Labor Day is over. Class is now in session. The 2019 Dynasty Football Rookie Class, that is! By this point, you will have completed your rookie drafts. You’ve followed your new recruits on social media. You may have even taken a few YouTube highlight victory laps.
But dynasty football values are an ever-changing currency, dependent on a slew of factors such as player development, escalated competition, lingering injuries, and shocking retirements. This overview attempts to rank and assess the dynasty football outlook for 33 fantasy relevant rookies, and give you an idea of what to expect from them moving forward. Alright, let’s do this thing.
Rookie Overview for 2019 Dynasty Football
1. Josh Jacobs – Oakland Raiders (RB)
5’10” 220 lbs
Draft Age: 21.2
Round 1, Pick 24 (Alabama)
Despite operating in a complementary role, Josh Jacobs was one of the most productive running backs in college football last year. He displayed tremendous versatility as a receiving weapon both out of the backfield and in the slot, and consistently converted for first downs / touchdowns. The Oakland Raiders seem hellbent on featuring Josh Jacobs in a featured three down role, which should elevate him to quality fantasy starter from day one. While the shelf life for running backs is often limited, Josh Jacobs has shown a willingness and toughness to play injured that should keep him on the field longer than most. Jacobs runs with decisive agility, violent explosiveness, and an old-school toughness reminiscent of the eternal Frank Gore.
2. DK Metcalf – Seattle Seahawks (WR)
6’3″, 228 lbs
Draft Age: 21.4
Round 2, Pick 32 (Ole Miss)
By now, you’re probably aware of DK Metcalf, the hulking Seahawks wide receiver that sent the internet ablaze with a superhuman post-workout photo. Although his stock tumbled on draft night after seeing eight wide receivers drafted ahead of him, Metcalf emerged in a dream scenario. He slides immediately into the starting lineup opposite Tyler Lockett and his elite straight line speed and ball skills match seamlessly with Russell Wilson’s vertical passing talents. After drawing rave reviews from camp, Metcalf’s hype train was derailed a bit by a knee scope, but he has healed quickly enough to be locked in for a Week 1 starting role. Metcalf profiles similarly to a young Demaryius Thomas and his dynasty value could mirror Thomas’ career. Like Thomas, DK Metcalf’s game is built on linear explosiveness and spectacular hands, but is hampered by rounded route breaks and the occasional concentration drop.
3. Parris Campbell – Indianapolis Colts (WR)
6’1″, 205 lbs
Draft Age: 21.8
Round 2, Pick 27 (Ohio State)
Parris Campbell has been a bit of a mystery box throughout the draft process. Utilized primarily in a gadget and underneath slot role at Ohio State, scouts wondered if Campbell might be a more versatile player hidden in a limited role. After drawing rave reviews from HC Frank Reich and facing a golden opportunity in an Andrew Luck offense, Parris Campbell looked like a burgeoning star in training camp. A lingering hamstring injury and stunning Andrew Luck retirement later, Campbell finds his stock sent into a state of disarray. Though seemingly healthy again, Campbell’s dynasty value will be dependent on the performance of quarterback Jacoby Brisett. Brissett was impressive in spurts during Luck’s injured 2017 season, but is surrounded by better protection, weapons, and scheme this year. Look for Campbell to hold down the slot receiver role as well as eat into some of Nyheim Hines’ targets out of the backfield. Parris Campbell is an uber athlete with the ability to separate from coverage, pluck the ball away from his frame, and create yardage after the catch. He compares favorably to Percy Harvin but likely won’t become such a headache for your roster.
4. T.J. Hockenson – Detroit Lions (TE)
6’5″, 251 lbs
Draft Age: 21.8
Round 1, Pick 8 (Iowa)
At the start of the 2018 college season, Noah Fant was a slam dunk tight end prospect with top-10 potential. But Fant’s production was stymied by his hardworking teammate who ate into his snaps with a more complete skillset. Fellow Hawkeye, T.J. Hockenson, is one of the most complete tight end prospects to ever enter the NFL draft. Hockenson blocks with a mean streak and does so without sacrificing explosiveness or reliability in the receiving game. Tight ends are historically slow to develop, and that usually is attributed to improvements needed as a blocker. Entering the league as a polished all-around tight end, Hockenson should circumvent the traditional rookie struggles at the position. Hockenson compares to Travis Kelce and maintains a safe and lucrative dynasty value.
