Lynn Bowden Jr., RB/WR, Raiders
Player Profile
Officially drafted as a running back, dual-threat Lynn Bowden Jr. out of Kentucky is an elite athlete who Jon Gruden should have fun game-planning for. GM Mike Mayock has been outspoken saying while he can fill multiple roles, he’ll be in the running back room from the start. If he sees important snaps as a receiver, anticipate him working out of the slot.
Fantasy Outlook
From a dynasty standpoint, I’d actually be willing to take Bowden Jr. maybe a bit earlier than most. This is strictly off his playmaking capability all over the field. Time will tell how often Bowden is involved in the offense.
Effect On New Team
Bowden Jr. joins Henry Ruggs III as the newest receivers in Las Vegas. It will be interesting to see just how involved Bowden Jr. can be out the gate considering the names ahead of him on the share chart. However, his jack-of-all-trades skill set paves way for him to be a long-term impact in Gruden’s offense.
- Matt Cava
Bryan Edwards, WR, Raiders
Player Profile
The South Carolina wideout started his college career with an impressive rookie season but never quite lived up to that hype. He has never quite been able to get open consistently against man coverage and most of his production in 2019 was inflated due to a high number of screens. Despite being utilized in the screen game he was not excellent after the catch, forcing only an average number of missed tackles. At this point, Edwards remains a post-hype project as he moves into the NFL.
Fantasy Outlook
With the 12th pick in the draft, the Raiders added the game-changing speed of Henry Ruggs III. He is the rookie to own on this team. With Tyrell Williams, Darren Waller, and even the capable Josh Jacobs, Edwards figures to be buried on this depth chart in 2020 and provides little fantasy value.
Effect on New Team
I have no problem with the Raiders taking shots at an important position, however, Edwards is not likely to be a huge contributor in year one. There are enough flaws in his game that a few years of development are likely needed before he can be valuable to the Raiders.
- Stephen Dudas
Devin Duvernay, WR, Ravens
Player Profile
Duvernay is known for his great speed and great hands. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and it was said that he didn’t have any drops in the 2019 season. He needs some work on route running and contested catches but there is a lot to like here.
Fantasy Outlook
Duvernay lands with the Ravens who have needs a wide receiver. They run the ball more than any other team and also throw to wide receivers less than any other team. There is a path for him to be the team’s number two receiver if he can develop quickly. He is nothing more than a late-round flier in redraft leagues and I think he can be picked in the WR5/6 range in dynasty formats.
Effect On New Team
The pick gives Lamar Jackson another speedy option on the outside alongside Marquise Brown. This shouldn’t affect Brown that much as he is the number one wide receiver option alongside tight end Mark Andrews. This will likely affect Willie Snead and or Miles Boykin as they were slated as the two and three wide receiving options for the Ravens. I think it is possible Duvernay surpasses one or both of Snead and Boykin this year.
- Kevin Taylor