It’s time for a mock draft! Having put out rankings, projected draft position and full player previews before the combine, it’s time to stack these prospects together, and see where they stack up against each other in an inter-positional fashion. This mock is based on how I would draft them and doesn’t reflect the current ADP climate. Players like Parris Campbell, David Montgomery (not listed), Josh Jacobs and A.J. Brown will likely have different ADPs, so take that into account when evaluating. The 2019 rookie class has been up for much debate this offseason. Many feel this isn’t a good draft to invest in, in fact, it’s been advised to fade this set of rookies all-together.
While this 2019 crop won’t have the same early-career effects on the fantasy world as the 2017 or 2018 classes, that DOES NOT mean it’s barren. Post-athletic testing, this WR class is bordering on special, and could end up infusing multiple top ten fantasy WRs in the coming years. The RBs, while below average compared to previous classes, will still have a prospects drafted in the early rounds (round two and three), and will have potentially lucrative landing spots. There’s solid fantasy potential with the QBs and TEs as well. Don’t buy the trendy narratives, this rookie class has plenty of meat on the bone.
This mock was set up with SUPERFLEX (option to have a second QB in starting lineup) and PPR (point per reception) league formats in mind. If your league is of the single QB variety, then it’s important to adjust accordingly. A single QB draft would see Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray shift down to the mid-to-late second round. This would reflect both ADP and where I’d ponder selecting them.
ROUND ONE
The first few selections should be straight forward. N’Keal Harry and A.J. Brown are the crown jewels of this class, and while QB is always going to be the most valuable position in superflex (SF) formats, elite players transcend standard positional value. Both players have immaculate production profiles, tested out well above average at the combine and should be drafted in round one. Those picks carry a lot of value and should carry heavy trade value on the open market. In terms of personal opinion, overpaying for those top two selections is advisable.
Beyond those two, the two quarterbacks should bring solid returns and will be safe investments for the first couple of seasons (at the very least). Both Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray will be given ample opportunity to succeed, and that can’t be underrated. Personal opinion again, but after those top four selections, there’s a slight tier drop. The next group is still very strong, however. Between D.K. Metcalf, Parris Campbell and Noah Fant, all have incredibly high ceilings, and should be viewed as potential long term, team-building assets. Some view Metcalf as an elite WR prospect, and there’s no issue there. The only true concern for Metcalf is injuries, without that he’d be knocking on Harry and Brown’s door as the top selection. Fant tested out like Vernon Davis at the combine and should be valued as though he can become a first or second option in a receiving game.
The third tier is essentially dealer’s choice. The four RBs (Darrell Henderson, Damien Harris, Josh Jacobs and Miles Sanders) and Hakeem Butler will have a lot riding on draft day from a draft position/landing spot perspective, and each could see a big rise or fall in value. This would be the area of the draft I’d potentially target. While the market is beginning to turn (for the better) on the top WR and QB prospects, the perception of the RB class and the lack of consensus on the second tier of WRs will create value pockets in some leagues.
ROUND TWO
Round two starts off strong. The difference between Emanuel Hall, Kelvin Harmon and Butler is negligible, and despite receiving a lot of skepticism, Drew Lock would be a solid value at the top of the second round if he gets selected in round one of the NFL draft. Hall tested out like an elite athlete at the combine, and Harmon has a solid production profile. Both should be drafted in the top three rounds of the NFL draft and be provided ample opportunity to emerge. While this isn’t a huge tier drop, and there could be some cross pollination after the draft, this has the feel of a tier drop from the late first round. These picks aren’t quite as appealing, but if had for cheap, are certainly worth pursuing.
After 2.03, all bets are off. The next tier has a lot of upside, but there’s instability. Between Andy Isabella, Marquise Brown and Deebo Samuel, there’s been differing levels of round one hype, some of it deserving, but all unlikely. While they all provide upside, the archetypes they represent don’t provide high likelihood of a round one selection. Those three will be landing spot and draft position dependent but shouldn’t shift too far in value post-draft (barring one of them dropping in the NFL draft). Myles Gaskin is a personal favorite, especially after weighing in above 200 pounds (205) at the combine. Gaskin has a little Devonta Freeman to his game, and if he gets his name called in the second or third round of the NFL draft, he could work his way into a year one role.
Irv Smith is another very appealing receiving down tight end that has potential. Smith will likely be more of a luxury/developmental pick for dynasty teams that will provide big returns in year three and year four (I know, that’s a long time away). I don’t love this tier, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t entertaining. Miles Boykin, Darius Slayton and Stanley Morgan all tested out in a special enough fashion to make them appealing late second round type picks. These are all-or-nothing type selections that have a high failure probability, but if put in the right situation, could bring early career Martavis Bryant type returns. Morgan probably has the highest floor from an overall skillset perspective, but Slayton and Boykin should have a draft position advantage.
