2024 Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update: Ryan Flournoy
The NFL Draft is behind us, rookie drafts are taking place, and as dynasty managers, we are looking ahead to the upcoming season. In our Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update series, we break down all the incoming fantasy-relevant rookies, looking at their profiles and where they fit. The basis of the rookie profile involves the usage of STORM analysis, focusing on five key components: Situation, Talent, Opportunity, Risk, and Market.
Situation
Name: Ryan Flournoy
Position: Wide Receiver
Pro Team: Dallas Cowboys
College Team: Southeast Missouri State
Draft Status: Round 6, 216th overall
Flournoy had an interesting college career with a lot of different stops along the journey. He was a zero-star recruit from Chicago and started his college career at Central Missouri which is only a Division II school. He redshirted in 2018 and then had an underwhelming first year on the field in 2019. After that season, he transferred to Iowa Western Community College where he tore his ACL in spring practice.
Following that, he transferred to Southeast Missouri State and finally found a good home. Over two seasons at SEMO, Flournoy had 121 catches for 1,841 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was awarded first-team all-OVC both years and garnered national attention on FCS all-American lists.
When preparing for this post-draft content series, I really wanted the chance to talk about Ryan Flournoy. I was excited to get the opportunity to hype up one of my favorite sleepers in this draft class and show you why you should keep an eye on him this summer.
Talent
Ryan Flournoy Combine Results:
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 202 lbs
- Arm: 31 5/8”
- Hand: 10 1/8”
- 40-yard dash: 4.44
- 10-yard split: 1.53
- Vertical Jump: 39 1/2”
Courtesy of RAS.
Even though the jump from FCS to the NFL is difficult, I’m confident in Flournoy’s ability to make the transition because of his insane athleticism. He earned a 9.89 RAS even though he is only average in the size measurements. At the combine, he logged a 93rd percentile 10-yard split, a 94th percentile vertical jump, and a 98th percentile broad jump. His explosiveness is ready for the NFL and he won’t be shocked by the speed of the game.
Before the 2023 season, Flournoy was ranked 47th on Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freak List’ which highlights the most athletic college football players in the country. He was one of only three FCS players to earn a spot in the top 70, the other two transferred to FBS programs this off-season. Feldman writes that Flournoy earned a 3.9 GPA in college despite his multiple transfers and the SEMO passing game coordinator said he’s the hardest worker he’s ever had.
I wanted to highlight Flournoy’s one game against FBS competition in 2023 when he played against Kansas State. While the Redhawks lost 45-0, he showed he belonged on the field with 10 catches for 96 yards. SEMO’s horizontal passing game doesn’t put a lot of stress on a defense of KSU’s caliber, but Flournoy didn’t only catch screen passes; he created separation over the middle and also won in contested situations against Big 12 defensive backs.
Finally, my favorite thing about Flournoy is his willingness and ability to contribute as a blocker both in the run game and downfield for his teammates. Flournoy is physical and uses his strength to his advantage against defenders. These kinds of little things will differentiate him and potentially earn him extra opportunities in the eyes of his coaches.
Opportunity
Courtesy of 4for4 Depth Charts.
The reason I highlighted Flournoy’s ability to block alongside his prowess in the receiving game is because of the opportunity presented to him by landing in Dallas. The Cowboys have a huge hole to fill at WR3 with the departure of Michael Gallup this off-season.
While Jalen Tolbert is probably the earlier leader to fill the WR3 role in Dallas, that is solely based on seniority and not productivity. He has been wildly unproductive and inefficient during his short time in Dallas; the opportunity is there for Flournoy to seize a role in this offense immediately.
Even if Flournoy isn’t a major player in this offense in year one, there is still a lot of upside opportunity in Dallas. Brandin Cooks has no guaranteed money owed to him after this season and he will turn 32 in September. There is also the large elephant in the room: CeeDee Lamb’s contract. Lamb is not under contract past 2025 either and is currently holding out from team activities while looking for a new deal and reports suggest he may request a trade. The Cowboys would be insane to trade away one of the best young receivers in the NFL, but with Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott up for major extensions soon, the Cowboys may have to make a tough decision.
Flournoy will easily compete for the WR3 job in year one and this Dallas landing spot comes with incredible upside if one or both of Cooks and Lamb are not on the roster in 2025.
Risk
Courtesy of SEMO Football.
The risks are obvious with Flournoy. He’s a sixth-round draft pick who started his career at the Division II level and has never played a full season against FBS competition. That kind of profile usually doesn’t even get drafted let alone turn into a useful fantasy asset.
Also, while I’ve highlighted a favorable receiving room and opportunity, there is some risk in entering a situation where your immediate competition is also young WRs who were drafted in the last two seasons. There are enough question marks in Dallas where one other player could emerge as WR3 like I’ve discussed Flournoy might.
Market
Courtesy of DLF’s May ADP.
The good thing about Flournoy’s risks is that they’re completely baked into his price. He doesn’t even have an ADP and is going outside the top 62 rookie prospects in superflex drafts. Above are the eight receivers going ahead of Flournoy and there isn’t a single one I would take ahead of the SEMO product.
In the fourth or fifth round of every single one of my rookie drafts this off-season I’ve selected Flournoy because I think his upside is incredible and he has a realistic chance of actually reaching that point. He was drafted to a team with one of the highest pass rates in the NFL with a desperate need for a third WR to contribute.
I know there’s no such thing as the next Puka Nacua because what we saw last year was rare, but I see a path for Flournoy in his rookie season. He was drafted by an NFL team with one of the highest pass rates in the NFL with a desperate need for an immediate contributor. He was productive and efficient in college even if it was a small sample size. He’s also one of the most athletic WRs in the class. I love everything about Flournoy at his current cost which is actually free.
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