As the NFL season enters the postseason, it’s that time of year for serious dynasty fantasy football players to start looking at the next incoming rookie class. Here at the Undroppables, we love talking rookies and dynasty strategies, and what better way than to start with a super early mock draft? Let us know how we did on our socials, and be on the lookout for more dynasty content this off-season.
Mock Draft Settings
Two rounds. 12 Team, Superflex TEP mock draft.
Drafters
KL_Fantasy (Picks 1.01, 1.05, 1.09, 2.01, 2.05, 2.09)
Jax Falcone (Picks 1.02, 1.06, 1.10, 2.02, 2.06, 2.10)
DaWiz_FFB (Picks 1.03, 1.07, 1.11, 2.03, 2.07, 2.11)
FFDF (Picks 1.04, 1.08, 1.12, 2.04, 2.08, 2.12)
Round 1
1.01 – Caleb Williams (QB – USC)
Caleb Williams has the launch codes. pic.twitter.com/EC2x0eMWzc
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) January 12, 2024
The 1.01 has been Caleb Williams for at least 12 months, as the young USC gunslinger has put together a highly prolific NCAA career and is widely considered a can’t-miss prospect. Williams won the Heisman trophy in 2022, but his strong performance wasn’t limited to just that season. Williams has a 93-14 TD-INT ratio, over 10,000 passing yards, and 27 rushing TDs over his three-year career under HC Lincoln Riley.
1.02 Marvin Harrison Jr (WR – OSU)
The question is not where you would take Marvin Harrison Jr. in Dynasty Rookie Drafts, but where he falls in line among all WRs in the Dynasty Overall Rankings.
MHJ should immediately slot in as top 5 player at the position. pic.twitter.com/a4aTL6gRjm
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) January 12, 2024
Marvin Harrison Jr is as close to a can’t-miss prospect as we see in the NFL. In Superflex, the value of a QB is sky-high, but the hit rate is far lower than what we see with wide receivers with MHJ’s profile. So, you’ll have to start thinking about Harrison as early as the 1.01. MHJ didn’t dominate as a Freshman, but he played with JSN, Olave, Egbuka, and Garrett Wilson. However, in 25 games over his sophomore and junior seasons, he put up 144 receptions, 2,474 yards, and 28 TDs. Think DeAndre Hopkins/AJ Green for comparables.
1.03 – Drake Maye (QB – UNC)
In any other class, Drake Maye is easily the QB1. At 6’4″, 230, Maye is a QB1 prototype. He followed his dynamite Sophomore season (37 TDs, 7 INTs, 4,293 YDS) with 3,608 YDS, 24 TDs & 9 INTs in his Junior year. Maye isn’t just a threat with his arm, though. He averaged 6.2 YPC across 121 RuATT throughout his college career. His ability to throw on the run and push the ball downfield will excite teams about his pro potential. On Deep Throws (20+ YDS), Maye averaged 17.1 YPA with a 13/4 TD/INT ratio, which is good for a 96.8 rating per PFF. His ability to move the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield should bode well for NFL success.
1.04 – Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)
The actual decisions start at 1.04 in Superflex dynasty rookie drafts, and the top three seem straightforward in whatever order you want. The pick comes down to Malik Nabers and Jayden Daniels; both are LSU prospects. If you have the deepest needs at QB, you can go with Jayden, but I am looking at pure talent at this pick. Malik would be the top WR prospect if not for MHJ; he is a safe draft pick for NFL Teams and your dynasty team.
1.05 – Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)
The Washington Huskies had a ton of success in 2023, making it to the national championship, and a ton of credit should go to their pass-catchers, especially jump-ball-extraordinaire Rome Odunze. Odunze made high-point, full-extension catches look routine all season and accounted for 1,640 yards and 13 TDs on 92 catches in his Redshirt Junior season. Odunze is also a fantastic route-runner and plays with physicality in the YAC game.
1.06 Jayden Daniels (QB – LSU)
Seeing a quarterback with this profile available at the 1.06 feels lucky. Jayden profiles much like Jalen Hurts/Lamar Jackson but with a much lighter frame. On the plus side, in 2023, Jayden did the following: Won the Heisman, Completed 72% of his passes, 50 Touchdowns (40 passing/10rushing), Ran for 1134 yards (8.4per carry!!), and also had 11.7 Yards per Attempt. Wild. On the downside, he transferred twice, is an old prospect (23 years old), and had four other college seasons that didn’t quite compare to 2023. In a superflex league, he is well worth a shot here at the 1.06 if he goes early 1st rd in the NFL.
