With the 3-day whirlwind of the NFL Draft behind us, we now have the 2nd part of the dynasty rookie rankings equation: landing spot. Let’s combine that with the 1st part, talent, to see how the class shakes out.
Here are our top 50 overall rookies for dynasty leagues. You’ll find individual positional rankings below.
1. Todd Gurley, RB, Rams
Gurley jumps from #3 in our pre-draft rankings to the top of the board here. The gap between him, Cooper and White was never big. And Gurley landed in the best spot. He’ll be a workhorse in HC Jeff Fisher’s offense.
2. Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders
The NFL-ready Cooper should slide right in as Oakland’s #1 WR. And his prowess in the short and intermediate passing games looks like a perfect fit with QB Derek Carr, who excelled on those types of throws in college.
3. Kevin White, WR, Bears
Not an ideal landing spot for White. He’ll be behind at least Alshon Jeffery in the pecking order to open his career, Chicago won’t throw as much under the new coaching staff and the long-term QB situation is unsettled. But White’s ceiling is too high to fall lower than this in the rankings.
4. Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers
Dynasty teams with a hole at RB or looking for an immediate impact might be tempted to take Gordon over Cooper or White. Be careful. There’s some bust potential for a guy with inconsistent vision who landed behind a mediocre offensive line. Gordon also has work to do in the passing game. That being said, he’ll immediately become San Diego’s lead back and has long-term RB1 upside.
5. Breshad Perriman, WR, Ravens
This guy joins a Ravens WR corps with very little behind the 36-year-old Steve Smith. Perriman should win a starting job this season and could be the #1 WR in 2016. That gives him big fantasy upside in a Marc Trestman-led offense. Baltimore reportedly had Perriman ranked in the low teens on their overall board.
6. DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins
Parker is a slightly safer fantasy prospect than Perriman. But we’ve always questioned his ability to develop into a true #1 WR. A deep Dolphins pass-catching corps will make that even harder. On the plus side, his short-area quicks and route-running ability make him a nice fit with QB Ryan Tannehill.
7. Nelson Agholor, WR, Eagles
It’s no coincidence that Agholor’s closest comparison on PlayerProfiler.com is Jeremy Maclin, the guy he’ll essentially be replacing. Agholor isn’t as dangerous downfield as Maclin, but he might be better after the catch. That makes him perfect for a Chip Kelly offense that likes to get the ball to playmakers in space.
8. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Titans
Green-Beckham would have been better off landing on a more settled offense with a proven QB. The good news is that he’s already the most talented WR on the Titans roster. DGB still has the potential to emerge as the best WR in the class, but he’s much riskier than the 5 ranked above him.
9. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions
Abdullah is capable of immediately pushing Joique Bell for touches. We’re expecting him to be Detroit’s lead back by 2016 at the latest. Bell turns 29 in August and had knee and Achilles surgeries this offseason.
10. Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons
Coleman is a boom/bust runner joining a team that ranked 28th in Pro Football Focus’ run-blocking grades last year. That’s scary. But we’ve seen OC Kyle Shanahan get big numbers out of less talented RBs. Coleman has a wide spectrum of outcomes, ranging from bust to RB1.
11. Jaelen Strong, WR, Texans
Strong surprisingly slipped to the 3rd round of the NFL Draft – due at least in part to the fractured wrist he suffered last season. Houston’s run-heavy offense and QB issues are also concerns. But Strong is the favorite to beat out Cecil Shorts for the Week 1 starting job. He should emerge as a solid possession complement to DeAndre Hopkins.
12. Jay Ajayi, RB, Dolphins
Ajayi slipping to the 5th round is a sure sign that teams are concerned about his bum knee. But the cartilage problem is more of a long-term concern. Dynasty owners should never be expecting more than 4-5 seasons from a RB anyway, so it’s not a huge knock on Ajayi’s value. He certainly seems to have the ability to contribute immediately after racking up 3,248 yards and 51 TDs on the ground and 72 catches for 757 yards and 5 more scores for Boise St. over the past 2 seasons. Miami never seemed to view Lamar Miller as a workhorse RB, so look for Ajayi to get on the field quickly. He could eventually pass Miller on the depth chart.
13. Devin Funchess, WR, Panthers
Funchess will need to improve his consistency and play strength in order to succeed as a pro. But he’s 1 of the youngest prospects in the class, so there should be room for growth. The Panthers are clearly high on him, trading up 16 spots in the 2nd round to snag him. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Funchess passes Kelvin Benjamin in the pecking order down the line.
