#IDP Draft Prep
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IELTS Prep Made Simple: Essential Strategies for Success
Preparing for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam can feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can streamline your study process and set yourself up for success. The IELTS is designed to assess your English proficiency across four key areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section presents its own challenges, but with targeted preparation, you can tackle them with confidence. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively prepare for IELTS, complete with strategies to help you excel.
Understand the IELTS Test Format A solid foundation begins with understanding the test format. The IELTS is divided into four sections: Listening: 40 questions based on four audio recordings. Reading: 40 questions based on three texts. Writing: Two tasks – Task 1 is a description or summary, and Task 2 is an essay. Speaking: A face-to-face interview with an examiner. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and tasks in each section. Knowing the format will help reduce surprises on test day and allow you to focus on the content rather than the structure.
Set Clear Goals and Create a Study Plan Establish clear, achievable goals based on the score you need and the time you have available. Create a study plan that outlines your weekly study schedule, focusing on each section of the test. Break down your study plan into manageable tasks, such as practicing specific question types or reviewing vocabulary. Example Study Plan: Monday: Listening practice – complete two recordings and review answers. Wednesday: Reading practice – read an article and answer related questions. Friday: Writing practice – draft an essay and review model answers. Sunday: Speaking practice – engage in a mock interview with a partner or tutor.
Develop a Comprehensive Study Routine Consistency is key to effective preparation. Dedicate regular time each week to study and practice. Incorporate a variety of activities into your routine to cover all aspects of the test: Listening: Listen to English-language podcasts, watch news programs, and practice with IELTS listening tests. Reading: Read newspapers, journals, and academic articles to improve reading speed and comprehension. Writing: Practice writing essays and reports, and seek feedback to improve your writing skills. Speaking: Engage in conversations with native speakers or join language exchange groups to practice speaking fluently.
Utilize Quality Study Materials Choose high-quality study materials to guide your preparation. Official IELTS preparation books, practice tests, and online resources are excellent starting points. The British Council and IDP websites offer practice tests and sample questions. Additionally, consider using apps designed for IELTS preparation to practice on the go.
Focus on Vocabulary and Grammar A strong vocabulary and good grammar are essential for the IELTS. Expand your vocabulary by reading widely and noting new words and phrases. Practice using these words in context. Additionally, review grammar rules and practice writing and speaking with correct grammar usage. There are many grammar and vocabulary exercises available online and in IELTS preparation books.
Take Practice Tests Under Exam Conditions Simulate test conditions by taking full-length practice tests. This helps you get used to the timing and pressure of the exam. Practice tests will also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your efforts on areas that need improvement. Review your practice test results thoroughly to understand your errors and learn from them.
Improve Your Time Management Skills Effective time management is crucial during the IELTS. Practice completing each section within the allotted time to build your speed and efficiency. Use techniques like skimming and scanning for the Reading section and practice summarizing and organizing your thoughts quickly for the Writing section.
Seek Feedback and Professional Guidance If possible, seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers on your practice tests and writing assignments. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights into areas where you need improvement. Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course if you need more structured guidance and personalized feedback.
Practice Stress Management Techniques Test anxiety can affect your performance. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or mindfulness to help manage stress. Ensure you get adequate rest and maintain a healthy lifestyle during your preparation period to keep your mind and body in optimal condition.
Stay Motivated and Positive Maintaining motivation and a positive attitude is crucial throughout your preparation. Set small milestones and celebrate your progress. Keep your end goals in mind and remind yourself of the reasons why you’re taking the IELTS. Surround yourself with supportive friends or study partners who encourage and motivate you.
Conclusion Effectively preparing for the IELTS exam requires a combination of understanding the test format, setting clear goals, developing a comprehensive study routine, and utilizing quality study materials. By focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and time management, and seeking feedback, you can enhance your preparation. Remember to manage stress and stay motivated throughout your study journey. With dedication and the right strategies, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a successful IELTS score.
