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Author: Chris Wolf (@CKWolf21)
As Dynasty players, we are obsessed with potential. We measure it in college performance, breakout age, workout measurables, draft stock and finally – usage. Let’s take a quick look at where some notable rookies have progressed from draft to training camp(ish) to actual gameday usage. Their stats through two weeks are listed below their names.
Joe Burrow – QB – CIN ($9.05M)
- 509 Pass Yards
- 3 TDs
- 1 INT
- 65 Rush Yards
- 1 TD
Burrow has been running for his life behind a seemingly annual disappointment of an offensive line. A lesser rookie QB may have fared much worse with what he’s had to work with, but Burrow is an elite competitor. His pocket presence is miles ahead of where most rookies would be, and he has thus far proven that he has the ability to place the ball into tight windows of coverage.
His 97 attempts through two weeks is absolutely insane but their ground game’s ineptitude has led to Burrow putting the games on his back. He and A.J. Green look like they are worlds apart right now in the chemistry department, but he has shown a solid rapport with Tyler Boyd and his tight ends.
Justin Herbert – QB – LAC ($6.64M)
- 311 Pass Yards
- 1 TD
- 1 INT
- 18 Rush Yards
- 1 TD
Herbert did not get into the game week 1 but we were able to get a glimpse of his talent this past Sunday. It was one of the strangest Sunday’s in recent memory so why not throw a rookie QB in against the reigning Super Bowl champs on a moment’s notice? The Chargers “leaned” on their impressive run game, but they did not shy away from calling the promising rookie’s number when they needed him.
His 33 pass attempts resulted in 22 completions, 1 passing score and an ill-advised INT that was thrown across his body. It was a solid debut for the big-armed rookie that hasn’t even taken reps with the first team offense.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB – KC ($2.7M)
- 176 Rush Yards
- 1 TD
- 6 Receptions
- 32 Yards
CEH put on an absolute show on opening night against the Texans rushing 25 times for 138 yards and one TD. He usage shifted towards the receiving game in week two against the Chargers aggressive front. He saw 8 targets in week 2 compared to just 2 in week one. This was a likely mixture of Darrel Williams exiting the game and Mahomes playing mostly hurry-up in the second half. He will see better days on the ground but probably after next week when they clash with the Ravens.
Jonathan Taylor – RB – IND ($1.96M)
- 123 Rush Yards
- 1 TD
- 8 Receptions
- 76 Receiving Yards
Taylor was immediately put to test when Marlon Mack went down early in week one. He didn’t find much room to run against an underrated Jacksonville front seven, but he was able to secure all 6 of his targets for 67 yards. Week 2’s performance with 28 touches showed that he is the every down back that he was billed to be. He completely dominated the touches over Nyheim Hines (28-1) and he is locked into the RB1 situation for the rest of the season.
James Robinson – RB – JAX ($763K)
- 164 Rush Yards
- 1 TD
- 4 Receptions
- 46 Receiving Yards
Of course, we knew that at this point, James Robinson would have more rushing yards than Jonathan Taylor. With back to back games of exactly 16 carries each, Robinson has been given the workhorse role in this new look Jaguars offense. With 35 total touches through two weeks, he provides the usage you are looking for on your Dynasty Owner team to be a competent RB2 or Flex. The only true concern is game script going forward since the Jags figure to be playing catch up quite a bit in 2020.
J.K. Dobbins – RB – BAL ($1.4M)
- 70 Rush Yards
- 2 TDs
- 1 Reception
- 13 Receiving Yards
This one is a bit maddening. It would be scary if the Ravens unleashed Dobbins but this three headed monster that they have as a backfield rotation will truly limit his potential until he’s needed to take over a game. In week 1 he scored twice on seven touches. In week 2 he ran for 48 yards on only two carries and caught his only target for 13 yards. You can only hope that Baltimore is keeping their prized rookie fresh for the long haul but man, the possibilities in this offense.
Jerry Jeudy – WR- DEN ($3.79M)
- 8 Receptions
- 15 Targets
- 118 Yards
- 0 TDs
Jeudy has recorded 4 receptions in each of his first two games and has seen a team-high 15 targets. The targets should remain the same with Courtland Sutton now being out for the season. With Jeff Driskel stepping in for Drew Lock (shoulder), Jeudy’s usage did not take a hit. He and Noah Fant are destined to be the go-to recipients when the Broncos have to throw the ball. In this run-first offense, expectations should be tempered for Jeudy, but he is now the unquestioned WR1 on his team.
CeeDee Lamb – WR – DAL ($3.5M)
- 11 Receptions
- 15 Targets
- 165 Yards
- 0 TDs
Lamb looks like a true #1 receiver on a team that already has two #1 receivers. His physicality and body control are just ridiculous for someone at this stage of their professional career. His 9.7 yards after catch in week two demonstrates just how physical the former Oklahoma Sooner really is. He will maintain his role in the slot and his snaps are sure to keep increasing due to the loss of Blake Jarwin from week 1. You can safely play him as a solid flex option in this high-powered offense.
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