• IDP Guys Staff Rookie Mock Draft Pre-NFL Draft: Round One

    Uncategorized Posted on  —by TFoster
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    The IDP Guys complete an experts' mock draft to help you with your IDP Rookie needs.

    The clocks have sprung forward. March Madness has consumed us. Pro-day numbers are being hyped. It's springtime in the fantasy football community and the rookie scene is exploding. Among all of the takes, articles, and mock drafts, there still seems to be a shortage of IDP rookie information within our community. That's when it's time to turn to the IDP Guys.

    For pre-draft evaluations, 11 of our experts/writers (and one special guest from Dynasty Nerds) completed a Superflex/Tight End Premium/PPR/IDP mock draft for 6 rounds. The mock draft uses a simplified version of our scoring settings for IDP Guys IDP Invitational.

    Passing Settings IDP Stat Categories IDP Points
    4 pts per TD Number of Defensive Fumble Recovery TDs 6 points each
    .04 point per yard Fumble Recoveries (from Opponent) 3 points each
    -4 Interception Number of Offensive Fumble Recovery TDs 6 points each
    Rushing Settings Forced Fumbles 3 points each
    6 pts per TD Number of Interception Return TDs 6 points each
    .1 points per yards Interceptions Caught 6 points each
    1 point per reception Passes Defended 2 points each
    .5 - Rush 1st down Number of Blocked Field Goal TDs 6 points each
    Receiving Settings Blocked Field Goals 3 points each
    6 pts per TD Number of Missed Field Goal Return TDs 6 points each
    .1 points per yards Number of Blocked Punt TDs 6 points each
    1 point per reception (WR) Tackles 2 points each
    1.5 points per reception (RB) Assists 1 point each
    2 points per reception (TE) Sacked a QB 4 points each
    .5- Receiving 1st down Quarterback Hits 1 point each
    Tackles for a Loss 1 point each
    Safeties 2 points each
    Rushing First Downs .5 points each
    Receiving First Downs .5 points each
    Passes Defended- CB bonus .5 points each
    Tackles- CB Bonus .5 points each

    The purpose of this mock draft is to provide some insight on how the great minds at IDP Guys approach this rookie class on both sides of the ball. Rounds 1-3 will be released as its own separate article with a "Sleeper article" for Rounds 4-6 to round out this series. All of our writers will be sharing their analysis behind each pick, so our subscribers can a peek into the minds of our experts.

    Here's how the first round broke down by position:

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    • 5 Quarterbacks selected
    • 3 Running backs selected
    • 3 Wide Receivers selected
    • 1 Tight End selected
    • 0 IDP players selected

    No big surprises from the experts in the 1st round, as the usual suspects appear in the top 12 picks. It's pretty clear that no IDP player should be targeted until at least the 2nd round of rookie drafts in this type of format.

    Writer's name Steve Perkins Tiffany Stewart Todd Foster Brandon Haye Kyle Bellefeuil Steve Tomasin
    Twitter handle @FlavorizeThis @SportySailor @ff_banterman @hayeb3 @KBellf54 @dynastysanta
    Rd 1 pick 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06
    Player Trevor Lawrence, QB Travis Etienne, RB Justin Fields, QB Kyle Pitts, TE Zach Wilson, QB Trey Lance, QB
    Writer's name Jayson Snyder Neil James Joseph Haggan Dan Cook Hollywood Zach Magley
    Twitter handle @Spydes78 @NeilFF911 @JoeyTheToothIDP @seahawksdan8 @HollywoodTitan @ZmagsIDP
    Rd 1 pick 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12
    Player Ja'Marr Chase, WR Najee Harris, RB Devonta Smith, WR Rashod Bateman, WR Mac Jones, QB Javonte Williams, RB

    With the 1.01 pick in the IDP Guys Mock draft, Steve Perkins selects Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson

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    Trevor Lawrence has been “the next great QB,” for the last 3 years and an almost forgone conclusion to be the #1 overall pick, in all Superflex dynasty rookie drafts.

    Despite his #1 overall pick pedigree, Lawrence does come with some risk/reward. An offseason surgery, on his non-throwing shoulder, brings some durability concerns.

    On the flip side, if Lawrence is drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he'll be one of the rare rookie QBs set up to succeed almost immediately.  Weapons like: D.J. Chark, Marvin Jones Jr., Laviska Shenault, and James Robinson give Lawrence a realistic chance to be a top 15 QB, right out of the gate.

    With the 1.02 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Tiffany Stewart selects Travis Etienne, Running back, Clemson

    Etienne is an elusive, pass-catching back who's strong and can pass protect. Add into consideration the scoring premium for RBs, and Etienne at 2 is almost a no-brainer. Yes, it's a Superflex league, but in fantasy, having a top running back is valuable no matter the format. 

    Why Etienne over Harris? Etienne's blocking and route running are superior to Harris, and that's what sets them apart. 

