Post-Draft Rookie Mock Draft
As you’ve likely already heard by now, the 2016 draft class is not strong. After watching the NFL Draft unfold, I’m less optimistic than I was about this class even a week ago. Last year there was a debate between Amari Cooper and Todd Gurley for the 1.01 pick, but we expected both to be excellent players in the NFL. This year no such debate exists as Ezekiel Elliott cemented himself as the 1.01 pick by landing with the Dallas Cowboys. After Elliott, there are six players that would be worthy of a 1st round rookie pick in most years. Calling the end of the 1st round ugly would be an understatement. The caliber of player drops off a cliff, making late 1st round picks not much more valuable than 2nd rounders.
If we compared this draft to the 2015 class at the time they entered the NFL, only Elliott would be among the top 5 prospects. In my opinion, Amari Cooper, Todd Gurley, Kevin White, and DeVante Parker were all better prospects last year than Treadwell, Coleman, Doctson, Shepard, Henry, etc.
Without further ado, let’s kick off this 12 team, standard scoring IDP mock draft:
Round 1
1.01 – Ezekiel Elliott RB DAL
Undoubtedly the number #1 pick in all rookie drafts, he immediately slots in as my #3 RB for dynasty and is even a 1st round pick in redraft leagues.
1.02 – Laquon Treadwell WR MIN
While his stock has fallen over the past few months, Treadwell still is a very good prospect that should have plenty of opportunity in Minnesota.
1.03 – Corey Coleman WR CLE
Immediately the #1 WR on the team, Coleman should get fed the ball plenty. If everything clicks, Coleman has dynasty WR1 potential.
1.04 – Josh Doctson WR WAS
Love Doctson’s ability to go up and get the ball. He should be an immediate red-zone threat that plays frequently opposite DeSean Jackson. However, it’s important to note that Doctson is several years older than both Treadwell and Coleman.
1.05 – Sterling Shepard WR NYG
Thought of mainly as a slot receiver, Shepard has the ability to win on the outside and should make plenty of plays opposite OBJ in the Giants’ West Coast offense.
1.06 – Michael Thomas WR NO
He’s a work-in progress, but has great physical tools. Should challenge Willie Snead for the #2 WR position in New Orleans.
1.07 – Tyler Boyd WR CIN
Maybe the most polarizing player of this dynasty rookie class, Boyd lands in a nice spot and will help replace departed free agents Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu.
1.08 – Derrick Henry RB TEN
I did not expect Tennessee to draft a RB early after trading for DeMarco Murray. While he may not play a ton in his rookie year, Henry has a chance to be “the guy” moving forward in a run-first offense.
1.09 – Kenneth Dixon RB BAL
My favorite running back prospect besides Elliott, Dixon is more talented than Buck Allen and could immediately threaten Justin Forsett for carries.
1.10 – Will Fuller WR HOU
I typically shy away from the big play, low volume receivers that fit the DeSean Jackson mold. That said, there’s no denying Fuller’s talent makes him a borderline 1st rounder in a weak rookie class.
1.11 – Paul Perkins RB NYG
Perkins has a chance to share carries early in the season and potentially be the Giants’ lead back by seasons end.
1.12 – Jordan Howard RB CHI
If you haven’t read it yet, I’d encourage you to check out Mike Clay’s piece on Jeremy Langford’s rookie season. Upon further review, Langford really struggled in year 1. Of course there is room for improvement, but it would not be crazy to see Howard become the lead back in Chicago.
Round 2
2.01 – Leonte Carroo WR MIA
Carroo easily could have found himself as a mid-1st rounder had he landed in a better situation. In Miami, he’ll have to compete with young WRs Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker for targets. Tannehill also is not the ideal quarterback to maximize Carroo’s skill set.
2.02 – CJ Prosise RB SEA
Prosise should be an excellent 3rd down compliment to Thomas Rawls and is clearly an improvement for Seattle on the 2015 version of Fred Jackson.
2.03 – Myles Jack LB JAX
Without the injury concerns, Jack would have firmly cemented himself as a late 1st rounder.
2.04 – Devontae Booker RB DEN
Booker should quickly become the #2 RB in Denver ahead of Ronnie Hillman in Denver’s run-first offense led by Mark Sanchez/Paxton Lynch.
2.05 – Keith Marshall RB WAS
It’s not often a 7th round pick becomes a fantasy commodity, but this is the case for Marshall as the incumbent Matt Jones has done little to secure the job.
2.06 – Tajae Sharpe WR TEN
Many will question whether the sure-handed receiver from UMass can be a productive fantasy WR. In a weak class, I’m willing to take a chance on him in the 2nd round.
2.07 – DeAndre Washington RB OAK
Rumors have swirled this off-season about the Raiders’ lack of confidence in Latavius Murray. DeAndre Washington, the undersized productive running back out of Texas Tech, could immediately push for playing time.
2.08 – Jared Goff QB LA
The face of the LA Rams, Goff has potential to be a franchise QB and potentially a QB1 in fantasy someday.
