The RotoUnderworld community will be partaking in a series of 12-team, five-round rookie mock drafts, running through the spring and summer. The mock drafters will be comprised of PlayerProfiler writers/analysts, our friends in the Patreon community, and our good friends over at The Breakout Finder. While these pieces will include quick-hitting notes from the drafters about why they made their selection, our writers will take turns recapping the festivities and adding their own unique perspectives.
Rookie Mock Draft Recap #9 – SuperFlex/TE Premium
NFL teams have spoken, adding critical pieces to the 2021 rookie class puzzle. Armed with draft capital and landing spots, the Underworld and Friends promptly assembled in the draft room. This fifth installment of this SuperFlex/TE Premium Rookie Mock Series began on May 2nd. Comparing the results of this mock with pre-NFL Draft editions is fun. It highlights risers/fallers, identifies values, and challenges us to consider if we are over or underreacting to player situations.
It’s mid-May and rookie hype is high. Dynasty managers can acquire the shiny and new. This is one element that makes this format great. But remember, the rational person makes decisions based on intelligent thinking and value, not on emotion. Our group of mock draft aficionados have put in the time and provided their insights. Let’s check it out.
1.01 – Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Analyst: Garrison Mindrup (@GarrisonMindrup)
Rationale: I don’t care about your QBs or if Rookie TEs don’t produce. Give me the best player in the draft! A big wide receiver that gets bonus points for being listed as a TE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qc2OftyOL4
1.02 – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Analyst: Steve Smith (@stevenr_smith)
Rationale: Full disclosure, I entered this mock expecting to draft Trey Lance with this pick. I’ll take what falls to me, and that happens to be the best QB prospect in the class.
1.03 – Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Analyst: Will Barrett (@Will_Barrett1)
Rationale: I was originally going to go with Fields here. With Lance on the 49ers and Fields on the Bears, I’m starting to like Lance’s situation and upside more.
Trey Lance is your New #2 QB on the https://t.co/dAxKA046QX Rookie Rankings?
➡️ https://t.co/wNAYaKKXgX pic.twitter.com/1m9x73d7z1
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 11, 2021
1.04 – Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
Analyst: Aaron Stewart (@aaronstew09)
Rationale: The Bears were top-12 in Pass Plays in each of the past two seasons. Plus Fields has dual-threat capability.
1.05 – Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Analyst: Pedro Reyna (@petesake_)
Rationale: I can’t explain it, got a gut feeling about Najee, possibly another one of the “great” Pitt RBs.
The Breakout Finder Podcast: @RayGQue and @StillRyanFive react to NFL Draft landing positions from Kyle Pitts to Najee Harris ?
LIVE: https://t.co/wsCKW9OdAF
? https://t.co/6WA28npG2Q pic.twitter.com/a9Sz2OWAp9
— THE BREAKOUT FINDER (@breakout_finder) May 5, 2021
1.06 – Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets
Analyst: Joshua Benjamin (@joshbenjaminNFL)
Rationale: Wilson’s ability is no doubt a double-edged Katana! With that said, I’m in lust with what the Jets did to address the points factory this offseason. He’s not the QB that you take home to mom, he’s the QB you take to Vegas for the weekend!
1.07 – Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Analyst: Ron Stewart (@ronstewart_)
Rationale: The best running back in the class got first round draft capital, be excited.
? Travis Etienne vs Najee Harris ? pic.twitter.com/jM6dnhTCLf
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 9, 2021
1.08 – Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
Analyst: Ray Marzarella (@rayraymarz)
Rationale: Denver was the best under-discussed landing spot for a rookie RB. Williams may only be a second-round pick in real life, but the Broncos trading up to pick him is enough for him to leapfrog Chase as the pick for me here.
1.09 – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Analyst: Andrew Quinn (@AQuinnff)
Rationale: Best WR prospect in the class gets to team back up with his college QB. Get your popcorn ready.