5. David Montgomery – Chicago Bears (RB)
5’10”, 222 lbs
Draft Age: 21.9
Round 3, Pick 10 (Iowa State)
Selected in the third round, David Montgomery brings heaps of collegiate production to the Bears offense. Though he’ll never be confused for a track star, Montgomery’s instincts at the position are unrivaled. He eludes defenders with lateral quickness, anticipation, and a versatile collection of moves. Montgomery also displays a penchant for fighting for tough yardage and breaking through attempted tackles. Slotting immediately into Jordan Howard’s vacated role in the offense, expect Montgomery to earn an even further expanded role, particularly in the passing game on third downs. Similar to Kareem Hunt, David Montgomery offers pedestrian athletic ability offset by a balanced skillset and skillful balance. The Bears are obsessed with their new toy and Montgomery should be expected to have an immediate impact.
6. Devin Singletary – Buffalo Bills (RB)
5’7″, 203 lbs
Draft Age: 21.7
Round 3, Pick 11 (Florida Atlantic)
Devin “Motor” Singletary is one of the most enjoyable players to watch in this draft class. He offers a similar skillset to David Montgomery, but in a smaller package and at a reduced price. Like Montgomery, Singletary is a mediocre athlete that plays with preternatural instincts and balance. The slipperiest player in this draft, Singletary manages to find his way through traffic with a variety of moves and nasty lateral quickness. Questions of Singletary’s receiving prowess have been assuaged with his performances this offseason. Devin Singletary has attached himself to the hip of veteran Frank Gore, and has impressed at such a high level that the Bills felt comfortable parting with LeSean McCoy. Like Brian Westbrook, Singletary offers a tough, polished, elusive game in a small package. Motor could turn a timeshare into a featured role by midseason.
7. Miles Sanders – Philadelphia Eagles (RB)
5’11”, 211 lbs
Draft Age: 22.0
Round 2, Pick 21 (Penn State)
When Saquon Barkley left Penn State, he left behind some impressive shoes to fill. While Miles Sanders is no Saquon, he is a legitimate NFL back in his own right. Sanders displays quick acceleration, lateral agility, decent hands and a nasty spin move. Like fellow Eagles draftee J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Sanders lands in a bit of a crowded situation. Veterans Jordan Howard and Darren Sproles are hurdles for early down and third down work respectively. That shouldn’t last very long however, as beat reporters have noted Sanders has been comfortably the most impressive RB in this group all offseason. Miles Sanders plays a low gravity, east-west game, punching it upfield with aggressiveness when he feels a lane. Expect Sanders to rise to the top of the committee within the first quarter of the season, and may even seize a workhorse role by the year’s end. His pro comparison is Ahmad Bradshaw.
8. N’Keal Harry – New England Patriots (WR)
6’2″, 228 lbs
Draft Age: 21.4
Round 1, Pick 32 (Arizona State)
N’Keal Harry has endured a bit of a roller coaster offseason. As the only first round wide receiver with any meat on his bones, dynasty football owners salivated over his opportunity in a Tom Brady offense ripe with vacated targets. Unfortunately Harry finds himself in a bit of a different situation these days. Josh Gordon has been reinstated by the NFL, and Demaryius Thomas is showing some signs of life post-achilles. Throw in the reports that Harry has had inconsistent performances in training camp, and we find N’Keal Harry with some obstacles to overcome before securing a consistent role in this offense. Currently sitting on IR (eligible to return after 8 weeks), he faces an uphill climb for relevance in his rookie campaign. Once healthy, Harry should grow into the Patriots’ number three wide receiver later this season, kicking Julian Edelman inside to the slot. Harry’s game relies on physicality at the catch point, acrobatic body control, and creativity after the catch. It would not be a surprise if he carves out a career similar to Dez Bryant. Long term prospects on Harry’s dynasty value will likely depend on the Patriots’ questionable track record of developing wide receivers.
