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The NFL Draft is in the rearview window so it’s time to prepare for rookie dynasty drafts. You’ve been hearing over the last two years how good this draft was going to be for offensive weapons, especially wide receivers and now it is time to cash in on those trades you made for 2020 rookie draft picks.
Tier 1
None of the top receivers landed in smash spots, but they’re still so good that their fantasy upside remains as high as it did before they were drafted. Of course, running backs are the quickest to pay dividends for dynasty leagues and much depends on your style of play in dynasty. If you’re always looking for the most longterm value, wide receivers take precedent but getting strong results for 5-6 years and from Day 1 from a running back and then trading him before he starts declining is a good move as well.
If you are flush at running back and are need of wide receivers, I have no problem going with CeeDee Lamb at No. 1, but in the normal course of a dynasty team’s life, I like going with the two top running backs. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jonathan Taylor top the list based on draft capital and team. In full PPR, Edwards-Helaire is my no-doubt No. 1 while standard scoring makes it much closer. Both situations look great, but the Colts uncertainty at quarterback after Rivers leaves is concerning for the offenses longterm upside. The Chiefs on the other hand, are set up for a long stretch with Patrick Mahomes leading the way. Plus, Mahomes had a say in their first round pick, showing his preference for the player and what he can do to help the offense.
Tier 2
Jerry Jeudy landed in a tough spot due to the unknowns surrounding his quarterback, but his ability should make his quarterback better while he gets time to ease into the NFL with Courtland Sutton, KJ Hamler, Noah Fant also needing defensive attention.
Choosing between D’Andre Swift and J.K. Dobbins is tough, but I like Dobbins longterm outlook in Baltimore a bit more, as Mark Ingram is out the door after this season and being a running back with Lamar Jackson taking away defensive interest on the ground and playing on a team that wants to run the ball, puts him ahead of Swift.
The receivers in the second tier are all worthy of first-tier consideration and form a packed group in the second tier with Dobbins, Swift and Cam Akers. Justin Jefferson, Henry Ruggs, and Jalen Reagor round out this tier and give us great wide receivers to grab toward the end of the first or beginning of the second round of rookie drafts.
Overall Rookie Dynasty Rankings
Rk | Player | Age | POS | Team |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rk | Player | Age | POS | Team |
1 | Najee Harris | 23 | RB | PIT |
2 | Kyle Pitts | 20 | TE | ATL |
3 | Ja'Marr Chase | 21 | WR | CIN |
4 | Travis Etienne | 22 | RB | JAC |
5 | DeVonta Smith | 22 | WR | PHI |
6 | Javonte Williams | 21 | RB | DEN |
7 | Jaylen Waddle | 22 | WR | MIA |
8 | Elijah Moore | 21 | WR | NYJ |
9 | Terrace Marshall | 21 | WR | CAR |
10 | Rondale Moore | 21 | WR | ARI |
11 | Trey Sermon | 22 | RB | SF |
12 | Michael Carter | 22 | RB | NYJ |
13 | Trevor Lawrence | 21 | QB | JAC |
14 | Trey Lance | 21 | QB | SF |
15 | Rashod Bateman | 21 | WR | BAL |
16 | Justin Fields | 22 | QB | CHI |
17 | Kadarius Toney | 22 | WR | NYG |
18 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | 21 | WR | DET |
19 | Amari Rodgers | 21 | WR | GB |
20 | Kenneth Gainwell | 22 | RB | PHI |
21 | Dyami Brown | 21 | WR | WAS |
22 | Rhamondre Stevenson | 23 | RB | NE |
23 | Zach Wilson | 21 | QB | NYJ |
24 | Dez Fitzpatrick | 23 | WR | TEN |
25 | Mac Jones | 23 | QB | NE |
26 | D'Wayne Eskridge | 24 | WR | SEA |
27 | Josh Palmer | 21 | WR | LAC |
28 | Pat Freiermuth | 22 | TE | PIT |
29 | Nico Collins | 22 | WR | HOU |
30 | Kylin Hill | 23 | RB | GB |
31 | Cornell Powell | 23 | WR | KC |
32 | Anthony Schwartz | 21 | WR | CLE |
33 | Chuba Hubbard | 22 | RB | CAR |
34 | Jaelon Darden | 22 | WR | TB |
35 | Tylan Wallace | 22 | WR | BAL |
36 | Jermar Jefferson | 21 | RB | DET |
37 | Elijah Mitchell | 23 | RB | SF |
38 | Khalil Herbert | 23 | RB | CHI |
39 | Tutu Atwell | 21 | WR | LAR |
40 | Davis Mills | 22 | QB | HOU |
41 | Kellen Mond | 22 | QB | MIN |
42 | Kyle Trask | 23 | QB | TB |
43 | Kyle Granson | 23 | TE | IND |
44 | Brevin Jordan | 21 | TE | HOU |
45 | Jacob Harris | 24 | TE | LAR |
46 | Zack Davidson | 23 | TE | MIN |