Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Sam Howell (vs. Chi) – Howell bounced back from a rough outing against the Bills and almost led the Commanders to an overtime victory versus the Eagles. Next up is the lowly Chicago Bears who are in complete disarray. The Bears defense is allowing 22.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and they will be without DBs Eddie Jackson and Jaylon Johnson. Expect a big game from Howell and also the Commanders receivers.

Sit ‘Em

Trevor Lawrence (@ Buf) – Lawrence started to show signs of life in the week 4 victory against the Falcons but next up are the red-hot Bills. Even though this game will be in London it could be a long day for the Jaguars offense. The Buffalo defense is for real and they were able to keep the high-powered Dolphins offense in check last week. I do like Lawrence’s prospects for the rest of the season just not in this game.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Breece Hall (@ Den) – Hall has disappointed thus far but that will change Sunday when the Jets travel to Denver. According to reports Hall will no longer be on a snap count and this is the perfect game to unleash him. The Broncos defense has been dreadful against the run allowing an average of 38.0 fantasy points per game to running backs. Don’t forget about last year when Hall torched the Broncos for a 62-yard touchdown before he went down with an ACL injury.

Sit ‘Em

Kyren Williams (vs. Phi) – Williams has been a nice surprise this season but he will take a step back Sunday versus the Eagles. Williams is dealing with a hip injury that may hamper his effectiveness. He is also up against the vaunted Eagles d-line that is also tough to run against. Sit Williams but just for this week.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Michael Pittman Jr. (vs. Ind) – Pittman was quiet on Sunday versus the Rams. He had a season-low 5 targets and only 15 receiving yards. That will change when the Titans come to town in week 5. Pittman has yet to eclipse the 100-yard receiving mark but I believe this is the game he does it. The Titans defense is allowing an average of 26.2 fantasy points to wide receivers so far this season.

Sit ‘Em

George Pickens (vs. Bal) – What has happened to the Steelers offense? Pittsburgh laid another egg last Sunday when they were dominated by Houston. Up next is Baltimore who will be looking to add to the Steelers misery. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee but is still expected to play. Even when he was healthy Pittsburgh’s offense just looks off. It could be another long day for Pickett and Pickens.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Zach Ertz (vs. Cin) – Ertz had his second 10-target game in week 4 as the Cardinals continue to look his way. I can see Ertz grabbing his first touchdown of the season versus a struggling Bengals defense. Cincinnati is allowing an average of 10 fantasy points per game to tight ends thus far. Ertz should be a big part of the game plan again this week.

Sit ‘Em

Cole Kmet (@ Was) – It’s hard to start anyone on the Bears offense this week against Washington. Kmet had a huge game versus the Broncos in week 4 where he hauled in 2 touchdowns. The momentum won’t continue on Thursday night as Washington has allowed minimal production to opposing tight ends.

Start of the Week

Zay Flowers (@ Pit) – Despite decent production, Flowers has yet to find the end zone. That will change on Sunday versus the Steelers. The volume has been there for Flowers but he has yet to have a breakout game. Pittsburgh is allowing an average of 31.3 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and just gave up 168 yards to the Texans Nico Collins. This is the week we see big returns for Flowers.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 5 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Breece Hall showed flashes but an ACL injury cut short his 2022-2023 NFL season. The rookie out of Iowa State gained a good amount of buzz going into his first year and the fantasy world was on notice. Hall was considered one of the most talented running backs in the draft. His pre-draft ranking was #11 RB per FantasyPros ECR and he ended up with 105.6 FP (Half PPR) on the year. It’s important to note that he reached 105.6 FP in just seven games. Let’s take a closer look at what to do with Breece Hall dynasty shares going forward.

