Navigating Your Dynasty Rookie Draft: Early 3rd

Cedric Tillman

Jeff Smith Posted On August 18, 2023

For many dynasty players, the off-season highlight is the annual rookie draft. For some, that date may be rapidly approaching. Once our respective dynasty teams are eliminated from contention (and sometimes even before), we turn our attention to the incoming rookie class, and delusions of grandeur take over.

Rebuilders are full of glee as they hoard their picks, while contenders are scheming how they can pry some of those picks away, and dynasty players everywhere are champing at the bit to draft their favorite prospect.

This 12-part series will use the latest data available at Dynasty League Football: Superflex Rookie ADP from the past 30 days. We will mention the player or players you could soon add to your team via the rookie draft. We will also include options based on the 1QB rookie ADP from the same timeframe for those who play in that format.

The first round of rookie drafts includes the players we've been hearing about for months, if not years, but difference-makers can also be found in the second round and beyond. Each section will encompass four picks, and we will go four rounds deep to help you be as prepared as possible.

SUPERFLEX 3.01

Josh Downs, WR IND

There was a lot to like about Downs heading into the draft. The North Carolina grad was projected to go off the board in the second round but ended up falling to the third (79th overall). Looking at his college numbers, it is easy to see why there was some excitement.

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Data Courtesy of Sports Reference.

His landing spot is a bit of a buzz kill. Downs will likely go as far as his raw but ultra-talented rookie quarterback will take him. If Anthony Richardson can develop, then the sky is the limit. If Richardson is a one-trick pony and tries to do it all with his legs, then Downs will likely wallow in mediocrity, at least for the first few years of his career.

These are the types of risks associated with early third-round picks, but this one has the potential to pay off big time. The speed of Downs and the big arm of Richardson could be lethal for years to come if they get that timing just right.