9. Deebo Samuel – San Francisco 49ers (WR)
5’11”, 214 lbs
Draft Age: 23.3
Round 2, Pick 4 (South Carolina)
A little bit older than the other premier rookie wide receivers, Deebo Samuel offers some additional seasoning. HC Kyle Shanahan coached Deebo at this year’s Senior Bowl, and was apparently impressed enough with his skillset to champion him for selection early in the second round. While the jury is still out on Jimmy Garoppolo as a franchise quarterback, Shanahan has proven the ability to scheme players open offensively. The 49ers receiving corp is a bit of an enigma at the moment, but should solidify with Dante Pettis and Deebo Samuel starting across from each other by midseason. Deebo possesses an alpha dog mentality, and his game is built on physicality, assertive hands, and toughness after the catch. He shares more than a few similarities with Pierre Garcon and could become a target monster in the slot relatively early in his career.
10. A.J. Brown – Tennessee Titans (WR)
6’0″, 226 lbs
Draft Age: 21.8
Round 2, Pick 19 (Ole Miss)
While perhaps not possessing the freakish upside of former teammate DK Metcalf, A.J. Brown is perhaps the safest wide receiver in this draft class as a prospect. Brown statistically dominated the toughest division in college football with a rare combination of bulk and agility. Unfortunately, he landed in one of the least appetizing fantasy situations. The Tennessee Titan offense currently operates at a volume that can barely sustain one fantasy relevant wide receiver, let alone two. While Corey Davis continues to strengthen his grasp on the Titans WR1 role, Brown’s dynasty value could see a sizable boon if Marcus Mariota can take a step forward (or if the Titans can secure a franchise quarterback next season). Despite profiling favorably as a big-bodied slot receiver, Brown will start his career making his bones as an early-season starter on the perimeter, but should be sprinkled with looks in the slot as well. Possessing strong hands, crisps routes, and a beefy physique, A.J. Brown can become a similar player to Anquan Boldin, but with surplus athleticism.
11. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside – Philadelphia Eagles (WR)
6’2″, 225 lbs
Draft Age: 22.3
Round 2, Pick 25 (Stanford)
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside sure can catch touchdowns. After establishing himself as one of the best contested-catch receivers in college football, the Stanford Spaniard was selected in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles. While the receiving room in Philly is a bit crowded at the moment, few things are better for a wide receiver’s dynasty value then being hitched to a young stud quarterback like Carson Wentz. Arcega-Whiteside has been impressive all offseason and should have no trouble establishing himself in the Eagles’ offense as the third wide receiver and red zone specialist. While opportunity should limit Arcega-Whiteside’s short-term prospects, his dynasty value could see a significant boost this time next season as his competition dwindles. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside possesses underrated vertical tools, vice grip hands, and elite body-shielding from defenders. While his 2019 dynasty football production will likely be touchdown dependent, he could develop into the player that Michael Floyd should’ve been.
12. Mecole Hardman – Kansas City Chiefs (WR)
5’10”, 187 lbs
Draft Age: 21.1
Round 2, Pick 24 (Georgia)
Credit the Kansas City Chiefs for building around Pat Mahomes’ strengths. Mecole’s deep speed is an ideal fit for Mahomes’ rocket arm. A converted defensive back, his collegiate production is rather underwhelming, but he showed continued growth as a receiver despite operating in a run-heavy offense. Mecole will require more patience than just about any wide receiver in this class, but he possesses as much upside as any of them. Reports out of camp have described Hardman as a raw project, but he has shown an ability to harness coaching feedback and improve. Currently third in the receiver pecking order, his roadblocks to fantasy relevance have severe character issues in Tyreek Hill and durability concerns in Sammy Watkins. If misfortune should befall one of the Chiefs’ starters, Hardman could vault into a household name as early as this season. Mecole Hardman is a special athlete who is is still very much transitioning into the wide receiver position. He wins with elite-level deep speed, as well as top notch ability to create yardage after the catch. Hardman profiles similarly to Eddie Royal, and while his attributes and supporting cast afford him a sky high ceiling, he might find most of his relevance in the NFL as a premium returner on special teams.
13. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals (QB)
5’10”, 207 lbs
Draft Age: 21.7
Round 1, Pick 1 (Oklahoma)
The Arizona Cardinals swung for the home run with the first overall pick in the draft. It’s easy to see why Arizona fell in love with the two-sport athlete. Kyler Murray shares a litany of comparisons with perennial Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson. Murray showcases live arm talent, game breaking speed, but most importantly, the ability to avoid contact. While mobile quarterbacks tend to burn brighter and flame out faster than traditional pocket passers, Kyler Murray’s knack for eluding big hits portends to an extended tenure at the position. As it stands, plenty of doubt remains that HC Kliff Kingsbury’s offense can thrive at the NFL level. But if Murray’s skillset can marry well with the Air Raid concepts, Murray could achieve top three fantasy quarterback production as early as this season.