2022

Like fellow rookie Dameon Pierce, Hall had a quiet start to his rookie campaign. He struggled in his first game against the Baltimore Ravens and ended up with just 7.1 FP in the game. He also fumbled in that game and many of his fantasy owners were nervous about the slow start. The good news is that was his only fumble in the seven games he played. Things started to click for Hall in his second game against the Browns. He scored his first NFL touchdown (receiving) and ended up with 12.5 FP on the day. Hall’s best game of the year came against the Dolphins in week 5. The dynamic young running back had 97 yards on the ground and an additional 100 yards receiving. It was an impressive day for Hall as he finished with 26.7 FP.

Hall kept the momentum going in his final two games. In week 6 versus the Packers he had another impressive stat line rushing for 116 yards and 19.1 FP. Next up was the Broncos and things couldn’t have started any better. Hall broke free and scampered for an impressive 62-yard touchdown run.

Unfortunately, things took a turn as Hall went down with a knee injury in the first half. It ended up being a season ending ACL injury that cut Hall’s impressive season short. Many fantasy owners couldn’t help but wonder what numbers he would’ve put up if he stayed healthy all season.

2023

Looking ahead to next season the first question to ask is when will Hall return from his ACL. Early indications are that Hall is recovering very well from his injury. According to Jets head coach Robert Saleh “Breece looks fantastic” which is exactly what Hall’s dynasty owners want to hear. I am cautiously optimistic that Hall will return in time for week 1 next year. Just be sure to grab Michael Carter in case he is not fully recovered yet.

Breece Hall’s Dynasty Value

Where do I rank Breece Hall dynasty value going forward? Very high and you can see that reflected in our dynasty football rankings. I have him ranked 3rd only behind Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Taylor. The addition of Aaron Rodgers will be huge for Hall (picture an Aaron Jones role). The injury is somewhat concerning but I am not worried about Hall making a full recovery. Breece Hall is a BUY for me but it’s very tempting to take advantage of the hype if you can get a solid trade in return.

The post Breece Hall Dynasty Outlook Right Now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

BREECE HALL RB NEW YORK JETS

Breece Hall was poised to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. That came to a halt in Week 7 against the Broncos when he tore his ACL. In just seven games, he ran for 463 yards and four TDs. His production and potential were seen by many. With the addition of Aaron Rodgers on the team, the Jets are a feared team in the AFC. Breece Hall will make them a legitimate contender and be one of the biggest winners with the new QB in town.

KENNY PICKETT QB PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Kenny Pickett had a slow start to his rookie season especially since he missed the first three games of the season. As the season progressed, his growth was noticeable even if the stats weren’t as supportive. He led the Steelers to game-winning drives and look poised in big moments. He finished the season with 2404 yards, seven TDs, and nine interceptions. With another year in training camp, he is poised to have a better sophomore season. He is most likely a late-round QB or in the waivers. He is worth keeping tabs on.

KENNETH WALKER RB SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Kenneth Walker ran away with the RB 1 position in Seattle once Rashaad Penny got hurt last season. Now, Penny is in the Eagles which opens Walker with many more reps. The Seahawks added pieces on offense and are looking to build upon their surprise season last year. Kenneth Walker ran for 1050 yards and nine TDs in his rookie season. The numbers are expected to go up in year two, even if they drafted Zach Charbonnet in round two.

CHRIS OLAVE WR NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

For me, the biggest winner of the sophomores is Chris Olave. In his first season, he had Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton throwing him the ball. Olave somehow was able to gather 72 receptions and 1042 yards with four TDs. In his second year, he’ll have a stabilized QB in Derek Carr. Carr loves to pass the ball and Olave will be a recipient of those. Add in that Michael Thomas is never healthy anymore and Chris can do his best Davante Adams impersonation.

The post Sophomores Who Will Make The Leap In Fantasy appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The New York Jets have a rebellion-like hope that their 2022 season will be more successful than their 2021 campaign. The Jets are also holding optimism that the second-year QB Zach Wilson, who recently suffered a meniscus tear, can start in Week 1. With that enunciated, I’m going to take a fun angle with the Jets 2022 season outlook and untwine 10 bold predictions for the Jets in 2022.

