Fantasy Football

Undrafted Rookie Dynasty Stash List

What UDFA players will have the biggest impact in Fantasy football in 2019 for Dynasty Leagues?

Undrafted Rookie Dynasty Stash List

by Major Caldwell @GNFFWay2Major

This year more so than years past, when the 2019 NFL draft concluded it seemed like there should be another round for the mere fact so many combine standouts and big name school players remained on the board. Which UDFA will be the next Phillip Lindsay and give fantasy gamers unexpected success with one click of a waiver wire add?

Selected based on the team they signed with, combine performance, and most of all their college production, here’s my list of UDFAs that have a chance to help any dynasty team round out their roster in the later rounds of the Fantasy Rookie Drafts.

Emanuel Hall – WR – Chicago Bears

During the combine, the Missouri standout WR was being touted as potential day two pick because of his size and speed, but Hall’s inability to run the full route tree left some scouts and GMs with some doubts, most likely being the reason he fell out of the draft.

After the draft Hall instantly signed with the Bears, a team with adequate depth at the wideout position. Veterans Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and last year’s second-round pick Anthony Miller are the core for now. But there’s enough room for Hall to make the team and most importantly see some playing time to help him grow. In Matt Nagy’s offense, 19.2% of total plays ran were RPO plays according to PFF. That rate ranked second in the league behind the Kansas City Chiefs, Nagy’s former team. In 2018, Hall earned the highest receiving grade in the class on RPO plays (89.6) with 20 targets in that category, finishing with a 153.8 rating. Finally, Hall’s ability to stretch the field could earn him snaps earlier than some UDFAs.

Elijah Holyfield – RB – Carolina Panthers

Being the son of legendary boxing champion Evander Holyfield and having some of his best performances in Georgia’s biggest games, Elijah Holyfield has the DNA and a solid resume to get him drafted. But Holyfield ran a lackluster 4.78 forty at the combine before running even slower at his pro day, timing in at 4.89. Those numbers did not help his draft stock at all.

In the end, Holyfield couldn’t have chosen a better landing spot in Carolina. The Panthers are a run heavy offense averaging 41.15% rushing plays in 2018, of course a large portion of those plays go through Christian McCaffrey which could be a long term problem because of McCaffrey’s size. CMC looks stronger this offseason but how long can he take a workhorse beating? Just maybe, Holyfield can make the cut, work his way up the depth chart and vulture some goal line touches.

Lil’Jordan Humphrey – WR – New Orleans Saints

Having one of the best names on the field – Lil’Jordan Humphrey also peaked my interest on the field, making big play after big play, catching ten career touchdowns for Texas made you a believer. He also posted a dominator rating of 32% (Player Profiler), owning a sizeable market share of the Longhorns passing offense. Going into the draft Humphrey popped because of his size at 6’4” and 210 pounds but like Holyfield, Humphrey ran poorly the combine posting a 4.75 forty.

Humphrey decided to sign with the Saints, a team still figuring out who is the WR to play opposite of the elite Michael Thomas. Ted Ginn Jr. is aging and Cameron Meredith is coming off injury. Second-year wideout Tre’Quan Smith looks promising but there’s still a chance Humphrey can earn a roster spot.

Other UDFAs to watch:

Karan Higdon – RB – Houston Texans

The grinding Michigan RB landed on a team that is looking for the next back to take over for Lamar Miller long term. With his tough running style and balance, he could end up being the starter as a UDFA.

DaMarkus Lodge – WR – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The forgotten man of the “NWO”, Lodge got lost in the midst of the astronomical combine performance his teammate DK Metcalf displayed and the high production teammate AJ Brown put out consistently. But Lodge is easily one of the best route runners in the 2019 rookie class.

Digging Deeper:

Jalin Moore – RB – New York Jets

While studying tape on the 2019 running back prospects, this running back from Appalachian St., Jalin Moore consistently popped off the screen. He reminds me of a poor man’s Marshawn Lynch because he runs so hard and takes on all defenders violently. If he makes the team he will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in Le’Veon Bell.

Penny Hart – WR – Indianapolis Colts

The Georgia State star draws comparisons to DeSean Jackson because of his size and speed. If can make the roster and find his way to the field his speed and Andrew Luck’s arm will be a deadly match for any NFL secondary.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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