The NFL combine is now in the books, and we are firmly into rookie mania! With evaluations in full swing let’s analyze a current Superflex rookie mock and see where prospects are available.
Round 1
The 1.01
Starting from the top of this rookie mock, Iowa State #28, is where you start your 2022 draft prep. Breece Hall is a MONSTER – a near-perfect analytical prospect with one of the best profiles in years.
When Hall gets first/second-round draft capital, short of injuries, nothing stops this level of prospect!
Breece Hall is your 1.01 in ALL FORMATS. Yes, even in Superflex/2QB leagues.
Quarterbacks
QBs are usually king in Superflex/2QB. Not this year. Some may argue that, with his physical tools, Willis is the 1.01 lock in this format if he gets good draft capital.
I for one am not of this belief. Willis does not possess as strong a profile as some of the other “raw talent” QBs the league has seen recent success on, like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson.
I know this is just a rookie mock. In real dynasty leagues, you may find that QB-needy teams take them earlier. I do, however, think you will see some QBs available later than usual. (More on this in round two.)
The Steal
Rachaad White is NOT a household name commonly mentioned among the top backs of this class. Yet. He has SO much potential, similar to 2021 fan-favorite Javonte Williams. White is a rough running linebacker convert.
Since 2013, list of drafted RBs that had both a 45%+ rush TD share and a 24%+ reception share in their best college season.
1. Christian McCaffrey
2. Rachaad WhiteEnd of list
— ChrisMiles (@ChrisMiles1017) March 9, 2022
In my model, Rachaad White scores out as the RB2 behind only Breece Hall in this class prior to draft capital. This guy has it all:
- Size: 6’0″ 214 lbs
- Speed: 4.48 40 time
- Burst: 38″ vertical
- Passing involvement: RIDICULOUS 18.9% target share
All that is left is for a team to fall in love and give him day two draft capital.
Let the others clamor over who gets Isaiah Spiller or Kenneth Walker III. Target Rachaad White and soak up the less popular but quite possibly higher upside for less capital! (I have seen him available as late as the early second round. That’s VALUE)
Round Two
Quarterbacks
Quarterbacks are being faded in 2022 due to the class being considered “weak.” True, this class does not have any QBs that truly stand out as “must-haves.” This mindset is causing a market zig, which we all know means it is time to zag! Just because there are no elite options doesn’t mean there are no good options.
We obviously still need to know where/when they are drafted, but young starting QBs are soooooo valuable in Superflex/2QB leagues. If you can potentially land one in the second round, EAT that value up!
Combine Fades
Too small, too slow! Wan’Dale Robinson and David Bell have two of the strongest base prospect profiles out there:
- Early declares
- 18-year-old break-outs
- 35+% dominators
- 30+% team receiving yards market shares
If the NFL doesn’t care about their size/speed and takes them on day one or two, then you shouldn’t care either! Snatch these high upside guys up in the late second with confidence.
Round 3
Injury fade
With just a 24% dominator rating, Justyn Ross did not have a peak dominant season the way I typically like my top prospects to have. This is where context is important — Ross had two extremely solid seasons to start his Clemson years and broke out at 18, despite the presence of Tee Higgins. Ross looked all the part of a future first-round superstar prospect!
Tragedy hit Ross with a neck/spine injury that threatened his entire football career. This prevented him from playing his true-junior season. Ross made his come back in 2021, however, the offense he came back to was a hot mess and he has dropped WAY back on draft boards.
In the third round, I want high upside fliers and that is exactly what Ross can offer:
- Technically a junior declare due to the lost season
- 18-year-old breakout
- “YAC God” season with 9.6 yards after catch per reception (on par with touted YAC guys Treylon Burks, Jameson Williams, and Wan’Dale Robinson)
- Elite yards-per-route-run top season of 4.98 Y/RR (anything over 2.5 is good, over 3 is great, over 4 is INSANITY)
Tight Ends
Both of these players are often slept on in drafts, so you can get yourself a real nice tight-end prospect for very little draft capital. Trey McBride (second round) and Jalen Wydermyer (third round) have received the majority of the love by the dynasty community, but I think this is maybe misguided.
When it comes to tight ends, we need size, speed, and the right usage. Sleeper tight ends Greg Dulcich and Isaiah Likely are some of my favorites in that regard. (plus James Mitchell out of Virginia Tech)
- Downfield usage: 3 of the top 4 YPRs in ’22 class with 17-20 yards per reception
- Dominance: WR-like dominators ranging from 26-31%
- Size/Speed specimens: each run 4.7 or less 40’s at ~6’4″ 245 lbs
Running Back Darts
As I do with Rachaad White, I want late-round running back prospects to look the part. Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris are both guys who:
- Have NFL size: 5’10″+ 205lbs+
- Have NFL speed: sub 4.6 40 time (Harris unverified waiting on pro-day)
- Receiving usage: ~9% target share – not elite but still very impressive
Late dart throws at running backs I always take prospects with size, speed, and 3-down skillsets over undersized and thumper-only backs.
Thank you for the read! Please remember to follow for more content via Twitter @DynastyBison @IDPGuys as well as check out my writer’s page & the IDP Guys site.