70. S Jordan Whitehead, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Current Injury record: there clearly was some concern about whether Fournette’s bodily operating preferences would result in accidents taken from LSU, but he’s complete a good job of avoiding incidents within his NFL career. A lingering hamstring injuries pricing him time in 2018, and just various other noteworthy injury before this year was an ankle damage that kept your out weeks latest period. Fournette overlooked the ultimate three months with this period with a hamstring injuries.
Bottom Line: Fournette keeps recuperated many appreciate he forgotten in Jacksonville with his play-down the stretching in Tampa Bay’s ultra pan operate last year and also as their particular contribute back once again this coming year. He’s not browsing shake too many people in the open industry, but Fournette has-been an effective runner as well as getting Tom Brady’s count on as a receiving retailer in 2021.
Whitehead played in Tampa Bay’s ultra pan victory a year ago with a torn labrum, showing exactly how difficult a player he is, that’s just what actually you want in the strong protection position. His 5-foot-11, 200-pound build and gamble style include somewhat reminiscent of Cincinnati Bengals stronger security Vonn Bell. Bell finalized a three-year, $18 million agreement together with the Bengals prior to the 2020 season that may serve as one thing of a blueprint right here.
Strategy Fit/Role: FIRM SECURITY TYPE, SINGLE-HIGH SECURITY: With the progression we’re seeing in modern-day pro defenses, Whitehead’s archetype as a security are dropping appreciate the additional downfield the guy goes. However, anytime he is near the collection of scrimmage or even in an underneath zone, their violence and physicality incorporate description immediate results. The greater number of your enjoy him, the more it seems he is custom-made for brand new England or a coach off Pete Carroll’s tree.
Current damage background: Whitehead possess battled shoulder, hamstring and calf injury through the 2021 month. Provided their
However, Conner furthermore stepped up in a significant way whenever Edmonds missed time, presuming a larger part and producing some highlight-reel captures with a number of Cardinals pass-catchers sidelined, too
Bottom Line: Whitehead is an enforcer enter an NFL that is trending toward even more coverage bodies at protection place. As he’s at linebacker range and transferring toward the line of scrimmage, discover couple of safeties when you look at the NFL greater at producing a positive change.
71. RB James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
Conner served as a workhorse three-down straight back using the Pittsburgh Steelers for the duration of their novice agreement prior to eventually signing an underwhelming one-year, $1.75 million deal together with the Arizona Cardinals earlier this offseason. If Conner’s 2021 season – specifically their 16 touchdowns – are any indication, acquiring healthier and splitting contacts with Chase Edmonds was actually a much better situation for him.
Strategy Fit/Role: POWER BACK IN RB ROTATION: Conner provides a unique expertise where he is one of the better short-yardage and goal-line runners in the NFL yet the guy additionally supplies advantages as a socket during the passing video game. There is reasons he can’t be throughout the field all three lows, nevertheless is wise for groups to prevent counting on your in a genuine bell-cow character, offered his injuries background.
Current damage records: This current year in Arizona, a late-season heel harm finished among best extends of his NFL profession. Conner failed to can be found in more than 13 regular-season games in just about any month from 2017 to 2020 after beating a life threatening knee injury and Hodgkin’s lymphoma from the institution of Pittsburgh.
Bottom Line: Conner seems he could play an important role for a contender. He’s a three-down skill set, but problems bring kept him from saying a three-down work for an entire period.