Dynasty 1QB Rookie Mock Draft 2.0

The NFL Draft is fast approaching!

Dynasty managers are preparing for their Dynasty rookie drafts (speaking of, you should download our FREE Rookie Guide with 120+ prospect profiles) to get an understanding of who these prospects are and how we should value them.

With that in mind, here is our 2.0 edition of a 1QB rookie mock draft, this time spanning two rounds of a 12-team league.

Round 1

1.01 - Bijan Robinson (RB - Texas)

Robinson is the clear-cut 1.01 and the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley. He's simply as close as they come to a cant-miss prospect. Robinson amassed 3,410 rushing yards in three seasons at Texas, 33 rushing touchdowns, 60 receptions, 805 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns. Weighing 215 pounds, Robinson has the size to be a workhorse at the next level. He proved he's a dual-threat player in college, and that's exactly how we should expect the team that drafts him in the first round to deploy him throughout his rookie contract. Robinson will be a game changer and in the conversation for the best running back in football the moment he steps on an NFL field.

1.02 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR - Ohio State)

As a true sophomore, Smith-Njigba averaged 4.01 yards per route run and caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards. All three of those marks were better than teammates Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, who were not only selected within the first 11 picks of last year's draft but also lived up to the hype in their rookie seasons. A hamstring injury limited Smith-Njigba to only three games in 2022, but don't let that cause you to forget what he did the year before. A knock on Smith-Njigba is he was mainly a slot wide receiver in college (83% of his routes came from the slot), which could limit his upside in the NFL. But again, let's remember he shared the same field with Wilson and Olave, two bona fide elite outside wide receivers. Ohio State had to find a way to get all three players on the field simultaneously, which could've played a role in Smith-Njigba's high slot rate. It wasn't that long ago that Justin Jefferson was similarly knocked coming out of college for playing a lot out of the slot at LSU. Whoops! And Smith-Njigba had an incredible combine performance, posting a 3.93 20-yard-shuttle (Fourth best among wide receivers since 2007) and a 6.57 3-cone-drill (12th best among wide receivers since 2007).

1.03 - Jahmyr Gibbs (RB - Alabama)

Gibbs is an Alvin Kamara clone stylistically but it is important to note his profile comes with more risk since he weighed in at the combine at 199 pounds compared to Kamara's 214 pounds. Still, his versatile, dual-threat skill set fits perfectly in today's NFL. He's a natural receiver, as evidenced by his 103 catches for 1,212 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns in just three collegiate seasons. After two solid years at Georgia Tech, Gibbs transferred to Alabama and wasted no time putting his talents on display in the SEC. Gibbs ran for 926 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns and caught 44 passes for 444 receiving yards and 3 scores in 2022. Gibbs has good footwork, sticks his foot in the ground and goes, is shifty, has good contact balance, is dangerous when he gets to the edge, and is a big play threat every time he touches the ball. He projects to be drafted no later than day two of the NFL draft and will make an immediate impact in Dynasty, especially in PPR leagues.

1.04 - Jordan Addison (WR - USC)

Addison is Mr. Reliable. He can do everything. Addison was deployed all over the field in his two seasons at Pittsburgh and his junior year at USC. He offers versatility and is a very good route runner. As a true freshman, Addison impressively caught 60 passes for 666 yards and 4 touchdowns. He followed that up with a dominating sophomore campaign in which he caught 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns. Addison then transferred to USC, and while his junior season wasn't as impressive statistically, he was still featured heavily in the Trojans' offense. Addison is a polished player ready to seamlessly transition to an NFL offense and strikes me as a player that offers both a high floor and a high ceiling. Addison should be a PPR cheat code. Now, a potential red flag must be mentioned: Addison is only 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds. His weight is a concern, but the league is trending toward lighter receivers. DeVonta Smith is an example of a player around the same weight currently producing strong numbers in the pros. Don't overthink this one.