• Corey Davis makes the Pro Bowl

The former Tennessee Titans WR Corey Davis has been a stud this summer as the Jets WR1, to say the least. The most recent impressive play by Davis was his one-handed catch in the Jets-Falcons joint practice. I expect Wilson’s growth to depend on Davis and he will surely send lots of impressive darts and even prayers to his number one wideout in the upcoming season.

• Breece Hall runs for 1,000+ yards

The Jets 2022 second-round pick RB Breece Hall had a monster 70-yard TD run in camp yesterday. Brian Costello of the New York Post believes that Carter will be the Jets lead RB in 2022. Hall was an unstoppable work-horse for Iowa State in 2021 (1,472 rushing yds and 20 rushing TDs) and in 2020 (1,572 rushing yds and 21 rushing TDs). I foresee Hall continuing to torch defenses as an NFL rookie.

• Quinnen Williams has double-digit sacks

The Jets need former Alabama star Quinnen Williams to perform like he was drafted third overall in the 2019 NFL draft. Williams has been a modest performer with Gregg Williams and Robert Saleh over the past two seasons. Williams notched 7 sacks, 14 QB hits, and three pass deflections in 13 games in 2020 and he then exhibited six sacks, 12 QB hits, and 7 tackles for loss in 15 match-ups last season. I trust that he will slightly up his contest, stay healthy, and unleash double-digit sacks in 2022.

• Sauce Gardner makes second-team All-Pro

I like Aidan Hutchinson’s chances at winning DROY. However, I still believe Sauce Garnder, aka the Jets fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, will be a nightmare against opposing signal-callers. In fact, I believe he can continue to be an extremely talented shut-down CB and garner second-team AP honors in his rookie campaign. He may be the next legendary CB after Darrelle Revis for Jets fans.

• C.J. Mosley earns a Pro Bowl nod

The Jets LB C.J. Mosley had a bounce-back season in 2021 in my opinion: 168 combined tackles, two sacks, 3 QB hits, and 2 FFs. I expect him to blossom in year two of Saleh’s scheme along an improved DL and garner his fifth-straight PB honors.

• Greg Zuerlein makes 30+ field goals

Greg the Leg still has a strong leg, fascinating ego, and the ability to be consistent in the league. He converted 29 field goals in 2021 and I believe he will be called on to make a lot of kicks for NY in 2022. He’s only converted 30+ FGs in two NFL seasons, but I expect him to crack 30+ FGs in the near future.

• The Jets obtain eight victories

It would be an understatement to say it wouldn’t be easy for the Jets to make the playoffs in the frigid AFC East next season. Nonetheless, I believe they can still take a big step from their four win season in 2021 to eight victories in 2022. The Jets have a talented and ascending QB, an extremely motivated HC in Robert Saleh, even more weaponry than last season, and they have one of the most talented rookies in Sauce Gardner.

• Solomon Thomas has 7+ sacks

Saleh and Solomon Thomas reunited in the Big Apple – as Thomas played under Saleh in SF. The former 49ers DL registered 3.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, and 2 FFs last season. I believe Thomas will have a career season (which will include 7+ sacks) alongside Williams on the DL. Saleh is in NY on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million dollars.

• Denzel Mims has 5+ touchdowns

At this point, I believe that the Jets will hold onto Denzel Mims for another season. He may not be a Top 3 WR on the depth chart, but his physicality should help him excel in the red-zone. I believe he can find unique success in the Jets offense and haul in at least five touchdown receptions in 2022.

• Duane Brown makes the Pro Bowl

The Jets new OT Duane Brown may be 36 years old, but he is absolutely talented football player. Brown made the Pro Bowl last season and notched a modest 71.5 grade by PFF. I believe he will do an admirable job against the likes of Von Miller and punch another ticket to the Pro Bowl.