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Killing the Combine
Killing the Combine: @DFF_DWIN examines some of the defensive standouts at the combine #IDP #FantasyFootball
Every year we seem to have a handful of players that amaze us with their athletic awesomeness. Even when we expect great results from certain players, we still get wowed. This year was no exception, as there was once again some standout, take-notice performances. Let’s take a look at a few of the next group of stars-to-be.
Jan 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker…
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Juggernaut Index, No. 21: Eagles retooled offense needs Wentz to make a leap
The Philadelphia Eagles have a new cast of offensive skill players surrounding a second-year QB. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
Carson Wentz opened his NFL career with three straight wins, efficiently carving up the defenses of the Browns, Bears and Steelers. In those three September games, he completed 64.7 percent of his throws while averaging 256.3 yards per game and 7.54 per attempt. He tossed five touchdown passes and zero picks, posting a passer rating of 103.8. Wentz, in short, was terrific — a quick-thinking, mobile QB with plenty of arm. He certainly looked the part of a top-of-draft quarterback, a franchise cornerstone.
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And then the calendar flipped to October. No one would have guessed it at the time, but Wentz’s best games were already behind him. Losses piled up, as did turnovers. Wentz was punished by the better defenses on Philadelphia’s schedule. Here’s a look at his month-by-month performance:
September – 7.54 Y/A, 64.7 CMP%, 5 TD, 0 INT October – 6.01 Y/A, 66.7 CMP%, 4 TD, 3 INT November – 6.51 Y/A, 60.1 CMP%, 2 TD, 5 INT Dec. & Jan. – 5.53 Y/A, 60.5 CMP%, 5 TD, 6 INT
After Wentz’s early binge, he began a gradual descent toward mediocrity, and eventually to something worse. When all the numbers were in, he had nearly as many interceptions (14) as TD passes (16). He ranked near the bottom of the league in Y/A (6.23), behind guys like Case Keenum (6.84), Ryan Fitzpatrick (6.73) and Blake Bortles (6.25). Wentz completed a respectable 62.4 percent of his throws, but he averaged just 3.3 air yards per attempt, again ranking among the NFL’s sketchiest passers. (Keenum averaged 3.7, Osweiler 3.6 and Bortles 3.3).
Carson Wentz worked on footwork and mechanics during the offseason, hoping to prove last September wasn’t his peak. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Simply put, Wentz wasn’t good. We need to give him a partial pass because he was tossed into the fire as a first-year pro, but let’s also keep in mind that he wasn’t some 21-year-old kid. That excuse can fly for Jared Goff, but not Carson. In fact, Wentz is a year older than both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. He’s only eight months younger than Bortles, a player entering his fourth year in the league. Wentz will turn 25 before the end of the 2017 season; we have to assume he’s closer to a finished product than other recently drafted QBs.
Wentz spent much of his offseason working on throwing mechanics and footwork, while the Eagles’ front office spent time and resources adding talent at the offensive skill spots. If Wentz can’t make a significant leap in his second NFL season, his supporting cast won’t be to blame.
Welcome to Philly, Alshon Jeffery
Jeffery was the biggest (but not only) addition to Philadelphia’s receiving corps, and the team landed him on a one-year, make-good contract. Considering the modest commitment, it’s tough not to like the deal from the team’s perspective. When Jeffery is at his best, he’s one of the NFL’s elite downfield threats, uncommonly gifted in jump-ball scenarios. He has the size, strength and skills to win one-on-one battles on any route, at any level. Jeffery also has an 89-catch, 1421-yard season to his credit, so we know he’s capable of sustained WR1-level performance. But he also has a PED suspension on his resume, and he’s struggled with soft-tissue injuries. He’s hardly a lock to give us 16 games.
Early drafters seem to be thinking only of Jeffery’s ceiling and not his problematic floor, as his ADP in Yahoo leagues is 33.2. That’s too rich for me, considering his up-and-down history and the quality of his quarterback.
