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IDP Guys Staff Rookie Mock Draft Pre-NFL Draft: Round Three

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The IDP Guys complete an experts’ mock draft to help you with your IDP Rookie needs.

The clocks have sprung forward. March Madness has consumed us. Pro days numbers are being hyped. It’s springtime in the fantasy football community and the rookie scene is exploding. Among all of the takes, articles, and mock drafts, there still seems to be a shortage of IDP rookie information within our community. That’s when it’s time to turn to the IDP Guys.

For pre-draft evaluations, 11 of our experts/writers (and one special guest from Dynasty Nerds) completed a Superflex/Tight End Premium/PPR/IDP mock draft for six rounds. The mock draft uses a simplified version of our scoring settings for IDP Guys IDP Invitational.

Passing SettingsIDP Stat CategoriesIDP Points
4 pts per TDNumber of Defensive Fumble Recovery TDs6 points each
.04 point per yardFumble Recoveries (from Opponent)3 points each
-4 InterceptionNumber of Offensive Fumble Recovery TDs6 points each
Rushing SettingsForced Fumbles3 points each
6 pts per TDNumber of Interception Return TDs6 points each
.1 points per yardsInterceptions Caught6 points each
1 point per receptionPasses Defended2 points each
.5 – Rush 1st downNumber of Blocked Field Goal TDs6 points each
Receiving SettingsBlocked Field Goals3 points each
6 pts per TDNumber of Missed Field Goal Return TDs6 points each
.1 points per yardsNumber of Blocked Punt TDs6 points each
1 point per reception (WR)Tackles2 points each
1.5 points per reception (RB)Assists1 point each
2 points per reception (TE)Sacked a QB4 points each
.5- Receiving 1st downQuarterback Hits1 point each
Tackles for a Loss1 point each
Safeties2 points each
Rushing First Downs.5 points each
Receiving First Downs.5 points each
Passes Defended- CB bonus.5 points each
Tackles- CB Bonus.5 points each

The purpose of this mock draft is provide some insights into how some of the best fantasy minds at IDP Guys evaluate this rookie class on both sides of the ball. Each round will be released as its own separate article with a large wrap-up at the end of the mock draft. All of our writers will be sharing their analysis behind each pick, so our subscribers can peek into the minds of our experts.

Here’s how the third round broke down by position:

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  • 0 Quarterbacks selected
  • 3 Running backs selected
  • 4 Wide Receivers selected
  • 0 Tight Ends selected
  • 5 IDP players selected (3 Linebackers, 2 Edges)

The third round featured a significant shift in draft strategy as 5 out of 12 picks were defensive players. This round also confirmed the depth of the wide receiver position with four more solid prospects selected. Interestingly enough, after three rounds, no defensive backs were selected. If that trend was true in most leagues, those later-round picks could provide some great value with a host of solid secondary prospects.

Writer’s nameSteve PerkinsTiffany StewartTodd Foster
Twitter handle@FlavorizeThis@SportySailor@ff_banterman
Rd 3 pick3.013.023.03
PlayerMichael Carter RBDyami Brown, WRAmon-Ra St. Brown, WR

 

Writer’s nameBrandon HayeKyle BellefeuilSteve Tomasin
Twitter handle@hayeb3@KBellf54@dynastysanta
Rd 3 pick3.043.053.06
PlayerTrey Sermon, RBNick Bolton, LBJOK, LB/S

 

Writer’s nameJayson SnyderNeil JamesJoseph Haggan
Twitter handle@Spydes78@NeilFF911@JoeyTheToothIDP
Rd 3 pick3.073.083.09
PlayerGregory Rousseau, EDGEKylin Hill, RBAzeez Ojulari, EDGE

 

Writer’s nameDan CookHollywoodZach Magley
Twitter handle@seahawksdan8@HollywoodTitan@ZmagsIDP
Rd 3 pick3.103.113.12
PlayerJabril Cox, LBDwayne Eskridge, WRSage Surratt, WR

With the 3.01 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Steve Perkins selects Michael Carter, Running Back, UNC

Todd’s Take on Michael’s Pick: This pick looks like outstanding value for a player who is being overshadowed by a teammate in the same draft class, at the same position. Carter has been a steady part of the UNC offense for four straight seasons including two 1,000 yard rushing seasons in his final two years. Having had three seasons with 20 or more catches, the Tar Heel product is an explosive athlete with good contact balance and excellent versatility. He might not be a workhorse in the NFL, but Carter should carve a nice role for himself in the right situation. 

With the 3.02 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Tiffany Stewart selects Dyami Brown, Wide Receiver, UNC

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Brown’s ability to separate and get down the field makes him the type of deep threat most teams would love to have. What I like most about him is his ability to play through contact. Yes, he needs to bulk up a little and his route tree is kind of one-dimensional, but he’s capable of expanding that skill set and I’m sure he’ll bulk up without a problem. 

