This is not a sleepers article. This article is about finding rookie value picks in your Superflex and/or TE-premium dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts that can be found in pockets all over the draft board, including the first round. You can attain that value in several ways, especially by knowing players’ average draft position (ADP) and drafting using tiers – i.e., if you like players generally equally, taking the cheapest one while adding assets can often be advantageous.
When thinking about who is a rookie value pick, we can base that on our assessment of how well the player will produce fantasy points and how quickly he does. We must also consider what the player will be worth as a dynasty rookie draft pick asset by August or this time next year. Those two results are, of course, linked, but are not the same thing.
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Dynasty Rookie Draft Values
Furthermore, diversification of your dynasty portfolios is important, and taking what the market gives you on some players is a great way to mix in those assets when you might not have otherwise.
Let’s dive into where we can find dynasty rookie draft value picks after the first wave of rookie drafts has told us a story about how the market is operating. Each player’s name, position and team is followed by their FantasyPros rookie expert consensus ranking (ECR) for PPR Superflex leagues.
Late-Round Dynasty Rookie Draft Values
As buzzy sleepers like Kimani Vidal and Tyrone Tracy get steamed up — and there is reason to like them both; I do — Ray Davis, Bucky Irving and Audric Estime seem to be getting lost in the shuffle. They could be as good an investment or better.
Ray Davis (RB – BUF) | ECR: 28
Ray Davis has a very plausible immediate path to tougher, between-the-tackles carries — or at least short-yardage and goal-line work. Damien Harris, Leonard Fournette and Latavius Murray are gone. Ty Johnson and undrafted free agent (UDFA) rookie Frank Gore Jr. are more in the James Cook neighborhood as far as build and skill set. Darrynton Evans is a smaller back who has leaned mainly on his speed. In other words, Davis, who is also competent in pass protection and as a receiver, brings a skill set that does not overlap much with the rest of the Bills’ backfield and one that gives him access to some high-value touches. That is worth the price he is going for.
Bucky Irving (RB – TB) | ECR: 31
Tampa Bay has been looking for ways to take some touches off Rachaad White‘s plate. Ke’Shawn Vaughn is no longer on the team, 2023 rookie Sean Tucker was a non-factor and Chase Edmonds is an unimpressive option. Bucky Irving does not have the size or burst White does, but, like White, he is a very good pass-catcher. He is also arguably more agile and is very efficient with the ball in space. Irving should get some pass-catching work pretty early, and has some contingent upside should White miss time, though Edmonds would likely get first looks between the tackles in that scenario. White’s value is strongly related to volume because he is not a dynamic player. Like Tracy, Irving brings some juice to a backfield with a weak starter and little competition. That is a path to fantasy points, maybe in a Zero RB build, and spikes in trade value.
Audric Estime (RB – DEN) | ECR: 33
Audric Estime was critiqued during the pre-draft process for his lack of speed. While his 40-yard dash times at both the NFL Combine and his Pro Day were underwhelming, Pro Football Focus (PFF) data showed he had similar game speed to fellow rookie back Isaac Guerendo, who clocked a time of 4.33 seconds on his 40-yard dash at the combine. Film analysts agreed. This indicates that Estime is a fast processor on the field. When we add that to his clear physicality and competent pass protection, he seems underrated. This is likely attributed to the landing spot on a team and offense the market is down on along with the presence of fellow big backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. Perine could be cut. If he is not, Estime is a good bet to overtake him sooner rather than later. That positions Estime with contingent upside behind Javonte Williams, a player who has had his share of injuries, is likely in a high-volume role this year and has a contract expiring after the season. By next year, Estime and either Jaleel McLaughlin or 2024 UDFA rookie Blake Watson could be playing the Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara roles in Payton’s offense. Buying a ticket for this ride in a few leagues is worth the price.
Davis, Irving and Estime are often drafted at or after where similarly uncertain prospects Vidal and Tracy are, so mixing in shares — including by trading back — is a good idea.
More Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice
Expert Must-Have Rookies (Premium)
DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
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