Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings
Continuing the trend of non-1st round picks, Mattison makes the list here with his showing as a strong spell back to complement Dalvin Cook last season. Playing in 13 games throughout the season, Mattison averaged 8.5 touches per game and made the most of his opportunities, gaining 4.6 yards per carry and over eight yards per reception. He took the field for only 21.8% of the team’s offensive snaps, but evaded almost two tackles per game en route to 462 yards in his rookie season.
While many hoped first-round pick Garrett Bradbury would emerge in his first year in the NFL, he finished in the bottom eight of qualifying centers with a 57.7 grade from PFF. And while Mattison was not expected to take a substantial leap in terms of production, Minnesota’s plans now have to shift in response to Dalvin Cook’s threat of an impending holdout.
If asked to replace Cook, the California native not only flashed his rushing potential, but also recorded a catch rate of 83.3% and showed glimpses of impact out of the backfield.
Mattison came out of Boise State with a reputation as an explosive runner with the potential to break off bigger runs; his measurables at the combine and his advanced stats as a rookie actually put him ahead of Cook in many categories, despite fewer opportunities. To put it in terms for the couch-cushion GMs: bank Mattison in your fantasy leagues, and watch him continue to grow.