Every season in the NFL, a few names come from smaller colleges or lower pedigrees still find their way onto the field with their ability to produce. In 2024, one of those names may be Troy running back Kimani Vidal. He had an incredible 2023 season for the Trojans, propelling him into a draftable asset for both the NFL and for us fantasy football managers. Vidal very well could be the next name in the recent line of players such as Elijah Mitchell and Keaton Mitchell, Day 3 prospects who have the juice to produce.
Today, we’ll be breaking down the running back out of Troy who could end up being a value in your dynasty football leagues. We’ll be breaking down his outlook for the 2024 NFL Draft. More importantly, we’ll be diving into his dynasty fantasy football outlook and what to do with the running back in rookie drafts.
Kimani Vidal (RB) Troy – Dynasty Rookie Profile
Height: 5’8
Weight: 215 lbs
Vidal led the Sun Belt in rushing in 2023, going for 1,661 yards rushing and 201 additional yards through the air. Additionally, he had over 20 catches in three of his four collegiate seasons, proving he also can catch the ball.
Overall, Vidal is a downhill rusher who would fit well in a zone rushing scheme, with teams such as the 49ers and Rams being ideal landing spots for this player. Before we get into his NFL prospects, let’s talk about what he does well and where he needs to improve to be a successful running back in the NFL.
Strengths
Toughness
Vidal can find himself with a role at the next level due to his willingness to be a team player and provide rushing toughness. He can pass block a little bit as well, which will be one of the skills that gets him drafted in the actual draft. He shows plenty of patience in finding the correct hole, and once he gets rolling downhill, he can break a few weary tackles. His vision and accompanying toughness are why he may find himself in a Jaylen Warren role. He can read defenses well and will be an ideal change of pace back who can beat down an opposing team with few touches.
Weaknesses
Lack of Explosion
Unfortunately for Vidal, while he does have production behind his name both rushing and receiving, his yards per catch average left a bit to be desired throughout his college career. He of course offers good hands while exceeding 20 catches in three seasons. However, his playmaking and ability to reach the defense’s second and third level needs work. Finally, he isn’t going to run away from defenders either. In the end, this could limit some upside in best ball formats where huge playmakers are vital.
NFL Fit and Draft Capital
As a likely Day 3 selection, Vidal has a wide range of production outcomes for a player with his skill set. He would be an ideal backup somewhere like Atlanta or San Fransisco. However, that would not lead to fantasy production with the current talent in those places. Ideally, he would go somewhere such as Houston or Minnesota and fight for the supplemental production at the position, maybe even providing a few starts down the line. Overall, he may sneak into late Day 2 of the NFL Draft, which would then likely lead to a bump in his dynasty football stock.
Dynasty Outlook
For dynasty fantasy football purposes, we are looking at a potential depth piece at the running back position. Vidal may not be the outright starter at any time for an NFL team, but he could eventually find a Jaylen Warren-type role in the right offense. Moreover, he provides toughness and that should eventually lead to NFL playing time.
In the end, if Vidal becomes a flex option from a Day 3 selection, that’s more than what we should expect. Not to mention, his production would likely exceed his current rookie draft slot of the third and fourth rounds.
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