1.05 - Quentin Johnston (WR - TCU)

Johnston is a total freak. It's as if he was built in a lab to create the ideal X wide receiver on the outside. A few decades ago, Johnston's height (6-foot-2) was exactly what teams were looking for in a number-one wide receiver. Things have changed over the years as creating separation and getting open, no matter the height, has become increasingly important. But that doesn't diminish Johnston's outlook because he offers a unique combination of height and speed. Johnston averaged 19 yards per reception on 115 collegiate catches. He's a big play waiting to happen on every down as he offers exciting yards after the catch ability, including a devastating spin move for a player his size and impressive ball tracking deep down the field. It would be a shock if Johnston weren't selected in the first round by a team looking to facilitate their future passing game around this unicorn of a talent.

1.06 - Zay Flowers (WR - Boston College)

Flowers is essentially a Brandin Cooks clone. He's fun to watch as his speed and quickness allow him to consistently get open, which is exactly what teams covet in today's NFL. He offers versatility for an NFL offense as he was utilized both outside and in the slot at Boston College. For a smaller player (5-foot-9), Flowers plays very tough and tracks the ball well down the field. A projected first-round pick in the NFL draft, Flowers will bring big play potential to an NFL offense. He recorded five or more receptions on targets 20-plus yards downfield in all four collegiate seasons. And while he did return for his senior year, which can sometimes be considered a slight negative, it's important to note Flowers caught 56 passes for 892 yards and 9 touchdowns as a true sophomore back in 2020. He's been good for a long time, and we didn't need his senior-year production to tell us that.

1.07 - Zach Charbonnet (RB - UCLA)

Charbonnet has some Nick Chubb to his game, and they have very similar heights and weights, with Charbonnet being 6-foot-0 and 214 pounds. Charbonnet has exciting athleticism for a player as big, physical, and tough as he is. He's decisive as he gets north and south quickly, breaks tackles, and can make defenders miss (impressive stutter steps in the open field). Charbonnet produced as a true freshman at Michigan back in 2019, running for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns, but it wasn't until he transferred to UCLA in 2021 that his collegiate career took off. In his junior and senior seasons at UCLA, Charbonnet totaled 2,496 rushing yards, 27 rushing touchdowns, 61 receptions, and 518 receiving yards. Charbonnet doesn't profile as a receiving back, but those 61 catches in two years help his case of being a workhorse/250+ touch player in the NFL, which is absolutely in his range of outcomes.

1.08 - C.J. Stroud (QB - Ohio State)

Stroud and Bryce Young are both really strong quarterback prospects. It will be surprising if they don't go first and second in the NFL draft in some order. It's an ongoing struggle ranking these guys, but Stroud is the preference at this time due to warranted concerns regarding Young's smaller height and weight holding up long-term. There are no size concerns with Stroud, who stands 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds. In two seasons as the starter at Ohio State, Stroud threw for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns in 25 games. His strong arm talent allows him to make every throw in the book. His accuracy and touch on deep balls consistently show up on film, and his accurate downfield sideline shots are reminiscent of Joe Burrow. Stroud has enough athleticism for his size to provide an extra element at the next level, specifically when creating and evading pressure within the pocket. And two indicators of good mental processing show up repeatedly when watching him: anticipatory throws and back shoulder throws all over the field, including deep down the field. The defense has to cover the entire field when trying to defend him, and that's exactly what we want in our quarterback.

1.09 - Bryce Young (QB - Alabama)

Young's height (5-foot-10) and weight (204 pounds) are both concerns, but that is only one part of the story. In two seasons as the starter at Alabama, Young threw for 8,200 yards and 79 touchdowns in 27 games. Young wasn't a dynamic runner in college. But he has that skill in his bag, and his athleticism shows up routinely on film within the pocket. Young can naturally evade pressure within the pocket, keep his eyes downfield around pressure, and step up in the pocket to keep the play alive. He has exciting arm talent, and multiple indicators of high-level mental processing consistently appear in his game: He knows where his check down is and throws to it to salvage a play often, makes anticipatory throws, processes through reads, and communicates with his offensive line pre-snap when it comes to protections. You'd be doing yourself a disservice to Young if you hyper-focus on his smaller frame. Outliers exist, and Young has the mind, athleticism, and arm talent to be one at the quarterback position.