Alshon Jeffery is looking to reclaim his status as a high-end fantasy asset. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Torrey Smith signed a three-year deal with the Eagles (with very little guaranteed money), and he’ll battle third-year receiver Nelson Agholor for snaps and targets and relevance. Smith has been miscast as a do-it-all receiver at multiple NFL stops, but he’s undeniably a dangerous big-play vertical threat. As a fantasy commodity, he’s well suited for best-ball formats, where you don’t need to predict the week in which he’ll deliver his three-catch, 90-yard, two-TD game. He figures to be a low-volume field-stretcher, a guy who makes life easier for the short-to-intermediate route-runners.
We should note that Wentz’s pre-draft scouting reports generally praised his deep-ball ability, but that take wasn’t well supported by stats. Wentz was not particularly accurate on deep strikes at North Dakota State, and he completed just 31.0 percent of his deep throws last season, per Player Profiler. Smith and Jeffery should at least help make his downfield passing stats look a bit better, even if the throws aren’t perfectly placed. Wentz attempted 4.4 deep throws per game last season, so Doug Pederson’s team isn’t afraid to take shots.
Jordan Matthews has dealt with knee tendinitis throughout the offseason, but Philly’s slot receiver is expected to be ready for the opening of camp. We’ll see. He’s entering a contract year and his targets will surely take a hit this season, following the additions to the Eagles’ receiving corps. Matthews has never finished a season with less than 800 receiving yards, but he’s also never reached 1000. Ideally, you’ll draft him as a bench WR in fantasy, if you draft him at all. Agholor spent a fair amount of time in the slot during the offseason, generating modest spring buzz, but he isn’t likely to break out unless injuries clear a path. Fourth-round rookie Mack Hollins is an interesting size/speed combo player (6-foot-4, 4.53), but he’s buried on the depth chart at the moment.
Zach Ertz returns at tight end for what feels like his twelfth season, but is actually only his fifth. He finished eighth among fantasy scorers at his position last year and ranked fifth in targets (106). He remained a TD-challenged player, however, finishing with only four spikes. (When a QB averages just one touchdown pass per game, no receiver is going to feast.) Ertz saw 17 red-zone chances last season, so it isn’t crazy to expect him to retain his fantasy value, even if his targets take a small dip.
The Eagles backfield is stuck in committee
Philadelphia signed LeGarrette Blount to a one-year deal back in May, and he projects as the team’s primary early-down runner. Blount, of course, is coming off a ridiculous season for New England, rushing for a career high 1161 yards and a league-leading 18 TDs. He averaged just 3.9 YPC for the Pats, but no one ever suggested he was the game’s most elusive back. He won’t repeat last year’s 299 carries, but it’s not unreasonable to hope for something like 200 carries for 800 yards and 8-10 TDs. At his current ADP (77.1, RB23), there’s room for profit. Blount is entering his age-30 season and he’s never served as a credible receiving threat, so don’t expect anything more than his usual 5-7 catches.
LeGarrette Blount won’t repeat his 2016 TD total, but he remains a fantasy relevant runner. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Darren Sproles averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 8.2 per catch last season at age 33, reinforcing his status as an all-time outlier. He’s too small and too old, but he stubbornly continues to produce exceptionally well on a per-touch basis. He remains a bankable PPR asset, entering what might be his final NFL season. Sproles is one of the most thrilling players of his era and a historic oddity. It’s important to recognize that he does not come off the field in red-zone and goal-to-go situations, despite his size (5-foot-6, 190). Sproles handled 18 red-zone carries last year, and his 13 red-zone targets ranked fifth among all RBs.
Philly used a fourth-round draft pick on San Diego State back Donnel Pumphrey, the NCAA’s career rushing leader. (For the record, we realize Ron Dayne still has a valid claim on the rushing mark. But this is not the place to settle that dispute.) Pumphrey performed poorly at the combine in all areas — 4.48-speed isn’t enough for a 175-pound player — but, again, he was a hugely productive player with an excellent collegiate highlight reel. He was a capable receiver and route-runner for the Aztecs, too, catching 99 career passes. It’s clear the Eagles intend to get him on the field in his first pro season…
Pumphrey keeps gettting significant work with the 1s. Don’t want to overstate what happens in June, but Eagles are prepping him for a role
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 13, 2017
…so keep him in your deep league and dynasty plans. He was running ahead of second-year back Wendell Smallwood during the offseason.
