Mike Gillislee Rookie Fantasy Spotlight
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Photo via Mike Gillislee Twitter

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 208 Pounds
40-Time: 4.55
Drafted: Round 5 (Miami Dolphins)

Scouting Report:

Mike Gillislee comes to the NFL without much notoriety. It wasn’t until his Senior year that he received the chance to carry the load at Florida. The lack of reps caused him to slide a round or two in this year’s NFL Draft. The film he put together in 2012 is solid, though. Gillislee regularly touched the ball 20+ times/game at a big-time program in the best conference in the country.

Gillislee runs with balance and a slight forward lean. Not a blazer, but he has the one-step quickness necessary to create separation. He also possesses smooth change of direction and flashes big play ability. His hands are adequate as well.

Live and in person, Gillislee impressed us during the week of Senior Bowl practice. He was the second-best running back in Mobile, behind Johnathan Franklin—and not too dissimilar of a player. Miami made a nice addition to their young and unproven backfield. Gillislee’s skill set is a good fit in Head Coach Joe Philbin’s scheme as a receiving back and outside-zone runner. Expect him to challenge for touches this year. He is also a likely candidate to contribute on special teams.

Fantasy Analysis:

As much as we liked Mike Gillislee as a running back sleeper in this year’s NFL Draft, it’s one of our favorite draft steals from last year that we expect to be the feature back in Miami this season. Lamar Miller is an explosive runner that will get the first crack at replacing Reggie Bush. Miller’s durability has not yet been proven in the NFL, and like most teams, Miami will be inclined to employ some type of committee approach throughout the season. That leaves a crack in the door for Gillislee. For those who aren’t Daniel Thomas fans, Mike Gillislee is a nice late-round flier or handcuff option. We can certainly envision a scenario where he warrants flex-play consideration at least once or twice this season. In keeper leagues and Dynasty formats Gillislee is a must-own.