Brown has all the tools to break out in his first couple of seasons with the right team that will properly utilize his skillset and take the time to develop him.

With the 3.03 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Todd Foster selects Amon-Ra St. Brown, Wide Receiver, USC

“The third round is when I strike IDP gold” — that was my mindset from the start of this IDP mock rookie draft. When it happened, and value slipped into my lap, I was faced with a crucial decision — scoop up another great WR prospect mid-second round ADP grades or target one of those stud IDP players.

In the end, offense won this battle, and I elected to roll the IDP dice for at least one more round. St. Brown broke out as a true freshman for USC with 60 catches, 750 yards, 12.5 Y/R, and 3 TDs in 11 games. Those numbers were good enough for a 26% market share, which is pretty damn impressive for a true freshman. He continued his steady production for two more seasons and, over that time, averaged a 25% market share.

St. Brown is an aggressive, tough receiver with great hands who loves to play over the middle and move the chains. His hops, jump timing, body control, and aggression makes him a nightmare for DBs in jump ball situations. His best highlights might be his run blocks — this guy LOVES to mix it UP! 

The value was too good to pass up and I figured I could still land a quality edge or linebacker in round 4. Stay tuned…

With the 3.04 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Brandon Haye selects Trey Sermon, Running Back, Ohio State

https://twitter.com/NickPenticoff/status/1381266672976334848

Trey Sermon has had an up-and-down career. He looked strong his first two years at Oklahoma, but then injuries slowed him. He transferred to Ohio State and took a while to get going, but really showed his potential by the end of the year. In a three-week span, he had over 600 yards and four TDs. If he can stay healthy, he could be a steal with his blend of power, elusiveness, and speed.

With the 3.05 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Kyle Bellefeuil selects Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Missouri

I think the third round is where you will start to see a decent IDP run in drafts, and that’s where I went here. This linebacker class is a talented group and Nick Bolton is one of my favorite players of the bunch. Bolton was a tackle machine at Missouri, compiling 198 tackles (127 solos) over his last two seasons. 

Bolton plays a physical, aggressive style of football and can lay the wood as a tackler. He shows good instincts and has the skill set — in coverage and as a blitzer — to play all three downs. If he finds the right fit, Bolton has the potential to be an impact player right away in IDP leagues.

With the 3.06 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Steve Tomasin selects Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Linebacker, Notre Dame

  • Measurements: 6’1,” 216 pounds
  • Best Year (2019): 54 solos, 26 assists (80 total), 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 0 interceptions, 4 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
  • Joey The Tooth’s IDP Rookie Rankings on IDP Guys: #3 Overall, LB3
  • Next 2 players up: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan or Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (say that three times fast), who will be referred to as JOK moving forward, is a hybrid linebacker/safety prospect out of Notre Dame. JOK is Isaiah Simmons 2.0 — the better version. He is NFL-ready and is a masterful tackler, rusher, and coverage player, which is his most attractive trait. Honestly, Isaiah Simmons isn’t even a good enough comparison for him.

JOK is like a Jamal Adams/Budda Baker/Jeremy Chinn Frankenstein. He’s not built to roam the field as a true middle linebacker based on his size, but he will be a defensive menace for whatever team is lucky enough to land him. Hopefully, that team is smart and creative enough to utilize JOK better than the Cardinals did with Isaiah Simmons in 2020. Plus, you’re likely looking at some sweet, sweet dual position eligibility on Sleeper and other platforms, so that right there is worth the price of admission.

With the 3.07 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Jayson Snyder selects Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami

If you’ve been plugged in to the IDP side of 2021 rookie draft preparations, you know that Gregory Rousseau is a controversial prospect among evaluators.  His experience is limited, as he logged only a single redshirt freshman season with the Hurricanes’ defense. But, oh, what a season it was! Rousseau averaged more than a full sack per game, demonstrating his off-the-charts potential to terrorize backfields. With an NFL frame and 15.5 sacks a season in a big-time college program, the sky seemed to be the limit for the then 19-year-old phenom.

However, after opting out of the 2020 season, Gregory recently posted somewhat disappointing metrics at Miami’s pro day, which only further clouds his standing as an edge rusher in this class. Clearly, Rousseau is not without his warts and will need coaching and development to reach his maximum potential as a pro. However, I love his upside and feel that, with some patience, the investment of a pick in the mid-third could prove to pay huge dividends.

With the 3.08 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Neil James selects Kylin Hill, Running Back, Mississippi State

Kylin Hill: How one tweet helped change Mississippi flag - Sports Illustrated

Recipient of a key to the City of Columbus, Kylin Hill is one of the most overshadowed RBs in this class. In this article, I will tell you why he should be a Top Five RB this year and how his off-field presence changed Mississippi. 