1.10 - Anthony Richardson (QB - Florida)

Richardson isn't as polished of a passer as C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young, but he has the highest upside of any quarterback in this class if he can continue developing in that area. And even if he doesn't, he still has the athleticism to pay off this cost while on his rookie contract. Richardson is 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds and tested out of this world at the combine. He ran a 4.43 40-yard dash (fourth-best among quarterbacks since 2003), posted a 40 1/2-inch vertical jump (best among quarterbacks since 2003), and logged a 10-foot-9 broad jump (best among quarterbacks since 2003). Simply put, Richardson is the most athletic quarterback in NFL history. Richardson offers things that can't be taught: Size, athleticism, and flick of the wrist deep arm talent. And after blowing up the combine, he's projected as a top-ten NFL draft pick. Richardson produced plenty on the ground in college; his highlight tape in that area will make your jaw drop. Rushing production at quarterback is the cheat code and Richardson will offer elite upside in that area from day one, making him especially valuable in 1QB Dynasty leagues since upside matters more and floor matters less when compared to Superflex Dynasty leagues.

1.11 - Kendre Miller (RB - TCU)

Miller has some Arian Foster and Aaron Jones to his game. He has exciting speed and burst for a player weighing 215 pounds. He's a big play waiting to happen once he gets to the edge and is slippery, with defenders struggling to bring him down. Miller is coming off of a monster junior season at TCU, where he carried the load, rushing 224 times for 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns and adding 16 receptions for 116 yards. Miller wasn't as involved in the passing game at TCU as we would've liked (only 29 catches in three seasons), but he's capable in that area and has the potential to be a workhorse in the NFL.

1.12 - Jalin Hyatt (WR - Tennessee)

NFL passing offenses need speed to force the defense to cover the entire field and to increase their playmaking ability. Hyatt has blazing speed and put it on display at the combine, running a 4.4 40-yard dash. Hyatt has the height (6-foot-0) to go with his wheels and put five touchdowns on tape in one game against Alabama of all teams last season. That performance was part of his junior campaign that finished with 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns with a yards-per-catch average of 18.9. Hyatt is projected as a locked-in first-round NFL draft pick due to his size and speed combination that can't be taught.

Round 2

2.01 - Devon Achane (RB - Texas A&M)

Achane measured 5-foot-9 and only weighed 188 pounds at the combine, so the odds of him being given a workhorse role in the NFL and then being able to hold up with that big workload are low. But Achane will be able to create his own luck in the league because he holds a very valuable trump card: Speed. Achane ran a blazing 4.32 40-yard dash at the combine, which wasn't a surprise as Achane is also a track star. Per Pro Football Focus, as a sophomore on Texas A&M's track team, he ran a 10.14-second 100-meter dash, the tenth fastest time in program history. That speed consistently shows up in Achane's film, as does a toughness you wouldn't expect from a smaller back. Achane is a versatile dual-threat who caught 60 passes over his final two collegiate seasons. Look for Achane to see the field immediately, as he should be part of a committee as a rookie. The impressive highlights he generates with his rookie playing time will maintain, or even increase, his dynasty value, so even if you have long-term concerns about his durability, there should be plenty of opportunities to hop off the Achane train without losing value.

2.02 - Michael Mayer (TE - Notre Dame)

The current state of the tight end position in all fantasy formats just isn't that impressive, and Mayer is the kind of player who can quickly become a difference-maker. He was incredibly productive all three years at Notre Dame, posting lines of 42-450-2 as a freshman, 71-840-7 as a sophomore, and 67-809-9 as a junior, ending his career as Notre Dame's all-time receptions leader by a tight end. And Mayer offers versatility in how his production can help an NFL offense. At 6-foot-4.5 and 249 pounds, he can play in-line as he holds up well as a run blocker and tons of his receiving stats were accumulated while lined up in the slot. He's a complete tight end that should never have to leave the field. That offers versatility for the offense's scheme and play calling, which is exactly what NFL teams seek. Expect Mayer, who provides a huge catch radius, to be drafted early in the NFL Draft.

