The 2020 NFL Draft is now complete, and you know what that means, it’s time to talk some dynasty rookie drafts for fantasy football!
In professional football, the draft is often the lifeblood of your franchise and the same ideology can be applied to dynasty rookie drafts in fantasy football as well.
Here’s a look at my initial rankings:
Dynasty Rookie Draft Rankings
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB Chiefs)
- Johnathan Taylor (RB Colts)
- D’Andre Swift (RB Lions)
- J.K. Dobbins (RB Ravens)
- CeeDee Lamb (WR Cowboys)
- Henry Ruggs (WR Raiders)
- Jerry Jeudy (WR Broncos)
- Cam Akers (RB Rams)
- Jalen Reagor (WR Eagles)
- Justin Jefferson (WR Vikings)
- Brandon Aiyuk (WR, 49ers)
- Tee Higgins (WR Bengals)
- Zach Moss (RB Bills)
- Laviska Shenault (WR Jaguars)
- Michael Pittman Jr (WR Colts)
- Ke’Shawn Vaughn (RB Buccaneers)
- K.J. Hamler (WR Broncos)
- Bryan Edwards (WR Raiders)
- A.J. Dillon (RB Packers)
- Chase Claypool (WR Steelers)
- Joe Burrow (QB Bengals)
- Tua Tagovailoa (QB Dolphins)
- Anthony McFarland Jr., (RB Steelers)
- Van Jefferson (WR Rams)
- Darrynton Evans (RB Titans)
- Antonio Gandy-Golden (WR Redskins)
- Justin Herbert (QB Chargers)
- Tyler Johnson (WR Buccaneers)
- Jalen Hurts (QB Eagles)
- Cole Kmet (TE Bears)
Lions Rookie Skill Players
D’Andre Swift, RB, 5-9, 215 pounds
Swift was widely ranked as the top running back in this draft and when he was available at pick No. 35 overall, the Lions stepped up to draft him.
He’s a very well rounded back with a ton of tread left on his tires in comparison to other players that were available. He is a very smooth, flashy runner with the ability to catch the ball well out of the backfield, and is solid in pass protection — one of the key things the Lions look for in their running backs. Not all those traits will get you fantasy points, but they will get him more snaps, and that often does lead to more chances to light up the scoreboard.
Swift will likely share the lead role well with Kerryon Johnson, but he is electric and will keep defenses from keying in on one player, which could help take the Lions offense to another level.
Quintez Cephus, WR, 6-1, 207 pounds
One of the best names in the draft and the Lions think he’s one of the best wide receivers to fit their scheme. He ran a poor 40-yard-dash at the NFL Combine (4.73) but improved that at his Pro Day (4.62). Even if he can’t run past you, Cephus is a player that relies on his basketball background to out-muscle and out-jump defenders.
Jason Huntley RB/KR/slot, 5- 9, 194 pounds
Now, this pick surprised me. Huntley wasn’t even listed on multiple player prospect lists from respected websites that I had researched before the NFL Draft. When you watch him on YouTube he runs away from defenders with speed and eye-popping agility. I like what I see, but I believe he will begin his career as a kick returner and offensive gadget player.
Draft Strategy
When it comes to fantasy football draft strategy, I still lean towards running backs over all other positions. Other fantasy analysts feel wide receivers have longer careers and more frequent bigger statistical games than a running back often does. But my counter is that running backs are harder to find then wide receivers, and because they often have more injuries, having depth at running back is a key element when building your roster.
This draft is loaded at the top, with three-down backs like Edwards-Helaire and Swift as the type of players you want in today’s NFL. After that, there is a variety of wide receivers, including Lamb, Ruggs, and Jefferson as some of my favorites options at the top of the group.
Take the running backs early, then load up on wide receivers, and in the late rounds, take a look at a player’s landing spot to determine if he has a more clear path for playing time then others. As you get deeper in the draft don’t be afraid to take the best player available. Filling needs is fine, but often drafting the best player not knowing what will happen with your current team in the future is often the best long-term strategy.
Final Word
I’m still personally in way too many fantasy football leagues for the time I have available, but I really enjoy all of them a ton I must admit. This is the fun time of year when the NFL Draft ends and now as a fantasy football owner, you get to become Vice President of Player Personnel and General Manager of your team and draft your own rookies.
I encourage all of you that enjoy fantasy football to join a deeper dynasty league or incorporate some type of rookie draft into your league. Taking rookies before they ever even take a snap is the best way to test your overall team-building skills. Can you find the talent in the later rounds when others pass on certain players? This often is one of the most enjoyable parts of fantasy football as you get to see these players grow up on your team and if you dominate your rookie draft you often will have fantasy football championships in your future!
You can find Derek on Twitter @DerekOkrie for all your offseason fantasy football needs.