2020 DLF Staff Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: Round Three
Dynasty Christmas (aka NFL Draft) is finally complete and just because no one likes having just one present (rookie mock drafts) under the tree, your friends at DLF are here with a second present just for you!
A few hours after day three of the NFL Draft, I gathered up 11 of DLF’s finest and started in on a rookie mock draft, just to give you another take on how all of this might shake out! Keep in mind that things are changing quickly right now and the next phase of our rookie evaluations are just beginning. After further evaluation, thoughts and opinions may shift. However, this is what we are thinking right at this moment.
The rules for this mock were pretty simple:
- No trades
- Standard PPR scoring without any positional bias
- One quarterback allowed in your starting lineup
If you missed the first round of this mock or the second round, you should go take a look before going any further.
With that said, let’s get on with the show!
3.01 – Lynn Bowden, WR LV
Bowden was one of the most versatile players in this year’s draft. A former dual-threat quarterback in high school, he played a mix of slot receiver, running back, and even a little bit of quarterback in college. The trade-off is that he isn’t anywhere near refined at any one of those roles. He definitely has some athletic ability, but he is going to need some good coaching and ultimately will only be as good as the play calling is for him. I worry that he might be one of those players who is more valuable for his NFL team than your fantasy team.
3.02 – Antonio Gibson, WR WAS
Gibson has a lot in common with our 3.01 pick, Bowden. However, Gibson is a little larger but with less agility. Gibson was a high school running back who transitioned to slot receiver in college. This transition took a while and he ended up with only one good year of production as a receiver. He has the build of a big running back with great straight-line speed. The question for him will be if he can refine his game to become more receiver and less of an athlete who is just bigger, stronger, and faster than his competition.
3.03 – Isaiah Coulter, WR HOU
Coulter was highly productive in college and comes with a nice size/speed combo. It is a little difficult to evaluate his game though because he was often playing against a lower level of competition thanks to playing his college ball at Rhode Island. This means he was able to get by with less than 100 percent effort and while still being less than refined. That will need to change if he wants to make it in the NFL. The situation in Houston is going to give him a chance to see the field if he can figure it out. I like the upside pick.
3.04 – Justin Herbert, QB LAC
In the third round, I’m looking for one of two things: RB/WR with big upside in the next year or two at the most or a top QB/TE who can be productive for the next decade. Herbert falls into the latter category. While he clearly isn’t at the same level as the top two quarterbacks in this draft, he still has a chance to be a future QB1 for a very long time. Even in a single quarterback league, that is well worth a middle third-round pick.
3.05 – KJ Hamler, WR DEN
Hamler was one of the best slot receivers and returners in all of college football last year. He has a lot of talent and athletic ability which could translate very well to the next level, though I do have some concerns about his overall size. With that said, the larger concern is that he ended up in Denver where they have an unproven quarterback and a lot of more talented players ahead of him in the pecking order. I think the best case is that Hamler turns into the fourth or fifth option in the passing game, which isn’t going to be fantasy-relevant.
3.06 – Anthony McFarland, RB PIT
McFarland is the first of several “what if” running backs in the back end of the third round of our mock. What is a “what if” running back? They are players who were drafted by teams where the primary running back is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. When you draft these “what if” running backs, you are basically saying, “What if they let the main guy walk in free agency?” and “What if the new guy shows enough to be given a shot at the starting role?”. While the chances are always slim of everything working out perfectly, the chance is definitely worth a late third. If it works out, you will be able to flip them for significantly more in a year.
3.07 – Darrynton Evans, RB TEN
See McFarland above. In addition to that, I think Evans might actually have some standalone value this year as well. The Titans have a great line and I think they want to add another element to their offense. Evans could be the perfect person to add in that wrinkle.
3.08 – Eno Benjamin, RB ARI
See McFarland above. The fantasy community definitely seemed to be higher on Benjamin than the NFL given his draft capital.
3.09 – Colby Parkinson, TE SEA
It took 33 picks, but our first tight end was finally selected. There was much rejoicing! The fact that it took this long tells you just how weak the class is this year. It also doesn’t have a clear cut number one guy, so you could see a few names claim the top spot, but all should be in the third round. Parkinson has some talent, but the main appeal is the situation. He will be in line behind Greg Olsen, who will be retired or back on the training table in the very near future. Parkinson could have a chance to step into the void.
3.10 – Tyler Johnson, WR TB
I’ve loved Johnson for a long time. It probably has a lot to do with living in Minnesota and being a former Golden Gopher myself. He is everything that coaches and quarterbacks love, minus superb athletic traits. He has a great work ethic, top-notch instincts, and exceptional ball skills. He just doesn’t have a whole lot of speed or burst to go with it. The silver lining here is that Tom Brady has shown time and time again that he can do an awful lot with receivers who are smart, dependable, and work hard. Johnson definitely has a chance to get Brady’s attention and turn it into something.
3.11 – DeeJay Dallas, RB SEA
Dallas is still learning the position thanks to splitting time at the receiver position as well. He needs some work on the finer points when it comes to technique and letting his instincts for the position improve. With that said, he walks into a Seattle backfield that just can’t seem to stay healthy and where whoever is behind Russell Wilson seems to be productive.
3.12 – Cole Kmet, TE CHI
The final pick in the draft is a player who many had as the top tight end in this year’s draft class. While an awful lot might argue if he really is the top of the class, he is at least in the discussion. He goes to a Bears team with a tight end depth chart that is so crowded they could almost put a tight end at every position on offense. Kmet has the talent to rise to the top of that list rather quickly and make the rest of them expendable. I think he’s definitely worth a late third as long as you are willing to be patient for things to get sorted out.
That’s it for our three-round rookie mock! Who are the players who went undrafted who you feel we missed? Good luck with your drafts!
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round Three - April 28, 2021
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round Two - April 26, 2021
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round One - April 25, 2021