14. T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars
Yeldon is a pro-ready back who should immediately zoom to the top of Jacksonville’s depth chart. He could be part of the big-time turnaround of a suddenly stacked offense. Yeldon’s poor measurables still make us unexcited about his upside, though. And he’s also a rookie-year injury risk.
15. Maxx Williams, TE, Ravens
Williams was almost a Steeler. He’s much better off in Baltimore. Only the glass-hipped Dennis Pitta and unproven Crockett Gillmore stand between him and the starting job. And he’ll be playing in a Marc Trestman offense that fed TE Martellus Bennett 224 targets over the past 2 seasons. We like Williams’ odds to emerge as a perennial top 10 fantasy TE.
16. Devin Smith, WR, Jets
Smith doesn’t have much of a chance to win a top-2 spot this year in a WR corps that features Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. But OC Chan Gailey’s offense uses a lot of 3+ WR sets, so Smith should see plenty of playing time. And he could eventually replace the 31-year-old Marshall. Of course, Smith would benefit from the Jets finding a long-term solution at QB.
17. Phillip Dorsett, WR, Colts
Dorsett owners will need to be patient. The rookie will be buried in the pecking order in 2015. But T.Y. Hilton, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen are all free agents next offseason. Andre Johnson turns 34 in July. Dorsett could quickly vault up the depth chart of an offense led by the best young QB in the game.
18. Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans
Mariota doesn’t seem like a natural fit in HC Ken Whisenhunt’s offense. But Whiz is already morphing his attack to take advantage of his rookie’s elite athleticism. Tennessee did a nice job bolstering Mariota’s supporting cast by drafting WRs Dorial Green-Beckham and Tre McBride, OT Jeremiah Poutasi and C Andy Gallik.
19. David Cobb, RB, Titans
Cobb was a 5th-rounder but could make an immediate impact. The Titans see him as a 3-down back thanks to his size, vision and pass-protecting ability. He’s capable of quickly beating out Bishop Sankey for the starting job.
20. Jameis Winston, QB, Bucs
Winston will be the Week 1 starter for a team with an intriguing group of pass-catching weapons in Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Charles Sims and rookie Kenny Bell. Tampa also shored up the offensive line by drafting OT Donovan Smith and G Ali Marpet. If Winston can improve his on- and off-field decision making, there’s clear QB1 upside here. But there’s still plenty of bust potential.
21. David Johnson, RB, Cardinals
Johnson is 1 of the top receiving backs in this draft class and is a good bet to make an impact in the Cardinals passing game. He has the size and measurables to become a starter, but we were less than impressed by his running ability on tape. The Cardinals might be more optimistic considering they spent a 3rd-round pick on him. How highly you value Johnson heavily depends on what you think of Andre Ellington as a lead back.
22. Duke Johnson, RB, Browns
Johnson joins a young, crowded Browns backfield. He’s a better pass-catcher than Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West but will have a tough time carving out more than a change-of-pace role.
23. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks
Lockett might already be the most talented WR in Seattle. The run-heavy offense will cap his short-term upside, but the Seahawks figure to open up the attack post-Marshawn Lynch. Lockett is still a recommended target in the late 2nd or early 3rd round of dynasty drafts.
24. Chris Conley, WR, Chiefs
Conley’s downfield ability is a poor fit with the conservative Alex Smith. On the plus side, the Georgia product could quickly earn a significant role on a Chiefs team desperate for WR help. Conley’s freaky combination of size and speed still gives him plenty of long-term appeal.
25. Buck Allen, RB, Ravens
Baltimore was an excellent landing spot for Allen. He’s 1 of the top pass-catching backs in the class and joins an offense under OC Marc Trestman that loves getting the RBs involved in the passing game. Allen could quickly emerge as a PPR asset. And at 6’0, 221 pounds with 4.5 speed, he has the potential to develop into an NFL starter.
26. Sammie Coates, WR, Steelers
Coates is a big, athletic dude whose game needs lots of polish. He’ll have time to develop in Pittsburgh, where he figures to be no higher than 4th on the depth chart this season. The Steelers have had success developing WRs (Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant), so we like this long-term fit. Coates is still a boom-or-bust prospect, but he’s worth taking a shot on if you can get him in the 3rd round of your rookie draft.
27. Jeremy Langford, RB, Bears
Langford will open his pro career behind Matt Forte. But Forte turns 30 in December and hits free agency next offseason. Langford could be his successor. Remember that RB Ka’Deem Carey wasn’t drafted by Chicago’s current regime. RB Jacquizz Rodgers is just a change-of-pace back.
