This is the follow-up to yesterday’s article about the start-up dynasty draft. We will now cover the highs and lows of the six round rookie draft that got held the week after the NFL Draft. There were several trades that left a few of the teams
without picks for the first two to three rounds. Keep in mind the starting lineups are as follows: 1-2 QBs, 2-3 RBs, 3-4 WRs, 1-2 TEs, 2-3 DLs, 2-3 DBs, and 3-4 LBs, so basically everyone starts one offensive flex (that could be a QB) and one defensive flex. You can find the league here: http://www99.myfantasyleague.com/2014/home/63805#0
The league has four first time dynasty owners and the rest of the league owners have three plus years of dynasty experience, but once the picks start flying all that is out the window. Return yardage counts the same as rushing or receiving .1 points per yard, backs get .5 points per reception (PPR), wide receivers get 1 PPR, tight ends get 1.5 PPR, and all touchdowns are worth six points other than passing touchdowns (only worth five). Let’s take a look at the six rookie draft rounds to see where you can find good values and not so good values, but keep in mind you can flex a quarterback (15 of them were in the top 25 scorers in 2013).
Round One
1.10 WR Brandin Cooks, Saints- The young receiver was great value here, but due to the quarterback flex aspect, players tend to slip a little. Because this was my pick, I am more than overjoyed to brag about it.
1.05 WR Jordan Matthews, Eagles- This was a huge risk at this point in the draft. Matthews does not have the quickness to be a WR1 and you need a WR1 if you invest this high a dynasty rookie pick.
Round Two
2.07 WR Marqise Lee, Jaguars- Lee gets the chance to be Jacksonville’s long-term WR1. Sure he struggled last season, but if he rebounds this could be a huge steal at 2.07.
2.10 RB Terrance West, Browns- At this point, it is hard to tell who is the lead runner in Cleveland. Perhaps Ben Tate, Isaiah Crowell, or West will emerge as the RB1. I understand and support the selection here, especially with the Browns receiving core a mess with Jordan suspended.
2.01 TE Jace Amaro, Jets- Sure this is a tight end premium league, but Amaro was not the 15th best player available and was too much of a reach to be overlooked.
2.02 LB Jadeveon Clowney, Texans- Much in the same vein with the earlier 2.01 Amaro pick, this was a reach. Sacks are worth 2.5 times as much as a tackle, but Clowney got drafted with the hope that he would get designated as a defensive end. In the Houston 3-4 system, he will play outside linebacker which undercuts his value.
Round Three
3.10 WR Paul Richardson, Seahawks- Everyone knows that Seattle likes to run the ball more than passing it. Richardson is an explosive athlete who can be a deep threat and a returner. Sure Percy Harvin is there, but injuries have derailed his starting time. This rookie wide out needed to be selected a round earlier.
3.03 WR Martavis Bryant, Steelers- Bryant continues to get picked a round before he should. Maybe it’s because Big Ben keeps asking for a big receiver, but Bryant is still very raw and needs time. When you draft him at the 31st overall player, you do so he can start right away.
Round Four
4.06 Josh Huff, Eagles- Because of his roles in a Chip Kelly offense during his college years, I feel that Huff is a better fit for the Black Mamba role (hybrid running back/receiver) than Matthews is. The athletic young receiver should have no problems stealing play time from either Cooper or Maclin.
4.13 Richard Rodgers, Packers- With this being a 1.5 premium scoring tight end league, this pick makes some sense, but Rodgers did not show any special skills at Cal to make me think he could win this job. This looks like a wasted selection.
Round Five
5.04 DT Aaron Donald, Rams- Although this league does not separate defensive tackles and defensive ends, Donald is a premium player at his position.
5.01 DE Michael Sam, Rams- While I am proud of Sam for his openness about his lifestyle, he is not a great defensive end, especially when better players were available like Donald. I would not roster Sam until he makes the Rams 53 man roster.
Round Six
6.08 LB Kyle Van Noy, Lions- Of all the rookie linebackers, Van Noy might be the most athletic and the least physical. That doesn’t matter because this backer is a smart, instinct football player that can play any of the three linebacker positions that the Lions play. Van Noy might not be the flashiest player, but he is a solid tackler, good rusher, and great in pass coverage.
6.04 WR Mike Davis, Raiders- This undrafted rookie did not stand out much in Mobile and did not get selected in the NFL Draft. I’m not even convinced he makes the Raiders 53.
Hopefully this quick synopsis will help you with your rookie drafts.
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