With rookie drafts now underway, I came up with an idea I wanted to explore further. Over the years, we've had tons of questions (literally tons if I were to print them all and weigh them) in regards to draft pick trade value. In fact, we got so many that we decided to create the Dynasty Trade Analyzer to help you out.
However, this still remains a relevant topic, and I was curious about one thing myself last year - what would a rookie draft look like if every pick was traded for a veteran player? In other words, no rookies could actually be taken, and every pick would have to be traded for an established player based on its perceived value. It went over well last season, so continue to re-explore!
With that in mind, I used our Dynasty Trade Analyzer to determine just what these draft picks may be worth and to give you an idea of what kind of veteran player you could expect to get with each pick. If you have one of these rookie picks, this is extremely valuable information to know, as you can evaluate your risk tolerance and prepare accurately for your draft.
With that in mind, here's round two of our "Veteran Trade Edition Rookie Draft," designed to give you a clearer look at just what you may be able to get with each of the rookie picks you may have. Make sure to check out the first round if you missed it.
Rookie options: Jayden Higgins, Luther Burden, Tre Harris
Other options: Ricky Pearsall, Tyrone Tracy
As we get into the second round, you have to really decide if you want high upside or guaranteed production. While Pittman hasn't been the most dynamic receiver, he does have two 1,000-yard seasons and has posted 800-1,100 yards in each of the past four years. When you consider he hasn't exactly been playing with elite-level quarterback play, that's nothing to sniff at.
You can certainly use this pick on a rookie like Higgins, Burden, or Harris, but chances are, realistically, only one or two of those players will reach those heights.
Rookie options: Luther Burden, Tre Harris, Jack Bech
Other options: Joe Mixon, Jordan Love, Alvin Kamara
Murray has shown to be dominant at times, but also has never been able to shine consistently each and every year. However, the Cardinals seem to be surrounding him with everything he needs to be successful, and he's certainly more of a sure thing than any of the rookies. You could also look to snag a veteran running back like Mixon or Kamara here, though you're likely not a contender if you're picking this highly in the second round. If you want another quarterback with upside who is a little younger, this may be the cheapest we see Jordan Love again in some time.
