In this edition of Belly Up Fantasy Mock Draft Mania, we dug into a 5 round linear rookie draft. Building from the 3rd overall selection I was able to add some great blue-chip guys to my (mock) roster. I did not stick to my usual RB heavy draft preference, and my WR depth will be thanking me later!  

Immediate Impact Selections

As LSU products Joe Burrow and Clyde Edwards-Helaire come off the board at the top two selections, my choice was made for me. RB Jonathan Taylor was drafted by the Colts in the 2nd round. Indy had the league’s 7th ranked rushing attack in 2019, lead by 3rd-year rusher Marlon Mack. Mack’s contract expires after 2020, and he has had injury and consistency issues. Taylor will have a stranglehold on the backfield by the end of 2020 and beyond.

There were no players available that I expect to have the impact Jalen Reagor will have for the Eagles at my second choice . A complete wide receiver who attacks jump balls and brings a Steve Smith-Esque intensity with the ball in his hands. I will have as many shares of Reagor as I can acquire, especially in dynasty formats.

Development Stash Selections

I used my 3rd round selection on another wide receiver I am excited about. Denver Broncos’ second-round pick and Penn St. product K.J. Hamler. I don’t think Hamler is in store for the volume Reagor will see early on. However, he is a complete route runner with serious speed and a chance to grow in a young, talented offense. K.J. won’t take long to emerge as one of the AFC’s up and coming talents. Hamler with Reagor will give my WR group some serious firepower.

Colt’s QB of the Future, Jacob Eason landed in my lap in the fourth round. This was a no brainer for me, I like that he has a year or two to spend behind Philip Rivers. The supporting cast the Colt’s drafted in just this class gives Eason a great chance of developing into a fantastic fantasy QB down the road. Can you tell I’m a Colt’s fan? I heart Frank Reich. To finish off my rookies I invested in a guy who had 87 receptions in his junior campaign at Vanderbilt, Kalija Lipscomb. He was signed by Kansas City as an undrafted free agent, so he has his work cut out to even make the active roster, but a late investment into a potential Mahomes’ weapon is never a bad idea. I mean this is Mock Draft Mania!

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