As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy football values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty value of Deuce Vaughn.
Deuce Vaughn’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
If you haven’t seen the video of Dallas Cowboys assistant director of college scouting Chris Vaughn calling his son, Deuce, stop what you’re doing and watch it right now. It’s truly heartwarming stuff.
As awesome as it was to watch Deuce’s dad tell his son the Cowboys were drafting him, Vaughn’s size and draft capital are really working against him ever being more than roster depth at the NFL level.
What Vaughn does have going for him is production. We know college production is the most predictive indicator of NFL success. At Kansas State, Vaughn was an absolute monster.
As a sophomore, Vaughn carried the ball 235 times for 1,404 yards and 22 touchdowns. As a junior, he ran it 293 times for 1,558 yards and 12 touchdowns. But where Vaughn really shines is in the passing game.
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Given his 5’5″, 179-pound frame, no NFL team will ever make Vaughn a feature back, his usage in college notwithstanding. We’ve quite literally never seen a primary running back even remotely this small. Before you remind me of Maurice Jones-Drew, also remember that although MJD stood a mere 5’7″, he was also 210 pounds. Vaughn is short, and he’s not particularly heavy.
With that said, he did command a 21.5% target share as a sophomore. In his freshman and junior seasons, Vaughn’s target share never dipped below 15.5%. In 37 career games at college, Vaughn caught 116 passes.
The problem with Vaughn ever becoming a legitimate satellite back, though, is his athleticism. Physically, Vaughn looks like Tarik Cohen. But Cohen ran a 4.42 40-yard dash. Vaughn’s 40 time was 4.56 at his pro day. That puts his speed score in the fifth percentile.
Vaughn succeeding in the NFL would make him the ultimate outlier. But at least he landed in a spot where there’s a conceivable path.
Deuce Vaughn’s Fantasy Ranking
The Cowboys may still do something like sign Leonard Fournette or bring back Ezekiel Elliott on a reduced contract. But they haven’t yet. As of now, Tony Pollard is the unquestioned lead back, with 2022 UDFA Malik Davis behind him. The team’s RB3 and RB4 are Rico Dowdle and Ronald Jones. It also doesn’t hurt having your dad work for the team that drafted you.
MORE: 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
If there ever were a situation where a unicorn prospect could carve out a role, it’s this one. But it remains the outlier scenario, and not one fantasy managers should bank on.
Vaughn is currently the 5.02 in our latest dynasty rookie rankings. Fifth-round dynasty rookie picks rarely pan out. Between Vaughn’s size, lack of speed, and sixth-round draft capital, he’s nothing more than a dart throw. If it gets late enough in dynasty startup drafts, you could do worse than take a shot on Vaughn. Just keep expectations minimal, and you won’t be disappointed.