The post 10 bold predictions for the New York Jets in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The Miami Dolphins have new swag and creativity in Mike McDaniels in 2022. Nonetheless, McDaniel has really high expectations, as he’s tasked with improving Tua Tagovailoa and a team that won seven 7 in their last 8 games to finish with a 9-8 record in 2021.

McDaniel will have the ammunition (most cap space in NFL) to build the team. It will be exciting and intense to see what the Dolphins decide to do in free agency. Still, the pivotal 2022 NFL draft will be vital for the Dolphins in their new direction. The draft is where teams create their future and potentially hope to find profiles that can help them win ball games immdetately.

So, who could the Dolphins pick in the 2022 NFL Draft? Well, it’s time for a Dolphins three-round mock draft in early March.

29th overall: Skyy Moore – WR – Western Michigan

McDaniel knows he won’t find the “next Deebo Samuel” by looking for Deebo Samuel 2.0. With that said, the utterly explosive Skyy Moore can still be his own beast and he’s rightfully climbing up draft boards. Daniel Jeremiah doesn’t believe he will be availabe beyond round two and some teams could target him early in round two.

Moore officially clocked a 4.41 40 time and he can absolutely fly. McDaniel will be dreaming of the potential of Moore due to his explosion and consitency. Moore can replace Will Fuller with ease and be a fine complement to Waddle for eyars to come.

50th overall: Chad Muma – LB – Wyoming

The versatile Chad Muma had a modest combine, but his instincts and motor can’t be calulcated by the combine and the sleepless nights that come with it. He had positive production and impressive intelligence, which are somehow undervalued traits at the LB position. Muma recorded three interceptions, 85 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two defensive touchdowns in 2021. I’d also like to see the Dolphins and McDaniel go offense in round one and defense in round two. He’s been favored as a late round two pick or an early third round pick, as well.

98th overall: Breece Hall – RB – Iowa State

The secret is out: the Dolphins will look to add a RB outside of round one in the 2022 NFL Draft. Breece Hall has been linked to the Dolphins by “With The First Pick”, as well. The Iowa State RB didn’t only just clock a 4.4 40 yard dash, but he has 3,000+ rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns in the past two seasons combined. He would be a better pure runner than the quality pass-catching RB Duke Johnson to say the least.

Hall and Moore would be two amazing additions to the Dolphins offense and McDaniel would be quick to grab an espresso and scheme up plays for his new-look offense. The Dolphins should feel a lot more comfortable playing the Bills number one ranked defense and Belichick’s diverse scheme twice a season after the 2022 NFL draft has eclipsed.

The post 2022 Dolphins 3-Round Mock Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The Buffalo Bills just mopped the floor against their AFC East nemesis in the New England Patriots in the AFC wildcard round. The Bills are clearly firing on all cylinders, as Josh Allen seeks his first Lombardi trophy. The Bills are simply a juggernaut AFC team that should be competing for playoff prominence every season in the foreseeable future.

With that said, the 2022 draft is on the horizon and the Bills will look to fuel their talented stride in pursuit of a potential dynasty team. So, where could Bills Mafia look to grow in the 2022 NFL draft? Well, let’s go under the microscope in this Bills 7 round mock draft.

1. Chris Olave – WR – Ohio State

The Big 10 stud Chris Olave has been a prominent football player in each of his last three seasons. Olave ousted 12 touchdowns in 2019, seven touchdowns in 2020, and 13 touchdowns in 2021. Olave has been slated to be a late first round pick, so he could fall right in the hands of the Bills. They may be hoping he doesn’t post an overly fast 40 time, as well. He can perform blistering 40 times like in the 4.35-4.40 range, but if he unleashes a late 4.20 time, he could get picked very high (perhaps too high). We’ve seen players like John Ross and Dri Archer run 40 times that broke the 40-yard dash record or came close to breaking it and they both unraveled to be NFL busts.

