There are a ton of great fantasy football dynasty prospects to keep an eye on as we head towards the upcoming rookie draft. Of course, some are a little better than others. Here are some quick names that you can throw onto your draft board to start getting your scouting underway.
Tier One
I think it’s becoming quite apparent that Ashton Jeanty will be the first player taken in rookie drafts this season. This guy is a generational type of talent in the backfield for a position that is arguably the most important in fantasy. He’s capable of getting out into open space and running strong routes, constantly breaking tackles when given the opportunity, and is known for making something out of nothing. We’ve seen him repeatedly go up against stacked boxes, yet it doesn’t matter. In 12 games played, Jeanty has run for 2,288 yards and 28 touchdowns. That is pure talent that you can’t teach, and wherever he gets drafted, he’ll be a top-tier rookie prospect.
Right below Jeanty in tier one is Tet McMillan. The superstar receiver had 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns this year for Arizona. Now, the team had a very underwhelming season, for McMillan was a bright spot. He’s a large target at six-foot, and five inches, boasting impeccable route running skills, strong hands, and an excellent release. He’s the type of receiver that you can plug into any offense that is in need of a playmaker in the passing game, so I wouldn’t anticipate him lasting long in these drafts.
Next, I want to talk about Cam Ward. The Miami Hurricanes quarterback is projected to be drafted inside the top 10 in the NFL Draft. He’s got an ability to extend plays in the pocket, move around, and make off-platform throws, and has a build that most offenses know they can create an offense around. He played 12 games, threw for 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 200 yards and scampered for four more scores.
Lastly, in this top tier, we have Shedeur Sanders. Colorado’s quarterback and Deion’s son is a genuine top prospect this season. That’s because he just looks polished back there, no matter what the situation. He’s playing behind a very poor offensive line, yet he makes routine plays consistently while finding opportunities for the splash ones down the field. He played just nine games and threw 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Sanders has a ridiculously high ceiling, but of course, there’s some more risk to this type of prospect. Him and Ward make for a strong quarterback class, but not nearly as deep as what we saw a season ago.
Tier Two
I’m going to start this tier by giving an honorable mention to Travis Hunter. I have no clue where to place him because I don’t know how much fantasy value he will even provide. He’s shown that he can be an electric receiver, but most NFL rumors have suggested that they view him more as a cornerback. If he’s drafted super early in dynasty drafts, his being a full-time corner makes this pick worthless. Then again, perhaps you’re thinking that his explosiveness is worth the risk anyway. Either way, until we get confirmation on what position he’ll primarily play, stay cautious.
My first major tier-two prospect is Omarion Hampton. The North Carolina running back had 1,660 yards in 12 games, ripping off 5.9 yards per carry. He scored 17 total touchdowns and had 38 receptions for 373 receiving yards, although he still needs to work on some of his pass-catching abilities. He isn’t the type of generational talent that Jeanty is. However, it’s been evident that he’s improved every season at North Carolina, and has a bruising style of play that can create a ton of touchdowns at the next level. I’m very intrigued by him.
Jalen Milroe belongs in this second tier as well, which might be surprising. The reason I have him so high up is because of his ability to make plays with his legs. Rushing numbers for a quarterback is huge in fantasy, and Milroe provides that. He rushed for 719 yards and 20 touchdowns this season at Alabama. There’s very obvious talent in that area. Unfortunately, he threw for just 2,652 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. For a quarterback, those stats aren’t going to get the job done. If he can run like he has been though, his fantasy value skyrockets. The right NFL team can improve his passing game and turn him into a player like Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. Just remember how raw of a talent he is.
The final tier two prospect is Luther Burden III. The wideout from Missouri entered the season in tier one but fell due to his season stats. In 12 games played, he had just 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed for 115 yards and two more scores. Given his unbelievable expectations, this was disappointing all around. Many have blamed it on Missouri just not giving him many opportunities to shine this year, and I can get behind that. His raw talent and skill as a playmaker can give fantasy managers a lifeline if they need the position. You can see him posting huge fantasy numbers for some weeks, then fading away in others, like a boom-or-bust candidate early on. I love what he can bring to an offense.
Tier Three
The first of this final tier is Emeka Egbuka, the receiver out of Ohio State. I love Egbuka because his floor feels much higher than other wideouts. He’s such a strong route-runner that he is likely to fit in with several different offensive schemes. Think back to how many said the same thing about Ladd McConkey being a strong route-runner who could be a go-to on third downs. This is the same feeling I get with Egbuka. Despite having just 60 receptions for 743 yards and nine touchdowns this year, I think he’ll be a great pickup for any dynasty squad.
Colston Loveland is another name that you can’t forget about towards the end of the first round. Tight ends don’t come around that often, and Loveland has the frame and potential to be a career-long dynasty tight end for you. He’s showcased an ability to get down and dirty in the blocking game, which will essentially keep him on the field for every down. He’s a dynamic pass catcher who has strengthened his route-running while also being able to break off yards after the catch. Some believe that he can have a rookie season similar to Brock Bowers or Sam LaPorta with the way he can impact the game.
The last of my tier-three players would be Kaleb Johnson. The Iowa running back had excellent numbers this season and basically made a name for himself without any prior hype. He had 1,537 rushing yards in 12 games played, ripping off 6.4 yards per carry, and scoring 21 times. He also had 22 receptions for 188 yards through the air and two more scores. He’s projected to go late in the first round for these dynasty drafts and for good reason. Johnson led the FBS with 20 carries over 20 yards, though he doesn’t have that type of breakaway speed that someone like Jeanty has. Still, he’s a back that wears down defenses and churns out yardage throughout the game. A guy that can fit into many different schemes with his work ethic and can even grow as a pass catcher.