What if? Rookie Mock Draft, Round Two

Ryan McDowell Posted On February 19, 2015

winston

Last week, I created a first round dynasty rookie mock based on the recently released full seven round mock draft by Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. We all know about the depth of this draft class, so obviously one round was not enough. Here’s the second round of possible rookie picks based on Miller’s draft.

Round Two

2.01 Mike Davis, RB SD (Round 3, Pick 19)

Just a year ago, former South Carolina running back Mike Davis was favored to be the third back off the board in 2015 rookie drafts following the Gurley/Gordon tier, but in the 2014 season, Davis took a step back in nearly every rushing statistic and he did not look to be the dominant back we once thought he was. In early dynasty rookie mock drafts, he’s sometimes even falling to the third round, but if he were to end up in sunny San Diego, his value would increase.

The Chargers are expected to part ways with free agent Ryan Mathews, leaving scat backs Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead, who is also recovering from a season ending injury. Neither of those players are lead back candidates, so adding a bruising player like Davis would be an upgrade for the Chargers. Davis would have an excellent chance to lead the team in carries and while I still don’t believe in him long-term, he would have a great deal of value in a two year window.

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

2.02 TJ Yeldon, RB OAK (Round 3, Pick 4)

Fantasy players seem to have a love-hate relationship with the former Crimson Tide back Yeldon. Two years ago, Yeldon and Gurley were both coming off breakout true freshmen seasons and were neck in neck to be the top ranked devy player. In fact, I opted for Yeldon over Gurley in at least one league.

The knock on Yeldon is the uncertainty of his lead back potential. We all know Alabama is always loaded at the running back position and Yeldon hasn’t had to do some of the things he might be asked to by NFL coaches. While the Oakland Raiders have failed to develop homegrown offensive talent as of late, they do have talented runner Latavius Murray, who would make a good backfield partner for Yeldon.

2.03 Jameis Winston, QB TB (Round 1, Pick 1)

Although he’s the top pick in the NFL Draft according to this mock draft, the Heisman winner Winston falls to the second round of this dynasty draft, mostly due to the current state of quarterback value across most dynasty leagues. If you don’t have Aaron Rodgers or Andrew Luck, many owners are satisfied to carry a committee of lower ranked quarterbacks, shuffling them on a weekly basis. The success of this strategy has damaged the overall value of all quarterbacks in dynasty leagues and will likely lead to the first round of rookie drafts being filled with running backs and receivers.

In Tampa Bay, Winston would have a couple of built in weapons in the passing game with second year players Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. We all saw Winston favor another big target (Kelvin Benjamin) in the Seminoles’ national championship season two years ago and that could be a good sign for the continued fantasy success of Evans, and a possible breakout for Seferian-Jenkinks.

2.04 Sammie Coates, WR SD (Round 2, Pick 16)

There are some questions about Coates’ ability, namely the bad hands often on display, but he also has a propensity to make a big catch and outrun the defense. The Chargers have Keenan Allen in place, but aging pass catchers Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates, who won’t be around forever. I could see Coates having a quiet year in San Diego though, making this pick a risk.

2.05 David Cobb, RB NYJ (Round 3, Pick 6)

Minnesota’s David Cobb has been a riser as of late as more and more dynasty players see his highlight film. He’s a versatile back and the Jets are expected to part ways with Chris Johnson, leaving Chris Ivory and not much else. Cobb would have a chance for some early touches in the Jets’ offense, which is in need of an overhaul.

2.06 Marcus Mariota, QB NYJ (Round 1, Pick 6)

Speaking of the Jets, Geno Smith is not the answer and the Jets are ready to move on, according to Miller’s mock. Choosing Oregon’s Heisman winner with the sixth overall pick would show a clear level of commitment to Mariota. Unfortunately, the Jets currently lack the players on offense to support any quarterback. They did add Eric Decker a year ago via free agency, but the list of quality pass catchers ends there. Not only does this team need a replacement for Smith, but some players to throw to as well. Judging the Jets’ quarterback versus the Buccaneers quarterback leads to an easy choice in rookie drafts.

2.07 Nelson Agholor, WR GB (Round 2, Pick 30)

Here’s another player who has a lot of questions surrounding his game as we head into the heart of draft season. Former Trojan receiver Nelson Agholor is next in line of a series of seemingly overrated USC wide receivers and he’s drawn comparisons oddly enough to his former teammate Marqise Lee. I like Agholor, though there’s not one thing he does exceptionally well. Ending up with the Packers wouldn’t hurt. Remember, dynasty owners ignore Randall Cobb years ago because he was buried on that depth chart, but smart owners noticed Donald Driver was nearing the end of his career and James Jones was nothing special. Agholor’s climb up the chart won’t be so easy, especially if Cobb re-signs with the Packers, but at this point in the draft, I’m glad to take a player whose quarterback is Aaron Rodgers.

2.08 Javorius Allen, RB DAL (Round 4, Pick 28)

We’ll go with back-to-back former USC stars in the mid-second round. Allen is not currently considered a top running back prospect as he’s limited in the passing game and also a bit older than most of his contemporaries in this draft class. With that said, ending up with the Cowboys would change things quickly. At this early point in the off-season, many expect record-breaking running back DeMarco Murray to suit up for a different team in 2015 as the Cowboys must find a way to keep both he and star receiver Dez Bryant. Even if Murray does stay in Dallas, Allen could be an upgrade over backup Joseph Randle, who continues to have off-field issues and has not done enough on the field to earn a pardon.

2.09 Ameer Abdullah, RB HOU (Round 4, Pick 17)

Former Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah began his final college season a tear, but slowed down as the season wore on, which can be expected with his relatively small stature. Honestly, I’m not exactly sure if Houston would be a good landing spot or not. Obviously, starter Arian Foster is still there, though age and injuries are both a concern at this point in his career. Also, last year’s rookie Alfred Blue surprised everyone with his solid play. They don’t have anyone like Abdullah, so I think he would have a role, I’m just not sure of how important he becomes there.

2.10 Stefon Diggs, WR DET (Round 5, Pick 22)

Maryland’s playmaker Stefon Diggs is the wide receiver version of Mike Davis. A year ago, he was essentially a lock to be a first round dynasty rookie pick, but injuries and subpar play have knocked him out of contention for that honor. The lack of success for other similar players (like Percy Harvin and Tavon Austin) hasn’t helped either. Diggs is a risky player, but the later draft pick spent, the less risk and late in the second round and on a team like Detroit, I’d be willing to gamble.

2.11 Devin Smith, WR MIA (Round 2, Pick 15)

Smith has been a player who has some dynasty players confused already and we’re still months from the draft. Some draftniks have him pegged as high as the late first round, while many don’t see any special talents. Count me among the latter group. Smith was a good player, from what I saw during his time at Ohio State, but I don’t see a future fantasy star. I consider him kind of a poor man’s Jarvis Landry, though he’s a bit bigger than Landry. He could have some opportunity in Miami though, especially if the rumors are true regarding Mike Wallace’s departure.

2.12 Josh Robinson, RB JAX (Round 6, Pick 4)

With the final pick in the second round, I’ll opt for a personal favorite and a player I think is being underrated by many. Former Mississippi State runner Robinson can do it all and runs tough. The Jaguars have some questions at running back, even with the breakout season of Denard Robinson last year. Adding a versatile player like the rookie Robinson would allow the team to move on from free agent bust Toby Gerhart as they continue to build their young offense.

[/am4show]

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.