Every spring, the NFL Draft sneaks up on me. Maybe it’s because I’m distracted by other sports, like the NCAA Tournament, The Masters, and MLB’s Opening Day.

But earlier this week, it hit me: the draft is three weeks away. And if you’re a dynasty fantasy football player, that means it’s time to start thinking about the incoming rookie class.

Our very own Mike Tagliere wrote an excellent article digging into the true value of early dynasty draft picks. The piece really changed my perception of how I view rookie draft picks. In short, dynasty rookie drafts historically can be just as much of a crapshoot as the real NFL Draft.

Infusing your roster with talented rookies is a critical component to building a dynasty team that lasts. And I’m here to help. Here’s how I approached a five-round dynasty rookie mock draft in a 12-team, superflex, PPR format. I was randomly assigned the 9th overall pick.

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Pick 1.9: Zach Wilson (QB)
In a superflex league, I’m operating under the assumption that my team has a need at quarterback. Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields went off the board first, so I’m taking Wilson over Trey Lance for a couple of reasons.

First of all, we almost know for certain that Wilson will be going to the New York Jets with the second overall pick. Meanwhile, Lance’s draft position is a much greater unknown. Both prospects are a bit mysterious. Wilson didn’t play top-flight competition at BYU, and Lance only played one game in his final season at North Dakota State.

However, I’m siding with Wilson here because he has a higher career upside and a more certain landing spot. Wilson might be the biggest boom or bust player in this draft class. But he has insane arm talent and certain traits that simply can’t be taught. I’ll take my shot on nabbing my QB of the future late in the first round.

Pick 2.4: Terrace Marshall Jr. (WR)
Marshall is a burner out of LSU who ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at LSU’s pro day. He has the physical stature and plenty of talent to develop into a very productive receiver at the next level. But his concentration and effort level were questionable at times as the primary weapon on an LSU offense that was absolutely gutted.

With some seasoning and an ideal situation, Marshall has the makings to be a fantasy WR2. I chose him over tailback Michael Carter because I believe Marshall has a higher fantasy ceiling, while Carter feels more destined to be a long-term committee back.

Pick 3.9: Jaret Patterson (RB)
The 2021 running back class gets pretty weak after the top two prospects, Najee Harris and Travis Etienne. Patterson is an interesting prospect because of his insane production at Buffalo (he rushed for 409 yards and 301 yards in consecutive games) to go with an insane work ethic that could help him overcome his 5-foot-7 stature.

The question will be whether Patterson can run through NFL defenders like he did MAC defenders. I’m willing to take a flyer and see what he can be.

Pick 4.4: Elijah Mitchell (RB)
I’m taking another stab at a running back who could find a steady role if he lands on the right team. Mitchell is best suited for an early-down role in the NFL. At 5-foot-10, 215 pounds, he isn’t going to blow by NFL defenders. But he’s a stout, steady runner who can stick on an NFL depth chart.

Pick 5.9: Jonathan Adams Jr. (WR)
Jonathan Adams is a gamer, and I’m thrilled to get him with my final pick. Adams is an artist when it comes to making the spectacular catch.

Insane catch by Arkansas State WR Jonathan Adams. Overturned on review but still amazing. pic.twitter.com/DwVDHXJr6q

— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 12, 2020

Adams needs to prove he can gain separation at the next level, as he’s not exactly a speedy receiver. However, in the fifth round of a rookie draft, I’m just looking for pure upside and not expecting much. Adams is someone who could surprise us and emerge as a viable fantasy weapon.

Check out our 2021 NFL Draft prospect profiles

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