It’s well known that Stefon Diggs is a gifted WR and a Top 10 WR in the league, but the Bills could really use a top notch WR across from him. The second leading receiver in receiving yardage last season was the slot WR Cole Beasley, who obtained 693 yards. The Bills could go defense here, but I don’t think they will pass up on a talented playmaker that can take Josh Allen to an even higher level. We witnessed the Chiefs select Clyde Edwards Helaire after winning the Super Bowl. Don’t be surprised if the Bills load up on firepower and come out “guns blazing” in 2022.

2. Breece Hall – RB – Iowa State

The Bills can have a well balanced, potent offense by going WR-RB in the first two rounds of the draft. The Iowa State RB Breece Hall would be a fine value pick and clear upgrade over Devin Singletary. The young buck Singletary has proudly shown Frank Gore & Adrian Peterson can be the bell-cow in Buffalo. Yet, he’s not a Top 12 RB or a RB that can help Buff unleash a dynasty like offense.

The addition of Breece Hall would really keep defenses on their heels and it would work wonders for the Bills play action game. Hall has flat-out been a monster in 2021 and 2020. He’s ran for 41 touchdowns in the past two seasons combined and a combined 3,000+ rushing yards from the past two seasons. Don’t be surprised if the Bills even select Hall in the first round if he continues to rise up the board.

3. Derion Kendrick – CB – University of Georgia

The Bills can get their much needed secondary help early in the draft with the selection of Derion Kendrick. The Georgia Bulldog was a fine tuned fourth year player in 2021 and that was evident of his All SEC second team placing. He recorded an impressive four interceptions, while being a routine shutdown corner. The Bills secondary is superb and it’s reflected in their number one pass defense (and number one overall defense), but they could use an upgrade at CB on paper. A healthy Tre’Davious white joined by Kendrick could help the Bills be sure-fire AFC favorites next season (assuming the offense does its part).

4. Trey McBride – TE – Colorado State

The Colorado State TE really cemented himself has one of the top TEs in the 2022 draft in the 2021 season. McBride had staggering 1,121 yards and 90 receptions on route to earning associated press All American in 2021. He was flat out one of the best Colorado State players in the past decade. Dawson Knox has been reliable for Allen, but McBride could flat out be an upgrade in the near future. It would make too much sense if the Bills added a young TE at this stage in the draft.

5. Khalil Shakir – WR – Boise State (trade up – send 5th and 7th round pick in 2022, sixth round pick in 2023)

When you turn on Khalil Shakir’s tape, it brings back a lot of memories of Percy Harvin. Shakir was dynamite in 2021 and it’s reflected with his 14.5 YPC, 1,117 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Shakir would be a nice future replacement for Beasley, hands down.

6. Trade for TE Hayden Hurst

I could completely see the Falcons keeping Hayden Hurst in the 2022 offseason, especially with Calvin Ridley’s future up in the air. At first glance, it would just make a ton of sense for the two sides to agree on a one-year prove it deal. With that said, I’d love to see the Bills deliver a draft pick to the Falcons for the veteran TE. Hurst has a lot of potential and he’s somewhat underperformed in 2021 due to missing three games. He would be the perfect steal at the TE position for the Bills offense.

7. Tanner McKee – QB – Stanford

It would be ideal for the Bills to ink a QB2 this offseason. I’d love to see the Bills go after Tanner McKee or a sharp, workaholic QB in the back end of the draft. It’s unlikely that Allen becomes a regular victim to the injury bug, but his playing style may come to haunt him in rare moments in the future. I don’t believe it would be best for the Bills to follow the Chiefs blueprint with a very old, familiar QB2 (aka Chad Henne).

Fun fact: Tanner McKee (31) is six years older than Josh Allen (25). Yes, you read that correctly.

The post 2022 Buffalo Bills 7-Round Mock Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Chris Thomas

Now that the College Football season has started it won’t be long until Heisman candidates and storylines start to emerge. The Heisman is awarded to the best player in college football that season and cements a player’s legacy as one of the greatest college football players of all time. 

