2016 NFL Rookie Predictions: Devontae Booker

Bench presses counted. Cone drills clocked. And tape reviewed. While NFL scouts have been scribbling in their notebooks for months, fantasy owners are just now examining this year’s incoming class. In order to keep fans of the virtual game fully informed and a step ahead of the competition, the Roto Arcade crew is here to provide you with the necessary goods. Today’s college stud under the microscope is Utah RB Devontae Booker.

[Other draft profiles: Dak Prescott | Paul McRoberts | Keith Marshall | Paxton Lynch | Daniel Lasco | Leonte Carroo | Carson Wentz | C.J. Prosise | Michael Thomas | Josh Doctson]

College Highlights: After attending junior college, Booker arrived at Utah in 2014 and made an immediate impact. Emerging as the Utes’ RB1, Booker averaged an incredible 133.3 yards per game over the team’s final ten outings. He closed out the year with 1,512 rushing yards and 10 TDs on 292 carries. Ten games into 2015, the NorCal native tore his meniscus. Before ending his season prematurely, however, Booker racked up 268 totes for 1,261 yards and 11 scores.

Pluses: A decisive player with excellent vision, Booker isn’t afraid to lower his pads and go up the gut. Using his compact build to slither through holes, the 5-foot-11 and 219 pound back displays patience and creativity. A powerful specimen with good forward lean, Booker always finishes. Using impressive balance and leg drive to stay on his feet, he’s a back that exhibits determination and dependability. Hauling in 80 receptions in his two seasons at Utah, Booker also possesses good hands. His willingness to pass protect is another pro that has won favor with scouts.

Minuses: Nearly 24-years-old and coming off of a knee injury, there are legitimate concerns about his age and durability. Plus, he’s not an athletic freak. Yes, he’s strong, but he lacks breakaway speed and head turning explosiveness. His ball security also needs some improvement, as he fumbled the ball six times in 2014.

Pro-Comp(s): Justin Forsett

Team Fits: Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens

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Fearless Forecast: Booker doesn’t have the flash or dazzle to be selected by an uber needy team. Instead, he’s likely to go somewhere that’s looking to add depth behind an established starter or aiming to find “pop” within an aging or average cadre of backs. He has three-down potential, but also carries with him some significant red flags. I don’t foresee him putting up numbers in Week 1. However, he could emerge (as he did in college) mid-season after injuries or ineptitude hit those on the depth chart ahead of him. I have him ranked third among this year’s crop of rookie RBs. In deeper PPR formats he’s worth a stash, but in a standard scoring league with a short bench it’ll be hard to roster him out of the gate.

Follow Liz on Twitter @LizLoza_FF. And if you're local to the Windy City, come hang with her and the rest of the Yahoo Fantasy crew at Ditka's in downtown Chicago for the NFL Draft April 28-29.