2012 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Consensus Top 41-50

Jeff Haverlack Posted On May 13, 2012

In our final installment of the series, we look at a few names that are likely to be drafted in and beyond the fourth round of your rookie draft. For reference, please see our rankings of 1-20 and 21-40.

41. Vick Ballard, RB IND

Ballard has prototypical NFL size and strength, but isn’t as physical as you’d expect. Additionally, his 4.65 speed isn’t going to get him to the corners in the NFL. Over the past few years, the Colts have had a constant rotation of bigger backs in their system for goal line and short yardage work. Last year’s selection of Delone Carter hasn’t panned out and Donald Brown looks to have the inside track for the majority of carries in 2012. Given Brown’s inability to stay healthy for long periods of time and Carter’s underwhelming performance as a rookie, Ballard could see the field. For a late round running back, that’s all you can hope for.

42. Joe Adams, WR CAR

If your league rewards points for return yardage, as well as points per reception (PPR), Adams makes for a great late round addition. He’s not an adept receiver but is extremely agile and dynamic with the ball in his hands. The Panthers will use him for punt and kick returns, but I also expect to see him moved around in an attempt to leverage his playmaking ability by getting him into space. If you play within a format that doesn’t reward PPR or return scoring, just move along.

43. Michael Smith, RB TB

He’s just over 5’8″ but brings 207 lbs. of surprising straight line speed (4.33). I had to do multiple checks to ensure that number was legitimate and it is. Given his speed, he doesn’t bring a great level of inside or phone booth agility, but he’s quick enough to side step tackles and strong enough to run through them. He was part of a larger committee at Utah St. and his upside is largely unknown. Given his pro day performance, however, he’s worth keeping an eye on.

44. Dwayne Allen, TE IND

In a surprising move, the Colts spent another draft pick on the second best tight end in the class after selecting Coby Fleener with their first choice in the second round. Whether influenced by New England’s use of both Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, or due to the fact that Fleener is just short of horrible as an in-line blocker, Allen finds himself now in a time share role that is yet undetermined. Quarterback Andrew Luck is very proficient at getting through his progressions quickly and if Allen can show a level of down-field athleticism at the pro level, he could be a sneaky late selection in fantasy.

45. Marvin McNutt, WR PHI

Marvin McNutt isn’t notable in any one area, but he has enough size to be intriguing. He also has enough speed to be effective should he develop in the mental part of his game and he’s got the hands to make tough catches away from his frame. The downside to McNutt is that he doesn’t stand out and reminds me a lot of Brian Robiskie or Michael Jenkins in that regard. He’s worth a shot late, but on the bottom of a roster.

46. T.Y. Hilton, WR IND

Hilton is much like Joe Adams above, but with greater upside as a receiver in the slot. He’s dynamic and will pay dividends in the return game and seems to be a legitimate playmaker. Andrew Luck is going to have a lot of new toys.

47. Jeff Fuller, WR MIA

I’m not ultra-high on Fuller, but I was surprised to see him go undrafted. He now finds himself in a great situation with the Dolphins. Miami did little to improve their passing game and Fuller, despite not being selected, has a real chance to see the field more quickly than many drafted rookies. Don’t miss the fact that, like Luck and Fleener in Indianapolis, Fuller will catch balls from his collegiate quarterback, Ryan Tannehill.

48. LaVonn Brazill, WR IND

Brazill is a more polished receiver than many would know. He’s great off the line, has good technique out of his breaks and has a suddenness at the top of his routes that could create separate in the NFL. He doesn’t possess great size or speed, but is adequate in both areas. He represents yet another toy for Andrew Luck to develop chemistry with. Which of Luck’s new receivers actually become difference makers is a question without a certain answer. Brazill has as good a chance as any.

49. Chris Rainey, RB PIT

Pittsburgh hasn’t had a Darren Sproles-type back in their offense since the departure of Willie Parker. Even then, Parker represented more of a traditional back than Rainey likely will. He’s sudden, quick, elusive and electric in the open field. He’s not accomplished as an inside runner nor in pass protection. I don’t see either limitation changing in the pros. He’s worth a late round selection, but very few backs like Rainey rise to being legitimate fantasy starters.

50. Orson Charles, TE CIN

Charles is our top 50 “Mr. Irrelevant.” This is a bit of a slide for a player who was once considered the top tight end prospect in the draft by many. He falls to Cincinnati where he’ll be stuck behind the relatively young Jermaine Gresham.

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Jeff Haverlack

Co-Founder at Dynasty League Football

Appreciative husband and proud father who poorly attempts to balance family life with his passion for creating the largest, most helpful and most impactful fantasy community on the planet! DLF was created for the community and we're committed to each member within it! Hope anyone playing this great game will call DLF home in some way!

You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff

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