Running Back 36 – Jevonte Williams DEN
Williams at 36 may be a surprise, but he experienced a torn ACL & LCL in his right knee less than a year ago. Those are major injuries, especially for a running back (RB). On top of that, a new regime is in Denver, and they sought out Semaje Perine to help their backfield. Williams has been praised for his speedy recovery, but it is best to temper his expectations. He played just four games last year, but was on pace for a great season. His pass catching is still elite amongst RBs, but a shared load with Perine, more passing from Wilson, and severe surgeries to his dominant leg are major obstacles to jump over. He could have a better second half of the season as his knee continues to strengthen.
Jevonte Williams and Breece Hall came in with more hype than any other RB in the past five years, excluding Bijon Robinson. Both have major injuries, and both carry a little more hopeful optimism than other RBs. Semaje Perine could have more touches than Williams at the end of the year, but especially in the first half of the season. However, RB 3 or better is well within reach for the Denver Bronco.

Linebacker 36 – Kaden Elliss ATL
Elliss busted onto the IDP scene last year, where he more than doubled his stats from the three previous years combined. The former New Orleans Saint received a new contract with the Saint’s rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons defense has a few new faces, and Elliss is slated to start at Will, or weak-side, Linebacker (LB). He will not be asked to do it all either, as there are playmakers at all three levels for the Falcons. He simply has to be himself, and he can replicate or improve on the numbers of last season; 74 combined tackles, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defended, in 11 games started. Elliss is still available later than his fellow LBs. The former Idaho Vandal may have several doubters, but his best opportunity is before him. Flying to the football and being an occasional extra pass rusher should suit him well, and 100 tackles and 5+ sacks are well within reach. Draft him late and use him as a dependable flex or LB 3.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for the 35th ranked RB & LB.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, and NFL/Next Gen Stats. Rankings are based off of .5 PPR format and FF7s for IDP scoring