2009 5th Round NFL Rookie profiles with combine measurables and fantasy football analysis.
ALL 90 FANTASY SKILL POSITION ROOKIE PROFILES: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7
***ENTIRE '09 NFL DRAFT
Johnny Knox 6-0 185 WR Abilene Christian
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40 yard Dash: 4.29 at the combine
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Vertical Jump: 35” at the combine
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Birthday 11/3/1986 Age: 22
The Good: Good size. Good quickness off the line. Good hands. Uses his body well to make all the catches. Good field vision with the speed and moves to take it to the house at any time. Solid blocker. Adds value as a return man.
The Bad: Could use some more bulk. Played against lower level competition in college. Can be brought down easily in the open field. Often dances around too much on returns.
The Truth: Knox has big time speed and big time potential, it’s just a matter of bulking up and gaining the strength to defeat stronger NFL defensive backs. It’s likely going to take some time for him to be anything other than a return man for a couple of years but I like this guys fantasy sleeper potential because what he's missing can be fixed.
Drafted: Chicago Bears-Round 5-Pick Number 140
FFT Update: Drafting Knox allows for the Bears to move Devin Hester out of the return game so he can concentrate only on wide receiver if they so choose. Knox looks to be a nice return man who will need a couple of years to blossom at receiver. I still like his upside but even for the Bears it’s going to take some time.
Kenny McKinley 6-1 189 WR South Carolina
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40 yard Dash: 4.37 at the combine
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Vertical Jump: 37” at the combine
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Birthday 1/31/1987 Age: 22
The Good: Good height. Quick off the line. Good route runner. Excellent take it to the house speed. Does a good job of using his body to adjust for the tough throws. Good field vision.
The Bad: Needs to bulk up. Doesn’t have great strength and is often brought down by only one defender.
The Truth: McKinley has the speed and quickness to be a great NFL player but the bottom line is he lacks strength and doesn’t utilize his speed to the best of his ability. He’s a boom or bust guy that is much more likely to be on the bust side. He’s worth keeping an eye on but I personally am not too excited about him.
Drafted: Denver Broncos-Round 5-Pick Number-141
FFT Update: I’m not sure how good of fit this is for the Broncos and I don’t expect McKinley to see the field anytime soon. He’s got nice attributes to know about at though.
Jarrett Dillard 5-10 191 WR Rice
The Good: What he lacks in height he makes up for with an amazing vertical leap, he jumped 42.5 inches at the combine. Great hands to make the catch and to free himself from defenders. Route running is one of his best assets. Uses his body to make tough catches and shocks defenders when he goes up for the ball.
The Bad: Doesn’t have great speed, isn’t explosive, and can be knocked off his route by defenders. Not a great blocker. May only be a slot guy.
The Truth: Was Rice’s first All-American in 50 years after pulling in 87 receptions, 1310 yards, and 20 touchdowns, not bad for a dude targeted as an NFL slot receiver. He isn’t the biggest or fastest guy in this draft but his route running and leaping ability give him a chance to be more productive right away than a lot of bigger names. He may not have top end fantasy skills but this guy could become a nice number two or three at some point.
Drafted: Jacksonville Jaguars-Round 5-Pick Number-144
FFT Update: Dilliard may have landed in the perfect situation as the Jags could utilize him fairly early on from the slot position. His leaping ability makes him an interesting red zone threat as well. He may never amount to anything but I like his upside.
Quinn Johnson 6-1 246 FB LSU
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40 yard Dash: 4.82 at the combine
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225 LB Bench Reps: 16
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Vertical Jump: 32” at the combine
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Birthday 9/30/1986 Age: 22
The Good: Very good size with a tough build. Good blocker. Adds value as a special teams gunner type of guy.
The Bad: Needs to sustain his blocks longer. Not a good receiver. Tough runner but only value is for a short yardage situation.
The Truth: No fantasy value here.
