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Welcome to my initial rookie rankings for dynasty this year. As the NFL Draft finishes it’s time to look forward to dynasty rookie drafts. My rankings and player notes provide some insight into how I evaluate this rookie class.

Tags

Some players I have labelled with one of these three tags:

Target – a player I would actively look to select, possibly even trade up for.

Sleeper – a player who is being overlooked and could have massive upside.

Avoid – a player that has some considerable concerns, owners should exercise caution when drafting.

Key Players

1. J. K. Dobbins – TARGET: While all of 3 of the players in this top tier (Taylor, Edwards-Helaire and Dobbins) are very close to each other, Dobbins is the one who I’d be targeting, mostly because of his value. I’ve seen him last till 1.05 in most drafts and even up to 1.08 or so in Superflex leagues. Year 1 looks a bit murky for Dobbins but in 2021 and beyond, he looks primed for a HUGE workload in an extremely run heavy offence. In a years’ time, we could be looking at a true workhorse elite RB1 and that justifies spending a top 2, if not a top 1 pick on Dobbins for me.

4. D’Andre Swift – AVOID: Swift is in his own tier because I wanted to make clear that I think he is well below the top 3 guys but still above the rest of the rookie class. Swift may be the most talented back in this class but his landing spot is quite poor. Kerryon Johnson if healthy will be the primary back with Swift being more of a third down option. Even if he could carve out a bigger role, the Lions will be behind in most games this year. Combine all that with an ADP of 1.03 and significant injury history and Swift isn’t someone I want to be spending a top 5-7 pick on.

6. Michael Pittman Jr. – TARGET: You won’t find many people higher than on Pittman than me. He looks to be in a starting role right away with a HOF quarterback. We’ve seen this story before with a bigger USC receiver going to a solid organisation with a veteran QB – JuJu is a realistic example of what Pittman could become with many short and long term benefits. The Colts have already said they view him as the ‘X’ Receiver and compared him to Vincent Jackson. Overall, Pittman brings a really nice floor/ceiling combination and is worth a top-ten pick in rookie drafts.

8. Ke’Shawn Vaughn – TARGET: Vaughn’s appeal mostly comes from opportunity in this Tampa Bay backfield. After possibly one of the best off seasons ever, this offense looks revitalised with a younger offensive line and a true franchise quarterback. Based on last year, they looked hesitant to let Ronald Jones be the guy which paves the way for Vaughn to be the lead back in this potent offense from day one (also worth noting TB has the easiest schedule for RBs this year). Long term value is a bit murky but I think you could be getting 2-3 seasons of quality production here.

9. Laviska Shenault Jr. – TARGET: Shenault is someone I’d be targeting purely because of his talent. The man is a game-changer. Every time he touches the ball he’s a threat to score. Scheme/team can change but talent rarely does and this guy could be a fantasy stud if utilised correctly.

10. Jalen Reagor – SLEEPER: In DeSean Jackson’s very limited playing time last year we saw how much having a deep threat helps Carson Wentz and this offense. Reagor was one of “my guys” as a prospect and now with an elite QB, he will be able fulfil his potential as a very dangerous deep threat. (Would recommend watching Brett Kollman’s video).

12. Chase Claypool – TARGET: I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again – when the Steelers draft a receiver, he will be successful in the NFL. JuJu, Johnson last year and now Claypool. Claypool is nice, big target who’s freakish athleticism will give him fantasy relevance in Year One.

14. Antonio Gibson – SLEEPER: Gibson has gone to a Redskins team where his explosive big play ability and talent will get an opportunity to shine early. He has the potential to be the focal point of this offense and is someone you should be looking to draft.

19. Tua Tagovailoa: As a prospect, Tua is my favourite QB in this class and he has landed in a young and promising team. His long-term value and upside makes him worth drafting inside the top 2 rounds.

26. Darrynton Evans – SLEEPER: Another player whose talent alone makes him worth a look. Should Henry go down, Evans would have massive value.

31. DeeJay Dallas – TARGET: While I’m not a huge fan of him as a player, all Seahawks RB’s are always worth having on your bench because you never know what random 6th rounder will become a top 10 RB like Carson managed to do.

35. Jordan Love – TARGET: This is a pick for the future. The idea that you could be drafting a player that will be taught by Aaron Rodgers and has the potential to be just as good means he is worth a shot.