Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook: Final Rookie Superflex Mock

What a draft. I’m really excited to get into this mock, but before I do, I just want to talk about a few things regarding superflex rookie drafts.

The second round is stacked, and the third round is barren. Before drafts kick off, I would be doing everything I can to gather second rounders, and selling those round three selections.

As I’m sure you know, this is a special quarterback class. Don’t miss out on it. In superflex formats you can never have too many QBs, so don’t be afraid to spend a pick there even if you don’t feel like you really need to.

I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Let’s get into this mock!

Round One

1) Saquon Barkley, RB NYG

I’ve officially run out of things to say about Saquon Barkley. There isn’t a team out there that shouldn’t with 100% confidence draft him here. Barkley is by far the best dynasty prospect in this class. You don’t even have to think about getting fancy with your 1.01 picks.

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2) Derrius Guice, RB WAS

Everyone including myself was in full on panic when Derrius Guice was sliding further than anyone imagined. Once the dust settled though, and his pre-draft process struggles came out (showing up late to draft meetings, etc.), I felt much better. At the end of the day, he’s still the second most talented back in this class and ended up with a team where he’ll be the number one guy.

3) Baker Mayfield, CLE

John Dorsey rolled the dice on Mayfield at number one. This is the perfect situation for him. Mayfield is strolling into Cleveland with some serious young talent to work with. If you’re a QB needy owner, don’t hesitate to spend the 1.02 on the Heisman trophy winner.

4) Josh Rosen, QB ARI

Sam Bradford is the bridge quarterback. With his injury history, Rosen could be the starter early on. Arizona did a lot to give Rosen some added weapons but they still lack a viable offensive line. With his pure talent as a passer, Rosen has franchise quarterback written all over him.

5) Rashaad Penny, RB SEA

I don’t know what to think about Rashaad Penny. Yes, he’s going to get a ton of carries. But the fact is, Seattle’s O-line is downright terrible, and not getting much better. You’ll see a lot of different views on Penny. He’s someone each owner will have to make their own opinion on.

6) DJ Moore, WR CAR

After being the first receiver drafted, Moore has loosely become the consensus WR1. From day one he’ll be the most talented wideout in Carolina and has a chance to be their number one threat for over ten years. You can’t say that about many prospects. Moore’s being undervalued and I’m targeting him as much as I can.

7) Nick Chubb, RB CLE

Nick Chubb is entering a very talented backfield. I wouldn’t count on him being the unquestioned primary back in year one. Eventually however, Chubb will earn that spot and see a lot of touches in on offense on the rise.

8) Sony Michel, RB NE

If Michel truly becomes the Patriots’ franchise back, he’ll be an absolute steal. But how much can we trust any New England back, even if they were a first round pick? It’s a bit of a risk but the on-field talent suggests he’s going to be the primary back in one of the NFL’s best offenses.

9) Calvin Ridley, WR ATL

I love the landing spot for Calvin Ridley. He figures to take over as the second option across from Julio Jones and become a high-end producer catching passes from Matt Ryan. If Ridley is there late in the first, he’s someone I’m trading up to get.

10) Sam Darnold, QB NYJ

Mike Maccagnan traded a lot to make sure Sam Darnold was a Jet. Whenever he becomes the starter, he’ll be inheriting an offense that needs some work. Nevertheless, Darnold has all the tools to become somebody you can’t keep out of your weekly lineup.

11) Lamar Jackson, QB BAL

Ozzie Newsome traded back into the first round to grab Jackson at pick 32, then surrounded him with a lot of talent later in the draft. It’s only a matter of time before the Cardinal takes over for Joe Flacco.

12) Ronald Jones, RB TB

It might not be right away, but Ronald Jones will inevitably be the starting back in Tampa Bay. When he is, watch out. His game-breaking athleticism will completely change an offense that is already among the best in the league.

Round Two

1) Kerryon Johnson, RB DET

Johnson joins a crowded backfield with Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and LeGarrette Blount. With his talent, he should have no problem earning the starting job for Matt Patricia.

2) Courtland Sutton, WR DEN

Sutton will see starter-level playing time and as for now, he’s the Broncos WR1 for the future.

3) Josh Allen, QB BUF

Brandon Beane went all in on Allen. With his rare raw tools, he has a chance to be a true QB1.

4) Christian Kirk, WR ARI

Kirk should step in as the WR2 only to an aging Larry Fitzgerald. Once Fitzgerald is gone he could become the number one receiver for Josh Rosen.

5) Royce Freeman, RB DEN

With C.J. Anderson gone, Royce Freeman should become the lead back which is a rare find in round two.

6) James Washington, WR PIT

With Martavis Bryant gone, James Washington slides in as the deep threat for Roethlisberger.

