Dart Throws is a series centered around talking about rookie sleepers. I wrote this article to give people a heads up on the talent that’s waiting in the 3rd-4th round of your dynasty rookie drafts. Usually, fantasy managers will not give much attention to their later-round picks, but I hope this article gives you some players to think about. Last year, players like Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, KJ Hamler, and Cole Kmet were all picked in the 3rd-4th rounds of last year’s rookie draft. This will give you an idea of the kind of talent that can be found in the later rounds. Identifying these talents can be crucial and helpful for your dynasty squads.

Jaelon Darden-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jaelon Darden, an All-American in 2020, put up 74 recs, 1190 yds, and 19 TDs, becoming an Earl Campbell finalist (best offensive player in D-1 football). In 2020, Darden tallied six games with 100+ receiving yards and five games with multiple TDs. These are fantastic numbers for a Division-1 wide receiver, regardless of competition level.

Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 174 lbs, Darden is obviously not the prototypical size for a star receiver. What makes him special is his footwork in open space. He’s a little like Allen Iverson with his ability to juke defenders out of their shoes. Darden’s footwork helps him create separation on his routes and compliments his deceptive downfield speed. Running a 4.46, Darden is much faster and his quick twitch footwork makes him a viable slot receiver in Tampa Bay’s offense.

I have a good feeling that the Bucs are going to get Darden involved in this offense. At North Texas he was best used at the goal-line, running screens and juking defenders. This is something I can see being utilized in Tampa Bay to keep defenses on edge at the line. Overall, Darden is well worth the 4th round capital to get a guy who has the potential to see the field this year and a chance to take the slot receiver position.

Sage Surratt-Detroit Lions

In 2019, Sage Surratt put up 1000 yds on 66 recs and 11 TDs. Surratt is intangibly strong. Running good routes, he gets in front of the ball and easily makes contested catches. Surratt’s highlight tape is a display of toughness and broken tackles. The Lions’ new head coach Dan Campbell is going to love watching Surratt on the field. His ability to collect yards after the catch (YAC) is what may give him a chance to be fantasy-relevant.

In later rounds, you should bet on talent and opportunity. Surratt prior to 2020 was a highly touted prospect with legit round one potential. In Detroit, wide receivers are scarce in talent, as the Lions decided to let Kenny Golladay sign with the Giants. The focus with the Lions is to rebuild the team in Dan Campbell’s image, so this should give Surratt a good chance to make the team.

Surratt is my wildcard pick to succeed in his rookie year, because of the opportunities Lions receivers should receive this year. If Surratt can get on the team, I think it’s a matter of time before he sees the field. I see Surratt as a slot receiver, who can use his big frame to catch a few TDs in the end zone. He’s someone who is on no one’s radar but should be seen as a high upside dart throw.

Nico Collins-Houston Texans

Nico Collins‘s career at Michigan wasn’t necessarily the most impressive numbers-wise. 2019 was Collin’s best year with 37 recs, 729 yds and 7 TDs. Collins most impressive stat was his 19.7 yds/rec, an excellent feat to accomplish in the BIG 10 Conference. He really showed off his deep ball skills and his ability take the ball for extra yardage, something that will be valued at the next level.

The number one reason I believe Collins will be relevant next season is the amount of opportunities he’ll get with the Houston Texans. Collins is walking into the number two wide receiver role in Houston and with that will come a target share. The only problem with Houston is the quarterback situation. Will Deshaun Watson suit up for the Texans? Will it be Tyrod Taylor or rookie Davis Mills? Whoever it is will be getting a wide receiver with good hands, an excellent knack for tracking the ball downfield.

I’m convinced Collins is going to be a steal and will have a chance to be a number one receiver in the future. As far as fantasy football goes, I think he’s got the potential upside of a WR3-WR4 this year with long-term WR2 potential in dynasty leagues. Collins might have the biggest upside of any skill player going in the later rounds of your rookie drafts.

Amari Rodgers-Green Bay Packers

Amari Rodgers had a great 2020 with the Clemson Tigers, amassing 1020 yds and 7 TDs on 77 recs and 13.2 yds/rec average. Rodgers stepped up big in 2020 becoming a reliable wide receiver threat in the Clemson offense. He runs fluid routes and uses his agility to beat press coverage and separate from corners. I think his most underrated physical gift is his break-away speed, running 4.47 at his pro day. This will undoubtedly help him take the top off of defenses in the NFL.

Rodgers could start off in the slot for the Packers, but with time and potentially some injuries, Amari Rodgers could get WR2 opportunities. If this happens we could see him become the permanent starter opposite of Davante Adams. It may not be this season, but Rodgers value in dynasty might end up resembling that of a WR4.

Overall, I like Rodgers’ prospects in the NFL because he landed in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. This is a scenario that could yield good year one results, and possibly long-term dynasty value for the former Clemson Tiger. The Rodgers to Rodgers connection could end up being something worth your 3rd round rookie pick.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette – Minnesota Vikings

Ihmir Smith-Marsette out of Iowa is a developmental prospect who might pan out in the NFL. His stats at Iowa were nothing special with110 recs, 1615 yds and 14 TDs for his career. At Iowa, Smith-Marsette was a versatile weapon, being used as a gadget wide receiver. Smith-Marsette’s rushing upside made him an excellent weapon, rushing for 274 yds and 4 TDs on 34 career touches. Just to give you an idea of how versatile he was at Iowa, Smith-Marsette was a kick returner all four years there and scored 2 TDs in 2019.

This guy has some excellent skills for the next level. His tape shows a guy who can beat you off the line of scrimmage and create separation with his speed. Smith-Marsette has the skills to make him a open field threat such as: decent juke moves, some good RB vision and open field speed. I can see the Vikings putting him on the field just because of his talent and versatility. Hopefully this leads to a good amount of opportunity.

Smith-Marsette fits in with the Vikings immediately as a kick returner. This role should guarantee him a spot on the team in 2021. He’s viewed as a 4th round pick at best in dynasty rookie drafts and on the waiver wire in most leagues. It might be worth it to snag him and put him on the taxi squad.

Conclusion

Something I thoroughly enjoy is breaking down guys who can help your team at an affordable price. That being said, it’s officially rookie draft season in dynasty leagues. One of the most important things to remember as you draft is that later rounds are important too.

Simbull

Go play the greatest and latest in sports gambling at https://simbull.app/bellyupfantasy. Wall Street meets sports gambling in this innovative app. Simbull brings the fun of being able to play for the long term by purchasing, selling, and trading stocks of your teams. When your teams win you win a payout. When they lose you DON’T! The value of your teams’ share is all that matters and it’s easy to use. Just download the Simbull app on your play store and use the promo code BELLYUPFANTASY for a $10 deposit bonus of at least $10 or more. Join the fun of investing in your team for the long haul where the sportsbook edge is put back into your hands as the player. For the latest and most fun in sports gambling download Simbull and again use the promo code BELLYUPFANTASY for your $10 deposit bonus today! https://simbull.app/bellyupfantasy

If you liked this and want to check out more content like it, visit https://bellyupfantasysports.com/. You can also follow me @semtexmex93.