14. Darrell Henderson – Los Angeles Rams (RB)
5’8″, 208 lbs
Draft Age: 21.7
Round 3, Pick 6 (Memphis)
Darrell Henderson’s dynasty value has endured a rather tumultuous offseason, rising and dipping with every blurb regarding Todd Gurley’s arthritic knee. Compared to Alvin Kamara on draft night by GM Les Snead, the Rams traded both of their third round selections to move up and take Henderson. Darrell Henderson was a consistent homerun hitter at Memphis, but ran through some pretty wide running lanes. His best asset is his skill as a receiver out of the backfield and matched up in the slot. A tight hipped, urgent runner with plus receiving chops, Darrell Henderson can carve out a role similar to Tevin Coleman’s tenure in Atlanta. Should Gurley miss time due to injury, Henderson’s value will bump, but he likely won’t absorb as much of the early-down work as you’d expect. Henderson has yet to show the instincts and patience necessary to be reliable for a featured role, but will likely have a fair share of splash plays on stretches, sweeps, and screens.
15. Noah Fant – Denver Broncos (TE)
6’4″, 249 lbs
Draft Age: 21.4
Round 1, Pick 20 (Iowa)
Noah Fant is about as freakish as you’d find at the tight end position. Fant has rare movement skills and leaping ability in a long athletic frame. He separates effectively and has the burst to pick up significant yardage if there is space to operate. Similar to Eric Ebron coming out, Fant’s rare physical gifts are hampered by poor blocking ability, poor contact balance, and some timidness at the catch point. Simply put, Fant is an impressive but passive player who will need a few years of seasoning at the position before he becomes a fantasy mainstay. At the moment, Noah Fant’s dynasty value is buoyed by his draft pedigree and he should become a nice trade target after this season as he struggles to make a rookie impact. Jeff Heuerman should hold down the starting role for this season while Noah Fant retains elite upside as a developmental dynasty asset.
16. Marquise Brown – Baltimore Ravens (WR)
5’9″, 166 lbs
Draft Age: 21.9
Round 1, Pick 25 (Oklahoma)
Eat, papa, eat! After watching Tyreek Hill unleash an unstoppable tour de force upon the NFL in 2018, it’s easy to fall in love with a speedster like Marquise Brown. Unfortunately, he is about as diminutive a player as you’ll see at the position and was drafted into the most run-heavy offense in the league. Despite being the first wide receiver selected in this year’s draft, it’s fair to wonder if his frame can hold up in the NFL, especially since he already missed significant time with a Lisfranc surgery. On the positive side, Brown faces minimal external obstacles for a featured role in the passing attack and will likely end the season as Baltimore’s top wide receiver if he can stay healthy. At the moment, Marquise Brown is a low-floor, low-ceiling dynasty stock that will need significant development from Lamar Jackson and a shift in offensive philosophy to expand his dynasty football potential. Marquise Brown could develop into one of the most dangerous weapons in the league, but will most likely be a better NFL player than dynasty asset. Marquise Brown’s strengths lie in his other-worldly speed and explosiveness after the catch. There is some optimism that Lamar Jackson to Marquise Brown can become reminiscent of Mike Vick to DeSean Jackson.
17. Riley Ridley – Chicago Bears (WR)
6’1″, 199 lbs
Draft Age: 22.8
Round 4, Pick 24 (Georgia)
Brother of sophomore phenom Calvin Ridley, Riley is a bit of an underrated dynasty wide receiver. While Riley has a modest fourth-round draft pedigree, he was just the second player selected by the Chicago Bears. A pedestrian athlete, Ridley’s game is all about attention to detail and toughness. While he won’t be threatening many defenses over the top with deep speed, he is tailor-made to dominate two-minute offenses with his short-intermediate route running and elite awareness on the sideline. Ridley currently faces loads of competition for targets and should not be expected to secure a prominent role during his rookie campaign. While that currently hampers his 2019 dynasty football prospects, it initiates a discounted purchase window for dynasty owners. Riley Ridley profiles as a crafty, physical chain mover a la Hines Ward.
