Redraft leagues may be on pause, but dynasty formats are thriving! With the NFL combine in the rearview, it’s time to dive back into mock drafting prospects.
Royals Has Something to Prove
Jalen Royals certainly would have been selected on day one or two in the upcoming draft. However, he injured his foot on a kick return New Mexico after recording 11 receptions for 188 yards and a touchdown. This derailed him the remainder of the 2024 season. Royals accumulated 55 receptions 834 yards and six touchdowns through seven games. He has all the tools to become the next late day two or early day three draft pick to make an immediate impact. In 2024, Royals demonstrated his commitment making contested catches in heavy traffic against USC (NCAA ranked 13th). Furthermore, he showcased his exceptional hands by making a remarkable one-handed catch on an overthrown pass against Utah (NCAA ranked 12th).
The 22-year-old prospect has adequate size 6’0″ 205 pounds as well. After seeing him run 4.42 forty time at the combine. This ensures the injury that plagued his 2024 season hasn’t slowed him. No “red flags” were raised by any of the medical staff in Indianapolis. As he stated to DesretNews, his time spent undergoing tests were “On the shorter end for most players.” It’s safe to assume there is no lingering issue with the foot, and he should hear his name earlier than anticipated in April.
Big Ten’s Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks
Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks displayed his soft hands at Mississippi State. To illustrate per Sports-Reference Woody produced 214 receptions for 1225 yards, which highlights his consistent performance as a reliable receiver over four years. Meanwhile, he never recorded a season with more than 125 carries or a thousand yards rushing (582 yds 2022). In contrast Woody amassed 198 carries for 1134 yards in 2024 with the Trojans. Subsequently, Marks became a workhorse back in Lincoln Riley’s program.
The 24-year-old ran a respectable forty time with 4.54, but most notably produced 18 reps in the bench press. This performance tied him with Omarion Hampton, a bruising back from North Carolina. Given his impressive stats, the NFL won’t have trouble drafting Woody Marks, after averaging 5.7 yards per carry (YPC), which is considered above average for a running back. Also earning a 12.4 college target share.
Marks chose an unconventional path by becoming the lead back at USC. Woody Marks has put his name on the map as a pass catcher at Mississippi State. Additionally, proving he can be a three down back at USC. To summarize, dynasty managers can be age biased particularly with running back. On the contrary, 26% of running backs make it to an extension or second contract. It is best to visualize these players in three- or four-year lifespans. Don’t be shy about taking Woody in the third round of your Dynasty Rookie Drafts. That ‘Golden Ticket’ is within grasp, similar to how Kyren Williams and Bucky Irving successfully transitioned in recent years.
Tight End University Is Back
The emergence of Elijah Arroyo could be the next big tight end out of “The U” in 2025. Arroyo sustained an ACL tear early during the 2022 season. He subsequently suffered a setback during the 2023 preseason for the Canes, further limiting his playing time that year. However, the 6’5″ and 250-pound tight end emerged in 2024 with top Quarterback prospects Cam Ward at the helm, showcasing his skills with impressive catches and dynamic ability. Although he did not participate in the combine drills due to an injury at the Senior Bowl, he plans to partake in UM’s Pro Day on March 24th.
The Canes’ have a star-studded history at the tight end position, including notable players like Jeremy Shockey (2000-2001) who was known for his dynamic playmaking abilities, helping the team win the national championship in 2001. Other include:
- Glenn Dennison (1983)
- Bubba Franks (1997-1999)
- Kellen Winslow Jr. (2001-2003)
- Greg Olsen (2004-2006)
- Jimmy Graham (2009)
David Njoku (2015-2016)
After looking back to Graham on film and seeing Arroyo now, they are strikingly similar as prospects. Arroyo has shown impressive skills that mirror Graham’s early career. It’s worth noting the Denver Broncos and Sean Payton conducted a formal interview at the combine. Similarly, Payton’s recent formal interview with Arroyo at the combine suggests he sees similar potential in him. Look to draft him in the 3rd – 5th round of rookie drafts coming up. His potential as a playmaker and his similarities to Jimmy Graham make him a valuable pick for teams looking to develop a versatile tight end.
Scout Prospects Not Helmets
Harold Fannin Jr. out of Bowling Green was a force in the MAC this year. The All-American tight end led the NCAA in receptions in 2024, outperforming top prospects such as Tyler Warren, Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Heisman winner Travis Hunter.
- 117 receptions (1st NCAA)
- 1555 yards (1st NCAA)
- 119.6 YPG (2nd NCAA)
Fannin boasts the highest College Dominator Rating ever at 49.9% and an impressive Breakout Age of 19.1, making him appealing to dynasty managers. He will be 21 when the season starts. In 2024, despite teams knowing he would get the ball frequently, they couldn’t stop the 6’3″, 241-pound athlete. Although the MAC is a small conference, Fannin excelled against Penn State with 11 catches for 137 yards, helping the Falcons gain an early touchdown lead. Harold Fannin Jr. mixed it up with the top defensive prospect Abdul Carter during that game too. USA Today interviewed position coach Alex Bayer regarding the game. Here is Bayer’s statement.
“We told Harold, ‘The first chance you get, take a shot at No. 11’ … Carter, He went against Carter at the line of scrimmage on the second play. He drove him 5 yards off the ball. We said, ‘Go do it,’ and he did it.”
Harold Fannin Jr. is the real deal with the grit and determination to become the best tight end prospect of this class. Trade back in the second half of the third round to take him and you won’t be disappointed.