During his time at Mississippi State, Kylin was a starter for two years and didn’t fumble in either year. His best year was 2019 when he was awarded the Conerly Award for being the best player in the State of Mississippi and selected as an All-SEC first team. In 2020, Kylin opted out after three games, but he showed what he was made of in the season opener against LSU. The Columbus native posted a stat line of 8 receptions, 158 yards, and 1 TD against the defending champs.

Kylin Hill spent this past off-season at EXOS with Ja’marr Chase and many other players who opted out. This training program is where he worked on his receiving ability and, if you saw his pro day, it’s paid off — this kid has some of the best hands of all RBs. He’s a stand-up RB with the vision to find the hole and burst through it while being able to watch the secondary and navigate the best path. His game tape inspires pro comparisons of Ezekiel Elliot and Alvin Kamara.

With the 3.09 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Joseph “The Tooth” Haggan selects Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia

Azeez Ojulari is an absolute monster coming off of the edge. He has that killer instinct elite pass rushers in the NFL have, and his speed rush is a thing of beauty. As you can see in the clip above, he does a great job with his hands swiping offensive lineman off of his chest and then uses his athleticism and speed to bend under and around to get to the QB.

In 2020, you saw him dominate NFL-caliber linemen in the SEC all year. Ojulari was a redshirt sophomore in 2020. He stands as one of the younger defensive players in the draft, yet his arsenal makes him look like a seasoned veteran. Ojulari counters seamlessly to offensive lineman trying to get a step on him, showing natural instincts in his rush, and also has a propensity to force turnovers. He does not settle with the sack — when he gets to the quarterback, he also attacks the ball, looking for the strip sack.

Ojulari will likely land in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, which gives him one of the clearest paths to some volume snaps off the edge. This could leave him as the rookie DL1.

With the 3.10 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Dan Cook selects Jabril Cox, LB, Linebacker, LSU

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Out of the remaining linebackers left on the board, Jabril Cox was the one that stood out to me as a possible three-down linebacker. Having gone offense with my first two picks, it was time to get something to help out my defense. Getting a player with the potential of Cox in the late third meant I couldn’t hold out another round. Cox already has taken a step up in talent, transferring from North Dakota State to LSU. This year will be another transition of talent, but I like his future. 

With the 3.11 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Hollywood selects D’Wayne Eskridge, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan

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Todd’s Take on Hollywood’s Pick: D’Wayne Eskridge has been a popular sleeper among dynasty owners. The Western Michigan product is an absolute burner who was a big hit at the Senior Bowl. In addition to his impressive speed, Eskridge can cut on a dime and shows a mean streak after the catch. At this point in the game, this is a home run swing, and it could definitely pay off for Hollywood. 

With the 3.12 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Zach Magley selects Sage Surrat, Wide Receiver, Wake Forest

Sage Surratt is another intriguing wide receiver prospect. He had a breakout year in college in 2019 before a shoulder injury sidelined him the rest of that season, and decided to opt out of the 2020 season. So, there isn’t any recent film to watch on him. If you watch his tape from 2019, you saw a receiver who could totally keep up with NFL talent.

Surratt is an intelligent and physical receiver and his size gives him an advantage over smaller defensive backs. He uses his intelligence to out think his opponents and make plays downfield. He may not be the most athletic prospect, but he can track the ball in the air well. 

I struggled with deciding to make this pick. Sage’s brother, Chazz Surratt, is an interesting linebacker prospect who played for North Carolina. Some analysts question his ability to make an impact at the next level, but I personally believe his upside to make plays will help the right team. Surratt landing with the right team could drive his dynasty value up. His 79″ wingspan should help with that. 

Joey The Tooth’s Round Up

The third round of the IDP Guys Analyst Mock Draft is dominated by mid-tier offensive players and upper-tier IDP players. With five IDP selections in this round, you can start to see when you can attack the IDP positions. The offensive talent is so deep in this class that you can grab the DL1, whoever you may believe it to be, likely in the middle of the third.

This is also where you see the top tiers of RBs and WRs end. With guys like Amon-Ra St. Brown (a steal here) and Trey Sermon going at the beginning of the round, it is time to switch up your draft style and draft more for need as opposed to best available. If you are needy at any of the IDP positions, here is where you could land some studs.

Each article will have round-by-round analysis by your favorites here at IDP Guys including, @ZmagsIDP, @seahawksdan8, @HollywoodTitan, @FlavorizeThis, @SportySailor, @NeilFF911, @FF_Banterman, @JoeyTheToothIDP, @Dynastysanta, @Kbellf54, @hayeb3, and including our great friend from the Dynasty Nerds team @Spydes78. Be sure that you pre-order our rookie draft magazines which we load with fantastic player profiles and landing spot analysis.

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