1.07 – Brock Bowers (TE – Georgia)
If the #Bears trade back from No. 5, or even if they stay put, Brock Bowers is one of my top options.
Pair him with Cole Kmet in 12 personnel. Put him in the slot. Doesn’t matter. He’s a freak size-speed combination and should be on the table for Chicago. pic.twitter.com/lZYsp7UDGm
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 18, 2023
Arguably the best TE prospect we have ever seen, Bowers is genuinely a “unicorn” at the TE position. While he may be undersized by typical NFL standards, he fits right in line with some of the more recent athletic TEs who have seen immediate success in the NFL. (LaPorta, McBride & yes, Kyle Pitts) He is a matchup nightmare for any linebacker, and if he lands in the right system in the NFL, he should have a chance to showcase his elite route running from Day 1. Can you imagine if Ben Johnson departs for LAC and Bowers lands there? LaPorta’s rookie records may be in jeopardy after only one season. He was the focal point of the Georgia offense the moment he arrived on campus, and he averaged 14.5/Rec for his college career as a TE, nonetheless! He’ll immediately insert himself into the Top 5 Dynasty TE discussion and, depending on the landing spot, could be even higher before he takes a snap. He’s a stud, no matter how you slice it.
1.08 Michael Penix Jr. (QB – Washington)
Penix showcased what he could do during the College Football Playoffs with a huge game against Texas. Finishing strong with 2022 and 2023 campaigns for his resume, the concern for most will be health and age (he will be 24 this coming May). In a Superflex league, QBs are necessary for starting and depth; this is a good landing spot for someone drafted to start some NFL games immediately.
1.09 – Devontez Walker (WR – UNC)
Devontez Walker is one of the more exciting G5 > P5 transfers to watch in 2023
A boundary WR with good length and size at 6’2 195 with a knack for making big plays
Potential C2C profit in a post Josh Downs WR room with a bit of devy intrigue as well
pic.twitter.com/tn363ZSmiM— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) June 12, 2023
While Walker at 1.09 may not be chalk, he’s a prime candidate for a massive combine and scouting period bump. Walker has an insane mix of size and athleticism reminiscent of elite receivers past, allowing him to beat cornerbacks in various ways. The Tar Heel WR boasts a select catch radius to win contested catch situations but also has a low 4.4s speed. Walker was GPS-clocked at over 23 mph multiple times in his collegiate career. If you’re more into stats, Walker has things going for him over there, too, as he accounted for 58/921/11 in an entire season with Kent State last year and 41/699/7 in 8 games for UNC this season.
1.10 TreVeyon Henderson Jonathon Brooks (RB – Texas)
I had taken TraVeon here, and when we were at the 2.04, TraVeon recommitted to Ohio St for another year. So, I just replaced him with Jonathan Brooks. I’m not sure I would take Brooks this early, but I would if he didn’t have the ACL injury. Jonathon Brooks played behind Roschon Johnson and Bijan Robinson in his first two seasons, but he was the unquestioned lead back this past year. Brooks has been very productive on a per-play basis, going for 6.2 yards per carry and a whopping 12.0 yards per catch on 28 receptions (25 this past season). I’m seeing shades of Rachaad White with Jonathan Brooks, and that’s good. He also just turned 20 years old.
1.11 – Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)
While his college teammate, Malik Nabers, will receive much of the attention (rightfully so), Thomas Jr. is someone NFL teams and dynasty managers alike should be very excited about. For starters, Thomas Jr. is a big play waiting to happen. He averaged 17.2 Y/REC this past season vs Nabers’ 17.6. Thomas Jr. can win in the slot and downfield. That versatility should give him ample opportunity to succeed at the next level. His 6’4” frame should allow him also to be a weapon in the red zone (like what we’ve seen from Tee Higgins). He’s incredibly smooth for his size but also has an explosive element to his game. If he can continue to expand his route tree, he has a serious upside at the NFL level.
1.12 Bo Nix (QB – Oregon)
Bo Nix is a hell of a QB the more I watch his film.