Ryan Mathews is still in the team picture as of this writing, but he’s recovering from a herniated disc and likely to be released when medically cleared. Waiting on his release will save the team a payout and cap hit. Because the NFL is cruel like that. Mathews turns 30 in October and his medical file is thick, so he’s no lock to make an impact anywhere.
Philadelphia’s defense is for streamers only
The Eagles were an almost perfectly average defense in every way last season, and the team lacks an elite IDP. Philly used its first three draft picks to address the D, and two of those selections — DE Derek Barnett and CB Sidney Jones — could eventually be special players. For now, this group is strictly a matchup play in fantasy. The team’s early season schedule isn’t too appealing for our purposes, so you can ignore this unit at the draft table.
2016 Offensive Stats & Ranks Points per game – 22.9 (16) Pass YPG – 224.1 (24) Rush YPG – 113.3 (11) Yards per play – 5.0 (29) Plays per game – 67.5 (4)
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Previous Juggernaut Index entries: 32) NY Jets, 31) San Francisco, 30) Cleveland, 29) LA Rams, 28) Baltimore, 27) Chicago, 26) Minnesota, 25) Detroit, 24) Denver, 23) Jacksonville, 22) Buffalo, 21) Philadelphia
#Juggernaut Index#_author:Andy Behrens#_category:yct:001000854#_lmsid:a077000000CFoGyAAL#Carson Wentz#_uuid:e274e9e5-9db3-3396-9c0e-3845a69518b2#Philadelphia Eagles#_revsp:54edcaf7-cdbb-43d7-a41b-bffdcc37fb56
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IDP Rookie ADP Rewind
IDP Rookie ADP Rewind. Are you in the middle of your #IDP rookie draft? @DFF_Dwin is here to inform you of how the ADP is shaping up, to get your guys! #DFFArmy
It’s been two weeks since the NFL draft was completed and fantasy drafts have been in full swing ever since. In this article, I want to take a look at and break down what I have been seeing in the data I have collected to date. I have compiled a spreadsheet to track all the completed IDP rookie drafts that I can find. As of today, I have 30 league drafts entered and there has been some…
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#@DFF-Dwin#2020 IDP Prospects#Darrell Winstead#DFF IDP#dwinstead#Dynasty Football Factory#Dynasty Football Network#IDP#IDP ADP#IDP ADP 2020#IDP Article#IDP Buys and Sells#IDP Draft Prep#IDP Draft Prospects#IDP Drafts#IDP Dynasty#IDP Dynasty Leagues#IDP Nation#IDP Rookie ADP#IDP Rookie Drafts#IDP Rookies#idp stock market
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2020 NFL Draft Round 1 IDP Fantasy Preview
A round up of the #IDP fantasy fallout from the first round of the #NFLDraft2020 from @DFF_DWin
Now that the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft has concluded, I want to look at the values of all the defensive players, their landing spots, and what that could mean for us fantasy owners. How do they fit the team that drafted them? What kind of talent do they have around them? Will they make an impact right away or will they need time to find their role on the team? I’ll break all this down for…
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#@DFF-Dwin#2020 NFL Draft#CB#Chase Young#CJ Henderson#Darrell Winstead#DE#Derrick Brown#DFF IDP#DT#dwinstead#Dynasty Football Factory#Dynasty Football Network#IDP#IDP Artcile#IDP Buys and Sells#IDP Draft Prep#IDP Draft Prospects#IDP Drafts#IDP Dynasty#IDP Dynasty Leagues#IDP Nation#IDP Rookie Drafts#idp stock market#Isaiah Simmons#Javon Kinlaw#jeff gladney#Jeff Okudah#Kenneth Murray#LB
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2020 East/West Shrine Bowl: IDP News & Notes
2020 East/West Shrine Bowl: IDP News & Notes - @DFF_DWIN highlights the IDP side of the Shrine Bowl #DynastyFantasyFootball
2020 East-West Shrine Bowl IDP News & Notes
It’s officially draft season, and prospects from all over the country are attending all-star games over the next month. Up first is the 95th edition of the East-West Shrine Bowl. This game has showcased stars such as Ricky Jackson, Steve Atwater, Pat Tillman, Mean Joe Greene, Alan Paige, and Dick Butkus. From small school hopefuls to big school studs,…
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#2020 Draft Prospect#2020 NFL Draft#2020 Shrine Bowl#Alex Highsmith#Bryce Huff#Cam Gill#Dante Olson#Dele Harding#Derrek Tuszka#dwinstead#Garrett Marino#IDP#IDP Buys#IDP Draft Prep#IDP Dynasty#IDP Fantasy Football#IDP Nation#IDP NFL Draft Scouting#IDP Rookies#John Houston Jr#Keith Washington#Kendall Coleman#Luther Kirk#NFL Draft#Parnell Motley#Shaquille Quarterman
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Cornerback Prospect Draft Watch
Cornerback Prospects @DFF_DWin breaks down the CBs to know for the 2020 NFL Draft
With the college bowl season in full swing and I began to dig deep into my draft prep, I thought I would take the time to go over some of the potential prospects at the cornerback position. Keep in mind, this just who I have watched to this point so far. As I watch more game film and prospects, I will update this list accordingly.
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 28: Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jeff…
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#CB#Chris Jackson#CJ Henderson#dwinstead#IDP#IDP Draft Prep#IDP Dynasty#IDP Nation#IDP Scouting#Jeff Okudah#NFL Draft 2020#NFL Draft Prospect#Reid Harrison-Ducros#Trevon Diggs
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IDP Devy Interview: Braelen Evans, Western Oregon Wolves
IDP Devy Interview: @DFF_DWin talks to CB Braelen Evans of the Western Oregon Wolves
Braelen Evans – Interview Western Oregon Wolves #2 Cornerback
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BraelenEvans
Played at Hebron High School in Carrollton, TX
Played for Montana State from 2014-2018
2019 transfer to Western Oregon
Played 11 games for Wolves, registering 36 tackles, 29 solos, 1 for a loss, two interceptions, and eight pass breakups
This week on IDP Nation we were privileged to have…
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#2020 Draft Prospect#2020 NFL Draft#Braelen Evans#dwinstead#IDP#IDP Devy Fantasy Football#IDP Dynasty#IDP Nation#IDP Nation Interview#IDP NFL Draft Scouting#nfl draft prep#Western Oregon
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IDL Prospect Draft Watch
IDL Prospect Draft Watch. @DFF_Dwin goes into the trenches to find you the interior defensive linemen to keep an eye on during the #NFLDraft process. #IDP #DFFArmy #RookieFever
With the college bowl season in full swing and I continue to dig deep into my draft prep, I thought I would take the time to go over some of the potential prospects at the interior defensive line position. This is one of the most crucial but unpraised positions in football. They do the heavy lifting to open things up for the rest of the defense. Keep in mind, this is just who I have watched to…
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#@DFF-Dwin#2020 IDP Prospects#2020 NFL Draft#Benito Jones#Derrick Brown#dwinstead#Dynasty Football Factory#Dynasty Football Network#IDL. EDEG#IDP#IDP Article#IDP Dynasty#IDP Nation#Leki Fotu#Raekwon Davis#Robert Winsdor
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Linebacker Prospect Draft Watch
Linebacker Prospect Draft Watch: Potential college prospects as we head into draft season with @DFF_Dwin #IDP #Devy #NFLDraft #DFFArmy
With college bowl season in full swing and I continue to dig deep into my draft prep, I thought I would take the time to go over some of the potential prospects at the linebacker position. Keep in mind, this is just who I have watched to this point so far. As I watch more game film and prospects, I will update this list accordingly.
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson Tigers (6’4” / 230 lbs.)
The consensus…
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Juggernaut Index, No. 30: Cleveland isn't a fantasy wasteland
The Cleveland Browns haven’t known much success over the past decade or so, but this team might just be on the rise. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
We’ve all seen the list — the catalog of terrible quarterbacks who’ve started for the Cleveland Browns since the team’s last postseason appearance. It’s dreadful — full of broadcasters and assistant coaches and McCowns. Not good. The list, and the related losing, has transformed this franchise into a punchline.