“The Best WR Prospect since Amari Cooper” pic.twitter.com/VpSQNHE6fw
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) April 30, 2021
1.10 – Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots
Analyst: Akash Bhatia (@FantasyKash)
Rationale: The best strategy in SuperFlex rookie drafts the past few years has been to take the QB drafted in the first round who falls.
1.11 – Devonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Analyst: Cody Carpentier (@CarpentierNFL)
Rationale: This one pulls at my heart strings, but at this point Smith is the only value here. He has the ability to come in Day 1 and garnered 100 targets from Jalen Hurts. With only Jalen Reagor as a threat in the receiver room and Dallas Goedert at TE, I think Smith has the opportunity to be the second-most effective receiver in this rookie class.
1.12 – Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Analyst: Jaylen Glenn (@JayyyG_FF)
Rationale: Bateman checks all the boxes analytically: early declare with first round draft capital, 94th-percentile Breakout Age, multiple 30.0-percent-plus College Dominator Rating seasons, so I gladly ignore landing spot here.
Where do you have Rashod Bateman ranked in this Rookie Class? ?
➡️ https://t.co/wNAYaKKXgX pic.twitter.com/oRzJczp2NG
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 8, 2021
Round 1 Takeaways
Grab a cup of water, this mock comes out of the gate HOT!
Setting flames to a stacked QB class, Kyle Pitts boldly goes at the 1.01. That’s planting a flag, love the assertiveness! The win-win move is probably trading back and still acquiring Pitts – that’s not an option in this mock. After all, the top 30 in Lifetime Value Points on PlayerProfiler’s SF/TEP dynasty rankings is dominated by QBs and RBs.
In 2020, Travis Kelce caught 105 of 145 targets for 1,416 yards and 11 TDs. He finished No. 2 overall in receiving yards. In a TE premium format (four-point passing TDs), this slotted him behind Russell Wilson (QB6) in total fantasy points. On a per game basis, Kelce recorded 20.7 fantasy points, which lands him behind the QB11. Darren Waller’s position leading 107 receptions put the TE2 behind Justin Herbert at QB10. Pitts is an uber talent, but the rookie has significant work to do to match the ultra-high expectations of this draft season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNKS05XSi3s
Trey Lance was the key post-NFL Draft riser for quarterbacks. Paired with strong weaponry in the 49ers scheme makes his upside undeniable. Lance comes off the board as QB2 ahead of Fields. Our mock drafters are savvy, so this is not a first. Lance was drafted No. 3 overall (QB2) back in mid-March. Zach Wilson and Mac Jones were taken in their usual range, making for the same five QBs gone in Round 1. Travis Etienne is a steal at 1.07.
Reunited with his college QB, the WR1, aka Ja’Marr Chase, is another fantastic value at 1.09. Over five SF/TE mocks, Chase has been drafted as high as 1.04, but more often is available in the middle of the round. DeVonta Smith is now catching passes from old friend Jalen Hurts, which boosts him to a high point in our SF/TE mock series. Smith could be lined up for a healthy Target Share given his depth chart competition in Philly. Finally, Rashod Bateman slips to a low point of 1.12 after landing in the league’s worst passing offense.
2.01 – Rondale Moore, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Analyst: Garrison Mindrup (@GarrisonMindrup)
Rationale: The most electrifying receiver in the draft who should start from Day 1 in three-WR sets.
2.02 – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Analyst: Steve Smith (@stevenr_smith)
Rationale: The Dolphins invested the No. 6 overall pick to reunite Waddle with his college QB Tua Tagovailoa. With Miami remodeling their WR room, I like the dynamic playmaker’s chances of pushing for the WR1 job.
College teammates ➡️ NFL teammates pic.twitter.com/bUtNnvXaqK
— NFL (@NFL) May 8, 2021
2.03 – Terrace Marshall, WR, Carolina Panthers
Analyst: Will Barrett (@Will_Barrett1)
Rationale: I don’t mind the landing spot here for Marshall. Robby Anderson and Sam Darnold will be gone in 2022. He had a 33.4-percent (63rd-percentile) College Dominator Rating, a 19.2 year (84th-percentile) Breakout Age, he had ten touchdowns in seven games and averaged 104 receiving yards per game this past season.
