When you look at the rookie draft for dynasty leagues, who can start this season?
RB’s: Of course, Breece Hall is a given. Even Kenny Walker is expected, mainly due to Rashaad Penny’s injury history. Who else?
Although Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead are currently above Dameon Pierce on the Houston depth chart, that isn’t expected to last.
Same story in Atlanta. With Cordarelle Patterson (age 31) and Damien Williams (age 30) ahead of rookie Tyler Allgeier (age 22), it is just a matter of when the rookie overtakes them, rather then if.
Another possibility is Brian Robinson in Washington. Antonio Gibson proved last season he can’t carry a bellcow’s share of touches, which means Washington becomes an RBBC, with Robinson as the beneficiary.
QB’s: Kenny Pickett was originally considered as the best possibility of starting as a rookie, although that has been dashed by word out of Steelers training camp:
Malik Willis looked good in last night’s game against the Ravens, but nobody is expecting him to get a start in the season unless Ryan Tannehill gets hurt.
Matt Corral is still my favorite from this year’s QB class, but I don’t expect him to play unless the Panthers get off to a horrid start. With Baker Mayfield at QB, this isn’t impossible.
WR’s: We know some starters already: Garrett Wilson for the Jets, Drake London for the Falcons, and Chris Olave for the Saints. Beyond that, there are some WR2’s and WR3’s: Jahann Dotson, Alec Pierce, Jalen Tolbert, Wan’Dale Robinson, George Pickens, and Velus Jones. Beyond that, it’s a dart throw.
TE’s: Admittedly, there are no great starters in this class. If you are looking for potential, here we go:
Isaiah Likely would easily be a starter in Baltimore if Mark Andrews gets hurt. For dynasty, Likely looks like an excellent long term play.
Jeremy Ruckert is another possibility for the Jets, but would require two injuries to get him up the depth chart.
Trey McBride is also considerable, but even in Arizona, and even if Zach Ertz gets hurt, the TE is not going to get much attention.