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Cleveland and its fans have endured 14 consecutive non-playoff seasons, bottoming out at 1-15 last year. But under Sashi Brown and Paul DePodesta, this has become an analytics-minded franchise that suddenly makes logical choices. The Browns have acquired dynamic young talents in pretty much every position group, plus the team has hoarded future early-round draft assets. Long term, there’s a lot to like in Cleveland. We might be a year away from seeing a big swing in the Browns’ win-loss record, but the trajectory of this franchise seems to have finally changed.
Also, during the 2017 draft, they added a quarterback who might just be something more than yet another name on an embarrassing list.
When Cleveland goes to the air…
OK, bad things generally happened last season when this team went to the air. Browns quarterbacks completed only 59.6 percent of their attempts, averaging a modest 6.5 Y/A, tossing just 15 TD passes along with 14 picks. Cody Kessler was the best of an unimpressive bunch. He was the only Cleveland QB to finish with more touchdown passes (6) than interceptions (2), and he was the only guy to complete better than 60 percent of his throws (65.6). He wasn’t great, but he certainly wasn’t disastrous.
Kessler completed over 65 percent of his attempts in every collegiate season at USC, so last year’s accuracy was no fluke. His athletic tools aren’t exceptional — adequate arm, adequate size — but he isn’t a reckless passer and he seems to have a good sense for his own limitations. He has the look of a luxury backup, though he’s a slight favorite to open 2017 as the Browns starter.
You’ll recall that Cleveland acquired Brock Osweiler from Houston in a pre-draft salary-dump deal. Osweiler is coming off a horrendous season with the Texans. The Browns had abundant cap space to absorb his ridiculous deal, and the team acquired a 2018 second-round pick in the process. Osweiler has been the subject of various sunshiny pre-camp reports, all of which feel like propaganda. He’s been miserable in actual NFL game action. Cleveland would no doubt love to flip him for an additional pick. After last season, it’s awfully tough to treat these pro-Brock practice reports as anything other than spin. He is verifiably not good.
The Browns used a second-round pick this year on Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer, a player who belonged in the conversation with the three QBs taken ahead of him (Trubisky, Mahomes, Watson). Head coach Hue Jackson has been glued to Kizer on the practice field, constantly in his ear, and the early reports on the rookie have been encouraging. Considering the quality of competition in this QB battle, it’s not crazy to think Kizer can win the opening week job. That’s not to say he’s the favorite, of course, but we have to give him a shot.
Kizer has a big arm and ideal size (6-foot-4, 230), plus he has the ability to make plays on the ground. He was terrific for the Irish back in 2015, with multiple NFL talents in his supporting cast (C.J. Prosise, Will Fuller). He took a backward step statistically last season when surrounded by less dynamic weapons, yet he still threw 26 TD passes and rushed for eight scores. Kizer isn’t likely to be an impact fantasy asset in 2017, but he’s a player of interest for dynasty drafters. Cleveland clearly did well to find a potential franchise QB in Round 2, with the team’s fourth of ten picks.
DeShone Kizer has some learning to do, but Coach Jackson is a pretty fair teacher. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images
Terrelle Pryor had a breakout season at receiver for the Browns last year (77-1007-4), but he signed with Washington in March. Pryor saw 140 targets last season, so those opportunities are now up for grabs. Cleveland is banking on big things from 2016 first-rounder Corey Coleman, an explosive talent who showed promise last year, but missed six games with a broken hand. Coleman is battling hamstring issues for the second summer in a row, so that’s a concern. Still, at his current ADP (112.7), there’s very little risk attached.
Kenny Britt was signed to a four-year deal in the offseason after performing a seemingly impossible feat last year; Britt somehow topped the 1000-yard plateau with the Rams, catching passes from Case Keenum and Jared Goff. Incredible. You can’t say he didn’t earn his $32.5 million deal. Britt is the rare receiver who improves his QB situation by joining the Browns. He too seems like a no-risk fantasy option at his ADP (121.9). None of the depth chart wide receivers on this team deserve series consideration in fantasy leagues of any size. If you want the names for some reason, here’s the roster.