Last year was the first time in a couple of years that there wasn’t a clearcut favorite for the award. Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith became the first wide receiver to win the award since 1991 and the fourth wide receiver ever to do so. Smith also became the first non-quarterback to win the Heisman since former Alabama running back Derrick Henry won the award in 2015. 

Many great candidates could be nominated and win the award this upcoming season. Here are a few players to look out for who could take home the Heisman at the end of the 2021-22 College Football season. 

Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma

It is hard to start a Heisman candidates list without the face of college football Spencer Rattler. The redshirt sophomore is about to enter his second full season as the team’s starting quarterback. Rattler is already the favorite to go first overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and by many to win the Heisman. He would be Lincoln Riley’s third quarterback to accomplish both feats since he took over the program in 2017. Both Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray won the Heisman and went first overall in the NFL Draft back to back in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. 

Last season Rattler threw for 3,031 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. He also rushed for 160 yards and six touchdowns on 81 attempts. That performance earned Rattler a spot on AP”˜s First Team All-Big 12 and made him a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien award. He finished the year with the third-highest PFF grade among quarterbacks in the FBS with a 92.5.

This upcoming season Rattler not only has the opportunity to build upon how he played last year but potentially take the Oklahoma Sooners to the College Football Playoffs and compete for a National Championship. If Oklahoma makes it to the College Football Playoffs it would be hard to imagine Rattler not at least being nominated for the Heisman after this season. 

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

It is not a ridiculous statement to say that Bryce Hall has the potential to be the most dynamic passer Nick Saban has had during his time at Alabama. That is not a shot at Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, or Mac Jones who are all NFL starting quarterbacks. In the small sample size that Young has shown, he displayed more of a playmaker skillset compared to a distributor/point guard type like Tagovailoa and Jones or athlete that relies on mobility like Hurts. 

Last season Young finished the season completing 13 of his 22 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. In high school, Young was considered the best dual-threat quarterback in the nation and a five-star prospect.

The sophomore quarterback has a fantastic opportunity to become one of the faces of college football now that he will be the starting quarterback of the reigning national champions. Young will be leading an extremely talented roster that is considered the favorite to repeat as champions. If Young shows why he was considered such a polarizing high school quarterback at the next level in a full-time starting role he could very well win the Heisman this year.

D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, Clemson

It cannot be an enviable position to follow up Trevor Lawerence as the starting quarterback of the Clemson Tigers. Lawerence was considered by many as one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time. The sophomore quarterback will join a line of prestigious quarterbacks to start for Clemson over the last decade including Lawerence and Deshaun Watson. Both quarterbacks have left big shoes for D.J. Uiagalelei to fill. There are a lot of expectations that come with being the quarterback for a Dabo Swinney-led Clemson team. Both Lawerence and Watson were catalysts for the Tigers winning National Championships when they were starters. 

Last season he played in ten games but started two against Boston College and Notre Dame. In his first start against Boston College, Uiagalelei completed 73.2% of his passes going 30 for 41 and passing for 342 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six rushes for 25 yards and a touchdown. Then the following week against #4 Notre Dame, Uiagalelei went 29 of 44 for 439 yards and two touchdowns. Uiagalelei rushed for two yards on 13 attempts and a touchdown in that game as well. He finished the year completing 66.7% of his passes completing 78 of 117 of them for 914 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Uiagalelei had 28 rushing attempts for 60 yards and four touchdowns. His 146.4 pass efficiency rating was fifth-best by an ACC freshman quarterback since 2002. Uiagalelei also became only the second FBS player since 2000 to throw at least 115 passes and record at least five passing touchdowns and no interceptions.