7) Anthony Miller, WR CHI

Ryan Pace traded up to get Miller who will be in line for playing time right off the bat for the Bears.

8) Michael Gallup, WR DAL

Gallup will most likely start and see consistent targets from Prescott. If he becomes the WR1 he’s a steal at the end of round two.

9) Dante Pettis, WR SF

Pettis will most likely be the number three receiver in a passing game led by Jimmy Garoppolo.

10) DJ Chark, WR JAX

Chark will give Jacksonville a deep threat which will pair nicely with their ground and pound style.

11) Mason Rudolph, QB PIT

With Ben Roethlisberger on his last legs, Mason Rudolph is the quarterback of the future for Mike Tomlin.

12) Mike Gesicki, TE MIA

Gesicki could be the starting tight end for the next decade in Miami. In a few years, we might see him develop into a true TE1.

Round Three

1) Hayden Hurst, TE BAL

Baltimore spent a first rounder on Hurst who they feel can help spark a stale offense.

2) Keke Coutee, WR HOU

Coutee could very well be the long-time WR3 for Deshaun Watson.

3) Antonio Callaway, WR CLE

Mel Kiper called Callaway a first round talent. If he can stay on the straight and narrow he’ll be one of Baker Mayfield’s primary options going forward.

4) Kalen Ballage, RB MIA

After Frank Gore retires (if he ever does), Kalen Ballage should be in heavy rotation with Kenyan Drake.

5) Tre’Quan Smith, WR NO

Mickey Loomis drafted Smith in round three to give Drew Brees yet another weapon.

6) Nyheim Hines, RB IND

Hines will be the primary backup and see a lot of time as a receiving back for Andrew Luck.

7) DaeSean Hamilton, WR DEN

Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas are coming off expensive contracts after 2019. Hamilton could become a starter in 2020.

8) Cedrick Wilson, WR DAL

Wilson should make the roster and will have a chance to earn snaps with how thin Dallas is at WR.

9) Jordan Akins, TE HOU

C.J. Fiedorowicz has retired. Jordan Akins should be the starting tight end in a high powered offense.

10) Daurice Fountain, WR IND

Fountain has a good chance to grab that WR2 spot for Indianapolis in the future.

11) Kyle Lauletta, QB NYG

Eli Manning’s years are numbered. Lauletta is the frontrunner in my eyes to be the future starter.

12) Ito Smith, RB ATL

Tevin Coleman is most likely gone after 2018. Ito Smith would likely begin to receive consistent touches.

Round Four

1) Dallas Goedert, TE PHI

Goedert was my TE1 on talent, but most likely won’t get a starting job unless he’s traded. Zach Ertz is under contract in Philly through 2021.

2) Mark Andrews, TE BAL

Baltimore doesn’t mind using a lot of tight ends, Mark Andrews should produce even if he’s not the starter.

3) Dalton Schultz, TE DAL

With Jason Witten retiring, Dalton Schultz might be the primary tight end for Dak Prescott.

4) Deon Cain, WR IND

The Colts wide receiver position is anything but set and Deon Cain could see heavy snaps early on.

5) Jordan Lasley, WR BAL

If Lasley can stay out of trouble, he should be a viable contributor in Baltimore.

6) J’Mon Moore, WR GB

Moore has as good a chance as anyone to be the third or fourth receiver for Aaron Rodgers.

7) Jaylen Samuels, RB PIT

We don’t know how Pittsburgh will use Jaylen Samuels but his talent makes him worth taking a chance on.

8) Mark Walton, RB CIN

With Jeremy Hill gone, Mark Walton takes his spot in a talented backfield.

9) Chris Herndon, TE NYJ

Herndon could very well be the immediate and long term starter for the Jets.

10) John Kelly, RB LAR

Kelly fits well in the Rams offense but is cemented behind perhaps the best running back in the NFL.

11) Jaleel Scott, WR BAL

Scott joins a crowded WR room that looks pretty open going forward.

12) Equanimeous St. Brown, WR GB

St. Brown slipped all the way to the compensatory portion of round six before being picked up by Green Bay.

Next Best Available

Ian Thomas, TE CAR

Thomas is the frontrunner to take over for Greg Olsen when he hangs up the cleats.

Chase Edmonds, RB ARI

Edmunds has a good shot at being the primary backup to David Johnson.

Justin Watson, WR TB

Watson should make the roster and have a chance to earn good playing time in a few years.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR GB

Valdes-Scantling was the second of three late round receivers the Packers picked up.

Braxton Berrios, WR NE

He’s not a lock to make the roster, but Berrios is exactly the kind of receiver Belichick and Brady love to use.

That wraps up this edition of “Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook”. Please leave a comment or question about a specific prospect, or fit for your team, below. Feel free to shoot me a question on Twitter (@NFL_Drafthub), I’m always happy to interact with football fans. See you next time!

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