As ever, Josh Gordon is the wildest wild card in this receiving corps. I feel obligated to mention him here, although, as of this writing, there is no reason to expect a return to the NFL. He was denied reinstatement during the offseason and also dropped by his agent. Gordon can again apply for reinstatement in the fall. On a personal level, we all hope for the best for Gordon. His name does not belong on your cheat sheet. Moving on…
Rookie tight end David Njoku might very well have been the best pure athlete in the 2017 draft class, regardless of position. He was a national championship-level high jumper as a prep (7-foot-1 personal best), so of course he was tremendous in the jumps at the combine. He also somehow ran the three-cone drill in less than seven seconds, which would be exceptional for a running back. For a 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end like Njoku, it’s silly. The Browns traded up to select him, then released veteran Gary Barnidge a day later. Unquestionably, this team is moving forward with Njoku and 2016 fourth-rounder Seth DeValve as its tight ends.
Don’t expect a massive fantasy line from Njoku in his first NFL season, because rookie tight ends almost never achieve fantasy relevance. But he’s a guy to target aggressively in dynasty leagues. He’s coming off an excellent collegiate season at Miami (43-698-8), a program know to produce upper-tier tight ends.
Meanwhile, in the Browns backfield…
Cleveland finished with the fewest rush attempts in the league last season (350), yet the team ranked second in yards per carry (4.9). So, um … whoops. Looking back, perhaps more running would have been a good thing. But stuff like that happens with one-win teams.
“I beat myself up over that,” Coach Jackson has said when discussing the team’s rushing attempts. Don’t expect the run/pass mix to look the same in the season ahead. The Browns beefed up the interior of the offensive line via free agency, and of course the unit is still anchored by tackle Joe Thomas.
Isaiah Crowell was damn good in 2016, rushing for 952 yards and seven scores on just 198 carries (4.8 YPC) while also catching a career-high 40 passes. Crowell hasn’t missed a game over the past three seasons and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, if you care about such things. He’s not the flashiest runner in the game, but he makes plenty of good decisions with the ball in his hands. With an enhanced O-line and a head coach determined to run, it’s tough not to like Crowell at a fourth or fifth-round draft price. His usage last season as a receiving option makes him far less format-dependent as a fantasy asset.
Duke Johnson remains an important supporting piece in this team’s backfield committee, and he’s coming off a season in which he gained 872 scrimmage yards. He averaged 4.9 YPC, but he saw only 73 carries to Crowell’s 198. Based on Johnson’s role over the past two seasons, we have to view him as a PPR-only option. He caught 53 balls last year and 61 the season before.
Isaiah Crowell, rolling through defenders. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
And when the Browns D is on the field…
Cleveland’s defense ranked 30th in points allowed (28.3) in 2016, and next-to-last in yards (392.4), sacks (26) and takeaways (13). So there’s nothing to like in last year’s numbers. And still, it’s tough to not feel somewhat hopeful about a unit that just drafted Myles Garrett and recently signed Jamie Collins to a four-year deal. This D has talent at every level and DC Gregg Williams at the controls. IDPs of interest include Collins, Garrett, LB Christian Kirksey and S Calvin Pryor.
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so bullish on the future of a team ranked this low in the Juggernaut Index. There’s hope, Cleveland. You’re gonna like the 2019 Browns.
2016 Offensive Stats & Ranks Points per game – 16.5 (31) Pass YPG – 230.8 (27) Rush YPG – 107.0 (19) Yards per play – 5.1 (27) Plays per game – 61.4 (27)
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Previous Juggernaut Index entries: 32) NY Jets, 31) San Francisco, 30) Cleveland
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#_uuid:b6c58400-7e35-3b8a-a8b7-52fa6c55a379#Juggernaut Index#_author:Andy Behrens#Fantasy Football#_category:yct:001000854#_lmsid:a077000000CFoGyAAL#_revsp:54edcaf7-cdbb-43d7-a41b-bffdcc37fb56#Cleveland Browns
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