As long as Clemson makes the College Football playoffs Uiagalelei should be a Heisman contender. What he brings to the table that separates him from the rest is the combination of size and athleticism. At 6’4″ and 249 pounds he is a fantastic athlete and a threat as a ball carrier. His combination of size, mobility, and arm strength could draw comparisons to another former Heisman winner former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton who is 6’5″ and 245 pounds. If Uiagalelei plays similarly to how Newton did in his Heisman campaign in the 2010 season, he could very well win the award at the end of this season. 

J.T Daniels, QB, Georgia

One player that has been trending towards being considered one of the nation’s best quarterbacks is Georgia quarterback JT Daniels. He will start his second season as a Georgia Bulldog after two years at USC. Many believe a great season from him could catapult Georgia back into the National title picture. 

Daniels transferred to Georgia after redshirting his sophomore season due to a season-ending knee injury. Last season only started four games for Georgia at the end of the season. Daniels finished the year completing 80 of his 119 passes for 1,231 yards, ten touchdowns, and only two interceptions. That is an average of 307.8 passing yards, 2.5 touchdowns, and .5 interceptions a game. 

He is entering his Junior year this season so Daniels is eligible for another year. However, he is gaining a lot of hype as a quarterback prospect to look out for that could potentially be a first-round pick. Daniels has a cannon for an arm which will get him on a light of highlight reels throughout the season. If Georgia makes a National title push and Daniels makes huge plays throughout the season he could have a legitimate case to win the Heisman at the end of the year. 

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Now that the Sam Ehlinger era is over at Texas the star Longhorn tasked with bringing them back to relevancy is running back Bijan Robinson. The Longhorns have needed a star on their roster who can bring them back to what they were over a decade ago. So far Robinson has shown that he has what it takes to be that guy. 

During his freshman year, Robinson played in nine games, but only started six of them. He had three games last season where he rushed for over 100 yards and averaged 10.3 carries in each of those games. His best game came at the end of the year against Colorado where he rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown off ten carries. In that game, Robinson also caught two passes for 37 yards and two more touchdowns. He finished last year with 703 rushing yards and four touchdowns on only 86 carries. 

Robinson has the size and strength to be a power back, but is shifty and has the athleticism to make him almost impossible to defend. He has shown that he is also a threat as a receiver. His style of play is similar to Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. 

If Robinson thrives in a workhorse role for Texas gets them closer to being a national title threat he could become the first running back since 2015 to win the Heisman. 

Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Last season Breece Hall was arguably the best running back in college football. He discretely had one of the greatest seasons for a running back in college football history. He could put up similar production in his junior year at Iowa State. 

After an outstanding freshman season Hall broke out in a major way his sophomore year. In the twelve games he played, Hall rushed for 1,572 yards on 279 attempts and 21 touchdowns. He led the entire country in rushing last season. He averaged 131 rushing yards per game. Hall became the first player in College Football to have 75+ yards and a rushing touchdown in all 12 games since NFL Hall of Famer and former TCU running back LaDainian Tomlinson did it in 2000. He added multiple accolades to his resume including being the first unanimous All-American in Iowa State history, winning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-Big 12. This performance landed Hall sixth in the Heisman voting.

He came extremely close to winning the Heisman a year ago. If Hall were to repeat his performance or even break his records there would be slim to no chance that he does not get recognized as one of the greatest running backs to ever play in college football by winning the Heisman. 

Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama

Brian Robinson Jr. becomes the next running back to join the fraternity of Alabama starting running backs. The Crimson Tide have had an outstanding group of players at the position over the years including Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, Derrick Henry, and Najee Harris. There have also been other talented running backs for the Crimson Tide that weren’t workhorse backs including Alvin Kamara, T.J. Yeldon, Kenyan Drake, Damien Harris, and Josh Jacobs. So expectations are high for a player like Robinson who will now control this backfield and have a major role for this offense. 