2.04 – Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets
Analyst: Aaron Stewart (@aaronstew09)
Rationale: Carter just barely missed Day 2 draft capital and, after seeing the rest of the RBs left on the board, I’m excited to get a talented RB on a weak depth chart.
Michael Carter is one of the Biggest Winners from the NFL Draft ?
➡️ https://t.co/wNAYaKtmpp pic.twitter.com/sSqoBg499M
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 2, 2021
2.05 – Trey Sermon, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Analyst: Pedro Reyna (@petesake_)
Rationale: Landing in San Francisco in the Round 3 has boosted Sermon’s value and moves him into the RB4 conversation.
Are you drafting Trey Sermon in Round 1? ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/YVnhkTTan8
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 9, 2021
2.06 – Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets
Analyst: Joshua Benjamin (@joshbenjaminNFL)
Rationale: Double Down! Call it my “green back stack.” Moore is a great talent who can end up paying major dividends! Upside or die!
2.07 – Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Analyst: Ron Stewart (@ronstewart_)
Rationale: Overshadowed by the hype of Kyle Pitts, Pat Freiermuth is quietly one of the better tight end prospects in the last couple of years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcnEGK8rhXI
2.08 – Kadarius Toney, WR, New York Giants
Analyst: Ray Marzarella (@rayraymarz)
Rationale: The slow rise of Kadarius Toney up the draft boards to this second-round range has been interesting to watch. He’s now likely at least locked into this area now that he’s secured his first round NFL Draft capital. He adds a different and unique element to the offense when considering the skillsets of the players around him, he has the sort of special teams ability the Giants have lacked since the days of Ron Dixon and Willie Ponder (editors note: damn, I’m old af), and he’s athletic enough to be used as a decoy X-receiver at worst while he acclimates to the pro game. He is a converted QB, so he has plenty of room to grow, though these kinds of players aren’t usually first round NFL Draft picks.
Gettleman gonna Gettleman ??♂️ pic.twitter.com/9YQgmM57be
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 6, 2021
2.09 – Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
Analyst: Andrew Quinn (@AQuinnff)
Rationale: Would probably trade out of this pick, but I’ll take a flier on St. Brown. Has a good Breakout Rating and probably will walk into a decent role in Detroit.
What a LANDING SPOT for Amon-Ra ???? pic.twitter.com/VhChKDltvs
— Ray G ? (@RayGQue) May 1, 2021
2.10 – Dyami Brown, WR, Washington Football Team
Analyst: Akash Bhatia (@FantasyKash)
Rationale: With Day 2 draft capital and solid production at UNC even while competing with Dazz Newsome, Javonte Williams, and Michael Carter for targets, Brown is the easy pick here.
2.11 – Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers
Analyst: Cody Carpentier (@CarpentierNFL)
Rationale: Chuba brings the juice to any offense, going at the 2.11 behind the best fantasy running-back of all time. If anything happens to McCaffrey, Hubbard is a league winner.
2.12 – Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
Analyst: Jaylen Glenn (@JayyyG_FF)
Rationale: Prototypical X-receiver with great athleticism as shown by his 109.2 (89th-percentile) Speed Score. With Day 2 draft capital and no real WR behind Cooks, this feels like a good spot to take a shot on Nico.
Will Nico Collins be the #2 receiving option in Houston by Week 1? pic.twitter.com/jzrTxQ6bBU
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 7, 2021
Round 2 Takeaways
Similar to our last SF/TE mock, Round 2 is dominated by WRs. The deep QB class pushes dynamic playmakers Rondale Moore and Jaylen Waddle into the early second. Rondale broke out at an early age of 18.2 (99th-percentile) with 144 catches for 1258 yards and 12 TDs. Put any size concerns aside and DO NOT allow this athletic freak to slip into the middle of the round. Elijah Moore and Terrace Marshall come off the board next, adding to the value available here. Once the draft moves past the middle of the second, there is a noticeable tier drop. If selecting in the back half of this round, don’t be afraid to trade back or out.
