The beginning of summer might be a “dead period” for the NFL. But any savvy fantasy football player knows summertime is the perfect time to start preparing for the upcoming season. And if you’re in a dynasty league, you’re probably getting ready for your upcoming rookie draft.
Whether you’re completely familiar with the 2021 rookie class or just getting to know them now, I’m here to help you navigate your rookie draft. Using our amazing Draft Wizard, I conducted a rookie mock draft for a 12-team sueprflex league. I was randomly assigned the second overall pick.
Mock draft vs. experts with our free Draft Simulator
Pick 1.2: Zach Wilson (QB – NYJ)
Since we’re in a superflex format, I’m operating under the assumption my team needs a quarterback. Even if it didn’t, I’d have a hard time passing up on one of the top QB prospects in this draft.
This pick comes down to which quarterback I feel the best about long-term. While this is a really close call, I’m going with Wilson because of his elite arm talent. Wilson is also a natural fit for the West Coast passing game the Jets will run under new coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. New York’s also done a nice job of surrounding Wilson with protection and weapons, something they failed to do for Sam Darnold.
It’s a bonus that he’ll likely be New York’s starter on day one, which can’t be said about Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones right now.
Pick 2.2: Elijah Moore (WR – NYJ)
In rookie drafts, I’m much more inclined to draft the best player available rather than draft for need. That’s why I’m passing up on a few tailbacks I like to draft a receiver I love in Moore. He’s an electric pass catcher who could give opponents fits out of the slot. He’s a speedy vertical threat who runs sharp routes and can make things happen after the catch.
Obviously, putting your eggs into the New York Jets basket is obviously an enormous risk. But I have a feeling the organization has figured it out, finally. And Wilson and Moore could be the cornerstones of an offensive revitalization.
Pick 3.2: Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
Running back gets ugly fast with this class. With slim pickings available, I’m taking a flyer on Stevenson, who could earn a niche role as New England’s goal-line back as a rookie. The Patriots’ running-back depth chart is a hot mess, with Damien Harris, Sony Michel, and James White all on the roster. But none of those guys are a hammer like Stevenson. I suspect the Oklahoma product could be New England’s next version of LaGarrette Blount.
Pick 4.2: Larry Rountree II (RB – LAC)
As I mentioned, I’m looking for running backs who could carve out roles for themselves early in their careers. As we saw last season, the Chargers didn’t have a great alternative once Austin Ekeler got hurt, as Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson, and Kalen Ballage struggled to fill the void. Rountree was a highly productive player at Missouri and could work his way up this depth chart. Rountree has great burst and knows how to finish runs, but he’ll need to see the field better to make it in the pros.
Again, in Round 4 of a rookie draft, I’m just looking for a decent player with some situational upside. Rountree fits the bill.
Pick 5.2: Jonathan Adams Jr. (WR – DET)
Editor’s Note: Adams was recently released by Detroit. While he is still someone to monitor if he signs with another team, he’s not worth considering here.
If you’ve been following my rookie mocks this summer, you probably knew this was coming. I’ve taken Adams in every rookie draft I’ve done because he offers an elite trait that could propel him into more playing time in Detroit than many expect.
Adams is a baller and knows how to go up and attack the ball in the air. Just watch this play if you need an example.
If Adams can improve his separation skills at the next level, he could quickly rise the ranks on a Detroit offense that’s severely lacking at receiver.
Full Mock Rookie Draft Board
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Matt Barbato is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matt, check out his archive and follow him @RealMattBarbato.