Go Joe Bruin
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Which UCLA Bruins Would Boost Your Football Fantasy Lineup?

By Ashley Tellier

Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) celebrates with fullback Nate Iese (32) after a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) celebrates with fullback Nate Iese (32) after a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Go Joe Bruin takes an early look at which former UCLA Bruins to keep in your radar for the next fantasy football draft.

There is an unspoken rule of fantasy football that when drafting players, you should always do so with your brain and not your heart.

Related Story: 50 Things To Look For In 2016

But if you are such a hardcore Bruin who absolutely has to have a Bruin in their NFL Fantasy team lineup to be happy, then you are in luck, because this season offers a handful of good options to add to your roster depth.

TE/FLEX Thomas Duarte (Miami Dolphins)

Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Thomas Duarte (18) catches a touchdown pass in front of Utah Utes defensive backs Justin Thomas (12) and Marcus Williams (20) during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Thomas Duarte (18) catches a touchdown pass in front of Utah Utes defensive backs Justin Thomas (12) and Marcus Williams (20) during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Duarte was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft. In his last season with the Bruins, Duarte led the team in touchdown receptions (10) and ranked 17th in the nation.

The Tight End ended his career at UCLA with perhaps his most productive year with the Bruins, which included 100-yards receiving games against Cal, Oregon State, and Arizona State.

Although a beloved Bruin, Duarte is still a risky choice as Jordan Cameron will be the likely starter for Miami. Nevertheless, the rookie is likely to see some action early on in the season and would be a fun pick for Week 9 when Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots) and Jordan Reed (Washington Redkins) will be off the table.

WR/FLEX Jordan Payton (Cleveland Browns)

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins receiver Jordan Payton scores on an 18-yard touchdown reception the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins receiver Jordan Payton scores on an 18-yard touchdown reception the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Payton is one of those players who knows the sky is the limit, and he will keep working to improve year after year. He went from being ranked third in receptions for the Bruins in 2013 to leading the team in 2014 and then becoming the school’s career reception leader with over 200 catches.

It is no surprise then that the Cleveland Browns saw something they liked in the Bruin, and they drafted the Wide Receiver in the fifth round of 2016 NFL Draft. However, the Browns also saw something they liked in three other wide outs, as the team drafted a total of four receivers.

Payton will likely debut behind other, more athletic receivers, but this does not mean that you should not consider the young Bruin for your lineup. As the season progresses, Payton will likely show sufficient improvement to move ahead in the roster. If so, the Wide Receiver would be a fun pick for Weeks 8 and 11 when the likes of Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) will be resting.

RB/FLEX Paul Perkins (New York Giants)

Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) runs with the ball against the Southern California Trojans during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) runs with the ball against the Southern California Trojans during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Yes, Perkins is perhaps the most dangerous pick yet, but he could turn out to be the most satisfying. The fifth round selectee by the New York Giants will likely be placed behind veterans Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, and Shane Vereen, but the young Bruin has the most promise to surprise the NFL.

During his time at UCLA, Perkins was explosive and reliable. He made plays out of losing situations, and his productivity cannot be overstated, with five 100-yard rushing games last season.

The truth is that Perkins will be the force that no one saw coming. If you want to take a chance on a sleeper rookie, Perkins has to be your choice.

DEF Minnesota Vikings

This pick should be a no-brainer. The Minnesota Vikings showed the Bruins some love when they drafted LBs Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks in back-to-back years, first and second round respectively.

Since then, the Bruin duo has done nothing but damage to the offenses they have encountered. Both posted 4.0 sacks in their rookie seasons, tying for the 2nd-most sacks by rookie linebackers in team history.

It’s no surprise that the UCLA fans are most excited to see the Jacksonville Jaguars defense this season, as it will boast the talented Myles Jack in stock. However, why settle for one Bruin in your fantasy team’s defense when you can have two?

Next: UCLA Football: Predicting the Starting Lineup on Offense

Well, there you have it. Draft accordingly, ladies and gentlemen.