Rondale Moore has the #1 Breakout Age in the 2021 Class?
?https://t.co/FKpFe9cA0D pic.twitter.com/U9Sih5dDrF
— THE BREAKOUT FINDER (@breakout_finder) May 10, 2021
Pat Freiermuth and Amon-Ra St. Brown are big draft day movers, but after them it gets dicey. At 2.09, St. Brown goes off the board 10 spots ahead of his pre-NFL Draft SF/TE mock ADP. Another early college breakout, he landed in a plum spot with the Lions. The fourth rounder will be competing with Tyrell Williams, Breshad Perriman and Kalif Raymond for snaps to fill a whopping 313 vacated targets. St. Brown has the opportunity to be an early contributor in fantasy football.
Previously going at the end of the round, Freiermuth (don’t call him “Baby Gronk,” he hates it) climbs to 2.07. Drafted by the Steelers at No. 55 overall, this total package tight end has been overshadowed by Kyle Pitts. With the aggressive selection, Pittsburgh is hoping to properly fill the void left by retired Heath Miller. Freiermuth’s former draft slot is now occupied Nico Collins, who has steadily climbed throughout our SF/TE mocks. Collins went in the fifth round back in early March. However, big questions still remain about his QB situation.
3.01 – Amari Rodgers, WR, Green Bay Packers
Analyst: Garrison Mindrup (@GarrisonMindrup)
Rationale: Should start in the slot and has massive YAC ability.
The Green Bay Packers have drafted 3 WR’s in the Top 100 since 2012?
? Davante Adams: Pick 53
? Amari Rodgers: Pick 85
? Ty Montgomery: Pick 94 pic.twitter.com/sXxadI9Ioc— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 3, 2021
3.02 – Kenny Gainwell, RB, Philadephia Eagles
Analyst: Steve Smith (@stevenr_smith)
Rationale: Gainwell goes to a crowded backfield after falling to Round 5, but I still like the talent. The optimal move here would be to exploit that and move back later in the third with hopes of still acquiring him.
Highest Receiver Rating among 2021 RB’s ?
1️⃣ Kenny Gainwell: 98.1
2️⃣ Travis Etienne: 96.7
3️⃣ Najee Harris: 96.4
4️⃣ C.J. Marable: 95.9 pic.twitter.com/RUui58nIFv— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 4, 2021
3.03 – Anthony Schwartz, WR, Cleveland Browns
Analyst: Will Barrett (@Will_Barrett1)
Rationale: I don’t mind the browns landing spot, Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry are only getting older. Soon the world class sprinter will have a wide open receiver room.
3.04 – Hunter Long, TE, Miami Dolphins
Analyst: Aaron Stewart (@aaronstew09)
Rationale: With a nice 69th-percentile 21.8-percent College Dominator Rating and 23.3-percent junior season Target Share, Long is the succession plan for Mike Gesicki when he enters free agency next offseason.
Mike Gesicki was the biggest loser at Tight End in the https://t.co/JtvRe0BFSp Dynasty Rankings, after the NFL Draft?
➡️ https://t.co/wNAYaKKXgX pic.twitter.com/7oDtNnrj3c
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 6, 2021
3.05 – D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Analyst: Pedro Reyna (@petesake_)
Rationale: Eskridge has 4.45 (80th-percentile) speed and will be competing for WR3 snaps on a Russell Wilson–led offense.
Dwayne Eskridge using the @rotounderworld team as motivation for this upcoming season – gotta move him up the board a bit! ??? @Fantasy_Mansion @AnOutragedJew @StillRyanFive pic.twitter.com/Evg08uC0Qo
— Ray G ? (@RayGQue) May 6, 2021
3.06 – Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams
Analyst: Joshua Benjamin (@joshbenjaminNFL)
Rationale: Trade if possible. Tutu will most certainly start the year behind D-Jax for the outside stretch role. That role can pay big dividends with Stafford now at the helm.