Strong arm, accurate, and great at reading defenses. Also, his stats don’t lie
-4,508 passing yards
-45 TD
-3 INT
-4-1 against top-25 teams this yearSomething to consider 👀pic.twitter.com/Nowzj8GKUx
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@OfficialJAYCHI) January 13, 2024
Bo had himself a spectacular year at Oregon. He broke the completion percentage record (77.45% on 470 attempts) and had 51 total touchdowns (45 passing and six rushing) on three interceptions. Age is a concern again since Bo will be 24 at the draft, but his campaign shows Nix is ready for the NFL. He will start right away for a team and give a championship team some needed depth for their dynasty team – or, more likely, a rebuilding team that acquired the pick from the championship team.
Round 2
2.01 – Michael Pratt (QB – Tulane)
The dynasty hivemind has yet to catch on to Michael Pratt, as many have the gunslinger outside their top 5. However, Pratt is my QB3 in the class, behind only Williams and Maye. Unlike other options in this class, Pratt proved it on the field early in his career and was a highly productive 4-year starter. Over his four seasons for the Green Wave, Pratt threw for 9,611 yards, 90 TDs, and 26 INTs on a 60.6% completion percentage. However, what is going to be highly enticing to pro scouts is Pratt’s raw athleticism, as he has a cannon for an arm and can and does regularly extend plays with his legs.
2.02 – Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE – Texas)
JT Sanders is big, fast, and productive. He is also very young. Brock Bowers is the clear TE1 in this class, but Sanders may be the better value, as you can draft Sanders in the late 2nd/early 3rd in some rookie drafts. Sanders put up 99 receptions, 1295 yards, and 7 TDs in his sophomore and junior seasons at Texas. You may have to be patient with Sanders, as TEs generally take a while to hit (McBride), and Sanders is young. The landing spot will also significantly determine if/when it’s best to push the button on Sanders in your rookie draft.
2.03 – Xavier Worthy (WR – Texas)
If there is one thing to associate with Xavier Worthy, it’s SPEED. Worthy will run one of the fastest 40’s at the upcoming NFL combine. While he has a thin frame (6’1” 172), Worthy is incredibly explosive and a YAC machine. His 571 YAC ranked 13th in the nation this past season. Worthy possesses true “blow off the top” speed and will immediately warrant Defensive Coordinators attention for that alone. NFL teams will covet his ability to stack defenders and then make guys miss once he has the ball in his hands. He looks smooth when you watch him, and his ability to line up at multiple positions should be highly enticing for any NFL team looking to add a big play-receiving threat in the upcoming draft.
2.04 – Trey Benson (RB – FSU)
If TreVeyon Henderson goes back to school, it’s going to be a real battle between Trey Benson and Blake Corum for my RB1 spot.
Trey Benson = Absolute Combine Freak of Nature 📈 pic.twitter.com/OSLG2F7sTa
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) January 11, 2024
This might be the first reach of the mock draft, but if I am a team looking to find the next explosive rookie RB, I immensely like Benson. He has the most explosive upside, vision improvements, and pass-catching improvements between his 2022 and 2023 seasons. That means he can contribute immediately to an NFL team and your dynasty team. His size for how fast he moves is impressive, too, being 6’1″ and 223 lbs.
2.05 – Braelon Allen (RB – Wisconsin)
With TreVeyeon Henderson heading back to Ohio State to chase a championship, it’s a different Big Ten RB that tops my early running back ranks. Braelon Allen is 19 and has already established an astounding collegiate career. The Wisconsin RB is 6’2” and 238 lbs of pure muscle, which he often uses to take the souls of would-be tacklers. He accounted for over 1,200 yards on the ground in his first two seasons and wrapped up his Badger career with 984 yards in 2023. In addition, Allen has proved a little bit of something in the passing game, with 49 career catches and 28 coming in 2023.
2.06 – Troy Franklin (WR – Oregon)
Troy Franklin is one of my favorite prospects in the 2024 draft. His super slight frame would have been a concern for me in the past, but it seems that is no longer a disqualifier in today’s NFL. If anything, it may be the way the league is trending. Smaller and faster (quicker). Well, Franklin IS fast. Expect to see a sub 4.4 40-time, and with his super productive junior season in 2023, we may see him get drafted in round one of the NFL Draft. I can envision Franklin being a late-first-round rookie pick in May in superflex leagues. Think Marquis Brown/Jordan Addison.