Drafted: Green Bay Packers-Round 5-Pick Number-145
FFT Update: Still no fantasy value
Davon Drew 6-4 256 TE East Carolina
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40 yard Dash 4.78 at the combine
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Vertical Jump 29.5” at the combine
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Birthday 12/9/1985 Age: 23
The Good: Good size, speed, and hands. Gets off the line fairly quickly on both receiving and blocking schemes. Will gain extra yards after the catch due to his strength and quickness. Finds the soft spot in the zone.
The Bad: Good speed but not great separation speed. Decent blocker but needs to improve his technique. May end up as more of an H-back than a true tight end.
The Truth: An interesting prospect with more upside than a lot of lower tier tight ends appear to have. Can lineup all over the field and comes to play every down. Likely will never be a fantasy factor but I like the guy’s potential and I will be keeping an eye on him for over the next few years.
Drafted: Baltimore Ravens-Round 5-Pick Number-149
FFT Update: With Todd Heap and L.J. Smith on board don’t expect Drew to have any value anytime soon. But at least he fell into a system that loves to use the tight end.
Rhett Bomar 6-2 225 QB Sam Houston St
The Good: Played one season at Oklahoma where he was the Holiday Bowl MVP so he does have some experience against higher competition. Strong arm to make all the throws, good in the pocket and on the run, decent enough speed and ability to make plays with his feet if needed.
The Bad: Can be considered overly cocky. Had an off-field issue while at Oklahoma which resulted in his dismissal from the team. Lacks ideal size, has a tendency to focus on primary target, and will hold the ball too long. Needs more loft on deep balls and can overthrow the short pass due to his arm strength. Only completed 56% of his career passes in college.
The Truth: He has a cannon for an arm and the ability to move the chains with his feet but his cocky attitude and tendency to force the ball while locking on to one receiver could make for a short NFL career. The fact that he was ahead of Heisman winner Sam Bradford while at Oklahoma says something, but Bomar has bust written all over him. Buyer beware on this one.
Drafted: New York Giants-Round 5-Pick Number-151
FFT Update: The Giants have a clear cut starter in place and a number two in David Carr that they seem fond of at this point so Bomar looks like a clip board holder for at least a few years and even if he gets a shot down the road, I still don’t like his chances of succeeding.
James Casey 6-3 246 TE Rice
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40 yard Dash 4.74 at the combine
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Vertical Jump 36” at the combine
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Birthday 9/22/1984 Age: 24
The Good: Put up insane stats at Rice last season; 111 receptions, 1329 yards, 13 touchdowns while adding six rushing touchdowns playing TE and FB. Great value as a TE/FB/H-back. Quick off the line. Knows how to make defenders miss and tough enough to run them over when needed. Good hands and knows how to secure the ball.
The Bad: Will already be 25 in September even though he is coming out after his sophomore season. His versatility could actually work against him as a team may not know just how to use his skills. Has minimal experience as a blocker.
The Truth: Casey came out after his sophomore season after giving baseball a chance for awhile, which actually could be beneficial to his early success. It’s hard to ignore the awesome numbers he put up last season and I have to think a team will learn to utilize this guy. He is in the Chris Cooley mold that could be a super sleeper.
Drafted: Houston Texans-Round 5-Pick Number-152
FFT Update: Could be a nice fill in for Owen Daniels here and there if he can beat out a slew of Texans tight ends to be his backup. If Daniels were to get injured I like Casey’s chances to put up some alright fantasy numbers but at this point he’s just a guy to know about and not much more.
Cornelius Ingram 6-4 245 TE Florida
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40 yard Dash 4.68 at the combine
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Vertical Jump 33” at the combine
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Birthday 6/10/1985 Age: 23
The Good: Good size, quick off the line, and has good hands. Knows how to find holes in the zone and knows how to be a target. Runs faster than his test speed and can make plays after the catch with enough strength to run a defender over. Can block.