    At the end of the day, we want guys who are going to have opportunity because, unless the player is straight garbage, opportunity leads to fantasy production. Etienne's elite talent and diverse skill set will see him on the field often, regardless of where he ends up, but with the right team, he will be a fantasy powerhouse.

    With the 1.03 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Todd Foster selects Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio State

    Justin Fields could be one of the most polarizing Top 5 picks in the history of dynasty rookie drafts. Many analysts insist he's better than Trevor Lawrence, while many others put him as far down as the #4 or #5 in their QB rookie rankings. For this writer, the Ohio State star is firmly planted as the 2nd best prospect in Superflex formats.

    As one of the highest graded prospects in 247 Sports history, Fields moved to the Columbus campus after transferring from Georgia and proved to be an elite dual-threat quarterback. His eye-popping arm talent and dynamic rushing ability were on full display as the Buckeyes’ leading star. The Kennesaw, GA native became the first quarterback in Big Ten history with 40 passing TDs and 10 rushing TDs in the same season.

    After showing off his 4.44 40-time time, and throwing legit bombs at his pro day, Fields’ buzz as a franchise QB is at an all time high. He projects to be a Superflex cornerstone piece for managers lucky enough to obtain him.

    With the 1.04 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Brandon Haye selects Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Florida

    Kyle Pitts could be a generational player at a position where, honestly, there are not too many top players. With the TE Premium scoring of 2 points per reception, this makes the position so much more valuable.  Pitts ran a 4.44 time at his pro day, and his tape shows he has the speed to beat defenses and the size to win jump balls.  He is a matchup nightmare at the next level.

    After the top two QBs are gone, I don't feel very confident in the rest of them at this high pick. This WR group in the draft is just so deep I could easily get one in the 2nd round.  I do like Najee Harris, but with the short shelf life of an RB, getting one of the top TE prospects in a long time, was a no-brainer for me.

    With the 1.05 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Kyle Bellefeuil selects Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU

    Zach Wilson had a fantastic 2020 season, taking his game to the next level. Wilson’s arm talent was on full display this year showcasing his ability to throw both from the pocket and on the run. Not only does Wilson have a strong arm, but he can make those highlight-reel throws that make you hit the “rewind” button. While Wilson is not the athlete of Justin Fields’ caliber, he does offer some rushing ability. Wilson does a nice job maneuvering in the pocket and can use his legs to extend plays when rolling out or scrambling for extra yards. 

    There was some debate with this pick, but with this draft being Superflex and me being a Wilson fan, it felt like the thing to do. Many analysts project Wilson to go 2nd overall after Trevor Lawrence, as he has the makings of a franchise quarterback. That being said, I feel like taking Wilson here lands me a potential starting quarterback for years to come.

    With the 1.06 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Steve Tomasin selects Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota State

    A Konami code QB at pick #6 in a Super Flex mock draft!?? Yes, please, and thank you very much. As unrealistic as that may be, I was thrilled to land Trey Lance here. You should too if he somehow happens to fall to you at a similar or even later position. Lance will only be 21 years old heading into the start of the 2021 NFL season. He is the youngest and has the highest fantasy ceiling of the big 5 QBs in this class. Yes I said it!

    With his rushing abilities and natural arm talent, I don't think it's a controversial statement to say that Trey Lance has the highest fantasy ceiling, for not only 2021, but career wise in dynasty as well. Right now, speculation is that he will be the third or fourth QB drafted to either the 49ers, Falcons, Lions, or Broncos. We could even see the Patriots or Steelers trade up for him if he begins to slide at all.

    Outside of the Patriots or Lions, those are all pretty sweet landing spots for Lance, with tons of juicy weaponry. He will need to fall in with the right coach and staff who can work through some of his fundamental weak points. But with that arm and those legs, there is plenty to be excited about for fantasy football.

    With the 1.07 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Jayson Snyder selects Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, LSU

    Chase is, in many formats, within the realm of possibilities at 1.01. With this being a superflex mock, quarterbacks naturally rise to the top of the board. Nevertheless, Ja'Marr Chase is still a big-time talent. He recently posted eye-popping metrics at LSU's pro day, including a 4.38s 40-yard dash, an 11' broad jump, and a 41" vertical leap. This guy is likely to be selected in the overall top 5 of the NFL Draft, and I'm psyched to lay the foundation for my mock squad with such a rock solid prospect.

    With the 1.08 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Neil James selects Najee Harris, Running back, Alabama

    Alabama's Najee Harris hurdling a defender sets the internet on fire - Sportsnet.ca

    What can I say about Mr. Harris except "Absolute Stud"?

    Najee Harris is a 2 x CFB National Champion, 2 x SEC Champion, 2020 SEC Championship MVP, Unanimous All-American 2020, and above all, the 2020 Doak Walker Award Winner.