3.07 – Tylan Wallace, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Analyst: Ron Stewart (@ronstewart_)
Rationale: Wallace was my WR12 pre draft as a late second round option. Everyone’s giving him a big ding for landing spot, I’ll be buying the dip.
Tylan Wallace had 4+ receptions in 30 of 37 games at Oklahoma State ? pic.twitter.com/NSqC3ieY3z
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) March 23, 2021
3.08 – Kellen Mond, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Analyst: Ray Marzarella (@rayraymarz)
Rationale: With all the chatter that Minnesota was eyeing up Justin Fields with their original first round selection, it makes sense to me to throw a dart at a player who may end up being the contingency plan at least by the 2023 season. Assuming he’d still have the services of one of more of Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, (maybe) Adam Thielen, and Irv Smith, I’ll throw that dart.
3.09 – Josh Palmer, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Analyst: Andrew Quinn (@AQuinnff)
Rationale: Palmer is still only 21 years old, and will be tethered to Justin Herbert for the next few years.
Was Josh Palmer the reach of the NFL Draft? ? pic.twitter.com/wr8A858sqA
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 8, 2021
3.10 – Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots
Analyst: Akash Bhatia (@FantasyKash)
Rationale: With James White getting up there in age, Sony Michel‘s knee all but dead, Stevenson just has Damien Harris to compete with for touches. With Najee Harris, we saw Mac Jones is willing to check it down, even to a bigger back like Stevenson.
3.11 – Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Fransisco 49ers
Analyst: Cody Carpentier (@CarpentierNFL)
Rationale: The best running back in the San Francisco backfield, hands down! Give me the uber athlete over a plodder and a couple old guys in Mostert and Wilson.
3.12 – Brevin Jordan, TE, Houston Texans
Analyst: Jaylen Glenn (@JayyyG_FF)
Rationale: Despite poor testing, Jordan still has the YAC ability I like my TEs to have. Hopefully, the lack of established pass catchers in Houston can lead to some early career production.
Brevin Jordan was a big faller in the https://t.co/dAxKA046QX Rookie Rankings after the NFL Draft ?
➡️ https://t.co/wNAYaKKXgX pic.twitter.com/yY7qQIabVM
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 5, 2021
Round 3 Takeaways
With 36 players drafted thus far, the breakdown is as follows: six QBs, nine RBs (three per round), 17 WRs, and four TEs. This distribution is nearly identical to our final pre-NFL Draft mock. Two-thirds of the players taken in Round 2 were wideouts. This drops to one-half for Round 3.
A trio of pass catchers comprised of Amari Rodgers, D’Wayne Eskridge and Josh Palmer are big third-round risers. Each of them received Day 2 draft capital and are tethered to exceptional quarterback play. Well, for now at least in Amari’s case. Rodgers and Eskridge both went in the early fourth in our final pre-NFL Draft mock. Drafted by the Chargers at No. 77, the 21-year old Canadian produced 99 receptions for 1,514 yards over four years at Tennessee despite shoddy QB play. He was never been chosen in a pre-NFL Draft mock, showing the impact of draft capital.
I ain’t sayin it makes sense.. but I just took Josh Palmer at the 3.10 in a Rookie Draft pic.twitter.com/RyJKlj3mR6
— Cody Carpentier (@CarpentierNFL) May 9, 2021
Kenny Gainwell sinks below Pick 20 (2.08) for the first time in five mocks. He fell to a crowded Eagles backfield. When factoring in Miles Sanders‘ injury history and a depth chart that includes a couple of plodders, getting Gainwell in the third is solid value. The former rookie RB4 does have a 27.5-percent (60th-percentile) College Dominator Rating and a 13.8-percent (91st-percentile) College Target Share.