Over the last two seasons, Robinson Jr. has played a complementary role to Najee Harris. Last year he rushed for 483 yards and six touchdowns on 91 attempts. Robinson fits the bigger running back mold the Crimson Tide have been known for under Nick Saban. He has been used to run the ball outside of the tackles on outside zone runs. He has also returned kickoffs for Alabama on occasion. 

This year the redshirt senior finally gets his chance to lead this backfield. If Robinson has a breakout season and is as dominant as the Alabama running backs that have come before him he has a great of a chance as anyone to win the Heisman. There has not been a more dominant position group on a college football team over the last decade than Alabama running backs. Robinson could be the third to win the Heisman since 2009.

Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

It is extremely unlikely that a wide receiver wins the Heisman in any given year. It is even more unlikely that a wide receiver wins the Heisman in back-to-back seasons. But after DeVonta Smith won last year it does open up the conversation to the position group and it is unlikely that a talent like Chris Olave isn’t considered for the award after the season.

Last year Olave broke out and established himself as one of the best receivers in college football. He almost matched his receiving yardage and touchdown total from the season prior despite having his season reduced to seven games. Olave caught 50 receptions for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 104.1 yards per game. He was named First Team All-Big Ten after his performance. He was considered one of the best wide receivers in college football last season.

Coming into this season Olave is considered the best wide receiver in the nation. If he continues the pace that he set last season or exceeds it over a full college football season he could make it back-to-back seasons that a wide receiver wins the Heisman.

The post Top 5 Heisman candidates for the 2021-22 college football Season appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The 2021 CFB class is decorated with talented players across all positions. One of the positions that stands out in CFB currently more than in recent years, is none other than the running back spot. There were two RBs selected in the first round of this year’s draft, but the 2022 NFL draft could feature three-four halfbacks with their names called on Day 1. 

A few of these players could push for the Heisman and oust historical seasons in 2021. With the college season steadily approaching, I’m going to outline the top RB talents headed into next season. 

1. Tank Bigsby 

Tank Bigsby, the sophomore RB for Auburn, who accumulated 834 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs in 2020 has his sights set on a 2k rushing yard season in 2021. Bigsby earned SEC rookie of the year and he will aim to be one of the top all around players in the SEC next year. Pro Football Focus has Bigsby as the #1 returning back. Bigsby is one of the most explosive downhill RBs to compete at the collegiate level in the past few seasons.  

2. Deuce Vaughn Jr. 

Deuce Vaughn may be the closest player to former all purpose RB Darren Sproles in all of existence. The 5’5 RB for Kansas State was one of two players to score above a 85 grade in rushing and receiving last season (Michael Carter being the other). Vaughn notched 434 yards receiving and 17.4 YPC, while muscling out 642 yards on the ground. 

3. Kennedy Brooks

The third year RB for Oklahoma sat out the 2020 season, but he’s fresh and ready to prove he’s an elite RB back in the 2021 season. Kennedy Brooks, the former second team All Big Ten honoree, is a horse at 5’11 220. He can be a very effective early down back at the next level. 

4. Breece Hall

The 6’1 215 sophomore RB for Iowa State is Top 5, Top 3, and even number one atop many RB rankings. Hall ran wild for 21 touchdowns last year, while compiling 1,572 yards on the ground. His pure RB is near the top of the nation. The Junior will be a Heisman candidate this upcoming season and he could likely sneak in the first round of the draft next offseason. 

5. Isaiah Spiller

Isaiah Spiller isn’t related to CJ Spiller, but he’s another Spiller that is a Top 5 RB in the country. He’s the son of a former Texas TE which does speak of the athletic gifts in his family. The 19 year old was on the all SEC team, which goes to show his freak talent AND potential. Spiller has roughly 2,000 yards combined in the last two years, but he should be close to that mark in one full season this year. Alike Hall, his pure RB talent is undeniable and he is surely going to be a regular 1k yard back in the pros. 

Honorable mentions: 

Brian Robinson Jr. 

Jerrion Ealy 

Max Borghi

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