The Bad: Missed the entire 2008 season with an ACL injury. Built like a wide receiver with tight end speed. Not a good blocker but at least he will give his all. Lacks separation speed. Has had some off-field issues.
The Truth: His stock is rising as he proves that he is fully recovered from his ACL injury. Has had a history of injuries and may lack the desire to give the 110% it will take for him to be an NFL player. He has all the talent in the world and compares favorably to Dustin Keller and Vernon Davis. He looks to be a big time boom or bust type of guy that could become a top fantasy player in the right situation.
Drafted: Philadelphia Eagles-Round 5-Pick Number-153
FFT Update: Another nice little toy for Donovan McNabb to work with. L.J. Smith is now in Baltimore and, while I do like Brent Celek, this could be a perfect opportunity for Ingram to showcase his talent. If he can find a way to stay healthy I really like his chances of being an excellent fantasy tight end in a couple of years.
Brooks Foster 6-1 201 WR North Carolina
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40 yard Dash: Didn’t run at the combine. 4.44 on Pro Day
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Vertical Jump: Didn’t jump at the combine. No jump on Pro Day
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Birthday 2/26/1987 Age: 22
The Good: Good size, speed, and strength; he benched 225 Lb’s 27 times at the combine, a record for wide receivers. Good quickness, agility, and route running.
The Bad: Isn’t explosive out of his cuts. Biggest question mark is his hands, lets too many balls get into his chest. Had some knee problems last season that acted up again at the Senior Bowl but shouldn’t be a problem, just something to keep an eye on.
The Truth: I like his size, speed, and ability but I’ve seen this so many times before ala Troy Williamson, talent to burn but the guy just has too many drops. He’s a boom or bust buyer beware guy.
Drafted: St. Louis Rams-Round 5-Pick Number 160
FFT Update: The Rams aren’t deep at receiver so if Foster can prove that he can catch the ball he’s got a chance to see the field this season. In 2011 we will see if he is still around and is about to boom or bust.
Johnathan Nalbone 6-5 251 TE Monmouth
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40 yard Dash: Wasn’t invited to the combine. 4.67 on Pro Day
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Vertical Jump: Wasn’t invited to the combine. 30” on Pro Day
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Birthday 5/14/1986 Age: 22
The Good: Excellent size. Willing blocker. Does a good job of using his body to shield defenders and creates a big target for his quarterback. A blue collar kind of guy.
The Bad: Played against lower level competition. Needs to get strong and work on sustaining his blocks. Isn’t quick off the line.
The Truth: Nothing here is really shouting fantasy star or even fantasy prospect to me.
Drafted: Miami Dolphins-Round 5-Pick Number-161
FFT Update: This guy wasn’t even on my draft board so I’ve got to think this was a big time reach for the Dolphins. I still don’t see any fantasy value.
Frank Summers 5-9 241 FB UNLV
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40 yard Dash: Not invited to the combine. 4.63 on Pro day
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225 Lb Bench Reps: Not invited to the combine. 30 on Pro day
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Vertical Jump: Not invited to the combine 34.5” on Pro day
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Birthday 9/6/1985 Age: 23
The Good: Not tall but is stocky. Good field vision and quick to the hole. Tough runner.
The Bad: Played running back but doesn’t have the speed to be a running back in the NFL. Not a great blocker. Must watch his weight. Could have troubles with a complicated playbook.
The Truth: There is no fantasy value here and to be honest I would be surprised if he even makes an NFL roster.
Drafted: Pittsburgh Steelers-Round 5-Picker Number 169
FFT Update: I just don’t care about a fullback to be honest but I will say that this seems like a waste of a pick simply because this guy likely could have been had with a seventh round pick or as a free agent, but it’s hard to argue with the success of the champion Steelers. They're obviously seeing something I don't.
Nate Davis 6-2 226 QB Ball St
The Good: Quick delivery, good arm strength, and excellent accuracy. Can make all of the NFL throws. Isn’t fast but has enough speed and mobility to make plays with his feet when needed.