2.03 - Dalton Kincaid (TE - Utah)

Kincaid is an older prospect who will turn 24 in October. But producing as an older prospect in college isn't as much of a concern at the tight end position since the transition to the pros is tough for younger prospects, and there are so few difference makers at the position we're looking for anyone who could be one. Kincaid certainly looks like he's up for the task after producing a 70-890-8 line last year. In fact, he caught a total of 16 touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons. Kincaid amassed tons of experience and production lined up in the slot as Utah essentially utilized him as a receiver. That's exactly what we want to see in fantasy. A back injury suffered late in 2022 has kept Kincaid from working out during the draft process, but his film speaks volumes. Kincaid is great at making contested catches and reminds some of George Kittle regarding athleticism. Plus, Kincaid measured in at the combine with a larger hand size, longer arm length, and wider wingspan than Michael Mayer.

2.04 - Josh Downs (WR - North Carolina)

Downs caught 195 passes for 2,364 yards and 19 touchdowns between his sophomore and junior seasons, and he enters the NFL Draft as an early declare. Downs stands about 5-foot-10, is a good route runner, and has a compact, strong body and legs. Downs offers versatility as he played inside and outside in college, although it is important to note just 136 of his 756 offensive snaps in 2022 came on the outside. Downs has great ball tracking as he goes up and lets defenders know the ball in the air is his. That likely played a role in North Carolina's trust in Downs in the red zone and end zone as they continually peppered Downs with targets in the most important areas. Downs consistently won when given those chances, which is a good sign for his success at the next level.

2.05 - A.T. Perry (WR - Wake Forest)

Perry redshirted in 2018, becoming a fifth-year senior in 2022 and turning 24 in October. It's a red flag almost all of his production came in his final two seasons when he was 21-23 years old. Still, those final two years shouldn't be ignored, as Perry amassed 152 receptions for 2,389 yards and 26 touchdowns over that time. Perry is discount Quentin Johnston in this class, meaning he's an X wide receiver on the outside that can be had more affordably by a team in the NFL Draft and by us in our dynasty rookie drafts. Perry is taller than Johnston (6-foot-3.5 compared to 6-foot-2.6), and they both have the exact same wingspan (81.625). It's exciting Perry ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the combine, and his athleticism, flexibility, and separation all consistently show up on film. These traits are impressive to find in a player of Perry's size, and the cherry on top is the large catch radius he presents for his quarterback. Perry's draft capital is still a question mark that could alter this ranking, but I'm bullish he will be selected on day two.

2.06 - Tank Bigsby (RB - Auburn)

Bigsby measured 6-foot-0 and weighed 210 pounds at the combine, a frame that should translate to the pros, as should his game. He's appropriately called Tank as he plays a physical style, running through defenders when he has to. Coaches at the next level are sure to love his toughness, but that's not all Bigsby has to offer. He repeatedly put impressive cuts and jukes in the open field on film as he has good vision and decisiveness that allow him to plant his foot in the ground and explode upfield. Auburn utilized Bigbsy on outside runs, and he proved he's capable of getting to the edge and hitting home runs. A jack of all trades but master of none player, Bigsby does everything well without possessing any elite strengths. Still, if he lands in the right situation with a coach that enjoys utilizing his versatile skill set (62 catches in three seasons at Auburn), Bigsby being a feature back for an NFL team and seeing 250+ touches a season is within his range of outcomes.

2.07 - Sean Tucker (RB - Syracuse)

Volume is the name of the game at the running back position. We want players who have proven they can handle a large workload and/or project to potentially earn such a role in the NFL. Tucker checks those boxes as he amassed 653 touches in three seasons at Syracuse, and he's a dual-threat who caught 64 passes over that time period. Tucker's film is reminiscent of Austin Ekeler. They are both 5-foot-9, and Tucker is actually a bit heavier at 207 pounds. His speed and quickness are consistently on display, and his film proves he has the ability to get to the edge at the next level. Tucker will be an exciting contingency play should he be drafted behind a workhorse and a fun player to monitor for year one playing time should he be drafted to a team with an ambiguous backfield. The upside with Tucker, though, is that he ultimately becomes a starting dual-threat back in the NFL, and even if the odds are stacked against him, the back half of the second round is a good time to invest in his potential.

