BEYOND TIER ONE - DYNASTY PLAYERS TO WATCH, PART TWO
DECEMBER 11th, 2024
Part two of the exploration into the next tier of prospects, who may not be as well-known to the average football fan. These players are likely to be early to mid-round selections, both on Draft day and in Dynasty drafts. It's time to start bookmarking names for when the combine and pre-draft discussions heat up.
I can't cover every player in these tiers, but you can check out my rankings to see who I favor and where.
DREW ALLAR, QB, PENN STATE - 6’5 238lbs
A name that I hope you know, but I just have to bring up, is Drew Allar. Allar gives me flashbacks to Justin Herbert during his time in Oregon where he was so obviously physically gifted but was never really seen absolutely dominating a game. Allar and Herbert are a near mirror image of build and athleticism with the most tantalizing trait being the natural arm talent both possess. Allar can easily rifle throws to all levels or pull back and throw with touch and anticipation to intermediate layers. The tools and arm mean the sky is the limit, but he’s young and Penn State hasn’t set him up to pass with volume so the reps aren’t there. Compared to the other top QBs Allar hasn’t found his true comfort yet, but the ceiling is that of the top QB in the class. No one else comes close to his arm talent.
DEVIN NEAL, RB, KANSAS - 5’11 215lbs
Although he’s thickened up a bit for this season, he’s still at his best as more of a slasher and receiving specialist. But, like a similar player in James Cook, he is a nuisance with a little bit of space and the runway to use his gearing. He’s at his best quickly securing passes with natural hands and turning up-field in a hurry using his simple style to find paths and slide around defenders. Between the tackles there’s a lot of head-down-and-pray type runs where bigger bodies have no problem stopping his progress, but that isn’t the way you use Neal as a weapon. He’s going to develop in to a valuable timeshare back somewhere.
JAYLIN NOEL, WR, IOWA STATE - 5’11 200lbs
Some players are an absolute treat to watch, they spark joy. That’s Jaylin Noel. Sharp in, sharp out. Crisp, fast, reliable with hands that fly to the ball. Noel is someone I’d want on my team when a first down is needed because you know he’ll win. His build and style are definitely better suited for the slot but I don’t doubt he can win anywhere he gets a good release. The downside is he has more of a Running Back build with a broad chest and shorter limbs and will struggle to adapt to passes well outside his frame. He’s definitely quick but I’m curious to see if his long speed tests well, as he pushes vertical fast in the first 10 yards but I don’t know if he has enough to threaten secondaries.
COLSTON LOVELAND, TE, MICHIGAN - 6’5 245lbs
Another player everyone should know by now, but just in case I’m putting Loveland here. Truly a Wide Receiver stuck in a big 6’5 TE’s body, Loveland has movement abilities that are rare in a Tight End. It’s not often you see a player of his size have such nimble feet, body coordination and speed. Loveland will make a living on chunk plays down the seam and surprising YAC gains on short outlet passes and screens where his long stride will shine. The true question is his ability to handle the difficult transition to the NFL where he’ll be asked to block in several different ways, which could be a struggle as his frame isn’t ideal for tough in-line duties.
JAYDEN HIGGINS, WR, IOWA STATE - 6’4 215lbs
Noel’s companion and the opposite in many ways, they create a thunder and lighting duo. Higgins is a long, tall receiver with a solid frame and big hands. The best thing about Higgins is that, for his size, he manages to snap off routes well and focuses on being sharp in routes. The downfall with tall receivers is they often can’t maintain the control and quickness needed to stay on schedule and shake off DBs with their long limbs. Higgins has a strong vertical push to help, but he won’t scare NFL DB’s with his long speed. But, with what separation he gets he presents a square target with a huge radius and easy quick hands. Higgins presents a good WR2 with possession qualities and some big play chops to win contested balls downfield, with the potential for more as a Courtland Sutton type player if it all comes together. With tall receivers though the odds can get a little tougher to make consistent impact.
