A View from the 1.07: Rookie Draft Strategy
For many dynasty players, the highlight of the off-season is the annual rookie draft and we are now less than three weeks away from many of those drafts kicking off. Once our respective dynasty teams are eliminated from contention, and sometimes even before, we tend to turn our attention to the incoming rookie class and delusions of grandeur take over. In fact, dynasty players spend nearly the entire off-season preparing for how they will use their draft picks, or if they will use them at all.
In this 12-part series, I’ll use the latest data available here at Dynasty League Football, namely our April Rookie ADP and the Dynasty Trade Finder, to ensure you are as prepared as possible when your draft begins. Based on our most recent ADP data, I’ll suggest the player you could be soon adding to your team, and if you don’t like that, I’ll also include a potential pivot option.
Also, I’ll include options based on the updated 2QB rookie ADP for those who play in that format. Finally, using the Dynasty Trade Finder, I will examine some recent trades that have taken place with each specific draft pick. Each trade is based on 12 team PPR, one QB leagues.
We all know the first round of rookie drafts includes the players we’ve been hearing about for months, if not years, but difference makers can be found in the second round and beyond, as well. Because of that, I’ll also address the other picks that accompany each respective first-round draft slot.
1.07
The Pick: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
As did several members of the LSU offense, Edwards-Helaire enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2019 as the Tigers marched toward a title. Edwards-Helaire was a huge factor in the passing game, as his 55 receptions were good for a top-five rank in the country. Edwards-Helaire’s (lack of) size and speed have some brushing him off while others rank him as the RB1 for fantasy purposes. A perfect landing spot could push CEH all the way into the top three picks in a dynasty rookie draft.
Possible Pivots:
If Edwards-Helaire does get pushed up the board, that just pushes down a top prospect like Cam Akers or maybe even his LSU teammate Justin Jefferson moves up into this range with an ideal landing spot.
Trade Value:
- 1.07, 3.02 for Melvin Gordon, 2021 third
- 1.07 for Mark Ingram, Alexander Mattison
- 1.07, Noah Fant for Allen Robinson, 2.12
Super-Flex Options: Cam Akers, RB
While he is just outside the “big three” of elite running back prospects, there is a clear path for Florida State’s Akers to become the best back in the group. The stories of Akers’ pathetic offensive line play limiting his production are well-known now and Akers entered college as the top-ranked back in his class.
2.07
The Pick: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB
After beginning his college career at Illinois, Vaughn made the move to Vanderbilt and became one of the best backs in the SEC, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his final two seasons. Vaughn has the size but runs stiff and has little burst. He’s likely a committee back at best.
Possible Pivots:
If you’re not interested in Vaughn, other targets include Bryan Edwards, Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Pittman and Antonio Gibson.
Trade Value:
- 2.07 for Alshon Jeffery
- 2.07, 2021 first, Tyrell Williams for Kenny Golladay
- 2.07, OJ Howard for Austin Hooper, 4.07
Super-Flex Options: Jalen Hurts, QB
There has been a lot of hype recently building for Hurts. It wasn’t that long ago that Hurts was not even being considered as a pro prospect at the quarterback position. Hurts enjoyed huge success in his final season after transferring to Oklahoma, even drawing Heisman consideration. Hurts believers see him as the next in the line of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, who rack up yardage (and fantasy points) with their feet and arms. This could end up being the floor for where Hurts is drafted in super-flex leagues.
3.07
The Pick: Joshua Kelley, RB
After transferring to UCLA from a junior college, Kelley was immediately productive, rushing for more than 1,000 yards in each of his two years. Thanks to his sturdy build, Kelley often welcomes contact and breaks away from tacklers. He’s also a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield. With early day three draft capital, Kelley will make for an excellent third-round rookie pick.
Possible Pivots:
In addition to Kelley, other players being drafted in this same tier include Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet, Anthony McFarland and Jalen Hurts.
Trade Value:
- 3.07, 3.12 for 3.04
- 3.07, Sammy Watkins for 2.07
- 3.07, AJ Brown for Deebo Samuel, 1.06
Super-Flex Options: Eno Benjamin, RB
After a huge sophomore campaign that saw him total nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage, many began to value Eno Benjamin in the same tier as some of the top backs in this class. In his final college season, Benjamin dealt with an injury and took a serious step back. Despite being undersized, Benjamin could find an immediate role as part of a backfield committee.
4.07
The Pick: Van Jefferson, WR
The son of a former NFL wideout, Van Jefferson was drawing some very early buzz soon after the college season ended. That didn’t last long though as Jefferson suffered an injury that kept him out of the Combine. Jefferson led the Gators in virtually all receiving stats in each of his years there after transferring from Ole Miss. In addition to the injury, another concern is Jefferson’s age. At nearly 24 years old, Jefferson is one of the oldest prospects in this class.
Possible Pivots:
Along with Jefferson, other players to target in the mid-fourth round include Brycen Hopkins, Quintez Cephus and DeeJay Dallas.
Super-Flex Options: Hunter Bryant, TE
The entire tight end class remains a mystery which will hopefully be partially solved with next week’s draft. Washington’s Bryant is my current TE1 but he’ll need the draft capital to even be worthy of a roster spot.
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- Monday Mocks: 2025 “What If” Rookie Mock Draft - March 31, 2025
