The 2014 Scouting Combine is in the rear-view mirror. But the journey to draft day is far from over for many of the latest crop of NFL hopefuls. That's why we're tracking some of the more intriguing names as we get closer to the 2014 NFL Draft (May 8-10). Check back frequently for updates as we break down the best options for a new class of fantasy football stars.
Check back throughout the draft season for updates. And for more scouting reports and prospect analysis, check out the NFL.com Draft page and College Football 24/7.
Davante Adams, Fresno St.
Scouting report: Adams posted eye-popping numbers in his college career. However, scouts are quick to point out that he spent that career playing in a quick-tempo offense that was built upon short throws. Nonetheless, Adams showed a talent for making tough catches downfield. While he competes well for balls in the air, he will need to build his strength in order to prevent being jammed at the line of scrimmage. In all, he might not be a finished product, but has plenty of upside.
Fantasy scouting report: Adams is likely to be the type of prospect who won't wow fantasy owners on a weekly basis, but could show flashes of what might be in the future. As such, he will probably have more value
Pro comparison:Michael Crabtree
Best fantasy fits:Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks
Odell Beckham, Jr., LSU
Scouting report: Beckham is a very productive receiver and returner. He is very sudden in his release and explodes out of the break point. He has strong hands to pluck the ball outside of his frame and is dangerous after the catch. In 2013, he averaged a whopping 19.5 yards on 59 catches for 1,152 yards and eight touchdowns. As a returner, he is very elusive and has the speed to go the distance.
Fantasy scouting report:Â Beckham isn't exactly a game-breaker, though his speed can certainly contribute to big plays in the passing game. He'll most likely line up as a slot receiver in an NFL offense and won't project as much more than a late-round flyer most fantasy leagues.
Pro comparison:Â Victor Cruz, Cecil Shorts, Andre Roberts
Best fantasy fits:Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders
Kelvin Benjamin, Florida St.
Scouting report: The first things you notice about Benjamin are his height and wingspan. During his college career, he used both effectively to gain separation from defenders and win jumpballs. In some respects, it was necessary because Benjamin lacked blazing top-end speed and isn't the most precise route runner. Still, he showed himself to be a clutch, big-play wideout -- most notably with his game-winning touchdown catch in the BCS Championship game against Auburn.
Fantasy scouting report: Benjamin could be a very enticing late round flier in the right offensive system. His size and hands make him an intriguing target in the red zone. If he can use his size to get separation from defenders or shield the ball from smaller defensive backs, Benjamin makes a nice option in the middle of the field. He could have sleeper potential heading into the 2014 season.
Pro comparison:Vincent Jackson, Alshon Jeffery
Best fantasy fits:New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks
Brandin Cooks, Oregon St.
Scouting report: He didn't garner the attention that fellow Pac-12 prospect Marqise Lee earned, but pound-for-pound, he might have been Lee's equal. Cooks is a guy who can take a short pass and turn it into a long score. He has solid hands and the concentration to make tough catches. Even more, he's shifty and hard to bring down once he has possession. If there's a knock on Cooks, it's his smallish frame and concerns that he might not be able to withstand the rigors of a full NFL schedule.
Fantasy scouting report: Based on size alone, Cooks projects as a slot receiver. But considering the number of slot receivers who have been very productive in recent seasons, that's not a bad thing at all. If he can use his speed to create mismatches with linebackers, Cooks could have some deep sleeper value in many fantasy leagues.
Pro comparison:Victor Cruz, Danny Amendola
Best fantasy fits:Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, San Diego Chargers
Mike Evans, Texas A&M
Scouting report: Some scouts view Evans as a Vincent Jackson clone on the perimeter. The 6-5, 225 pounder is a jump-ball specialist with sneaky speed and acceleration. There are some questions about his top-end speed and flexibility, but a strong workout in Indianapolis could push him toward the top of this list.
Fantasy scouting report: He's one of the big-time prospects I've loved watching over the last year. He would be a welcome addition to just about any team. Except St. Louis. I'm tired of talented guys going to St. Louis and being wasted (looking at you, Stedman Bailey). My fantasy pick for Evans would be Indianapolis, but since they gave away a first-round pick for Trent Richardson, there's no chance for that. To me there's no chance he gets past the Ravens at No. 16 and I'm cool with that fit, even though he'd be better with the Panthers, 49ers and Seahawks if he slipped. - ARÂ
Pro comparison:Â Marques Colston, Vincent Jackson
Best fantasy fits:Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
Marqise Lee, USC
Scouting report: Lee's junior campaign fell short of expectations after he won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver in 2012. He battled injuries all season and the Trojans had inconsistent play at the quarterback position. However, Lee did show a few exciting glimpses of his 2012 form, including a monster game (7-118-2) in the Las Vegas Bowl. He is a silky, smooth athlete that relies more on pure athleticism than precise route-running. He's at his best with the ball in his hands. He is very elusive, powerful and competitive. He does need be a more consistent pass-catcher. He dropped too many easy passes this season. - DJÂ
Fantasy scouting report: Lee's ability to go the distance every time he touches the football is something any team would want to have. However, his inconsistency makes it hard for a team to slot him as a No. 1 receiver. The Jets appear as the likely candidate to take a flyer on Lee, but it would work best if they added another pass-catcher in free agency. Certainly Detroit would be an ideal situation, though not likely. Don't sleep on Jacksonville as a young squad that could find a way to showcase Lee's tremendous skills.
Pro comparison:Victor Cruz
Best fantasy fits:Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets
Allen Robinson, Penn State
Scouting report: Very productive player with the size, strength and ball skills to develop into a No. 1 receiver as a pro. Scouts love his toughness and competitive demeanor, but would like to see him play with more urgency. Playing in a pro-style offense under Texans head coach Bill O'Brien is a plus, but Robinson lacks the type of top-end speed to make him a breakaway threat.
Fantasy scouting report: Robinson is not the type of player who is going to take the top off a defense as a deep threat. But his size and strenght could make him a good possession receiver. As such, he'll likely slot as a complement to a big-play No. 1-type wideout. Much will depend on where he lands in the draft, but Robinson initially projects as a flex option off the waiver wire.
Pro comparison:Andre Johnson
Best fantasy fits:Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams
Sammy Watkins, Clemson
Scouting report: Watkins has dynamic speed and is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. He is explosive in his release, runs crisp routes, and attacks the ball in the air. He can high-point in traffic as well as track the ball over his shoulder. After the catch, he is very elusive, has the strength to pull through tackles and the burst to run away from defenders. He has all of the tools to be a No. 1 wide receiver.
Fantasy scouting report: Evans had been my WR infatuation for most of the year, but I really fell hard for Watkins during Clemson's bowl game. He was simply amazing. Again, I would not want him anywhere near the fantasy wasteland of St. Louis. Or the fear of fears is that all three of the big-name quarterbacks go in the first four picks of the draft and Watkins lands in Oakland. Detroit would be the ideal place for him. A true threat to take advantage of having Megatron on the other side of the field. But could Detroit really draft a receiver in the first-round, or does the ghost of Matt Millen's GM reign still loom too large? - ARÂ
Pro comparison:Torrey Smith
Best fantasy fits:New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks
