Developing Assets: What if?

Ryan McDowell Posted On January 11, 2014

watkins

With the college season now over, it’s time for dynasty owners to fully turn their attention towards the upcoming NFL draft and their subsequent dynasty rookie drafts. It’s never too early to plan and prepare or learn a little more about the incoming class of rookies. And a deep class it is!

During this season of preparation, one activity I especially enjoy is reading NFL mock drafts and thinking about the impact that would be felt across the league and dynasty leagues if these predictions came to fruition. I have seen many say that mock drafts this early are a waste of time, and while many of the player and team matchups won’t work out the way they are predicted, it is still a fun way to pass the time and learn about these players at the same time.

One mock draft I especially enjoy reading is the full seven round mock draft periodically put together by Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. One of these such drafts was posted a couple of weeks ago and I thought it would be fun to see how dynasty rookie drafts might play out if the NFL draft went just the way Matt sees it going.

A couple of notes before we begin. Matt wrote this mock draft nearly two weeks ago. Because of this, some players he mocked at certain picks have decided to return to school, while some who were not included have elected to leave a year early. For the basis of this mock draft, I have assumed Matt nailed each and every one of these picks. Here’s what could happen.

1.01 Sammy Watkins, WR STL (2^nd overall pick, 1^st round)

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins out of Clemson lands in St. Louis after the Rams use the second overall pick to take yet another wide receiver. Remember, last year they selected Tavon Austin with a top ten pick. This is not the ideal landing spot for Watkins, but it doesn’t hurt him enough to move him out of the top overall spot.

1.02 Marqise Lee, WR SF (24^th overall pick, 1^st round)

This draft is so balanced, and as a result there are many fine options for the second pick, but in San Francisco, Marqise Lee will line up alongside Michael Crabtree to give quarterback Colin Kaepernick one of the league’s top receiving duos. Lee’s value has taken a hit over the past season due to injuries and poor quarterback play, but we’ve seen this story before, right Keenan Allen?

1.03 Tre Mason, RB JAX (39^th overall pick, 2^nd round)

Since Matt wrote this mock, the National Championship game was played and the nation saw running back Tre Mason go to work. The junior looked good for most of the game and lands in the ideal spot as Jacksonville says goodbye to Maurice Jones-Drew and Mason has a chance to start from day one.

1.04 Lache Seastrunk, RB CLE (71^st overall pick, 3^rd round)

For much of the past season, Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk has been considered the top running back prospect, but others have seemingly caught up to him with some strong play down the stretch. The Browns had absolutely no running game this season and have to be looking for some balance in their offense. Seastrunk is another rookie who could see extensive playing time from the jump.

1.05 Jordan Matthews, WR DET (45^th overall pick, 2^nd round)

I mentioned in this week’s Dynasty Stock Market that the Lions are likely to draft a wide receiver with an early round pick and Vanderbilt wide receiver Jordan Matthews has been called the most pro-ready of the deep receiver class. Being able to line up beside Calvin Johnson would be a dream come true for Matthews and would help his dynasty value spike early.

1.06 Carlos Hyde, RB HOU (65^th overall pick, 3^rd round)

Ohio State senior running back Carlos Hyde is yet another runner that is landing in a perfect spot. The Texans will have Arian Foster back from his injury, but backup Ben Tate will be moving on via free agency and Foster will need to be replaced himself within the next couple of seasons. Hyde impressed and gained value in his final college season as the workhorse back for one of the top teams in the country.

1.07 Kelvin Benjamin, WR PIT (46^th overall pick, 2^nd round)

After Antonio Brown, the Steelers have few options at the wide receiver position. While the team drafted Markus Wheaton last season, he did little as a rookie and is still somewhat of an unknown. Kelvin Benjamin is the big athletic target that could dominate the red zone for Pittsburgh.

1.08 Davante Adams, WR BAL (48^th overall pick)

Former Fresno State wideout Davante Adams lands in a similar spot as Benjamin- a traditional power lacking at the wide receiver position. With Jacoby Jones a possible cap casualty, Adams should see playing time immediately and could become the team’s top receiving option sooner than we expect.

1.09 Mike Evans, WR NYJ (18^th overall pick, 1^st round)

Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans is the second wideout selected in Matt’s mock draft, but landing with the Jets and quarterback Geno Smith could be enough to cause him to tumble down rookie draft boards. While I am not confident in the Jets’ offense either, falling this far makes Evans a huge value.

1.10 Eric Ebron, TE MIA (19^th overall pick, 1^st round)

There has already been much debate about which of the top three tight ends will be the best fantasy option. They are so closely ranked that the teams that draft them will play a large role in determining early dynasty value. In Matt’s mock, Eric Ebron is the first off the board and we follow suit here. It would be interesting to see how the yet to be hired offensive coordinator uses Ebron along with Charles Clay.

1.11 Ka’Deem Carey, RB NYG (74^th overall pick, 3^rd round)

We go back to the running backs with Arizona back Ka’Deem Carey going to the Giants. With the uncertainty of both Andre Brown and David Wilson due to checkered injury history, the Giants have to be concerned and adding a back in the draft makes perfect sense. With the assumption that Brown will be re-signed, Carey is unlikely to start, but could be part of a committee early on.

1.12 Bishop Sankey, RB MIA (81^st overall pick, 3^rd round)

A year ago, Lamar Miller was expected to be the future at the running back position, but after his second full season, the team, and his dynasty owners are having some serious doubt that he will turn into a fantasy starter. Adding Sankey to the mix with Miller and Daniel Thomas could play out like what we saw in St. Louis this past season, with Zac Stacy taking the job from a pair of ineffective backs.

2.01 Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE SEA (32^nd overall pick, 1^st round)

Austin Seferian-Jenkins entered the season as the hands down top tight end prospect, but some off the field issues and tremendous play of a pair of surprising tight ends in Ebron and Jace Amaro knocked down Seferian-Jenkins’ stock quite a bit. The Seahawks should know the University of Washington product well and head coach Pete Carroll is never afraid to give a player a second chance. The Seahawks have a pair of capable tight ends in Zach Miller and Luke Willson, but they are lacking a playmaker like ASJ.

2.02 Teddy Bridgewater, QB HOU (1^st overall pick, 1^st round)

The first overall pick falls to the second round of this rookie draft as quarterbacks are often ignored in favor of playmakers at the skill positions. This would be a bargain for Teddy Bridgewater as he could be considered a top ten dynasty quarterback as early as draft day. There is an excellent chance he could start immediately and he already has a top pair of receivers in Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins.

2.03 Jace Amaro, TE KC (23^rd overall pick, 1^st round)

The third tight end to come off the board is Jace Amaro and lands with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs drafted Travis Kelce last season, but he missed the entire year after undergoing microfracture surgery. The Chiefs’ offense will continue to run through Jamaal Charles, but adding some pass catchers for Alex Smith is a priority this off-season.

2.04 Odell Beckham, WR CLE (28^th overall pick, 1^st round)

LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham is an underrated player who could surprise and do exactly what Matt has predicted, become a first round pick. We all know now that the plan in Cleveland last season was to pass, pass and pass some more as Josh Gordon exploded and Greg Little disappointed. The team is clearly looking for an upgrade at the second wide receiver spot, but until we know the coaching staff, it’s difficult to evaluate this pick.

2.05 Johnny Manziel, QB CLE (4^th overall pick, 1^st round)

One of the most publicized players in many years is former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. After putting his talents on display in the Texas A&M win, Manziel’s draft stock seemed to skyrocket and many draft analysts and fans are projecting the Browns to use the fourth overall pick on their next quarterback. Manziel is obviously an exciting player to watch and his rushing ability adds to his fantasy value in most leagues. Again, like Beckham, its difficult to fully analyze this pick until the Browns make some hires.

2.06 Allen Robinson, WR NE (30^th overall pick, 1^st round)

One of my favorite wide receivers in the draft is Allen Robinson from Penn State who end up in the suddenly crowded receiving group of the New England Patriots. The Pats did everything they could to fill the holes left after last off-season and added a trip of rookies in Aaron Dobson, Josh Boyce and Kenbrell Thompkins. Each of the three had some varying levels of success, but each will be expected to contribute, along with veterans Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. Robinson would have to scratch and claw to earn any early playing time.

2.07 Brandin Cooks, WR CAR (29^th overall player, 1^st round)

This is a pick I have projected myself recently. It is clear that the Carolina Panthers need to add a receiving threat for quarterback Cam Newton, but the question entering the off-season is do they try to replace Steve Smith or add a big-bodied wideout. With this pick of speedy Brandin Cooks, they would clearly be trying to replace Smith. I would greatly prefer the Panthers target a player like Adams, Robinson or Benjamin.

2.08 Donte Moncrief, WR IND (60^th overall player, 2^nd round)

The Indianapolis Colts receiving depth chart has been a tough one to figure this season. At times, they seem to have a deep group filled with high upside talent, but at times those same players are struggling and the team is languishing the loss of Reggie Wayne. Wayne returns next season, and TY Hilton and Da’Rick Rogers will as well, meaning little playing time early on for a rookie. Donte Moncrief is somewhat raw and was overshadowed by a true freshman this past season. Allowing him time to sit and learn would not be a nad thing at all.

2.09 Marion Grice, RB ATL (99^th overall player, 4^th round)

Marion Grice is one of the best pass catching running backs in the draft and with Steven Jackson getting up there in years, the Falcons have to think about his replacement soon. I’m not sure if Grice can be an every down back, but he can be a contributor. I wonder if this pick would spell the end of Jacquizz Rodgers in Atlanta.

2.10 Charles Sims, RB TEN (139^th overall pick, 5^th round)

Another team that will be on the look out for a running back is the Tennessee Titans, who are likely to part ways with former All-Pro Chris Johnson this off-season. Veteran Shonn Greene will get a shot to be the team’s starter, but Charles Sims is another acclaimed pass catcher out of the backfield and could help form a respectable duo for the Titans.

2.11 Andre Williams, RB NYJ (80^th overall pick, 3^rd round)

Let’s face it, the New York Jets are a mess. They have their quarterback of the future, we think, in Geno Smith and in this draft, they’ve already added a wide receiver in Evans, so it’s time to turn to the running back position. The team does have Chris Ivory, whom they traded for last off-season, but he was unspectacular and fits better in a timeshare situation. Big Andre Williams, the Heisman finalist fits the bill as the power back to Ivory’s speed.

2.12 Jay Ajayi, RB OAK (171^st overall pick, 5^th round)

Running back Jay Ajayi is one of my favorite runners, though he’s only a redshirt sophomore (and has yet to declare for the draft). The Raiders offense is another team that has many holes to fill. They’ve experimented at quarterback this year and came away basically empty handed, while running back Darren McFadden again dealt with injuries. He’ll be finding a new team this off-season and while the team does have returning rookie Latavius Murray, he is no sure thing either. Adding some competition in the form of Ajayi is just what the Raiders need.

Author
Recent Posts

Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.