I’m a hardcore devy player, so when it comes to dynasty, I feel like I have a distinct advantage. I even enjoy IDP dynasty formats, and for those of you who are as hardcore and passionate as I am, I’ve prepared a rookie-only top 125 board — including IDP. I was doing the work anyway, so I’ve laid it out nice and neat for everyone here, with occasional commentary.
Note: Age format reads as (years.months.days) at time of publication. Career Carries includes both high school and college for running backs. For those backs for whom high school carries aren’t available, (--) is used.
The Board
- Kyle Pitts, TE, ATL, Age: 20.8.3
- Najee Harris, RB, PIT, Age: 23.3.0, Career Carries: 1485
- Ja'Marr Chase, WR, CIN, Age: 21.3.8
- Javonte Williams, RB, DEN, Age: 21.1.15, Career Carries: 590
- Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA, Age: 22.6.15
Notes: That scenario envisioned where Pitts’ would draw targets vacated by Julio Jones became a reality after Jones was traded to Tennessee. The sky is the limit in an extremely pass-heavy offense. Harris may have dropped a spot in these ranks, but that has absolutely nothing to do with his value. If you refuse to scoop up Chase in the top-half of the second of dynasty startups, don’t expect to see him last until the third.
- DeVonta Smith, WR, PHI, Age: 22.6.26
- Travis Etienne, RB, JAC, Age: 22.4.14, Career Carries: 1246
- Rashod Bateman, WR, BAL, Age: 21.6.11,
- Trey Sermon, RB, SF, Age: 22.4.10, Career Carries: 797
- Kadarius Toney, WR, NYG, Age: 22.4.13
Notes: It’s truly a crime how far James Robinson is lasting in dyno startups. However, that takes nothing away from Etienne, who is positioned to fill HC Urban Meyer’s H-back role. Do not assume the Ravens will continue to struggle throwing the ball now that Bateman is on board, and do not allow Bateman to fall beyond the first 15 picks in rookie drafts. The same goes for Sermon. He may not see a featured role this season, but he is going to shred starting next season with low career mileage on his tires. This kid is hungry! Another mistake I’m frequently seeing is sleeping on Toney. Does he have a clear path to 100 targets? No. But the only other skills in this class with anything close to his level of athleticism are Pitts and Chase.
- Elijah Moore, WR, NYJ, Age: 21.2.13
- Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAC, Age: 21.8.3
- Rondale Moore, WR, ARI, Age: 21.0.0
- Michael Carter, RB, NYJ, Age: 22.1.2, Career Carries: 988
- Justin Fields, QB, CHI, Age: 22.3.4
- Trey Lance, QB, SF, Age: 21.1.0
- Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, CAR, Age: 21.0.0
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET, Age: 21.7.16
- Dyami Brown, WR, WAS, Age: 21.7.8
- Pat Freiermuth, TE, PIT, Age: 22.7.15
Notes: If you miss out on the top-five WRs in the class, you’ll have a chance to snag one of the next five-best within this group. It’s also how high you’ll need to dip if you want one of the potential fantasy superstars at QB. Word on the street has Carter vying for some early carries. While I wouldn’t get carried away with an investment — that New York O-line is still miles away from average — I don’t expect him to slip far below 15 in rookie drafts. If you’re late to the party, St. Brown is going to eat behind T.J. Hockenson as the second option in the passing offense.
- Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE, Age: 23.3.17, Career Carries: 729
- Josh Palmer, WR, LAC, Age: 21.8.18
- Micah Parsons, LB, DAL, Age: 22.0.14,
- Tutu Atwell, WR, LAR, Age: 21.8.2
- Cornell Powell, WR, KC, Age: 23.7.10
- Anthony Schwartz, WR, CLE, Age: 20.9.4
- Zach Wilson, QB, NYJ, Age: 21.10.6
- Zaven Collins, LB, ARI, Age: 22.0.21
- Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, BUF, Age: 21.2.4
- D'Wayne "Dee" Eskridge, WR, SEA, Age: 24.2.17
Notes: It was only a matter of time — rumblings out of New England are signaling the Patriots’ bras are thrilled with Stevenson’s abilities. Do not be surprised if OC Josh McDaniels begins using Damien Harris and Stevenson as his 1-2 punch on early downs with James White continuing his passing down role. The IDP seal is broken with Parsons. That Dallas defense is going to be transformed by Parsons’ all-world potential. No player has shot up my ranks more than Powell. Patrick Mahomes has tossed around the “beast” label in reference to the former Clemson Tiger. Collins could be the most intimidating defender in the class. And Rousseau may have only played one full season in college, but the quality of that season is enough to see he’s clearly the top edge rusher in the class. I love Eskridge’s speed. I am not in love with the fact that he’s nearly three months removed from his 24th birthday.
