Early post-draft fantasy football rookie dynasty rankings, covering fantasy-relevant quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers.
You can view the regular fantasy football dynasty rankings here.
We’ve finally finished the NFL Draft, and can now start projecting just exactly how these rookies will pan out on their new teams for fantasy football purposes. These dynasty rankings are based on a two year window, taking into account: Talent, draft capital, fit, and location, into the rankings.
Quarterbacks
Green
These are the four prospects that have been highly touted all season long. Justin Fields and Trey Lance have found themselves in wonderful positions, while Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson join two revamped teams. These four players are elite talents and have to ability to truly excel at the next level. Low bust potential.
Cyan
This group has three quarterbacks are slightly lower on the talent level, but were drafted with the thought of becoming their franchise’s #1 quarterback. Each of them are in a position to learn and grow behind experienced starters. Mac Jones and Kyle Trask find themselves in excellent position, while Mills may be tasked to turn around a franchise. Medium bust potential.
Purple
These quarters are complete shots in the dark. They’ve each latched on to good teams and have the ability to develop behind the scenes. It’s doubtful that they ever become full-time starters, but could potential serve as backups down the road. High bust potential.
Running Backs
Green
The three elite running backs of the draft. Each of these players should have a role early and often going forward, and are all in excellent positions to succeed. This class isn’t deep, so these are the main players you want to focus on. Low bust potential.
Cyan
The only other running backs with a clear path towards a starting position. Each of these players will start in a committee on their respective teams, but if their talent matches their hype, they should find themselves in a starting role. They are worth targeting for depth as they will see involvement in their offense regardless. Low bust potential.
Purple
These players don’t have a direct path towards a starting job, but if their team’s starter goes down with injury they are the ones who will benefit the most. Hubbard particularly would become a great asset being in the Panthers offense. Stevenson has the potential to vulture touchdowns, while Evans could get sprinkled into the mix at Cincy. These players are worth a stash in deep leagues or in taxi squads. High bust potential.
Yellow
The ‘longshots’. These players don’t have the draft capital or the empty running back room to benefit them, but they’re talented enough to keep an eye on. They are not worth rostering but can be a high-upside stash in your taxi squad if the potential reaches the performance. High bust potential.
Orange
These players are hail mary throws. The likelihood of one of these players becoming a startable RB in fantasy football (or NFL) is slim to none. At best, one of them will end up as a backup in a committee. Could have the potential to be a handcuff if in the right situation. High bust potential.
Red
This tier for running backs is barren. There is no hope that any of these players could become fantasy football assets, and will probably go undrafted in current rookie drafts. If you have a deep bench and taxi squads they could be worth a look, otherwise, I’m avoiding. High bust potential.
Tight Ends
Green
Kyle Pitts should probably be in a tier of his own, but he’s joined by Pat Freirmuth. These are the two prospects who could potentially come in right away and be effective. Both are elite in their group as receivers and at the moment are head and shoulders above their competition. Low bust potential.
Cyan
The players in this tier are all in excellent positions to become starters. There is someone ahead of each of them on the depth chart, but nothing to suggest it will stop them from achieving success in the near future. Tremble could perhaps see the most playing time due to his blocking acumen, but you’ll want to take fliers on all of these players. Medium bust potential.
Yellow
These are the players who require more development before we can assess their potential future. They’re all in a position where they can learn and are on teams with good situations relating to their playing position. You probably aren’t going to want these players taking space on your bench, but they could be put on your taxi squad. High bust potential
Orange
Strictly depth guys on an NFL team. The chances of any of these players becoming starters are incredibly slim, but they could end up seeing playing time as the TE2 in 12 personnel sets. Targeting these players is not recommended, even if you’re desperate. High bust potential.
Red
Two UDFA’s, each of these players found themselves on teams without talent at the tight end position. These are hail mary throws, but could have as much of a chance at hitting as the players in the orange tier. I wouldn’t add these players to my roster, but it doesn’t hurt to keep them on your watch list. High bust potential.
Wide Receivers
Green
These players are all in incredible positions to come into their respective team and make a significant impact; whether that’s due to need or situation. Led by Ja’Marr Chase, these are the rookie wide receivers that should be your main priority. Low bust potential.
Cyan
The next tier of WRs features players drafted into great situations, but uncertainty determining their potential success level. Each of these players will be featured in 11 personnel sets at worst, and some could eventually be their team’s WR1. Collins and Bateman have the easiest path to success of the six, but each of these players have incredible talent. Medium bust potential.
Purple
Most of these players were invested with Day 2 draft capital, so they should be given a chance. The other (Dez Fitzpatrick) is in a situation where he could be relied upon heavily after departures from Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith. Crowded WR rooms limit the initial upside of these players going forward, and their development will determine their future outcome. These players can be rostered with the hope of potential WR3-5 success this season. Medium bust potential.
Yellow
The yellow tier is full of players that were highly touted in fantasy football circles, only to come up short on draft day. This group does have potential though, it’s just an incredibly steep climb they’ll have to trek in order to see their dreams come to fruition. Some of these players may be worth stashes depending on your team need, but they should be kept on taxi squads to see how their development goes. High bust potential.
Orange
These players are dart throws in the hopes that one can do the unthinkable and hit. History has shown that wide receivers with round 5 draft capital or later have an absurdly low chance of being successful. Perhaps you get lucky here, but more likely than not, you won’t. These players could end up as WR4-5’s on their teams in real life, but should be on the waiver wire in your fantasy football league. High bust potential.
Red
Unless you’re stubborn and there’s a player you can’t quit, this list should be completely avoided. These players are hoping to make the roster and perhaps be a contributor to their team. Unfortunately, that means they won’t be sniffing your fantasy football roster. High bust potential.