2.07 – Bucky Irving (RB – Oregon)
The NFL running back landscape is changing. Recently, we have seen the likes of James Cook, De’Von Achane, Kyren Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs take the league by storm. Bucky Irving is cut off that same “new age” NFL RB cloth. Standing at 5’10” and 195, Irving makes money with his versatility and ability to make defenders miss. Among RBs with <6.00 YPC, Irving’s 0.37 MTF/A ranked 5th in the nation. He was also graded as the most elusive draft-eligible RB per PFF. Irving displays a real suddenness in & out of his cuts. He reminds me a bit of Tyjae Spears in this regard. What I like about Irving is his receiving ability. If you’re going to fit the “new age” RB build, you need to be able to catch the ball, and Irving has proven he can do just that. He led all RBs in RECs this past season with 54. While he may fit into the traditional “scat back” mold, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a backend/solid RB2 in PPR formats, given his receiving prowess.
2.08 – Keon Coleman (WR – FSU)
There is still a home for big-body receivers in the NFL, and teams will still draft them and hope they work. Keon stands at 6’4″ and 215 lbs and has shown his athleticism throughout his career. The route running can be sharpened, and with his flashes of brilliance, teams could hope to capitalize on all the untapped potential that Coleman has flashed. He is a Day 2 prospect and will be a good flier on teams to take a chance on him for your dynasty rosters.
2.09 – Ja’Lynn Polk (WR – Washington)
With Jalen McMillan oft-injured in 2023, Polk made the most of his opportunities and put together a 1,159-yard season with 10 TDs. The Texas Tech transfer is a lanky wideout who can play both inside and out and possesses a massive catch radius, above-average strength, and great bursts once he gets the ball in his hands. Polk’s hands are some of the best in the class, and I think he has a long career ahead of him, working the seams and the underneath game out of the slot position at the NFL level.
2.10 – Adonai Mitchell (WR – Texas)
Beautiful stuff here from Adonai Mitchell.
Great use of tempo here into his break.
The route running is definitely there for Adonai Mitchell and he’s quick off the LOSpic.twitter.com/ENXtwAKVbX
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) January 11, 2024
You might think I’m a Texas fan or something, but the value here was too good to pass up. I’m somewhat skeptical of Mitchell as a prospect, but getting a projected early round-2 NFL prospect here in the late 2nd of a rookie draft is a great value. I sense there will be other WR prospects I will end up liking better than Mitchell, but we’ll see. I also considered taking RB’s Blake Corum or Audric Estime. There will undoubtedly be value in the late 2nd/early 3rd of our rookie drafts here in 2024. Mitchell had an outstanding true freshman season with career stats: 99 Rec – 1405 Yards – 18 TDs. Terrace Marshall vibes.
2.11 – Ladd McConkey (WR – Georgia)
Ladd may be one of this class’s most “pro-ready” WRs. He doesn’t explode off the tape like some of his counterparts in this class; McConkey is incredibly smooth and versatile. McConkey is a polished route runner in his own right, which will make him productive once on the field. I’d describe McConkey as shifty more than explosive, but he finds a way to get open. Everyone is looking for the next Puka Nacua and newsflash. There isn’t a next Puka Nacua, but McConkey’s high football IQ and ability to find open spaces should prove extremely valuable at the next level. His 2.54 YPRR is suitable for 4th best of all draft-eligible WRs, and we have seen YPRR be a strong indicator of future success. With his production profile and ability to contribute early, McConkey is one of my favorite fliers at the end of the 2nd round.
2.12 – JJ McCarthy (QB – Michigan)
The best QB Michigan has ever seen, according to Jim Harbaugh. Without a polarizing season capped off with a national title, many will be debating whether he should have stayed another year. Teams will look to answer their QB questions, and although the stats are not great, there is plenty of film to highlight that JJ can make the big throws. This will be a topic all offseason, but an NFL team will take him in the first round, and draft capital can be king for dynasty leagues. This is Superflex, right? What are we doing to let a starting QB fall this far?
Honorable Mentions
Malachi Corley (WR – Western Kentucky)
Jaylen Wright (RB – Tennessee)
Blake Corum (RB – Michigan)
Audric Estime (RB – Notre Dame)
Deep Sleepers
Blake Watson (RB – Memphis)
Kimani Vidal (RB – Troy)
Dallin Holker (TE – Colorado State)
Emani Bailey (RB – TCU)