- Jamin Davis, LB, WAS, Age: 22.5.28
- Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR, Age: 21.11.29, Career Carries: 1051
- Amari Rodgers, WR, GB, Age: 21.8.17
- Ernest Jones, LB, LAR, Age: 21.6.18
- Elijah "Eli" Mitchell, RB, SF, Age: 23.1.7, Career Carries: 1009
- Nico Collins, WR, HOU, Age: 22.2.21
- Jevon Holland, S, MIA, Age: 21.3.6
- Javian Hawkins, RB, ATL, Age: 21.7.6, Career Carries: 932
- Kenneth Gainwell, RB, PHI, Age: 22.2.26, Career Carries: 712
- Mac Jones, QB, NE, Age: 22.9.4
Notes: Speaking of defenders with only a single season of college action, Washington shockingly invested a top-20 selection in Davis. That tells us they plan on using him from Day 1. That should be more than enough to consider him a top-three IDP LB. Just keep in mind that the Football Team’s D-line is the second-best in the game. Jones will cut his teeth behind the top D-line from the Rams. But I may actually prefer his overall skills translating to fantasy over those of Davis. Mitchell and Hawkins are moving up my board. I think we’ll see Sermon and Mitchell headline the 49ers’ backfield in 2022. Hawkins is a smaller back, but he has a clear path to No. 2 carries behind Mike Davis. I’ve seen Holland fall below one-or-more of the safeties in this class. Big mistake!
- Hunter Long, TE, MIA, Age: 22.9.21
- Tylan Wallace, WR, BAL, Age: 22.0.27
- Jaelon Darden, WR, TB, Age: 22.4.26
- Richie Grant, S, ATL, Age: 23.7.0
- Tommy Tremble, TE, CAR, Age: 21.0.7
- Marquez Stevenson, WR, BUF, Age: 23.2.14
- Kwity Paye, EDGE, IND, Age: 22.6.21
- Nick Bolton, LB, KC, Age: 21.2.30
- Jacob Harris, TE, LAR, Age: 24.1.24
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, CLE, Age: 21.7.5
Notes: Long and Tremble offer the last opportunities you’ll have to snag early, difference-making TEs from this class. I am pretty high on the future upside for Wallace, Darden, and Stevenson. I’ve got to admit that I was wrong about Harris. Making a late career shift from soccer to football, Harris dedicated nearly every snap at UCF at WR. But the Rams appear to comfortably envision him at TE. So much so that he has split first-team reps with Brycen Hopkins recently with Tyler Higbee dealing with a minor injury.
- Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, MIA, Age: 22.0.12
- Chris Evans, RB, CIN, Age: 23.8.4, Career Carries: 808
- Kellen Mond, QB, MIN, Age: 21.10.18
- Shi Smith, WR, CAR, Age: 21.7.14
- Larry Rountree III, RB, LAC, Age: 23.3.27, Career Carries: 1169
- Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, TEN, Age: 23.5.23
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, MIN, Age: 21.9.11
- Frank Darby, WR, ATL, Age: 23.9.1
- Pete Werner, LB, NO, Age: 22.0.4
- Patrick Surtain II, CB, DEN, Age: 21.1.26
Notes: If you subscribe to the notion that the Vikings will move on from Kirk Cousins to save money in the future, good luck with that one. The issues in Minnesota are with the O-line and D-lines. Cousins is following Ryan Tannehill with a post-30 elite revival. When you hear rumors that a team is considering saving money at the expense of the QB position, take them with a grain of salt. However, Mond offers the elite athleticism that would make him an interesting streamer if Cousins were to be injured. It sure seemed that waters were parting for Fitzpatrick with the Titans. That is clearly no longer the case. Every WR on Atlanta’s roster is being tossed around as a replacement for Jones. Darby does have a shot, just keep in mind he is nearly 24, and he offers below-average athleticism.
