Here I did a rookie mock draft using the Fantasy Pros software. I did set it for my next league’s settings, with the following starting positions: QB, 2-RB, 3-WR, 1-TE, 2-Flex, and a Superflex. The league also has a deep bench, and is PPR. I am only doing 4 rounds, since rookie drafts rarely offer much value beyond 4, and even the 4th round is dart throws. I am starting with the eighth pick in a linear draft for a 16 team league:
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1.08 WR George Pickens (PIT): I can take dart throws at good RB prospects later. Pickens is a strong WR candidate on a team known for developing WR’s. Maybe he doesn’t find the pot of gold this season, but he is a good candidate for future years.
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2.08 QB Matt Corral (CAR): If I am going to take Corral, i have to take him here. With the fastest release since Marino, he is too good to pass up.
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3.08 WR Calvin Austin (PIT): Weird going for a second Pittsburgh WR, but Austin is the BPA here. Super speedy and small, but he could have more potential here with QB’s not afraid to go deep, unlike Old Ben.
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4.08 TE Jeremy Ruckert (NYJ): See my last rookie mock draft for comments on Ruckert.
With the 8th pick in the draft of a 16 team league, you won’t get many “first year hit the ground running” players. So you take the guys you can develop, hopefully for next year. Best advice: Trade a few of these guys for older veteran players to put you over the top. On the other hand, if you really don’t see a way to win this year, then trade your own aging veterans for draft picks.