UPDATE 8/8
With the release of Derruis Guice from Washington, Antonio Gibson has moved from #14 to #13
One of my favorite fantasy leagues I play in is a dynasty keeper league. There is a rookie draft and a free agent auction each year. Our league tends to overvalue RB’s in the rookie draft, but when you get a rookie for 5 years the RB window is important to evaluate. Here are my Top 15 Rookie Dynasty Rankings:
Top 15 PPR Player Rankings:
1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB | LSU | RB1 | KC
CEH had me going back and forth with Jonathan Taylor for the #1 spot. He was ranked 5th or 6th before his draft capital shot him to the #1/2 spot. With Damien WIlliams calling off the season due to Covid-19, he is the clear #1 and should be looked at as a first round pick in all redraft leagues.
2. Jonathan Taylor RB | Wisconsin | RB2 | IND
Taylor is a physical specimen. His size and being able to run a 4.3 it’s almost unfair. Marlon Mack will take some of the load this year, which is what pushes Taylor to #2. Once he gets the full load behind the best offensive line in the league, he will be a top 5 back for years to come.
3. CeeDee Lamb WR | Oklahoma | WR1 | DAL
Lamb lands in an odd spot. Actually, all WR’s did this year. He was a luxury pick with Amrai Cooper and Micheal Gallup on the roster. He will most likely play the slot this season. His upside is unreal in a great Kellen Moore offense. If Cooper moves on after this year he can be a stud for years to come.
4. Cam Akers RB | Florida State | RB3 | LAR
I don’t know if it’s the Cali bud, but I’m very high on Akers. He could end up having a better year than Taylor. At Florida State he ran behind a horrible offensive line. Now he gets to step into Todd Gurley’s role, and Sean McVay’s redemption year. If you can trade down and get Akers plus maybe a 3rd rounder, go for it!
5. Jerry Jeudy WR | Alabama | WR2 | DEN
Another bummer of a landing spot, Denver Broncos? Really? I don’t hate Drew Lock but I like Corutland Sutton. I was just hoping Judy could go someplace he would be the outright #1. His film is unbelievable. The quickness in the hips and feet are elite. Major upside, bad landing spot.
6. J.K. Dobbins RB | Ohio State | RB4 | BAL
Unless Flint’s own, Mark Ingram, breaks his leg Dobbins is just a solid player. He just won’t get the love he needs to be an immediate impact. Dobbins has all the weapons to be elite in the future, so if you get “stuck” with him here you’ve done really well.
7. D’Andre Swift RB | Georgia | RB5 | DET
I’ve seen Swift as high as #2 on some fantasy football mock drafts. Being a Lions fan, I will always be hesitant on any RB we take. Swift has elite talent, great hands, and can make em miss with the best of them. There are too many questions on how he will be used with Kerryon Johnson to move him up the board.
8. Jalen Reagor WR | TCU | WR3 | PHI
Early on, I had Reagor around 12th-14th. The more the off-season has settled in, I’ve grown to love his spot a lot more than most. His QB is above average in Wentz. He has aging WRs all around him. Desean Jackson almost committed career suicide with his recent tweets. Alshon Jeffery is trending down. Reagor could evolve into a very big role by mid season. I like his upside and am willing to take the risk
9. Justin Jefferson WR | Louisiana State | WR4 | MIN
Here is a case of a great landing spot. With Stefon Diggs leaving, there are a ton of targets ready to be had. Jefferson can step right in as the #2 and potentially #1 by season end.
10. Denzel Mims WR | Baylor | WR5 | NYJ
When I tell you there was a feeding frenzy for Mims in my league, I’m talking like Jaws. This guy shot up the board after an insane combine. Including a 4.3 40 yard dash. Think DK Metcalf of last year., workout of a GOD. Adam Gase’s offense scares me and we hope Sam Darnold can take another step. If Darnold does, Mims will be a major reason why. He looks the part, can he be the man?
11. Joe Burrow QB | LSU | QB1 | CIN
Sometimes I forget just how good Burrow was last season. Then I watch the tape. He was a magician at escaping the rush & a deceptively efficient runner. His anticipation is Brady-like. He could finish as a top 15 QB this year. If you need a QB this is your guy.
12. Henry Ruggs III WR | Alabama | WR6 | LV
Love his speed and so did the Raiders. I’m assuming he’s what Jon Gruden wanted when he had Antonio Brown on the roster. Lynn Bowden being drafted later on gives me some pause and Derek Carr throwing him the ball. Most drafts I’d have him higher. I just couldn’t move him above Mims and Jefferson.
13. Antonio Gibson RB | Memphis | RB6 | WAS
Another guy I have higher than most. I LOVE this kid and his game. When Ron Rivera refers to you as the next Christian McCaffery, I have to take notice. The dude is 228 lbs and runs a 4.4. He split time as WR and RB in Memphis. He has the hands, the speed and the moves to be something very special. If you can get him anywhere in the 2nd round I would not be mad. EDIT: With the release of Guice, Gibson moved from #14 to #13
14. Tee Higgins WR | Clemson | WR7 | CIN
If the Bengals would have traded A.J. Green in the off-season, Higgans would be much higher on this ranking. With Tyler Boyd, John Ross and A.J. Green all in front of him on the roster, don’t look for too much too soon.
15. Brandon Aiyuk WR | Arizona State | WR8 | SF
Aside from George Kittle, San Francisco doesn’t really have many weapons. Aiyuk can step right in and get some volume touches. Kittle will still be the focus of the offense leaving Aiyuk on the outside looking in this season. He’s a big question mark to me, but has meets all the measurable metrics to be at 15.
Stick – Woodward Sports Guys