The final two players in this group (Werner and Surtain) are being irrationally skipped over in rookie drafts. Werner didn’t put up video game tackle numbers at Ohio State, but those statistics were entirely stunted by some of the top run defending D-lines in the nation throughout his time in Columbus. Werner is likely the opening day starter at Mike for the Saints. As for Surtain, he provides the top tackling ability of the CB class… and it’s not even close.
- Kawaan Baker, WR, NO, Age: 22.9.16
- Kene Nwangwu, RB, MIN, Age: 23.4.0, Career Carries: 560
- Jake Funk, RB, LAR, Age: 23.4.29, Career Carries: 568
- Davis Mills, QB, HOU, Age: 22.7.19
- Jermar Jefferson, RB, DET, Age: 21.1.25, Career Carries: 1097
- Gerrid Doaks, RB, MIA, Age: 23.0.0, Career Carries: 761
- Seth Williams, WR, DEN, Age: 21.1.30
- Trevon Moehrig, S, LV, Age: 21.11.24
- Kylen Granson, TE, IND, Age: 23.2.13
- Demetric Felton, WR, CLE, Age: 22.10.24
Notes: The writing could be on the wall for Tre’Quan Smith to either produce or find employment elsewhere. That only leaves Marquez Calloway between Baker and a substantial role on one of the top teams in the league. If you’re unfamiliar with Baker due to playing at South Alabama, he is a stout playmaker in the mold of Marques Colston. Another guy jumping up my ranks is Funk. It sounds as though he is in serious running to be the third-down back behind Cam Akers. If I were ranking Felton based upon my personal analysis, he’d fall outside of my top-80. However, he is carrying the RB designation on several platforms (i.e., MFL, Fantrax, etc). Should he somehow finagle a starting slot role after a Jarvis Landry injury, that would present some decent value.
- Dazz Newsome, WR, CHI, Age: 22.0.25
- Khalil Herbert, RB, CHI, Age: 23.1.19, Career Carries: 796
- Tre' McKitty, TE, LAC, Age: 22.4.28
- Odafe "Jayson" Oweh, EDGE, BAL, Age: 22.5.25
- Brevin Jordan, TE, HOU, Age: 20.10.24
- Noah Gray, TE, KC, Age: 22.1.10
- Joseph Ossai, EDGE, CIN, Age: 21.1.27
- Tre Nixon, WR, NE, Age: 22.4.14
- Jonathan Adams Jr., WR, DET, Age: 22.4.19
- Kyle Trask, QB, TB, Age: 23.3.3
Notes: McKitty provides next to nothing in the form of college production. That’s a big no-no in my book. But he landed with a team that is searching for the future at TE. And his QB is worth tossing several points in his favor. Gray could be the heir apparent to Travis Kelce. He has nowhere near the athleticism of “Zeus,” but he has the ability to get open, and was drafted by the right offense to make him matter. The first of my two big IDP sleepers, Ossai is an edge rushing tackling machine. Adams has been turning some heads in Detroit, we need to pay attention considering that percentage of available targets.
- Sam Ehlinger, QB, IND, Age: 22.8.10
- Chazz Surratt, LB, MIN, Age: 24.3.24
- Kylin Hill, RB, GB, Age: 22.9.22, Career Carries: 895
- Deon Jackson, RB, IND, Age: 22.3.22, Career Carries: 799
- Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, NYG, Age: 20.11.24
- Kenny Yeboah, TE, NYJ, Age: 22.7.20
- Racey McMath, WR, TEN, Age: 21.11.26
- Tamorrion Terry, WR, SEA, Age: 23.2.19
- Christian Barmore, DT, NE, Age: 21.10.12
- Monty Rice, LB, TEN, Age: 22.5.1
Notes: If Carson Wentz is injured or faceplants with a continuation of his ‘20 struggles, don’t be surprised if Ehlinger is provided with an opportunity. Surratt is old for a rookie, but he collects tackles at an alarming rate. If, like me, you have your doubts in Chris Herndon, Yeboah certainly appears to have landed on the perfect roster. The Titans chose to decline the fifth-year option on Rashaan Evans. Devoting a third-round investment into Rice could indicate they view him as Evans’ eventual replacement.
