2013 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Consensus 21-30

Ken Kelly Posted On May 4, 2013

When you reach this far into your rookie draft, it’s time to roll the dice and hope for the best. At the end of round two and the beginning of round three, the bust rate of players is astronomical. However, this draft does seem to have some perceived depth to it to make up for its lack of star power. Chances are a few of these players will hit and you’ll be rewarded by your research. We’ve completed our review of DLF’s Consensus Top Ten Dynasty Rookie Rankings and followed that up with #11-#20, so here are the rookies we’ve ranked #21-#30.

21. Quinton Patton, WR SF

If you haven’t seen Quinton Patton play, you’re not alone. After all, there aren’t too many people out there who follow Louisiana Tech like they do USC or Notre Dame. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t play just because he’s not from a big school. In fact, if it’s production you like, Patton’s your guy as he posted 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns on a gaudy 104 receptions last season for the “other” Bulldogs.

The physical numbers on Patton aren’t eye popping, but he also doesn’t have too many flaws. He’s blessed with good speed, decent size and great hands. He runs good routes and gets open, though he didn’t always face elite competition. One thing we do like is he wasn’t shy about the spotlight. He had his own personal battle with Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M last year when he recorded a ridiculous 21 catches for 233 yards and four touchdowns in a 59-57 loss to the Aggies.

Patton lands in a murky situation with the 49ers. San Francisco is suddenly loaded with talent and Patton will have to likely play on special teams and battle last year’s first round pick, AJ Jenkins, for playing time next year. With Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin ahead of him on the depth chart, there won’t be much initial playing time to be had. If you’re a patient owner, Patton could develop down the line – just don’t expect instant gratification with your selection of him.

22. Aaron Dobson, WR NE

With the loss of Brandon Lloyd and Wes Welker, most expected the Pats to use a relatively high pick on a receiver, but few expected it to be Dobson. There are many other receivers in the class seemingly more talented than he is, but this is a golden situation for the youngster if he can take advantage.

In the Patriots complicated aerial attack, receivers need to be incredibly smart, not incredibly talented, just ask Chad Ochocinco about that. If Dobson can grasp the system quickly, he could make a quick impact since there’s not a ton of talent ahead of him on the roster. Unfortunately, he’d be the fourth option at best behind Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola even in a best case scenario. Still, he’s worth a shot this late for sure.

23. Joseph Randle, RB DAL

It’s been written (probably overwritten) about Randle being a clone of current Dallas running back DeMarco Murray in several ways. He’s a quality runner, but gets nicked up quite a bit. In fact, he has a thumb injury that’s slowing him down right now.

The upside with Randle is obvious – if and when Murray goes down, he should be able to beat out Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner for the starting job. Expectations should be tempered on Randle since many doubt he can handle the pounding at the NFL level, but there are far worse fliers out there to take this late in a rookie draft.

24. Kenny Stills, WR NO

In this tier of wide receivers, it’s hard to find a better landing spot than Stills received when he was drafted by New Orleans. The Saints have a need at the position and there’s no doubt Joseph Morgan will get the first crack at replacing Devery Henderson. Stills should battle Nick Toon in camp for playing time and this will be a competition worth noting in dynasty leagues. At this point, Stills has to be considered the favorite.

25. Matt Barkley, QB PHI

Barkley’s fall to day three of the NFL Draft was one of the biggest storylines of draft weekend. In the end, he ended up in a nice spot for his dynasty value. While many people are simply dismissing him since he’s going to Chip Kelly’s fast paced offense, it could be a mistake. While many quarterbacks who have been successful in this system have elite athleticism (something Barkley is lacking), the most important trait for a quarterback in the Eagles offense isn’t athleticism, it’s intelligence – Barkley is no slouch in that area.

Anyone who takes him will likely have to wait until at least next year to see him compete for a starting job, but the wait could be worth it if he can grasp the system and grow in what should be a redshirt season. It’s just hard to see Michael Vick as the future in Philadelphia much longer.

26. Travis Kelce, TE KC

I personally have Kelce rated highest amongst the DLF crew – I think he could be the steal of the draft at the position. While many are clamoring for Tyler Eifert or Zach Ertz as their developmental rookie tight end, I have as much confidence in Kelce becoming a significant contributor as I do the others. Thing is, Kelce comes at a cheaper price. He was a very productive player in college and is a very natural athlete. He has some growing to do, but so does everyone else you’ll find in this range. With the tight end tiers being so close, I’d rather take the player with the highest (or at least equally high) ceiling and lowest floor at this point in the draft over the other two much earlier.

27. Andre Ellington, RB ARI

There’s not too much to get excited about with Ellington, though he does most things pretty well. While it’s likely he’s “just a guy” at the position, the Cardinals really have a backfield in flux. Rashard Mendenhall looks to be the workhorse this year, but he’s on a one year deal. Ryan Williams hasn’t been able to stay on the field, either. Ellington will battle Stepfan Taylor for a roster spot in camp, with the loser likely headed to the practice squad or the waiver wire. We like Ellington in that battle, but it’s going to be a close race between the two.

28. Mike Gillislee, RB MIA

Gillislee found himself in a nice spot as the former Gator gets to play close to home with the Dolphins. Lamar Miller is unproven and Daniel Thomas is looking more and more like a total bust. If Miller fails to capitalize on his opportunity, there could be some value found here for sure.

29. Ryan Swope, WR ARI

Swope flew under the radar for much of the draft process, but he was a productive player at Texas A&M where he caught 72 passes for 913 yards and eight scores from the aforementioned Johnny Manziel last year. He was a running back in High School and is very elusive in the open field. He’s quick (4.34 40) and has very strong hands as well. He’s a sleeper for sure, but make sure you’re awake enough in this round to recognize he does have quite a bit of ability.

30. Knile Davis, RB KC

If you like players who can’t stay on the field, fumble all the time and are backups to premier players, Davis is your guy! All kidding aside, it’s tough to see him carving out much of a role with his brittle nature and fumbling problems. However, he’s not starving for talent. Perhaps Coach Reid has found a diamond in the rough.

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK