The Atlantic Coast Conference has produced outstanding talent that has thrived in the NFL over the last decade, including reigning MVP Lamar Jackson. The former Louisville Cardinals quarterback put in incredible displays throughout the 2019 season for the Baltimore Ravens, guiding the AFC North outfit to a 14-win campaign.
Jackson threw for 36 touchdowns to just six interceptions along with rushing for 1,206 yards and a further six scores. He was the unanimous choice for the MVP award, highlighting the talent that has emerged from the conference, with Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and reigning defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore all honing their craft on the Atlantic coast. There will be more incoming with a raft of talent present once again in the conference.
We’ll now focus on three players that could make a similar impact after being selected in the 2020 Draft.
Tee Higgins (Clemson & Cincinnati Bengals)
Higgins was touted to be selected in the first round of the draft, but he just slipped out and was taken with the 33rd pick by the Bengals. The wideout was extremely impressive in his three seasons with the Clemson Tigers, especially in his final term. Higgins connected with Trevor Lawrence for 1,167 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He will have the opportunity to work with another top-quality quarterback in the form of Joe Burrow in Cincinnati.
The 21-year-old will provide a downfield threat and a fearsome presence in the endzone. Higgins’ 6ft 4in frame allowed him to notch 27 touchdowns in his college career, and he has the potential to match that production in the NFL. He could be a sleeper player to watch when the NFL fantasy drafts begin before the start of the new campaign. Millions across the United States compete in fantasy leagues every season, and some sites find the best daily fantasy sports betting sites for you if you want to add that little edge to fantasy sports, whether it be competing with friends or strangers. Watching Higgins light it up in the NFL and for your fantasy team will be a great experience, and he could be one of the next great wideouts to enter the league – perhaps in the mold of Hopkins.
Cam Akers (Florida State & Los Angeles Rams)
The Rams chose to move on from Todd Gurley in the off-season, leaving a void in their backfield. They selected Akers in the second round out of the Seminoles, having impressed for three years both as a runner and a pass-catcher. Akers was a three-year starter for FSU, becoming a shining light in his final season with the team, despite their struggles. He rushed for 1,144 yards on the ground and 14 touchdowns, adding 225 receiving yards and another four scores through the air.
He has landed in the perfect place with the Rams and a brilliant offensive mind in Sean McVay. Los Angeles lost their rhythm on offense due to Gurley’s injury problems. Akers is not as strong a runner as Gurley, but has the same multiple skill set that force defenses to respect both the run and pass. It would not be a surprise to see him rack up the yards and touchdowns in his rookie campaign. He could even be an immediate starter that would appeal to fantasy owners.
AJ Dillon (Boston College & Green Bay Packers)
The Packers made a surprise move in the second round to select Dillon out of Boston College. Dillon was a workhorse for three seasons, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his terms. He was a touchdown machine, rushing for 38 scores from all areas of the field. However, he was not much of a presence out of the backfield catching the ball. Dillon mustered only 21 receptions during his college career – 13 of which came in his final season. The second round was perhaps a round too high for the running back, although he could prove to be a solid selection.
He will provide Aaron Rodgers and company with a new dynamic, offering power to the speed of Aaron Jones. There will be a lot of touchdowns in his future given his size near the goalline. The best comparison that Green Bay will be hoping for will be Marshawn Lynch, although LeGarrette Blount is also apt. If he performs like the former, Dillon could be a steal for the Packers and fantasy owners.
