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 (1.12). 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 1.12
SC Selects Ladd McConkey, Wide Receiver, Georgia.
It is not often that one is excited to have the last pick of the first round in a rookie draft. The tier drop for me came at the 1.07 pick. Picks 1.08 to 2.04 were all in a similar tier for me. So, at 1.12 I am chasing upside, but I knew I was getting a baller regardless. Ladd McConkey became my pick at 1.12!
McConkey landed in a great spot with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers are under a new regime with Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. It is expected for them to be a more run-friendly team rather than passing even with Justin Herbert at quarterback. However, Harbaugh favors the short and underneath routes. An area where McConkey shines. McConkey will look to use his quick twitch ability to get open quickly and early for Herbert. Plus, with the uncertainty of Quentin Johnston last season McConkey may slip into becoming the WR1 for the team.
Superflex Trade Targets
QB- Bryce Young, Panthers (4,469)
RB- James Cook, Bills (4,438)
WR- Deebo Samuel, 49ers (4,205)
TE- Travis Kelce, Chiefs (4,068)
Superflex Rookie Pivots
QB- Bo Nix, Broncos
RB- Trey Benson, Cardinals
WR- Xavier Legette, Panthers
TE-
All player values according to Keep Trade Cut.
Rookie Pick 2.12
SC Selects Ben Sinnott, Tight End, Kansas State.
This might come as a surprise to some, but after the NFL Draft, I officially moved Sinnott to my TE1 of the class. Brock Bowers on tape was the all-around better talent. However, Sinnott lands a prime opportunity to be the lead tight end for his team out the gate. Yes, Zach Ertz signed with the Commanders too. But the last time Ertz was starting the tight end behind him learned and has now become a top tight end in our fantasy leagues.
Sinnott went in the second round of the NFL draft, so that tells me the Commanders will want to use him. Plus, with this being a tight end premium type of league it means any tight end holds slightly more upside than a later-round receiver. Sinnott brings a unique form of athleticism to his new team and he has the potential to be a day one starter.
Superflex Trade Targets
QB- Aaron Rodgers, Jets (2,815)
RB- Zack Moss, Bengals (2,745)
WR- Khalil Shakir, Bills (2,804)
TE- Dallas Goedert, Eagles (2,772)
Superflex Rookie Pivots
QB- Spencer Rattler, Saints
RB- Jaylen Wright, Dolphins
WR- Javon Baker, Patriots
TE- Ja’Tavion Sanders, Panthers
Rookie Pick 3.12
SC Selects Theo Johnson, Tight End, Penn State.
Did I just get a steal at the end of the third round? Possibly. Theo Johnson got fourth-round draft capital in the NFL Draft. However, he landed in a situation that had no true TE1 on the team. I guess we can say Darren Waller, but the rumor is he is retiring. This means Johnson’s competition may be Daniel Bellinger. A tight end that in 2 seasons has yet to see over 35 targets in a season.
Theo brings excellent size at 6’6 264 pounds with great athleticism to become a redzone threat. He ran a 4.57 which for a man of 264 pounds is incredible speed. Plus, he has great ball control once the ball touches his hands. Again in a tight-end premium type of league, it pays to go after tight ends. Especially if they have the opportunity to start on day one. Theo late in the third rounds, or even early fourth rounds is a must-draft pick for me.
Superflex Trade Targets
QB- Jacoby Brissett, Patriots (1,535)
RB- Alexander Mattison, Raiders (1,522)
WR- Kendrick Bourne, Patriots (1,516)
TE- Dawson Knox, Bills (1,533)
Superflex Rookie Pivots
QB- Jordan Travis, Jets
RB- Bucky Irving, Buccaneers
WR- Luke McCaffrey, Commanders
TE- Cade Stover, Texans
If you enjoyed A View to a Pick, check out our full Rookie Consensus Rankings, check out of Rankings Page.