28. Justin Hardy, WR, Falcons
A precise route-runner with reliable hands, Hardy should win Atlanta’s #3 WR job this season. We’ll see if Atlanta believes the 5’10, 192-pounder can win from the outside and eventually replace Roddy White.
29. Mike Davis, RB, 49ers
Have the 49ers soured a bit on Carlos Hyde? This offseason, they’ve tried to re-sign Frank Gore, added Reggie Bush and then drafted Davis. The South Carolina product has the size (5’9, 217 pounds) and skill set to develop into a 3-down back.
30. Josh Robinson, RB, Colts
This 5’8, 217-pound bowling ball is a tackle-breaking machine with plus pass-catching ability. He could be in the mix for a significant role in Indy post-Frank Gore.
31. Kenny Bell, WR, Bucs
Bell is a wiry 6’1, 197-pounder. But he’s explosive and played outside the numbers at Nebraska. He has a good shot to win the #3 job this season and could eventually replace Vincent Jackson in the Bucs’ starting lineup.
32. Clive Walford, TE, Raiders
Walford is a smooth and versatile TE with plenty of pass-catching ability. But he might have to share targets with TE Mychal Rivera behind likely target hog Amari Cooper.
33. Rashad Greene, WR, Jaguars
Greene joins a young and completely wide-open Jags WR corps. He was extremely productive in college as Jameis Winston’s #1 WR. But at just 5’11, 182 pounds with 4.5 speed, Greene might settle in as a #3, slot receiver.
34. Devante Davis, WR, Eagles
Davis went undrafted but quickly latched on with the Eagles. A physical 6’3, 220-pounder, he fits the Chip Kelly mold. There’s opportunity in Philly behind Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor.
35. Tre McBride, WR, Titans
7th-rounders don’t pan out often, but some evaluators had this guy as a mid-round pick. And Kendall Wright is the only WR locked into a starting job in Tennessee. If you draft Dorial Green-Beckham early, adding McBride later as insurance would be a good move.
36. Zach Zenner, RB, Lions
The South Dakota St. product went undrafted but has the measurable and production profile to emerge as a contributor. He could eventually serve as a big-body complement to Ameer Abdullah.
37. DeAndre Smelter, WR, 49ers
Smelter tore his ACL last November, so 2015 could be a redshirt year. But the 6'2, 226-pounder has a shot to eventually replace Anquan Boldin as a possession receiver in San Francisco.
38. Darren Waller, WR, Ravens
Big, athletic and raw. Waller won’t make an immediate impact but landed in a good spot. He could eventually be a starter opposite Breshad Perriman.
39. Matt Jones, RB, Redskins
Washington made this guy the 8th RB off the board, ahead of more-heralded guys like David Cobb, Jeremy Langford and Mike Davis. Jones didn’t put up big college numbers but goes 6’2, 231 pounds with 4.5 speed. He has a chance to become the Redskins’ lead back when Alfred Morris hits free agency in 2016.
40. Vince Mayle, WR, Browns
Mayle is a former basketball player who played just 2 seasons of college football. That makes him a project, although he could be forced into early playing time for a Browns team in need of WR help. Mayle goes 6’2, 224 pounds and is a good ball tracker.
41. Ty Montgomery, WR, Packers
We’re not fans of Montgomery’s NFL potential, but our ears perked up when Green Bay selected him in the 3rd round. The Packers could do some Randall Cobb-ish kind of things with him in the slot and backfield.
42. Jeff Heuerman, TE, Broncos
Heuerman joins an offense run by Gary Kubiak, who loves to involve TEs in the passing game. Owen Daniels turns 33 in November, and Virgil Green is unproven as a receiver.
43. Tyler Kroft, TE, Bengals
Cincinnati’s selection of Kroft in the 3rd round was a bit of a head-scratcher considering they used a 1st-rounder on Tyler Eifert just a couple of years ago. Eifert has had trouble staying healthy, though, and is only signed through 2016. Kroft drew a Zach Ertz comparison from NFL Films’ Greg Cosell.
44. Jamison Crowder, WR, Redskins
Not many 5’8, 185-pound WRs become reliable fantasy assets. We think Crowder will max out as a #3 WR for the ‘Skins and a bench guy in fantasy football.
45. Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Panthers
Artis-Payne should at least quickly earn a change-of-pace role behind Jonathan Stewart. And Stewart’s injury history provides upside beyond that. We’re just not sure Artis-Payne has the ability to excel as a lead back in the NFL.
46. Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings
Diggs profiles as a slot receiver and will need to beat out Cordarrelle Patterson and Jarius Wright just for the #3 spot behind Mike Wallace and Charles Johnson.
47. Bryce Petty, QB, Jets
Petty is a major project who is at least a year away from making a fantasy impact. But we like his fit in OC Chain Gailey’s spread offense.
48. Karlos Williams, RB, Bills
Williams is a converted safety whose game needs polish. He’ll have time to develop as he sits behind LeSean McCoy and Fred Jackson. Williams’ 6’1, 230-pound frame and 4.4 speed give him upside, though.
49. Thomas Rawls, RB, Seahawks
Rawls is an extremely physical runner, making him a good fit in Seattle. It’s possible that he develops into an option to eventually replace Marshawn Lynch.
50. Garrett Grayson, QB, Saints
Grayson’s college tape won’t blow you away, but he’ll get to learn from Drew Brees and perhaps someday operate in HC Sean Payton’s offense.
1. Marcus Mariota, Titans
2. Jameis Winston, Bucs
3. Bryce Petty, Jets
4. Garrett Grayson, Saints
5. Brett Hundley, Packers
6. Sean Mannion, Rams
7. Shane Carden, Bears
8. Trevor Siemian, Broncos
1. Todd Gurley, Rams
2. Melvin Gordon, Chargers
3. Ameer Abdullah, Lions
4. Tevin Coleman, Falcons
5. Jay Ajayi, Dolphins
6. T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars
7. David Cobb, Titans
8. David Johnson, Cardinals
9. Duke Johnson, Browns
10. Buck Allen, Ravens
11. Jeremy Langford, Bears
12. Mike Davis, 49ers
13. Josh Robinson, Colts
14. Zach Zenner, Lions
15. Matt Jones, Redskins
16. Cameron Artis-Payne, Panthers
17. Karlos Williams, Bills
18. Thomas Rawls, Seahawks
19. Malcolm Brown, Rams
20. Marcus Murphy, Saints
21. Kenny Hilliard, Texans
22. Terrell Watson, Bengals
23. John Crockett, Packers
24. Terrence Magee, Ravens
25. Trey Williams, Texans
26. Synyn Days, Cowboys
27. Corey Grant, Jaguars
1. Amari Cooper, Raiders
2. Kevin White, Bears
3. Breshad Perriman, Ravens
4. DeVante Parker, Dolphins
5. Nelson Agholor, Eagles
6. Dorial Green-Beckham, Titans
7. Jaelen Strong, Texans
8. Devin Funchess, Panthers
9. Devin Smith, Jets
10. Phillip Dorsett, Colts
11. Tyler Lockett, Seahawks
12. Chris Conley, Chiefs
13. Sammie Coates, Steelers
14. Justin Hardy, Falcons
15. Kenny Bell, Bucs
16. Rashad Greene, Jaguars
17. Devante Davis, Eagles
18. Tre McBride, Titans
19. DeAndre Smelter, 49ers
20. Darren Waller, Ravens
21. Vince Mayle, Browns
22. Ty Montgomery, Packers
23. Jamison Crowder, Redskins
24. Stefon Diggs, Vikings
25. Titus Davis, Chargers
26. Antwan Goodley, Cowboys
27. Dezmin Lewis, Bills
28. Bud Sasser, Rams
29. Mario Alford, Bengals
30. J.J. Nelson, Cardinals
31. Geremy Davis, Giants
32. Deontay Greenberry, Cowboys
33. Dres Anderson, 49ers
34. DaVaris Daniels, Vikings
35. Austin Hill, Seahawks
36. Josh Harper, Raiders
37. Evan Spencer, Redskins
38. Andre Debose, Raiders
39. Chris Harper, Patriots
40. Jordan Taylor, Broncos
41. Kaelin Clay, Bucs
42. Rasheed Bailey, Eagles
1. Maxx Williams, Ravens
2. Clive Walford, Raiders
3. Jeff Heuerman, Broncos
4. Tyler Kroft, Bengals
5. Jesse James, Steelers
6. MyCole Pruitt, Vikings
7. Nick O’Leary, Bills
8. Nick Boyle, Ravens
9. James O’Shaughnessy, Chiefs
10. A.J. Derby, Patriots
11. Jean Sifrin, Colts
12. Wes Saxton, Jets
13. Ben Koyack, Jaguars
14. Busta Anderson, 49ers
15. C.J. Uzomah, Bengals
16. Blake Bell, 49ers
17. Geoff Swaim, Cowboys