4 Players to Stash in Fantasy Football From the NFC North
MyCole Pruitt, TE, Minnesota Vikings
The Player
You can't get much more decorated as a college tight end playing in the FCS than MyCole Pruitt. The two time FCS All-American at Southern Illinois led all Division I tight ends in receptions, receiving yards. and touchdowns in 2014. In 2013, he was nearly as successful, ranking third in the nation in catches and second in receiving yards.
At 6'2, 251 pounds, he has a similar size and speed build to move tight ends such as Jordan Reed, Aaron Hernandez, and Benjamin Watson, although perhaps he doesn't have the same playmaking ability as that trio.
While no one will ever confuse him as a traditional inline tight end, the Reed comparison is very interesting, and both players seem to have the ability to be a mismatch on smaller or slower defenders. Pruitt placed as a top athletic performer at the 2015 NFL combine in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and both short shuttle drills, demonstrating his ability to be the same type of athletic presence that Jordan Reed has been for the Redskins.
His rookie year was a mixed bag, with the preseason being a far greater showcase of his athletic ability than his underwhelming regular season. But then again, the entire Vikings passing game underwhelmed in 2015. So is there reason for optimism heading into a new year?
The Opportunity
Now five years into Kyle Rudolph's career and he has yet to have even one above average season based on our NEP metrics. His career high of 0.67 in Reception NEP per reception in 2014 was on par with Luke Willson. For comparison, top tight ends such as Rob Gronkowski, Gary Barnidge, and Tyler Eifert were all at 0.82 or better last season.
Yet the team continues to rely on the oft injured tight end in hopes that he finally develops into a weapon at the position. All signs, however, point to Rudolph being average, and there is certainly room for a more effective player to enter the picture.
While the low volume nature of the Vikings offense during the Teddy Bridgewater era seems to limit the opportunity for a Pruitt breakout, there is potential touchdown upside in an offense that attempts to progress as Bridgewater develops. If the young quarterback can continue to progress in his third year as the starter, he will need new weapons to emerge to assist in that ascension.
While Stefon Diggs and rookie Laquon Treadwell will get most of the publicity, watch out for Pruitt as he takes a step forward in his sophomore season. He may not break out until 2017, but by then it may be too late to grab him in your dynasty or keeper leagues.
