My curiosity got the best of me when researching for this article. I made the mistake of actually counting how many dynasty leagues I’m in. If I had a less-understanding wife, let’s just say I’d be in big trouble. I won’t divulge the number (to protect the innocent), but nearly all of the dynasties I am building are in the ever-popular Superflex (SF) format. Superflex is when an additional flex position is added to the starting roster that can be occupied by a running back, wide receiver, tight end,
or a second quarterback.
My curiosity got the best of me when researching for this article. I made the mistake of actually counting how many dynasty leagues I’m in. If I had a less-understanding wife, let’s just say I’d be in big trouble. I won’t divulge the number (to protect the innocent), but nearly all of the dynasties I am building are in the ever-popular Superflex (SF) format. Superflex is when an additional flex position is added to the starting roster that can be occupied by a running back, wide receiver, tight end,
or a second quarterback.
This format has caught fire in the dynasty community because it restores value in the quarterback position for fantasy football. In single quarterback (1QB) leagues, each team is virtually guaranteed to start a viable quarterback every week. This eliminates the impetus to prioritize the position at all because there is virtually no difference in points per game between the top-tier and their immediate QB2 replacement.
Not surprisingly, rookie drafts transpire quite differently from 1QB to SF. Twice as many teams or more will look to add at least one of the members of this much-maligned 2022 quarterback class within the 48 picks of a SF rookie draft compared to in 1QB.
Guide to 2022 Dynasty Rookie Drafts 
Crushing Blocks
The extra incentive to throw darts on passers from the middle and late rounds of the NFL Draft also pushes certain skill position dart throws off the board entirely. Imagine a giant Tetris board, where each position is a differently-shaped tetromino. In SF rookie drafts, the quarterbacks are the I-shaped tetrominoes. They are simply of higher value. This effect isn’t quite as potent in 2022, with the wide receivers assuming a prominent role in team-building.
Malik Willis is emerging as a top SF rookie pick, but as many as six wide receivers will still appear on the boards in the first round. Four of them — Drake London, Treylon Burks, Garrett Wilson, and Jameson Williams— are near locks for the first round, even in SF formats.
The two running backs that are first-round selections at the moment are Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III, with debates simmering over who deserves the nod as the RB1 of the class. Walker is very good; plenty are awaiting his landing spot with bated breath, but his value has been inflated with helium after a better-than-expected workout at the NFL Scouting Combine. I, personally, value Hall in a tier of his own. His all-around game is devoid of flaws, even if none of his traits can be classified as “spectacular.”
Pass on Passers?
The FOMO will be intense with this crop of quarterbacks unless you’re sitting pretty with two or more top-tier guys already on the roster. Something feels off about the ADPs of nearly all of the ’22 class. My gut instinct flashes me back to the 2011 class where after Cam Newton (QB – FA) was selected first overall, the remaining signal-callers were a who’s who of faceplanting failures. The depth of talent at running back, combined with a solid class of wide receivers, has me barely modifying my rookie draft strategy from 1QB to SF.
This group of quarterbacks does have upside, on the contrary. Willis and Desmond Ridder are the two true dual-threats whose shortcomings in the professional passing game can be concealed in fantasy football by the elevated floor and ceiling from rushing. Sam Howell and Carson Strong join Willis with incredible arm talent. Kenny Pickett and Matt Corral are skilled and versatile, with an apparent competitive chip on their respective shoulders. Dynasty managers should still refrain from holding their breath on any rookie fantasy production whatsoever. That occurrence would be a fortunate bonus.
Bank on Stability
If there was any singular piece of advice for this year’s rookie drafts, whether 1QB or SF, it would be to have the trade-out button at the ready after the first round. Once the rookie draft wraps up, the picks are immediately less valuable with names attached. Moving rookie draft picks for established veteran depth pieces during the draft itself will be an effective value-building strategy.
Dynasty rookie drafts are where the buried treasure is traditionally found, but the talent pool is certainly more shallow this year than in recent years. The 2023 class is already a more coveted set of rookie picks. Even a late ’22 first can turn into a ’23 first-rounder during this year’s rookie draft if your favorite target comes off the board. Another strategy I have employed is moving my ’22 late first-round pick for two ’23 second-rounders if I’ve been sniped.
For what is usually only 48 picks, rookie drafts carry a ton of nuance and multitudes of strategic dimensions. My rule is the golden question about every possible transaction: does this make my team better? Only an affirmative “yes” is acceptable to make the move.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Trade Analyzer – which allows you to instantly find out if a trade offer benefits you or your opponent – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
For more of my spicy #PICANTakes, graphic food porn, and sports-related arguments, follow me on Twitter @Bo_McBigTime.
