Now that the 2019 fantasy season is officially in the books, I wanted to evaluate this season’s first-round picks (based on the DSE consensus 1st round picks across all leagues). Perhaps for some of us the phrase “hindsight is 20/20” will ring an all too familiar tune as we each look back at our own picks from this past season.
1.1 – Josh Jacobs (RB)
The young man out of Alabama lived up to expectations in his rookie year. After coming off the board as the 24th overall pick. He quickly became a favorite for the first overall picks in a majority of rookie drafts. With a clear role in Oakland’s offense; Jacobs seemed to have a clear path toward fantasy value and he did not disappoint.
Scoring 206.6 points in DSE scoring he was the 17th ranked RB based on total season points. Jacobs averaged 15.89 points per game which was good for 13th out of all RBs. Look for Jacobs to build on a stellar rookie campaign in 2020 where he should be valued as a high-end RB 2 with lots of upside.
1.2 – David Montgomery (RB)
Montgomery, unlike the aforementioned, Jacobs did not put up the stats his rookie season to live up to the hype of a top-end rookie pick. He did have a valuable rookie season putting up 154.1 points over the year which was good for the 26th most out of the RB position it was still a 52.5 point drop from the 1.1 pick to the 1.2. He did average 10.27 points per game.
There is still a lot to like about Montgomery. If Chicago can improve their offense next season Montgomery could see a large jump in points however with the lackluster offense that Chicago brought this season it’s hard to see Montgomery with as much value as he had going into the season.
1.3 – Kyler Murray (QB)
With being the number one overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft Murray comes with more hype than one can really live up to. With 816.6 points over the season, Murray was easily the highest-scoring rookie QB, playtime may have assisted in his lead over the rest of the class. He was still the 14th highest scoring QB in DSE scoring.
Arizona definitely found their guy in Murray, Look for Murray to build upon his rookie season with Arizona hopefully putting more tools around him. Murray had 54.4 points per game this season, good for 18th among QBs. Going into next season Murray’s value depends on the Cardinals offseason. As is he should be a solid QB 2 with the potential to jump into QB 1 with a solid Cardinals offseason.
1.4 – D.K. Metcalf (WR)
Optimus Megacalf himself possibly had more hype than anyone going into rookie drafts. His lackluster statistical career at Ole Miss Had many at doubt over how he would perform in the NFL however it was clear to see he was the most athletic player in this year’s draft class.
With 164 points this season it is clear he can put up the stats to make a solid fantasy player. He was, however, the 7th ranked rookie WR but that says more about how good of a year it was for WRs. He only averaged 10.9 points a game but those numbers should go up once he’s worked more into the game plan. D.K. is someone that should see a large jump going into next season.
1.5 – Miles Sanders (RB)
Sanders is balling his way to being a top RB in 2020. Sanders is the number one rookie RB this season based on YTD points and only .09 from the top rookie for game average. A big part of that is due to him not being the clear number one in the Eagles offense to start the year. Going into next year it is hard to see him being anything but that for Philly. There are bright things for this young man.
1.6 – N’Keal Harry (WR)
Not much to say about Harry as he has most definitely not lived up to his draft capital. The large physical wideout has only played in 6 games this year and only managed to put up 9 receptions for 76 yards. Not what you want to see from a first-round talent. Ideally, he’s able to put up better stats next year but after his rookie year is definitely not a name at the top of draft boards heading into next season.
1.7 – A.J. Brown (WR)
Teammate of D.K. Metcalf, Brown has caught fire with new Titans QB Ryan Tanahill. Brown has managed to light up fantasy stat lines putting up 208.7 points this season. Brown has managed 115.3 of those points in the last 5 games.
Making a mid-round first a delightful price for Brown. Brown has probably written himself in as one of if not the top rookies from this past draft. The Titans seem to have found themselves something they’ve been looking for for a long time, a top-end WR.
1.8 – T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Hockenson got himself off on the right foot with a huge week one game. Since he’s really dropped off, however, it tends to take TEs time to settle in the NFL. Hockenson definitely has the talent to be a great TE in the NFL but you would have liked to see more from the young Hawkeye. A mid to late first is a solid price for a good TE but only time will tell if Hockenson is just that.
1.9 – Mecole Hardman (WR)
At draft time Tyreek Hill’s future in the NFL was up in the air which in turn rose the speedster out of Georgia’s stock in rookie drafts. Hill did come back and continues to be one of the top WRs in the NFL. Hardman still produced a solid rookie campaign anyway. Putting up 178.8 points good for 5th best among rookie WRs. Even with Tyreek in the picture it is clear Hardman can still be a valuable asset in dynasty leagues.
1.10 – Darrell Henderson (RB)
No one had more undeserved hype than Henderson. With the news of Todd Gurley’s health Hedersons shares came flying off the shelf. Henderson has next to no value other than a deep handcuff to Gurley. That is all.
1.11 – Marquise Brown (WR)
To start the season, it seemed as if the Ravens had found stud in Brown. Brown still had a stellar rookie season but has definitely cooled off. The flashes of Brown seem to have the makings of a stud for DSE scoring.
He may not be the most consistent guy on the field however the man can hit those ever so valuable bonus points from game to game to make him a fantasy stud in DSE. Going into next season you need to ask yourself what can Brown do for you?
1.12 – Parris Campbell (WR)
Parris Campbell had one of the true bust type rookie campaigns. Playing in 7 and only starting 3 it seems as though Indianapolis knew early that Campbell was not the guy they thought they were getting. Campbell managed just 18 receptions for 127 and a touchdown all season.
Ideally, Campbell finds a role in the offense and begins to produce however it does not seem he is the next star fantasy player I’m sure Indy would have hoped for.
Feel free to reach out to me via Twitter @olerace29