Many of us dynasty diehards are in the middle of rookie drafts or we have just completed them, here is a weekly article about the trends that are occurring on myfantasyleague.com fantasy football rookie drafts. This the last part of a three-part series, because most leagues complete their rookie drafts before those long summer days that get filled with vacations, outside chores and activities. As always, my thoughts get based on dynasty PPR leagues with sacks being worth 2.5 times that a tackle is worth.
Just right: Amari Cooper, Oakland wide receiver (average draft spot 1.02)
This is the safest pick in the rookie draft. Cooper will get plenty of targets, runs crisp routes, and gets to rely on the second year gunslinger Derek Carr. By playing against the strong offenses in the AFC West, the young receiver will probably be playing catch up for the immediate future in the league.
Overvalued: Duke Johnson, Cleveland running back (average draft spot 2.05)
His rating is more about the entire Browns running back group than it reflects on Johnson. The rookie runner has soft hands and is great in space, but he lacks the power to run between the tackles. I’m not sure he will command enough touches to syphon the pigskin from Isaiah Crowell. He is athletic enough to make sure Terrence West sees less though.
Just right: Phillip Dorsett, Indianapolis wide receiver (average draft spot 2.07)
I became a fan of Dorsett during the Senior Bowl week. He is an explosive, fast receiver that gets to catch passes from the best dynasty quarterback in Andrew Luck. His current spot on the depth chart may cause a few owners some concern, but this is dynasty. Andre Johnson is not a young man, and TY Hilton may or may not be a Colt in 2016 after his rookie contract ends.
Undervalued: David Johnson, Arizona running back (average draft spot 2.09)
Although he might not be best suited as a north and south runner, this former Northern Iowa offensive weapon has very soft hands and enough wiggle to be explosive in the open field. Johnson might be just what the Cardinals need to use when they go to their three wide base offense to put defenses on their heels.
Undervalued: Justin Hardy, Atlanta wide receiver (average draft spot 3.12)
Hardy wasn’t the fastest receiver in his class, but he was one of the most productive. The wide out did this with excellent route running and good timing with his quarterbacks. His opportunity as the Falcons WR3 will certainly get him some targets quickly. It might not be an exciting pick, but when you consider that Roddy White is turning 34 in November, his chances to grow in this offense could increase significantly.
Undervalued: Randy Gregory, Dallas defensive end (average draft spot 4.02)
The troubled defensive end is coming off the board as the second defensive linemen to Jacksonville’s Dante Fowler, who already tore his ACL. The Cowboys play a 4-3 front which will get Gregory plenty of opportunities to rush the quarterback and defend against the run. Of course he plays the same spot on the line as fellow troubled DE Greg Hardy, but with Hardy’s looming suspension and Gregory’s ability to kick inside to play some three tech, I like the rookie’s chance to make an impact this year.