Notable players holding steady through the NFL Draft were Anthony Schwartz, Kellen Mond, Tylan Wallace, and Tutu Atwell. These upside prospects received Day 2 or early Day 3 draft capital, but find themselves down depth charts.
4.01 – Davis Mills, QB, Houston Texans
Analyst: Garrison Mindrup (@GarrisonMindrup)
Rationale: A top high school recruit who could see the field very soon with Watson probably done.
4.02 – Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, Tennessee Titans
Analyst: Steve Smith (@stevenr_smith)
Rationale: Drafted in the fourth round to the Titans, I’ll take a shot on Dez using his athletic profile to land a role in a wide open wide receiver depth chart behind A.J. Brown.
4.03 – Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Analyst: Will Barrett (@Will_Barrett1)
Rationale: Smith-Marsette’s metrics and production are average at best: a 61st-percentile College Dominator Rating, 55th-percentile YPR, and 61st-percentile Breakout Age. He never passed 800 receiving yards at Iowa, but he has no one to compete with for that number three receiver spot in Minnesota, great opportunity for him! He’s also a good special teamer.
4.04 – Gerrid Doaks, RB, Miami Dolphins
Analyst: Aaron Stewart (@aaronstew09)
Rationale: A sneaky athletic (68th-percentile SPARQ-x score) RB with 87th-percentile Burst joining a team that wanted to get better at RB makes for a perfect fourth round dart throw!
gerrid doaks > salvon ahmed pic.twitter.com/R1yRjy786C
— the podfather (@Fantasy_Mansion) May 3, 2021
4.05 – Shi Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
Analyst: Pedro Reyna (@petesake_)
Shi Smith all-purpose yards at South Carolina ?
2017: 34 touches, 485 yards
2018: 46 touches, 735 yards
2019: 58 touches, 760 yards
2020: 66 touches, 686 yards pic.twitter.com/RyPFth89ae— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) March 8, 2021
4.06 – Javian Hawkins, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Analyst: Joshua Benjamin (@joshbenjaminNFL)
Rationale: The best UDFA since the great James Robinson…too soon?
javian hawkins going undrafted was a crime against football talent. pic.twitter.com/10g4Hkig8Y
— the podfather (@Fantasy_Mansion) May 2, 2021
4.07 – Tre McKitty, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Analyst: Ron Stewart (@ronstewart_)
Tre McKitty transferred to Georgia in 2020 and played in just 4 games ⚡ pic.twitter.com/pxn3zSKJI6
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) March 20, 2021
4.08 – Jermar Jefferson, RB, Detroit Lions
Analyst: Ray Marzarella (@rayraymarz)
Rationale: Falling to the seventh round of the NFL Draft, and being parked behind D’Andre Swift and his Best Comparable Player in Jamaal Williams for the foreseeable future, all but nuked Jefferson’s value. But since we should never let ourselves fall victim to The Assumption of Rational Coaching, I’m still willing to take a chance on the early breakout and production profile at this stage of the proceedings.
4.09 – Mike Strachan, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Analyst: Andrew Quinn (@AQuinnff)
Rationale: Day 3 draft capital to the Colts isn’t the most exciting in the world, but I’ll tell you what is: being 6-5 with an 87th-percentile Speed Score and 98th-percentile College Dominator Rating.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtCKfglBPk8
4.10 – Kyle Trask, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Analyst: Akash Bhatia (@FantasyKash)
Kyle Trask scored 3+ total touchdowns in 16 of 27 games at Florida ? pic.twitter.com/wjF8e9JrgS
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) March 23, 2021
4.11 – Simi Fehoko, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Analyst: Cody Carpentier (@CarpentierNFL)
Rationale: Michael Gallup is a free agent after the season. Expect Fehoko to follow in line shortly after as a competent No. 3 with requisite size and a 95th-percentile Speed Score.
