Rookie fantasy drafts happen every year in dynasty leagues, and they can be held shortly after the real NFL Draft, or more preferably, at the end of the summer. Based on randomization, I had the No. 1 pick, which is better than usual in a rookie class with Saquon Barkley.

 

Round 1

1.1: Saquon Barkley, NYG RB

1.2: Rashaad Penny, SEA RB

1.3: Derrius Guice, WAS RB

1.4: Sony Michel, NE RB

1.5: D.J. Moore, CAR WR

1.6: Calvin Ridley, ATL WR

1.7: Ronald Jones II, TB RB

1.8: Nick Chubb, CLE RB

1.9: Royce Freeman, DEN RB

1.10: Kerryon Johnson, DET RB

 

My thoughts: Anyone who gets the first pick in a rookie draft shouldn’t really have much to think about this year with Barkley available. He should be the offensive centerpiece in New York for the next decade.

 

Round 2

2.1: Christian Kirk, ARI WR

2.2: Courtland Sutton, DEN WR

2.3: Michael Gallup, DAL WR

2.4: Anthony Miller, CHI WR

2.5: James Washington, PIT WR

2.6: Keke Coutee, HOU WR

2.7: Mike Gesicki, MIA TE

2.8: Dante Pettis, SF WR

2.9: Josh Rosen, ARI QB

2.10: Nyheim Hines, IND RB

 

My thoughts: The Colts should have a backfield committee this year under head coach Frank Reich, which will allow the best players to emerge as significant real-life and fantasy contributors. I think Nyheim Hines could be Reich’s version of Darren Sproles.

 

Round 3

3.1: Josh Allen, BUF QB

3.2: Baker Mayfield, CLE QB

3.3: D.J. Chark, JAX WR

3.4: Dallas Goedert, PHI TE

3.5: Equanimeous St. Brown, GB WR

3.6: Sam Darnold, NYJ QB

3.7: Kalen Ballage, MIA RB

3.8: Tre’Quan Smith, NO WR

3.9: Antonio Callaway, CLE WR

3.10: Lamar Jackson, BAL QB

 

My thoughts: I think Josh Allen has the best combination of upside as a passer and runner, as he could throw for 4,500+ yards and be a legitimate double-digit touchdown threat on the ground.

 

Round 4

4.1: J’Mon Moore, GB WR

4.2: Jordan Wilkins, IND RB

4.3: Hayden Hurst, BAL TE

4.4: John Kelly, LAR RB

4.5: Mark Andrews, BAL TE

4.6: Mark Walton, CIN RB

4.7: Chase Edmonds, ARI RB

4.8: Daurice Fountain, IND WR

4.9: Ito Smith, ATL RB

4.10: Marcell Ateman, OAK WR

 

My thoughts: He might not make an impact this year behind Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, and Martavis Bryant, but Ateman has been getting rave reviews in camp. He probably should have been drafted much higher than the seventh round earlier this year.

 

Round 5

5.1: Deon Cain, IND WR

5.2: Jaylen Samuels, PIT RB

5.3: Justin Jackson, LAC RB

5.4: Josh Adams, PHI RB

5.5: Bo Scarbrough, DAL RB

5.6: DaeSean Hamilton, DEN WR

5.7: Auden Tate, CIN WR

5.8: Braxton Berrios, NE WR

5.9: Mason Rudolph, PIT QB

5.10: Jaleel Scott, BAL WR

 

My thoughts: Deon Cain is also impressing his new team so far, and eventually working his way to No. 2 duties behind T.Y. Hilton could lead to fantasy gold with Andrew Luck throwing passes.

 

Round 6

6.1: Jordan Lasley, BAL WR

6.2: Ian Thomas, CAR TE

6.3: Roc Thomas, MIN RB

6.4: Simmie Cobbs Jr., WAS WR

6.5: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, GB WR

6.6: Jordan Akins, HOU TE

6.7: Dalton Schultz, DAL TE

6.8: Trey Quinn, WAS WR

6.9: Akrum Wadley, TEN RB

6.10: Daniel Carlson, MIN K

 

My thoughts: A kicker? Absolutely. Daniel Carlson had a booming leg at Auburn, and he could be a great fantasy option in a loaded Minnesota offense.