Introduction:

Howdy, y’all Christopher Pinto here Lead Fantasy Football Writer for Belly Up Fantasy Sports. I want to speak on the 1.01 rookie draft pick for fantasy football. As the NFL Draft nears, NFL Execs, draft prospects, and countless others prepare to hold a virtual draft. They will run a walkthrough for everyone to make sure they know how it will function. This will be a first for the league and could pose some problems.

For instance, we have heard the concerns from Coaches and players alike and feel for them. However, we will anticipate all the technical difficulties and maybe even the loss of video feed. I like most people, realized that their concerns are valid, but I also know what is really going on. They will be doing what most of us have done year in and year out, a fantasy football draft.

Fantasy Football is just kicking off and Dynasty Leagues are waiting to hold their rookie drafts, myself included. As I do have the 1.01 rookie pick in a league I wonder who should I draft? Now where the rookie gets drafted plays one hundred percent into who I would select. That being said the gears in my head are already spinning like turntables. I want a guy who will grow with my roster and one day by a RB1. For example, a guy who you can be proud of and has the potential to be a future Pro Bowler.

As I analyze data and watch the film, three guys have the potential to be this year’s, Josh Jacobs. Therefore, I make the case for one as he is an explosive player, extremely durable, and a true workhorse. He is humble, well-spoken, well mannered, a dynamic player maker with next-level abilities. He is my personal favorite, as I got to meet him at his last high school game, and I have followed him throughout his college career like it was my job. That being said this is the case for J.K. Dobbins my 1.01 rookie selection for fantasy football.

College Stats: The Ohio State University

2017 – 194 att. / 1,403 yards / 7 TD + 22 rec. / 135 yards / 1 TD

2018 – 230 att. / 1,053 yards / 10 TD + 26 rec. / 263 yards / 2 TD

2019 – 301 att. / 2,003 yards / 23 TD + 23 rec. / 247 yards / 2 TD

Facts:

With my 1.01 rookie selection, I want a running back who can be explosive like Dalvin Cook. J.K. Dobbins is a special player and has an even better story. I remember like it was yesterday my father-in-law, a La Grange Leopard team doctor was able to take me down to the sidelines of La Grange’s last playoff game in 2016, because of this opportunity I got to meet someone special. There was a young man who was not suited up, it was Dobbins.

He introduced himself and we spoke briefly. The entire conversation was yes sir, no sir and I remember being very impressed for instance with his poise and attitude. Furthermore, I could not wait for the opportunity to watch him play at the college level. Flash forward to watching him play the first time in a Buckeye uniform, the freshman Dobbins above all was in a very hostile environment for a small-town Texas star. As many freshmen before him, J.K. had to overcome some first-game jitters, because he was facing a veteran defense in their stadium at their home opener.

Dobbins flashed like lighting and quickly put any doubt to rest as he shredded the Indiana defense with 29 carries and 189 yards. Dobbins showed he had the mental awareness like those before him, even as a young rising athlete he had the tools to be an explosive running back not only in college but at the next level as well.

With my 1.01 rookie draft selection, I want my running back to be durable. A durable back like CMC, who can be on the field almost ever down. The fantasy football season is long, but it’s even longer with an injured player. I want to make sure the running back I select can survive many seasons in the NFL and above all can ascend to have Pro Bowl honors like few have done prior.

Dobbins has shown how durable he can be as in his three years in college he has carried the ball 725 times over 42 games. That stat line gives us a glimpse of the future and how Dobbins can be a league winner. Therefore, this is why Dobbins is my 1.01 rookie draft selection.

Lastly, with my 1.01 rookie draft selection, I want my running back to be a true workhorse back. A true workhorse back like Ezekiel Elliot is someone all fantasy managers bank on to help carry them to the fantasy playoffs. Being consistent throughout the season is key to winning tight matchups. In his last four games as a Buckeye Dobbins showcased his workhorse abilities by carrying the ball 118 times for 714 yards and 8 touchdowns.

A truly impressive feat and something that caught my attention because not many running backs can tout the crown as a feature back. This proves he has the ability to be a true workhorse back in the NFL.

Closing:

In conclusion, Dobbins will be my selection with the 1.01 rookie draft pick, because of his durability, explosiveness, and workhorse capability. We will all have to wait and see where Dobbins lands as the draft kicks off Thursday night, but one thing is sure the State of Texas will be watching and praying! Good luck at the next level J.K.!

Share your thoughts with me in the comment section below or by tweeting me @AggieKappaSig. See Belly Up Fantasy Sports and Belly Up Sports for other great articles. Also check out my pre-draft Top 12 Rankings for Redraft PPR Leagues by position: QB, RB, WR, and, TE. Thanks and Gig ‘Em!