The Bad: Held his pro day and only the Colts attended. Could be a mistake foregoing his senior season. Had inflated numbers in college due to the system and had his worst games against non MAC teams. Has a learning disability that could make it difficult for him to process a playbook. Took a lot of snaps from the shotgun.
The Truth: He lacks ideal size but has all the other tools needed to be an excellent quarterback at the next level. Could struggle to keep up with the plays which could put him behind from day one. Going to the right team is crucial for Davis to have a lasting career. I like his potential but it will likely take a few years before he is looked upon as a possible fantasy pick.
Drafted: San Francisco 49ers-Round 5-Pick Number-171
FFT Update: Davis couldn’t have asked for a better situation than going to the 9ers who aren’t exactly loaded at quarterback with Shaun Hill and Alex Smith so Davis will get a long look. I just don’t think he is even close to ready this season and may lack what it takes to ever be ready. I like where he’s at and I will be watching the progress he does or does not make.
David Buehler 6-2 227 K USC
The Good: Hit 26-33 career field goals including 6-11 from 40+ yards. Strong leg that is capable of handling field goal and kicking off duties. Gets quick height on his kicks. Very big and athletic for a kicker, ran a 4.57 forty yard dash at the combine. He isn’t afraid to get in and make a tackle on kickoffs. Recorded 25 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press which is more than monster linebackers and lineman projected as first round picks.
The Bad: Missed three field goals against rival UCLA last season (all from 40+ yards) and only went 1-4 in his career against the Bruins. Played majority of games in warm weather and there is no telling if he is a clutch kicker or not as USC rarely played in a close game. Has never even attempted a 50+ yard field goal.
The Truth: Is considered by many as the top kicker in the 2009 class as he has a big, accurate leg. Playing in sunny California, never attempting a 50 yarder, and lack of big game kicks are a concern but shouldn’t hurt his stock too much. Has the potential to be a quality fantasy kicker in the coming years and with his size and athleticism he could be a kicker that is actually fun to watch on kickoffs and if all else fails he actually has a slim chance to play another position.
Drafted: Dallas Cowboys-Round 5-Pick Number-172
FFT Update: This is a total head scratcher to me. Not only do the Cowboys not need a kicker but then to waste a fifth rounder on one? Unless they are truly unhappy with Nick Folk I don’t see Buehler being anything more than a camp casualty unless they keep him around just to kick off. If he wins the job or ends up as a starter some place I like the kids chances of being a quality fantasy kicker at some point.
Javon Ringer 5-9 205 RB Michigan St
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40 yard Dash: 4.55 at the combine
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225 Lb Bench Reps: 23 at the combine
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Vertical Jump: 34” at the combine
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Birthday 2/2/1987 Age: 22
The Good: Small but compact muscular frame. Tough inside runner with enough speed and skill to bust it outside. Cannot be brought down by arm tackles and rarely one defender. Good field vision and patience. Capable receiver. Showed toughness by working out at the combine only six weeks after undergoing knee surgery.
The Bad: Small. Lacks elusiveness and top speed. Sometimes dances too much instead of just hitting the hole. Average blocker. Has had some gnarly injuries, torn ACL and MCL since his senior year of high school. Averaged 30 carries a game last season at MSU.
The Truth: Nobody will question Ringer’s toughness, work ethic, or workhorse ability but his knees are a major concern as is the fact that he was completely overused in college. He’s the type of back that could have a short career due to injuries but has fantasy potential. Feels like a high risk/solid reward type of guy.
Drafted: Tennessee Titans-Round 5-Pick Number-173
FFT Update: Another head scratcher as the Titans already have a great one-two lightning and thunder combo in Chris Johnson and LenDale White. At this point I don’t see Ringer being anything more than a couple of carries a game guy unless White were to go down and then Ringer becomes much more interesting.
