The 2021 NFL Draft is complete, which means it’s time to start thinking about your dynasty league’s upcoming rookie draft (you’re welcome for the reminder).
Obviously, projecting rookies is getting harder. Remember a year ago, when Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Henry Ruggs III were fantasy favorites? As someone who drafted both, I remember pretty fondly.
With that said, let’s dig into a 2021 rookie mock draft for a 10-team, superflex league. I’ll be walking you through five rounds and was randomly assigned the fifth pick.
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Pick 1.5: Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
This pick left me with a tough decision, and it will come down to how much you need a quarterback on your team. Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Najee Harris were all taken. That left me with a choice between Ja’Marr Chase, Kyle Pitts, and Zach Wilson.
For the sake of simplicity, I’m going to assume quarterback isn’t a pressing need on my team. In the end, I find Chase to be a slightly safer prospect than Pitts, but it’s really splitting hairs between these two. The Chase-Joe Burrow reconnection has me stoked for Chase’s long-term fantasy prospects.
Pick 2.5: Trey Sermon (RB – SF)
This is a thin running back class and a really deep receiver class. With Chase already on the roster, I decided to pass on Terrace Marshall Jr., Elijah Moore, and Rondale Moore for Sermon, who could be a sleeper.
We’ve seen how Kyle Shanahan has turned obscure running backs into fantasy darlings. And I was really impressed by how Sermon finished his college career. Sermon is an ascending prospect who the Niners traded up for. He’s worth a shot.
Pick 3.5: Pat Freiermuth (TE – SF)
Taking Chase over Pitts really worked out, as I could land the second-best tight end in the class. Pitts overshadowed Freiermuth, but he’s no slouch. The Penn State product is a do-it-all tight end that can stretch the field at 6-foot-5, 251 pounds.
With nobody but Eric Ebron in his way, Freiermuth has the potential to deliver plenty of long-term value.
Pick 4.5: Kellen Mond (QB – MIN)
This may be a reach, as Mond is a developmental prospect and will most likely sit out the entire 2021 season behind Kirk Cousins. But in a superflex league, I’d like to take a stab at someone with long-term potential. Plus, I’ve already taken a tailback, receiver, and tight end.
Mond was inconsistent throughout his career at Texas A&M, but things finally started to come together after Jimbo Fisher brought a pro-style offense to College Station. He’s not a flashy prospect, but he has a chance to become a solid starter with some development.
Development is exactly what he’ll get behind Cousins, who’s only under contract for the next two years. We’re playing the long game here, but Mond could pay off if he gets a chance down the road.
Pick 5.5: Jonathan Adams Jr. (WR – DET)
I’m taking an undrafted free agent who is a fascinating player. And at this point in the draft, we’re just taking lottery tickets anyways. Adams was a beast at Arkansas State, catching 79 passes for 1,111 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s a highlight waiting to happen.
Jonathan Adams Jr. has the most #ArrogantHands in the class pic.twitter.com/pDN7uxyWi7
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) March 15, 2021
Adams went undrafted but quickly signed with the Detroit Lions. And have you seen the Lions receiving depth chart? Its current starters are Breshad Perriman, Tyrell Williams, and Kalif Raymond.
Sure, the Lions took Amon-Ra St. Brown in Round 4. I don’t care. I’m taking the flyer on Adams, who I expect to earn a roster spot and see the field as a rookie.
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Whether you’re new to fantasy football or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Football 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with Starting Your Own Fantasy Football League or head to more advanced strategy – like What is the Right Amount of Risk to Absorb on Draft Day? – to learn more.
Matt Barbato is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matt, check out his archive and follow him @RealMattBarbato.