18. Andy Isabella – Arizona Cardinals (WR)
5’9″, 188 lbs
Draft Age: 22.5
Round 2, Pick 30 (Massachusetts)
Andy Isabella joins quite possibly the most volatile situation in all of football. The Arizona Cardinals offense is built around an untested collegiate head coach and an untested dual-threat quarterback. While this theoretical up-tempo “Air Raid” offense could become a fantasy gold mine, there are unfortunately more variables than constants. Still, it can’t be discounted that as Kliff Kingsbury’s vision takes shape into the NFL, Isabella was hand-selected in the second round to play a meaningful role while quality options remained on the board. Kingsbury’s offense is designed to get the ball to playmakers in space and Isabella certainly qualifies as a playmaker. Isabella offers sharp breaks, elite acceleration, and creativity with the ball in his hands. His compact physique limits his ability to extend for errant passes and is a habitual body catcher. Expect Isabella to substitute into the field in four wide sets and potentially carve out a role in three wide sets as the season progresses. While Isabella struggles to accrue additional yardage with strength, he does a great job evading defenders with his quick feet and offers versatility on special teams. His game evokes similarities to John Brown of the Buffalo Bills.
19. Justice Hill – Baltimore Ravens (RB)
5’10”, 198 lbs
Draft Age: 21.5
Round 4, Pick 11 (Oklahoma State)
Justice Hill is a bottle rocket. His explosiveness is felt on every snap, and presses the hole with reckless abandon. Hill possesses the type of quickness that can make defenders embarrassed and finishes his runs with assertiveness. While he could he could incorporate a bit more patience into his game, his ability to make big plays is undeniable. An explosive, versatile, fiery weapon packed in a small package, Justice Hill’s game feels very similar to the 49er’s Matt Breida. Expect Mark Ingram to retain the primary role in the backfield, but the Ravens’ run heavy offense should keep Hill relevant if he is able to absorb 40% of the backfield touches.
20. Terry McLaurin – Washington Redskins (WR)
6’0″, 208 lbs
Draft Age: 23.0
Round 3, Pick 13 (Ohio State)
A tree stands taller in the desert. The Washington Redskins’ wide receiver corp waste land paved the way for a week one starting role for Terry McLaurin. McLaurin consistently performed well during off-season activities but has not recorded a single catch during the pre-season. Though as McLaurin cements his role in this offense, loads of chemistry await with his collegiate teammate— franchise quarterback in waiting, Dwayne Haskins. McLaurin runs quality routes and displays outstanding downfield speed, though will not dominate at the catch point the way you’d like. McLaurin has a similar skillset to Mike Wallace and can thrive as a chunk-play downfield threat once the Redskins solve their protection issues up front.
21. Diontae Johnson – Pittsburgh Steelers (WR)
5’10” 183 lbs
Draft Age: 22.8
Round 3, Pick 2 (Toledo)
Outside of perhaps the Green Bay Packers, no franchise drafts and develops wide receivers better than the Pittsburgh Steelers. As such, the Steelers coaching staff should be able to get the most out of third round pick Diontae Johnson. While Johnson may not possess the rare upside of some of his peers, he displays pound for pound toughness and “off the dribble” improvisational route running reminiscent of Doug Baldwin. Johnson’ health and availability have been inconsistent this offseason, which does nothing to help his bid to crack a spot into three wide sets. Realistically, Johnsons should struggle to carve out a relevant role his rookie season, but will likely jockey with James Washington to steal the number two job from Donte Moncreif next year.
22. Miles Boykin – Baltimore Ravens (WR)
6’4″, 220 lbs
Draft Age: 22.5
Round 3, Pick 30 (Notre Dame)
At face value, Miles Boykin wasn’t exactly drafted into the ideal conditions. After selecting Marquise Brown in the first round, the Ravens double dipped into the position in round three with Boykin. While Boykin doesn’t have nearly the polish, production, and pedigree that Brown possesses, he brings freakish athletic traits in a sturdier, more sustainable NFL package. Boykin has impressed both during training camp and in the pre-season and could secure a starting role early on this season, likely even earlier than Marquise Brown. Should Baltimore open up the playbook and let Lamar Jackson work the field, it would not be surprising to see Boykin develop into a quality dynasty asset. Akin to Donte Moncrief, Miles Boykin is a toolsy player, relying on his rare athleticism and length rather than technique and finesse. Hamstrung by the same offensive concerns that plague Marquise Brown, Boykin at least offers additional upside as an athletic yet inconsistent receiver that could put the pieces together as the rest of the offense develops.
