most active in terms of making plays in practice. Matthews, if you’ll recall, had a stat line of 67-872-8 his rookie season. Arcega-Whiteside likely won’t put up those kinds of numbers as he has too many established, talented vets ahead of him, but he has already shown that he belongs, and has more upside than JMatt, especially in the red zone.”

– Jimmy Kempski of Philly VoiceThe trio of Alshon Jeffery, Desean Jackson and Nelson Agholor won’t remain together past 2020. By then it should be the JJAW show in Philly. You can justify drafting him in the top-ten of rookie drafts.

DWAYNE HASKINS – WASHINGTON REDSKINS
“You see the ‘wow’ plays and you’re like, ‘Jesus’. When he’s on, there’s nobody you’d rather have than Dwayne. Really. It’s pretty. He stands tall; he has a cannon, and he can quicken up his release. He’s got great touch. Strong, powerful arm; strong, powerful body. But sometimes when he’s off, he’s abnormally off. It’s kind of weird.” 
– Jay Gruden, Washington Redskins Head Coach

Case Keenum stands in the way of Dwayne Haskins starting in Week 1. That’s not a tough obstacle for the dude drafted 15th overall. The future is in Haskins’ hands and he’s been shining so far. There’s still much to prove for the QB who threw 50 touchdowns to only eight interceptions in 2018. 

“He might end up starting, that could happen. I don’t want to say he’s going to start Game 1 today, but it’s been enjoyable to see what Dwayne Haskins has done. … It’s been a great offseason. To be on the sideline during OTAs and minicamp and see the young guy do what he’s done and take command of the opportunities he’s had.”– Doug Williams, Washington Redskins Senior VP of Player Personnel

You can bet on Haskins’ upside as long as he keeps grinding. He’s got a hose, pocket presence, great vision and accuracy. According to PFF, Haskins tied for the second-highest accuracy percentage – not completion percentage. Out of the top-five QBs in the 2019 class, Haskins threw the lowest rate of uncatchable and inaccurate passes. Cardinals No.1 pick Kyler Murray ranked first. Don’t be afraid to draft Haskins the second round of rookie drafts.

PRESTON WILLIAMS – MIAMI DOLPHINS
Not many knew about this rookie wideout a month ago but here he is, soaring up draft boards. 

“He’s definitely a guy that, as a quarterback, you take notice at some of the plays that he’s making. Like I said, great plays and boneheaded plays. We have to find a consistency there, but he certainly has enough talent to do it.”– Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins QuarterbackWilliams has been making plays in Dolphins camp and could be real steal after going undrafted out of Colorado State. He missed the whole 2017 season after transferring from Tennessee. But in 2018, Williams caught 96 passes for 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns. That’s just four less receptions, 75 less yards but seven more touchdowns than another CSU Ram – Michael Gallup, drafted in the third round by Dallas last year. Watch the film on Williams and you’ll see he’s a tough receiver who welcomes contact and wins the 50-50 ball. He may not be the fastest or most athletic but he is a reliable target who eats up YAC and explodes off the ball through the point of the route break.