Who is the Most Underrated player in the 2021 NFL Draft? ? pic.twitter.com/UpCzTEj04C
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) April 22, 2021
4.12 – Kene Nwangwu, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Analyst: Jaylen Glenn (@JayyyG_FF)
Kene Nwangwu is a crazy athletic freak that will immediately step in as a potential returner. Felt a bit early but I dont hate it #skol #NFLDraft2021 pic.twitter.com/6bqsv77dCv
— Cory P. (@FF_Guitarist) May 1, 2021
Round 4 Takeaways
In Round 4, the aficionados have filling the board with several upside darts. With landing spots and draft capital moving the needle for several players, let’s take a closer look at a couple of potential bullseyes.
At Pick No. 119, Iowa State’s Kene Nwangwu was the first of three Minnesota Vikings Round 4 selections. On a depth chart with David Montgomery and Breece Hall, Nwangwu was used sparingly as a runner. He made his mark as a kick return ace, generating 2,470 yards (26.8 average) during his four year college career. Nwangwu’s athleticism jumps off the page. He has 4.37 (99th-percentile) speed with upper-percentile burst and agility. He will compete for a special teams role that can help him replace Mike Boone as the team’s third RB.
Kene Nwangwu has the #1 Speed Score in the 2021 Class⚡
?https://t.co/FKpFe8UZ95 pic.twitter.com/hdBI8DhmP4
— THE BREAKOUT FINDER (@breakout_finder) May 9, 2021
Another fourth round surprise was the Titans selecting Louisville WR Dez Fitzpatrick at Pick No. 109. Tennessee hadn’t drafted a receiver until they traded up to choose Fitzpatrick ahead of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tylan Wallace. At 6-2, Fitzpatrick has the requisite size that the Titans covet in their WRs. The team is also fond of his route running skills, toughness and blocking ability. A.J. Brown will need help replacing Tennessee’s 224 vacated targets, making Fitzpatrick a potential late-round gem in rookie drafts.
5.01 – Seth Williams, WR, Denver Broncos
Analyst: Garrison Mindrup (@GarrisonMindrup)
Rationale: Once a devy darling, now a late round steal. Should be the replacement for Sutton, who will be a free agent after this season.
5.02 – Chris Evans, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Analyst: Steve Smith (@stevenr_smith)
Rationale: Evans flashed early at Michigan, but academic issues forced him to miss his chance at a lead-back role in 2019. With 90-plus percentile burst and agility he could push for the No. 2 role behind Mixon.
Chris Evans is Not a Sleeper ?
➡️ https://t.co/zYGH8yU9Fa pic.twitter.com/yUSM8QSZIA
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 6, 2021
5.03 – Jaelon Darden, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Analyst: Will Barrett (@Will_Barrett1)
Rationale: Darden is entering the league in a crowded offense, but all he needs is an opportunity to show off his 94th-percentile Agility Score and his 90th-percentile College Dominator Rating. I think he can get an opportunity as a special teamer, he put up 414 special team yards in his freshman season.
5.04 – Briley Moore, TE, Tennessee Titans
Analyst: Aaron Stewart (@aaronstew09)
Rationale: At this point of the draft, go for athletic upside. The 6-4, 250-pound TE has the workout metrics AND analytical profile we look for in tight ends. His 124.9 (92nd-percentile) SPARQ-x score is nearly identical to the departing Jonnu Smith‘s 127.0 (93rd-percentile) mark.
TE Briley Moore (Kansas State)
-Broke out age 20 for No. Iowa
-100th percentile SPARQ-x Score
-15.4 YPT
-Signed by Titans as UDFA
-Jonnu Smith now in NEPer PlayerProfiler ? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1YzRBxUz4w
— Mike Randle (@RandleRant) May 3, 2021
5.05 – Ian Book, QB, New Orleans Saints
Analyst: Pedro Reyna (@petesake_)
Ian Book threw for 300+ yards in 8 of 45 games for Notre Dame ? pic.twitter.com/PQ792F8ZwW
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) April 24, 2021
5.06 – Jalen Camp, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Analyst: Joshua Benjamin (@joshbenjaminNFL)
Rationale: Camp lands in a crowded WR room in Jacksonville. However we’ve seen WRs come from obscurity in Jacksonville and I believe Camp has some intriguing aspects to his game! Worth the late dart throw.