23. Dwayne Haskins – Washington Redskins (QB)
6’3″, 231 lbs
Draft Age: 22.0
Round 1, Pick 15 (Ohio State)
Quarterbacks of Dwayne Haskins caliber seldom make it to the middle of the first round. Haskins is an ascending pocket passer with rare effortless arm talent. The ball just flicks out from his wrist. Haskins is a big, accurate quarterback who does his best work from the shotgun. Succeeding in Washington will be a trial by fire as owner Dan Snyder and his management staff have consistently encountered difficulty retaining quality players (including stud LT Trent Williams). If the Redskins can sufficiently protect and develop Haskins, as well as surround him with weapons, he has the natural passing skills and franchise quarterback upside of a Kurt Warner.
24. Darwin Thompson – Kansas City Chiefs (RB)
5’8″, 200 lbs
Draft Age: 23.0
Round 6, Pick 42 (Utah State)
Nobody has helped their dynasty stock more after the draft than Darwin Thompson. After displaying high-end quickness, elusiveness, and receiving ability in the pre-season, people wondered if Thompson was in fact the best back on the Chiefs. HC Andy Reid has a long track record of producing fantasy relevant running backs, so the buzz was humming. The hums turned silent when the Chiefs signed castaway LeSean McCoy and placed another barrier in front of Thompsons fantasy relevance. Still, Damien Williams is a solid albeit unspectacular talent and Shady is a shade of his former self. A path yet remains for Thompson to seize a sizable role in this high octane offense. Darwin Thompson should operate as the Chiefs’ satellite back at some point this season and could develop into an elusive “1B” in the mold of Dion Lewis.
25. Damien Harris – New England Patriots (RB)
5’10”, 216 lbs
Draft Age: 22.2
Round 3, Pick 24 (Alabama)
Once considered the top back in this class, Damien Harris’ stock has steadily dwindled as more impressive backs have surpassed him, even his college teammate Josh Jacobs. Harris’ game isn’t sexy, but he’s attached to a head coach who gets nauseous at the idea of sexiness. Like former Patriot, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Damien Harris plays a north-south game with strong contact balance and elite ball security. Harris also offers’ underrated ability as receiver, but his no-frills skillset could see him as the dependable alternative should Sony Michel put the ball on the ground. If Michel struggles or misses time due to his balky knee, Harris could emerge as the primary back in an unpredictable backfield. His dynasty value is relatively lukewarm, but will likely be a better professional football player than fantasy asset.
26. Irv Smith Jr. – Minnesota Vikings (TE)
6’2″, 242 lbs
Draft Age: 20.7
Round 2, Pick 18
Irv Smith is a dynamic receiving option at the tight end position, and is a handful to bring down with the ball in his hands. A bit undersized for the position, Smith stands out with creativity after the catch and a willingness to contribute in the run game. After being selected in the second round by the Vikings, ownership avoided a tight end controversy by extending encumbent starter Kyle Rudolph to a 4 year $36M deal. Smith will likely share the field with Rudolph as the Vikings run more two tight end looks and establish a balanced offense. Irv Smith brings NFL bloodlines and will likely make his bones as an athletic H-back that makes a name for himself with route-running and picking up chunks of yardage after the catch. His pro comparison is former Washington Redskin, Fred Davis.
27. Jace Sternberger – Green Bay Packers (TE)
6’4″, 251 lbs
Draft Age: 22.8
Round 3, Pick 12 (Texas A&M)
Aftering transferring up from junior college, Jace Sternberger burst onto the scene last season. He emerged as Texas A&M’s primary receiving threat and one of the most productive tight ends in all of college football. Sternberger is a moveable chess piece who runs quality routes, attacks the ball at the catch point, and displays above average body control. He shares a strikingly similar athletic profile to Zach Ertz, and could eventually develop into a similar player. But that will have to wait for now, as Sternberger’s momentum has been derailed by cheap shot concussion and an ankle injury. Missing at least the first eight games of the season on IR, an opportunity could present itself to emerge as the Packers starting tight end next season if Jimmy Graham’s efficiency continues to nosedive. Sternberger offers no fantasy value this season, but remains a high upside dynasty hold.
