Pre-Combine What If? Rookie Mock Draft Round Two

Ryan McDowell Posted On February 19, 2017

I recently shared a pre-Combine dynasty rookie mock based on the seven-round NFL mock draft compiled by Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. We all know one of the key aspects that makes this rookie class so appealing is the depth, so I wanted to share a potential second round as well. Here we go!

2.01 – Cooper Kupp, WR Eastern Washington

Bengals (Round 2, Pick 41)

I haven’t been thinking about Kupp as a fringe first round dynasty rookie pick, but being tabbed as an early second rounder and landing in Cincinnati, who needs a complementary option across from AJ Green would really boost Kupp’s value. Kupp owns nearly every receiving record at the FCS level and being the fourth wide receiver drafted overall would speak volumes about how the NFL sees him.

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2.02 – D’Onta Foreman, RB Texas

Lions (2.53)

There are several running backs in this range and landing spot, combined with draft capital will go a long way in determining exactly where their value lies. In the case of Foreman, the NCAA leader in rushing yardage last season, this is an ideal spot. The Lions already have Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah, but neither have the all-around game to carry the backfield, but both are certainly good enough to play a role for Detroit. This means the Lions could be looking for a thumper and Foreman could be perfect for that job.

2.03 – Jamaal Williams, RB BYU

Redskins (3.81)

After Matt Jones proved to be a mirage, the Redskins will be in the market for a running back too. Depending on what you think of last year’s rookie surprise Rob Kelley, the Skins could be after a role player or an every down back. Williams is somewhere in between and has the potential to win the full-time gig. While I like the Washington landing spot over Detroit, the nearly full round difference between the two backs is enough to push Foreman ahead.

2.04 – Wayne Gallman, RB Clemson

Raiders (3.88)

Another running back needy team could be the Oakland Raiders, who are expected to let free agent Latavius Murray walk as a free agent. Murray led the backfield, but rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard also played a role. With Gallman added to the mix, we could see another three-man rotation. I would consider the former Clemson runner the most talented back of the group and he could claim the large part of the committee attack.

2.05 – Evan Engram, TE Ole Miss

Browns (2.50)

This now makes three tight ends in the top 17 rookie picks. I’ve already noted how unusual this is, but this is probably the best group of rookie tight ends to enter the league since my time playing dynasty football. Ending up with the Browns is not viewed as an excellent option, but we’ve seen recent production from the spot as veteran Gary Barnidge broke out in 2015. Engram is viewed as more of a pass-catching specialist and has even been rumored to switch to wide receiver. He’d form a strong trio with Terrelle Pryor, assuming Cleveland can retain him, and Corey Coleman.

2.06 – Isaiah Ford, WR Virginia Tech

Eagles (3.76)

All four teams in the NFC East could use some wide receiver help and that group makes up three of the four picks here in the middle of the second round. Ford has been the go-to option for the Hokies for the past couple of seasons and he could step into a key role with the Eagles immediately. Both young receivers Dorial Green-Beckham and Nelson Agholor have failed to impress and it would be no surprise if a wideout selected on day one or two of the NFL Draft quickly bypasses the pair of incumbents.

2.07 – Zay Jones, WR East Carolina

Giants (2.55)

Another hot name in the draft and dynasty community is former East Carolina wideout Jones, who posted some massive production for the Pirates in 2016. With Victor Cruz now gone, the Giants have a glaring need behind Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard, though if we’re being honest, that need was there even before Cruz was cut. Jones would likely be the third option, at best, in the New York passing game, which pushes him down to this point despite being a second-round NFL Draft pick.

2.08 – Samaje Perine, RB Oklahoma

Bengals (4.113)

Oklahoma’s Perine has been viewed as a likely first round dynasty rookie pick, but we have to acknowledge that not all of this deep running back class will land in ideal spots. While I do expect the Bengals to use a pick in this range on a runner considering both Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill have been average NFL players, I also expect that player to lose some value as a result of a perceived poor landing spot. Perine could prove to be a steal at this point of dynasty rookie drafts.

2.09 – Carlos Henderson, WR Louisiana Tech

Cowboys (2.60)

The Cowboys fixed their backfield issues a year ago with the first-round selection of Ezekiel Elliott and happened into their quarterback of the future, Dak Prescott. Now it is time to find a running mate for star receiver Dez Bryant. One of the most underrated incoming rookie receivers if former Louisiana Tech star Carlos Henderson. The team could also be shopping for a tight end, but with Terrance Williams entering free agency, and also failing to impress throughout his Dallas tenure, Henderson could walk into a starting job.

2.10 – Chris Godwin, WR Penn State

Packers (3.93)

At this point, I’m just not doubting Ted Thompson and the Packers front office when it comes to mid-round wide receiver picks. They’ve nailed this year after year and they continue to invest, which should make dynasty owners happy. Godwin is another underrated player who is seemingly growing on the community. With a late second round pick, I’m blinding trusting the Packers history.

2.11 – Malachi Dupre, LSU

Buccaneers (4.123)

Dupre is a confounding player. He entered LSU as a prize recruit and posted a solid freshman season. Since then, he’s done next to nothing, though a lot of that has to do with the quarterback play he’s suffered through in the Bayou. Dupre is the type of talented player I love to spend second and third round picks on, but if he falls to the end of the fourth round, it will be difficult to take him much higher than this. He would be a nice fit with the Bucs, who are intent on adding talent around the Winston/Evans duo.

2.12 – Kareem Hunt, RB Toledo

Saints (4.115)

It might come as a surprise, but the Saints are routinely one of the highest scoring fantasy teams for running back production. While Mark Ingram is viewed as the star of the backfield, the Saints have often used multiple backs, even subpar talents like veteran Tim Hightower. Hunt would give New Orleans a younger option to pair with Ingram and looks like an easy pick at the end of the second round.

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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.