As dynasty managers know, landing spot and draft capital are crucial to any rookie’s success. Last year, I wrote both the best situations and the worst situations articles, and I really enjoyed putting them together. However, in 2021, we knew a lot more about landing spots before the NFL Draft. Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson were mortal locks at first and second overall, the 49ers were taking a quarterback at third overall, and the Falcons and Bengals had constant links to Kyle Pitts and Ja'Marr Chase, respectively.
But this year, the NFL Draft was far more wide-open, as there were no top-tier prospects at any fantasy-relevant position. Therefore, it was far more challenging to predict landing spots, although draft capital fell similarly to what I expected. Interestingly, it felt like there were far more good landing spots than bad ones, so I’ve decided to split up the best situations article into two parts with five players each. I already wrote part one, and I’m ready to jump into part two. Let’s go!
David Bell, WR CLE
Bell was a production monster at Purdue.
Chart courtesy of Sports Reference CFB.
He stepped in as a true freshman in 2019 and immediately became the team’s top wide receiver ahead of 2018 sensation and future second-rounder Rondale Moore. Then in 2020, he continued his role in a COVID-shortened year, averaging over 100 receiving yards and just under nine receptions per game. And finally, he lit the world on fire in 2021, completing an entire season of production with 93 receptions and 1,286 yards in only 11 games.
Unfortunately, Bell failed to impress at the NFL Combine.
Great work Tyler, I always look forward to your articles. With Bell grabbing WR2 honors in Cleve, do you see DPJ or the Speedy Schwartz filling the WR3 role? Like you said, probably not much WR help coming in the next couple of years.
Reading this in 2023 (to check out past predictions) and this was prescient:
Allgeier is the only young running back on the roster, so he can capitalize on this opportunity. But, if he does, I would immediately look to sell him. Michael Carter is a perfect example of what can happen to day three running backs who have decent but not excellent rookie years.