Jalen Camp has the #1 SPARQ-x Score in the 2021 Class ?
?https://t.co/FKpFe8UZ95 pic.twitter.com/aqI1CL4k0h
— THE BREAKOUT FINDER (@breakout_finder) May 15, 2021
5.07 – Kylin Hill, RB, Green Bay Packers
Analyst: Ron Stewart (@ronstewart_)
Which 7th Round running back has the highest upside in Fantasy? ?
? Jake Funk – Rams
? Gerrid Doaks – Dolphins
? Kylin Hill – Packers
? Jermar Jefferson – Lions pic.twitter.com/Gu7dipKKUa— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) May 5, 2021
5.08 – Kylen Granson, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Analyst: Ray Marzarella (@rayraymarz)
Rationale: Tough to see where he fits into the Colts offense early on in his career given the crowded room, but getting some serious Trey Burton vibes surrounding a player who has the kind of athletic profile I’m drawn to at the TE position. He broke out at two different schools and has a 97th-percentile Breakout Age. I like him in the fifth of a TE Premium format.
5.09 – Larry Rountree, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Analyst: Andrew Quinn (@AQuinnff)
Rationale: Rountree has proven that he can handle volume, based on his College Dominator Rating and handling over 200 carries in just 10 games last CFB season.
5.10 – Cornell Powell, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Analyst: Akash Bhatia (@FantasyKash)
Given the state of KC’s wideout corps, don’t want to sleep on 5th-rounder Cornell Powell. https://t.co/jFUQ5VQ0aG
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) May 5, 2021
5.11 – John Bates, TE, Washington Football Team
Analyst: Cody Carpentier (@CarpentierNFL)
Rationale: The No. 1 Agility Score among all tight ends in this class! He only runs a 4.89, but a year learning behind Logan Thomas should do Bates good. It’s the fifth round and we are throwing darts anyways.
.@kylepitts__ is already making NFL history. ?@AtlantaFalcons | @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/FAB21SzL62
— NFL (@NFL) May 7, 2021
5.12 – Kenny Yeboah, TE, New York Jets
Analyst: Jaylen Glenn (@JayyyG_FF)
Kenny Yeboah averaged 19.4 yards per reception in 2020 ⚡ pic.twitter.com/T1ffldHPbl
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) March 18, 2021
Round 5 Takeaways
All 60 picks are in and we have 26 WRs drafted in this mock. That translates to 43-percent of picks being spent on a WR. In contrast, only 16 RBs were drafted. This number has steadily fallen with each subsequent mock as drafters sour on this underwhelming RB class. After posting weak metrics or going undrafted, pre-draft prospects such as Jaret Patterson and Demetric Felton are absent from this mock.
In this TE premium format, our drafters take a gamble on several upside TEs in Round 5. Focusing on the right details, each of the tight-ends selected have one thing in common – athleticism. For instance, 6-5, 250-pound John Bates has an 11.20 (89th-percentile) Agility Score, while Indy’s Kylen Granson exhibits 75th-plus-percentile metrics across agility, burst and 40-time. Both prospects were welcomed to the NFL in Round 4. The late-round lesson here: bet on athletes. Granson is already impressing in rookie camp.
“When the Colts got Granson on the field for rookie minicamp, they found out the playmaking, field-stretching TE they selected in the fourth round is further along than they expected. A rookie tight end almost always has significant work to do as a route runner. Not Granson.” https://t.co/iX9IVrqXTl
— NFL Beat Writers (@32BeatWriters) May 16, 2021
Conclusion
Thanks to the members of the Underworld and Friends that participated in this mock. Rest assured that the Underworld will be back with more mock drafts throughout the NFL offseason. Until then, keeping doing your homework, stay level-headed, and shine when it’s your turn on the clock. Good luck in your rookie drafts!