The much anticipated NFL Draft is now a thing of the past and rookie draft season is in full swing. For most fantasy players, their draft is the best part of the season. If you aren’t prepared, this enjoyable experience can quickly become overwhelming. There is no truer time than in rookie drafts where many fantasy managers are unfamiliar with a large portion of the rookie pool. A View to a Pick is here to help you by guiding you through a typical 3-round Rookie Draft to see which players they chose, and what some pivot options could be.
So, let’s look at A View to a Pick (1.08). Below is the Sleeper Draft Board from our mock draft, featuring Aaron St. Denis, Jeremy Shulman, SC Romero, and Jesse Moeller. The was a superflex, tight-end premium draft.
Rookie Pick 1.05
Jeremy Selects Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, Louisiana State
If Malik Nabers falls to 1.05, I’m considering that a gift and smashing the draft button. I get that Superflex drafters might prefer the security of a top quarterback in this class, but there is no way I’m taking Drake Maye or JJ McCarthy over the freaky Nabers. Drafters seem to be hurt by a lackluster class last year. Thankfully, Marvin Harrison Jr and Nabers have proven to be elite-level, all-time prospects.
Unfortunately, Nabers won’t cash in his value right away as a New York Giant. Fortunately, he’s well insulated with future elite production all but assured and a 25% target share likely from the jump. I’m not going to be shy about taking Nabers once Caleb Williams and MHJ are off the board. In this case, he feels like a steal.
Superflex Trade Targets
QB- Kyler Murray, Cardinals (6,696)
RB- Jonathan Taylor, Colts (5,706)
WR- AJ Brown, Eagles (6,690)
TE- Trey McBride, Cardinals (5,836)
Superflex Rookie Pivots
QB- Bo Nix, Broncos
RB- None
WR- Rome Odunze, Bears
TE- Brock Bowers, Raiders
All player values according to Keep Trade Cut.
Rookie Pick 2.08
Jeremy Selects Michael Penix, Quarterback, Washington
Michael Penix was the surprise of Round 1, selected 8th overall by the Atlanta Falcons. His immediate fantasy stock is in serious question. His actual NFL value is now also questionable with no immediate path to starting. But the talent with Penix is clear and, if the injury bug steers clear, his development and talent should put him in place to be a massive ROI for the Falcons.
Many believed JJ McCarthy’s name would be called before Penix’s, but the bigger shock was that the Falcons just inked free agent all-pro Kirk Cousins to a 4-year deal this offseason. That’s a good way to alienate your potential short-term and long-term starting signal callers. The Penix managers in your league will have to wait until year three for fantasy production but they could be richly rewarded if they can hold out. In the middle of the 2nd round of superflex drafts, he’s a smash pick.
Superflex Trade Targets
QB- Kirk Cousins, Falcons (3,618)
RB- D’Andre Swift, Bears (3,592)
WR- Cooper Kupp, Rams (3,680)
TE- George Kittle, 49ers (3825)
Superflex Rookie Pivots
QB- Bo Nix, Broncos
RB- Marshawn Lloyd, Packers
WR- Ricky Pearsall, 49ers
TE- Ben Sinnott, Commanders
Rookie Pick 3.05
Jeremy Selects Jermaine Burton, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Not a ton was mentioned about Jermaine Burton early in the offseason. It’s not that he isn’t talented, but Burton didn’t necessarily have the pedigree or the production of others in this class. And with the wide receiver as deep as it appears to be, he got lost in the shuffle. But for the few who have been championing the talent all along, Burton couldn’t have landed in a better place.
In Cincinnati, Burton has the potential to immediately slot into the vacated Tyler Boyd role… pun intended. A Tee Higgins trade this season or an exit next season, and Burton holds the ability to step up as the #2 target. In the Bengals offense with Joe Burrow slinging the rock, that’s a valuable position to be in for fantasy. Take the risk and take Burton if he falls to the mid-round.
Superflex Trade Targets
QB- Aaron Rodgers, Jets (2,779)
RB- Aaron Jones, Vikings (2,896)
WR- Khalil Shakir, Bills (2,829)
TE- Tucker Kraft, Packers (2,614)
Superflex Rookie Pivots
QB- Spencer Rattler, Saints
RB- Kimani Vidal, Chargers
WR- Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers
TE- Theo Johnson, Giants
If you enjoyed A View to a Pick, check out our full Rookie Consensus Rankings, check out of Rankings Page.
