Rookies that will win you 2021 and Beyond

Well, we have finally come to the last article of the 2020 season. I have had a lot of fun writing for you all this year, and I hope that my advice has won some of you a game or two. Looking ahead at the playoffs, most rookies that can help you win have been scooped up. Therefore, as we begin a major reorganization of Goingfor2.com, I will be transitioning over to Dynasty Lead Writer. In that spirit, my final article will deal with the rookies from the 2020 class that can be building blocks for the future. We all know Burrow, Herbert, Dobbins, Jefferson and the like will be on many rosters for years to come. We are going to take a deeper dive and look at some players that aren’t household names yet, that can be on your redraft roster next year AND your dynasty roster. Buckle up, and enjoy. Good luck to everyone competing for a fantasy title.

Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles

Hurts was a shocker of a second-round pick for the Eagles. Hurts isn’t a traditional, strong-armed pocket passer with pinpoint accuracy. He sometimes holds onto the ball too long as he waits for plays to develop, and he has a slow release. Carson Wentz has been stinking up the joint all year, and Doug Pederson finally made the Switch. Hurts responded by beating the best defense in the NFL. While his passing numbers weren’t crazy good, his rushing gives him an upside. If he can hang on to the Eagles job, look for him to break out in the future.

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Lynn Bowden, RB/WR, Dolphins

Bowden was drafted by the Raiders, and he was quickly caught up in the numbers game and released. HE made his way to Miami, where he didn’t see much action. Now that there are a ton of injuries, Lynn is able to show what he can do. He’s a gadget kind of receiver: His versatility speaks to his overall skill set and on-field ability, and he’s a smart, tough football player who simply finds a way to produce. He isn’t the fastest or quickest, but he seems to have a connection with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. His RB/WR eligibility only helps make him a more attractive option. I expect him to be a part of the Miami offense for years to come.

AJ Dillon, RB, Packers

Dillon was expected to get much more work than he has this year. He’s looked okay when he gets the ball, as he’s averaging 4.2 ypc on his limited touches. The main draw with him is that he was drafted using a very high pick and that starting RB Aaron Jones is a FA after this year. Dillon reminds some of Derrick Henry, and if he can even come close to that kind of production, he should be a fantasy stud.

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Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Browns

DPJ has come on late in the season in the wake of the injury to Odell Beckham. He has improved from week to week and made a nice catch off a ricochet against the Ravens. Donovan has every physical tool you could want in a receiver, as he is more explosive and nearly as fast as fellow wide receiver and 2020 draftee Denzel Mims. He isn’t a nuanced route-runner, but he’s so physical and explosive at the line of scrimmage that it is extremely difficult to press him. Baker Mayfield is no stranger to pulling the trigger on deep throws and Peoples-Jones should be able to take advantage of that skill set in the future.

Collin Johnson, WR, Jaguars

Collin is another player who has come on late after doing nothing for the first half of the year. Johnson has stepped in and been a quality asset in the wake of the injury to fellow receiver Laviska Shenault. I  like his ability to control and adjust his body to make a catch. He seems quite coordinated for his size, and as soon as the ball is in his vicinity, he usually comes down with it. He clearly has the ability to physically overwhelm smaller DBs, but he must learn to use that physicality to his advantage more often. If he can do that, he will be a very successful receiver in this league.

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Quintez Cephus, WR, Lions

Quintez is definitely more of a 2021 play than a 2020 one. None of Detroit’s top receivers is under contract for next year, and that should give Cephus a leg up to claim a starting job.  Cephus being able to run any route you want him to, despite the fact that he ran a terrible 40 time should make him a PPR asset. There looks to be a complete offensive rebuild in Detroit, and Quintez should be able to take advantage and become a quality fantasy receiver starting next year.

Harrison Bryant, TE, Browns

Harrison Bryant’s game has a lot to like from a fantasy perspective. Bryant makes excellent use of his 6’5 height and long reach to provide his QB with a big target. He uses his athleticism to excel out of the slot. Few linebackers are able to keep up with his straight-line speed. He also comes from a program where he was used as a swiss army knife. The addition of Austin Hooper to incumbent David Njoku spelled early doom for any fantasy relevance for Bryant. Harrison would eventually get more chances to play in the wake of injuries to his position, and he has shown in those limited opportunities that he is the real deal. David Njoku is not long for Cleveland’s roster and Hooper has injury concerns. If Bryant is given the targets and volume, he will absolutely produce. Keep him on your 2021 squad.

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