Belly Up Fantasy Sports continues it’s Mock Draft Mania, this time doing a rookie-only format. For this rookie draft, the format was a bit different. We didn’t snake, and randomly drew our order, which we picked from each round. Obviously, we didn’t have an existing team to reference, so while your roster needs will be different, this draft should give people an idea of how we value rookies in Dynasty Leagues. This is the live stream.

My team in a 12 man rookie only non-snake draft
1.5 Cam Akers
2.5 Antonio Gibson
3.5 Darrynton Evans
4.5 Tyler Johnson
5.5 Albert Okwuegbunam

1.5: Cam Akers

Cam Akers was simply a beast in college. He had a terrible offensive line at Florida State, but still put up fantastic numbers. 231 carries, 1144 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, 14 rushing TDs. Then add in 30 catches, 225 yards receiving, and 4 receiving TDs. All for a whopping 1369 total yards for 18 total TDs his senior year. This kid can play.

All signs point to him leading the backfield in touches his rookie year with the Rams. And why not? I think he has the potential to be a very special player in the NFL. He probably won’t slip to 5 in your rookie draft, but if he does, scoop him up. He is on the shortlist of backs who can impact your team year 1 in a real way.

2.5 Antonio Gibson

Some may argue this was early but hear me out. Derrius Guice has been anything other than healthy. Adrian Peterson is 35 years old. Gibson may end up as the default starter sooner rather than later. This guy averaged 19.3 yards per catch and 11.2 yards per rush last year at Memphis. This guy is explosive. He is going to see the field no matter what happens.

Looking at these rookies and their scenarios, you have to love the situation Gibson enters. Between a lack of offensive weapons and the health concerns in the backfield, Gibson gives you the kind of upside you drool over from a rookie. And his elite speed combined with his big-play ability should force Washington to get him on the field quickly. I will target him relatively early in every rookie draft I do.

3.5 Darrynton Evans

In 14 games his Junior season, Evans amassed 1,678 scrimmage yards and 23 total TDs. That, folks, is production. He is quick, fast, and explosive. Being behind Derrick Henry may put a cap on his rookie year production, but Henry was franchised this year, and I don’t believe Tennessee wants to pay him big bucks. Evans instantly slots in as the RB2, and if Henry goes down, Evans becomes very valuable. He should see some touches as the RB2 regardless, as Henry can’t carry the ball 400 times.

However, I made this pick with an eye towards the future. If Evans proves capable as the RB2, he gives Tennessee leverage to let someone else give Henry a massive payday. I am not expecting much his rookie year, but the sky is the limit for him in year two and beyond. If you have Derrick Henry, move him up for your rookie draft and lockdown that backfield.

4.5 Tyler Johnson

165 catches, 2,487 yards, 25 TDs, Those are Tyler Johnson’s last two years at Minnesota. He averaged 15.0 YPC his junior year, and 15.3 his senior. 12 TDs junior year, 13 his senior. 1,169 yards junior year, 1,318 his senior. 78 catches his junior year, 86 his senior. Do you get the picture yet? His middle freaking name is consistency! Actually good luck finding out his real middle name, I couldn’t.

Let’s move on to his NFL career. He likely begins the season as WR3 in this Brady led offense. Because Chris Godwin and Mike Evans both play for the Bucs(and Brady’s bff Gronk), I am highly doubtful Johnson sees many targets this year. However, does anyone think it is going to be realistic for Tampa Bay to keep both those guys long term? Johnson is the de facto WR2 once Tampa Bay realizes it can’t afford two elite WR1’s. Johnson will get to play with Brady when he is 53! Jokes aside, he has upside and a situation he can learn in, I like that.

5.5 Albert Okwuegbunam

The tight end who shall be known as Albert, Albert O, AO, or ALO(Get outta here Adele, we call dibs) has a fun name. He also ran a 4.49 at 6’5, 258 pounds. His situation, frankly, is garbage, as four to six guys are gonna demand more targets than him in that offense, and Lock has proven little so far. But my goodness, we are allowed to drool over the potential. He is taller, heavier, and faster than Noah Fant, who everyone seems hyped about in 2020.

Player A: 98 catches, 1187 yards, 23 TDs, 12.1 YPC. Player B: 78 catches, 1083 yards, 19 TDs, 13.9 YPC. Those are Albert and Noah’s college numbers. Just realize, Albert O has big-play potential all over him. I for one think a two TE set with him and Fant could wreak havoc on defenses. Maybe not this year, but goodness gracious it could happen, and if it does, a 5th round dynasty pick could become the steal of the draft.

Thank you so much for reading. Enjoy the article? Hate my picks? Wanna talk football? Comment away! I can take it, I promise. Follow me @realryanhicks on twitter for all my content. Make sure to follow Belly Up Fantasy on twitter for all your fantasy needs. Also check out our consensus rankings, which update weekly!