2.08 - Tyjae Spears (RB - Tulane)

Spears is 5-foot-10 and 201 pounds. That's plenty big enough to earn a role in an NFL backfield, which he should do right away as a rookie. Spears needs to be part of a committee from day one if the team that drafts him realizes what they have. Spears is shifty, quick, fast, and electric, but he also has a compact body that allows him to break tackles and stay on his feet. He's decisive, sticks his foot in the ground and goes, and has an extra gear once he gets in the open field. And it appears Spears, who only caught 48 passes in four collegiate seasons, was underutilized as a receiver while at Tulane after he made one of the nastiest juke moves I've ever seen while at the Senior Bowl on his way to being named Practice Player of the Week. You can't teach that change of direction, which all NFL teams should covet.

2.09 - Roschon Johnson (RB - Texas)

Johnson is a fun prospect. As a true freshman in 2019, he earned 146 touches, including 23 receptions, and turned them into 807 total yards and 8 touchdowns. His following three seasons weren't as impressive from a production standpoint, but there was this little factor during that time. Johnson was sharing a backfield with Bijan Robinson. Proven production is nice to see in a running back's profile, but no one can fault Johnson for being second fiddle to the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley. Johnson has prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-0 and 219 pounds, and his play consistently pops off the film for a player of his size. Johnson plays fast and shows his athleticism by hurdling defenders. He also plays tough and runs through contact repeatedly. Due to playing behind Robinson, Johnson is a mystery box of sorts, but perhaps he's a really good player who can handle a large workload but won't find his ideal situation until he's on an NFL team.

2.10 - Israel Abanikanda (RB - Pittsburgh)

One of the youngest players in the draft, Abanikanda won't turn 21 years old until October. There is still plenty of room for growth within his game which is exciting considering he led Pittsburgh in rushing yards as a sophomore and then broke out in a major way as a junior last season, rushing 239 times for 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 12 receptions for 146 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Abanikanda is a no-nonsense runner who gets north and south quickly, and he has the size and speed to be a workhorse in the league. Abanikanda was 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds at the combine, and he blew up his pro day, running an unofficial 4.41 40-yard dash and posting a 41-inch vertical and a 128-inch broad jump. That speed consistently shows up in Abanikanda's film, making him an exciting starting running back option in 2024 and beyond.

2.11 - Marvin Mims (WR - Oklahoma)

Mims is 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, so he is on the lighter end. But as discussed above in the Jordan Addison section, that's not necessarily a detriment in today's NFL. Mims is a fast receiver (4.38 40-yard dash) who produced all three seasons at Oklahoma. He posted lines of 37-610-9 as a freshman, 32-705-5 as a sophomore, and 54-1083-6 as a junior. He won deep on the outside and vertical from the slot and converted many deep targets into receptions with great ability at the catch point down the field. Mims profiles as a boom-bust vertical weapon that can take the top off of a defense, at least early on, evidenced by his 22 yards per reception as a sophomore and 20.1 yards per catch as a junior. If he lands in the right offense with the right quarterback, he'll likely make enough highlight plays down the field to increase his value early in his career.

2.12 - Trey Palmer (WR - Nebraska)

Palmer produced sparingly at LSU his first three seasons, but after transferring to Nebraska for his senior year, he caught 71 passes for 1,043 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2022. That season was extremely impressive as he averaged 3.26 yards per route run, third among all Power 5 wide receivers. And he just ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine. That speed was evident on film as Palmer won deep down the field, both outside and from the slot. He was mostly a slot receiver at Nebraska, but his elite speed could allow him to be more versatile at the next level. Still, if he remains mostly a slot receiver, his speed and athleticism allow him to bring a dynamic element to that position. And there's also a nuance to his route running that is reminiscent of a younger Keenan Allen. Palmer also succeeded as a kick and punt returner, returning one of each to the house while at LSU. Palmer is a player to be above market on to ensure you land him in your rookie drafts.