We here at Mocking the Draft put together a bracket to match up the top 32 rookie quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends drafted in April. Put simply, it's a NCAA tournament style bracket to help us decide which rookie will score the most fantasy points this coming season. You're welcome to go back and see the original post here. Today's match up: David Wilson vs Ronnie Hillman
Fantasy Football Rookie Bracket Match Up: David Wilson Vs Ronnie Hillman
David Wilson snuck into the bottom of the first round as the 32nd overall pick of the New York Giants. Ronnie Hillman was a third round pick to the new look, Peyton Manning lead Denver Broncos
Why vote for Wilson?
The Giants and Brandon Jacobs finally parted ways this offseason. Wilson was drafted to split time with Ahmad Bradshaw as Jacob's replacement. For Wilson, that should mean he will make an impact in his rookie year. Bradshaw (171) and Jacobs (152) were fairly even in terms of carries last year, and even if Bradshaw takes an extra 30 carries this year, Wilson will still have over 100 carries. Bradshaw held the highest yards per carry average for the Giants last year at 3.9. In his last season at college, Wilson managed an impressive 5.9 yards per attempt. Now we all expect that to drop as he transitions to the NFL, but if he can keep it above four then he'll manage a solid return on his rookie year.
More after the jump.
Why vote against Wilson?
He is a rookie, which means he'll come in behind at least Bradshaw on the depth chart. While I expect him to win the number two job in camp, I expect Bradshaw to take a higher workload during the season. Add in the fact that the Giants have become such a dangerous threat with Eli Manning's arm and that strong group of receivers (made even stronger by rookie Rueben Randle) and Wilson's carries will be limited. Wilson comes out of an effective zone-blocking scheme from Virginia Tech, in which runners stats can be slightly exaggerated. The Giants ranked dead last in the league in rushing yards per game average last year. Wilson will have to work a damn sight harder for yards with the Giants. (Just to note, I'm actually high on Wilson, even though this may have come across as a Redskins bias against the Giants.)
Why vote for Hillman?
I imagine he'll be used more as a Darren Sproles type guy that can catch out of the backfield and make plays in space with his elusiveness and speed. For a guy like Manning who loves to play in the gun, a back like that could be a great threat ( as we saw last year with Sproles and Drew Brees). I'm not saying Hillman will have a Sproles-esc season his rookie year, but he could be a threat if overlooked by the opposition.
Why vote against Hillman?
He’s not a good pass protector. In any Peyton Manning offense, the running back needs to be able to pick up a blitz, otherwise they won’t see the field. But in Manning’s first year back after multiple neck surgeries, its vital that he’s protected. Hillman’s size makes it very difficult for him to anchor against NFL sized pass-rushers. While he would be very useful out of the backfield for Manning, if he can’t block at least some of the time, he won’t see the field because it will tip the play to the defense.
Let us know who you voted for and why in the comments. Monday's match up: Brian Quick vs Dwayne Allen.
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