    He made the most out of 2020 by posting his best number in his CFB career and really stepping up his receiving abilities, going from 27 (2019) to 43 (2020). Najee got his chance at workhorse carries in 2019 with 65% of the carries and in 2020 with 70% of the carries. Even sharing touches with names like Josh Jacobs and Damien Harris in 2018, he still demanded a 30% share of the carries and managed an impressive 783 yards.

    Najee is truly an absolute beast on the field and demands attention, he is the best dual-threat RB in the class this year, and he'll be a difference-maker wherever he goes. One downgrade on him is he doesn't have that next gear in his run -- he can get to the secondary with his vision and feet, but he doesn't hold that home run speed, yet, hopefully.

    Picking / getting him at 1.08 was a big surprise, and I couldn't have been happier. He is the best 3 down back and hopefully, he goes to a team that will give him touches and not bury him in the depth charts. Just look at that hurdle. ^^^

    With the 1.09 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Joseph "The Tooth" Haggan selects DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama

    Devonta Smith is coming off of a legendary year in 2020. As a wide receiver, he was able to win the Heisman Trophy, which is a feat in its own right. There are questions surrounding Smith's play strength due to his BMI, or lack thereof. Smith more than proved those doubters wrong in 2020 and yet, he is still being looked over.

    Smith beats press coverage, not with strength, but with elite-level footwork to keep defensive backs off his chest. He also is very good in contested catch situations where he showcases incredibly strong and soft hands and attacks the catch point. His catch radius is absolutely enormous with his 78 1/2" wingspan. Smith is also a YAC monster -- he is excellent with the ball in his hands after making a catch turning in huge chunk gains. In all areas where his lack of BMI would seem to be an issue, Smith dominated in and he has a great chance to the WR1.

    With the 1.10 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Dan Cook selects Rashod Bateman, Wide Receiver, Minnesota

    With most of the top quarterbacks, running backs, and Kyle Pitts gone, I turned my attention to wide receiver. I have Bateman just below Ja’Marr Chase and Devonta Smith, so it was a pretty simple choice. Bateman can catch the ball whenever it is in his catch radius. While there are some concerns that his pro-day measurements are lower than his billed 6’2-210lbs, in the last regular season he was a machine.

    Some other choices I considered were Mac Jones and Javonte Williams, who went directly after my pick. Had the recent news that the 49ers are leaning toward Jones at the 3rd pick broke before my selection, I may have gone in that direction. 

    With the 1.11 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Hollywood selects Mac Jones, Quarterback, Alabama

    Embed from Getty Images

    I feel like I am lucky to be able to draft Jones with the 11th pick. Many are not very high on him, but with the top names at QB off the board, I feel the value was too good to pass up here. He'll be a starter right away, and QBs are always among the top fantasy scorers, so getting him here is a win.

    Rumors are that San Francisco has him as their target, and I like Jones more if he lands with the QB guru Kyle Shannahan. If Jones were gone at this pick, I would have really considered drafting LB Micah Parsons, who is clearly the 1.01 IDP of this draft class. I also considered WR Jaylen Waddle here as well but felt that position was deep enough for me to fill later in the draft.

    With the 1.12 pick in the IDP Guys Mock Draft, Zach "ZMags" Magley selects Javonte Williams, Running Back, UNC

    Javonte Williams just might be one of the sneakiest running back draft prospects in this class -- he's able to completely take over a game. Being part of a committee in North Carolina early on in his college career, Williams didn't see a high workload until 2020. So, there isn't much wear and tear on his body. When given his chance in 2020, Williams did NOT hold back -- he led the NCAA in broken tackles. He has above-average ball carrier vision and is super tough to bring down. These traits should transfer wonderfully when he moves on to the next level in the NFL.

    Although he's not the biggest name from the running back class, Javonte could end up being a steal if he lands with the right NFL team. He has the ability to handle a large workload and is a bruiser at the running back position. He's one of the players that defenses may be reluctant to attempt to tackle. One of his biggest weaknesses may be his pass-catching ability. What he lacks in the passing game, he makes up for his in his tough running style.

     

    Summary

    Here is the 1st round of the IDPGUYS team rookie mock draft. This 1st round was dominated by quarterbacks, mostly due to this being a Superflex Rookie Draft, but also because of having five capable starting quarterbacks. Five of the first twelve picks were quarterbacks to go along with three wide receivers, three running backs, and a tight end. We are moving along with this as a five-round draft and will be writing an article for each round individually. Be sure to check out the 2nd round coming soon and see which position dominates the middle rounds.

    Each article will have round-by-round analysis by your favorites here at IDPGUYS including, @ZmagsIDP, @seahawksdan8, @HollywoodTitan, @FlavorizeThis, @SportySailor, @NeilFF911, @FF_Banterman, @JoeyTheToothIDP, @Dynastysanta, @Kbellf54, @hayeb3, and including our great friend from the Dynasty Nerds team @Spydes78. Be sure that you pre-order our rookie draft magazines, which we load with fantastic player profiles and landing spot analysis.

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