2.09 – Carson Wentz QB PHI
Wentz should be given the keys to open the 2017 season. I wouldn’t even be shocked if Wentz starts the final few games of 2016 to give him some experience in meaningless games for the Eagles. With experience in a pro-style offense, the Eagles hope he can quickly adapt to the NFL game.
2.10 – Wendell Smallwood RB PHI
I’ll admit that I’m higher on Smallwood than most. I strongly believe he’ll see work behind Ryan Mathews from Week 1. Smallwood’s abilities as a pass blocker and receiver should get him plenty of 2nd and 3rd down work to start the season. Even while playing through an ankle injury, Smallwood carried the ball 238 times for WVU’s run heavy offense. He also showed big play ability as over 30 percent of his carries went for 15+ yards.
2.11 – Darron Lee LB NYJ
Lee is a great fit in Todd Bowles’ scheme. The speedy pass rusher has tons of upside.
2.12 – Kenyan Drake RB MIA
I expected Miami to add a more versatile back to challenge Jay Ajayi for the starting job. Drake projects to be passing down back in Miami, but I wouldn’t expect him to carry the full load if Ajayi gets injured.
Round 3
3.01 – Jonathan Williams RB BUF
Williams could have been a late 1st/early 2nd rookie pick if he landed in a better situation….say Miami for instance. Even in Buffalo, I’ll bet on his talent and take a chance on him.
3.02 – Paxton Lynch QB DEN
Lynch may not be ready to start in 2016, but has a unique combination of size and athleticism. If he puts it all together, he has a chance to be the best fantasy QB of this class.
3.03 – Pharoh Cooper WR LA
Cooper has an opportunity to earn playing time among the Rams’ thin wide receiver core.
3.04 – Braxton Miller WR HOU
At the very least, Miller should be a gadget player who creates mismatches for Bill O’Brien’s offense.
3.05 – Joey Bosa DE SD
Bosa is the best pure pass rusher in this draft and should immediately make an impact in fantasy.
3.06 – Hunter Henry TE SD
The most talented TE in this draft, Henry is a great long-term prospect but don’t expect much in year 1.
3.07 – Malcolm Mitchell WR NE
The Patriots haven’t had much success when drafting receivers lately, but his 2015 season forces me to take notice, especially considering the offense he’s joining.
3.08 – Rashard Higgins WR CLE
One of the best route runners in this draft, Higgins has a great opportunity for early playing time.
3.09 – Jaylon Smith LB DAL
Like Jack, Smith’s value is greatly deflated due to massive injury concerns. I’m slightly more optimistic than I was heading into the draft after Dallas took him early in the 2nd round. It’s also important to note that the Cowboys’ team doctor performed Smith’s surgery. Dallas must feel he’s worth the risk so I’ll take the gamble as well. If you’re a bit more bullish than me, you may need to target him in the 2nd round of rookie drafts to be sure to get him.
3.10 – DeForest Buckner DL SF
San Francisco’s roster severely lacks talent. Destined for a high draft pick again in 2017, DeForest Buckner is a nice building block for the 49ers.
3.11 – Leonard Floyd LB CHI
Floyd needs to be coached up, but the raw talent is intriguing.
3.12 – Mike Thomas WR LA
With an excellent ability to reel in the ball in contested situations, Thomas has a chance to earn playing time with LA in year 1.
Round 4
4.01 – Tyler Ervin RB HOU
4.02 – Reggie Ragland LB BUF
4.03 – Austin Hooper TE ATL
4.04 – Cardale Jones QB BUF
4.05 – Noah Spence DL TB
4.06 – Karl Joseph DB OAK
4.07 – Keanu Neal DB ATL
4.08 – Danny Lasco RB NO
4.09 – Keyarris Garrett WR CAR
4.10 – Shaq Lawson DL BUF
4.11 – Kevin Dodd LB TEN
4.12 – Alex Collins RB SEA
Most Intriguing Pick of Round 4: Cardale Jones – Rumors are swirling that the Bills are lacking confidence in Tyrod Taylor as the long-term solution at QB. Jones has all the physical tools, but is strictly a developmental prospect that needs a great deal of coaching.
Round 5
5.01 – Robert Nkemdiche DL ARI
5.02 – Deion Jones LB ATL
5.03 – Charone Peake WR NYJ
5.04 – Tyler Higbee TE ATL
5.05 – Jalen Ramsey DB JAX
5.06 – Christian Hackenberg QB NYJ
5.07 – Su’a Cravens DB WAS
5.08 – Chris Moore WR BAL
5.09 – Josh Perry LB SD
5.10 – Kenny Lawler WR SEA
5.11 – Darian Thompson DB NYG
5.12 – Sheldon Rankins DL NO
Most Intriguing Pick of Round 5: Christian Hackenberg – His inclusion in the top 60 is strictly due to the confidence the Jets have placed in him. When it comes to Christian Hackenberg, I don’t see it. After a promising freshman year, where he fed now NFL superstar Allen Robinson, he regressed greatly…showing poor accuracy and bad footwork. The arm talent is there, but he needs to be completely rebuilt by this coaching staff.