28. Josh Oliver – Jacksonville Jaguars (TE)
6’5″, 249 lbs
Draft Age: 22.1
Round 3, Pick 5 (San Jose State)
Vice grips. Josh Oliver has vice grips. A rapidly developing receiving tight end, Oliver shows plenty of dynasty promise. Josh Oliver runs nuanced routes and asserts himself at the catch point though rarely gets difficult yardage after the catch. Currently nursing a hamstring injury, Oliver was considered a potential day one starter in OC John DeFilippo’s tight end friendly offense. Likely limited in a detached role to start his career, Oliver could eventually bloom into a Gary Bardidge quality player, and maintain relevance for a longer duration. He remains one of the top dynasty bargains at the tight end position.
29. Jalen Hurd – San Francisco 49ers (WR)
6’5″, 226 lbs
Draft Age: 23.3
Round 3, Pick 3 (Baylor)
HC Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch spent equal time after the draft gushing about Jalen Hurd as well as Deebo Samuel. Hurd was a draftable running back that changed programs so he could be granted a shift to wide receiver. As you’d expect Jalen Hurd’s elusiveness and vision give him an edge after the catch. While Jalen Hurd’s immediate role is at wide receiver, the 49ers expect to transition him to tight end as he fills out his frame and improves his blocking. Hurd’s hybrid skills project him to eventually find fantasy relevance as a moveable H-back role akin to Charles Clay.
30. Daniel Jones – New York Giants (QB)
6’5″, 221 lbs
Draft Age: 21.9
Round 1, Pick 6 (Duke)
The Daniel Jones selection left most of the general public and Giants fan-bases scratching their heads. Similar to the Mitch Trubisky situation, most of the outrage wasn’t because people necessarily believe Daniel Jones is a bad quarterback. People just believe that better players were on the board. Jones is a smart, athletic player who has been hand-crafted by quarterback coaches to thrive at the pro level. Given those factors, you would have expected Duke to have performed better under his leadership. Unfortunately, Jones was rarely able to elevate those around him and may ultimately find himself as a lifelong fringe NFL starter like Josh McCown. For the moment his dynasty stock is sustained by draft pedigree and a clear commitment from ownership. Based on Eli Manning’s play and the state of the franchise, expect to see Jones start a handful of games toward the end of the season.
31. Tony Pollard – Dallas Cowboys (RB)
6’0″, 210 lbs
Draft Age: 22.1
Round 4, Pick 26 (Memphis)
A useful bargaining chip in ownership’s negotiations with Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard has performed well in both camp and pre-season. He exhibits an upright running style and versatile skill set in the mold of T.J. Yeldon. Pollard is useful in the receiving game and has shown the ability to pick a lane and cut upfield with urgency. A potential three-down handcuff to elite starter Ezekiel Elliott, Pollard could rise to league winning relevance behind Dallas’ offensive line. Perhaps never a high-quality dynasty asset in his own regard, Pollard is a top tier handcuff and should stay relevant for at least a few seasons.
32. Alexander Mattison – Minnesota Vikings (RB)
5’11”, 221 lbs
Draft Age: 20.9
Round 3, Pick 39 (Boise State)
Alexander Mattison is a safe, low ceiling running back on a tier or two lower than the other backs selected in the third round this year. Mattison has a balanced yet unspectacular skillset and is useful as a dump-off receiver in the flat. In an ideal situation, he could find fantasy relevance but will operate as little more than insurance behind Dalvin Cook. Should Cook be sidelined for an extended period of time, Mattison could fill in with three-down RB2 type production as a Terrance West type player.
33. Drew Lock – Denver Broncos (QB)
6’4″, 228 lbs
Draft Age: 22.5
Round 2, Pick 10 (Missouri)
Viewed as a potential first-round quarterback, Drew Lock slipped to Day 2 of the NFL draft and was scooped up by the Broncos in a trade-up immediately after selecting OT Dalton Risner. Lock is a talented, athletic quarterback with a live arm. Plagued by inconsistent accuracy and questionable decision-making, Drew Lock’s career will likely resemble Jay Cutler’s. While Joe Flacco currently sits comfortably atop the depth chart, he has no guaranteed money left on his contract. Nursing a thumb injury, and hoping to suspend a quarterback controversy, expect Drew Lock to redshirt his rookie season on IR and potentially take over the reins next season if Flacco struggles. Lock is a low-floor dynasty player with some decent upside to him.
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