- Jalen Camp, WR, JAX, Age: 22.10.30
- Jaret Patterson, RB, WAS, Age: 21.5.17, Career Carries: 1020
- Simi Fehoko, WR, DAL, Age: 23.7.4
- Jaycee Horn, CB, CAR, Age: 21.6.14
- Pooka Williams Jr., RB, CIN, Age: 21.11.21, Career Carries: N/A
- Sammis Reyes, TE, WAS, Age: 25.7.21
- Caleb Huntley, RB, ATL, Age: 22.8.25, Career Carries: 1075
- Asante Samuel Jr., CB, LAC, Age: 21.8.6
- Zach Davidson, TE, MIN, Age: 22.10.25
- Paulson Adebo, CB, NO, Age: 22.3.6
Notes: Everyone wants to insert one of the Bengals’ two rookie RBs into the Giovani Bernard role. I view the situation as, if those touches aren’t absorbed by Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine is likely that guy. Have you seen the athletic measurements from Reyes?!? My second IDP sleeper is Adebo in New Orleans. No other CB can even come close to the tackling ability of Adebo after Surtain.
- Dax Milne, WR, WAS, Age: 21.11.17
- Tim Jones, WR, JAX, Age: 22.0.25
- Sage Surratt, WR, DET, Age: 23.1.27
- Ian Book, QB, NO, Age: 23.2.10
- Stevie Scott III, RB, NO, Age: 21.0.27, Career Carries: 846
- Andre Cisco, S, JAX, Age: 21.2.17
- B.J. Emmons, RB, SEA, Age: 23.11.7, , Career Carries: 665
- Marlon Williams, WR, HOU, Age: 21.9.28
- Trevon Grimes, WR, PHI, Age: 22.6.12
- Brennan Eagles, WR, DAL, Age: 22.7.16
- Blake Proehl, WR, MIN, Age: 22.4.28
- Michael Strachan, WR, IND, Age: 23.9.27
- Isaiah McCoy, WR, LAC, Age: 21.4.17
- Gary Brightwell, RB, NYG, Age: 22.3.12, Career Carries: 532
- Spencer Brown, RB, CAR, Age: 22.6.27, Career Carries: 1295
- Connor Wedington, WR, SEA, Age: 22.0.12
- Shane Buechele, QB, KC, Age: 23.5.1
- Javon McKinley, WR, DET, Age: 23.1.30
- John Bates, TE, WAS, Age: 23.7.3
- Garrett Groshek, RB, LV, Age: 23.10.7, Career Carries: 836
- Cade Johnson, WR, SEA, Age: 23.1.30
- Brandon Smith, WR, DAL, Age: 22.5.30
- Quintin Morris, TE, BUF, Age: 22.4.19
- Antonio Nunn, WR, ATL, Age: 23.8.26
- Caleb Farley, CB, TEN, Age: 22.7.7
Best of the Rest (QB):
Jamie Newman, QB, FA, 23.6.8
Feleipe Franks, QB, ATL, 23.5.18
Collin Hill, QB, CIN, 23.8.0
Best of the Rest (RB):
Asim Rose Jr., RB, MIN, 23.7.26, Career Carries: N/A
CJ Marable, RB, CHI, 24.3.18, Career Carries: N/A
Brenden Knox, RB, DAL, 22.7.30, Career Carries: N/A
Tre Harbison III, RB, CLE, 22.11.8, Career Carries: 1388
Rakeem Boyd, RB, DET, 23.3.22, Career Carries: 1230
Dedrick Mills, RB, DET, 24.5.13, Career Carries: 821
Trey Ragas, RB, LV, 24.6.23, Career Carries: 1362
Best of the Rest (WR):
Ben Skowronek, WR, LAR, 23.11.13
Austin Trammell, WR, ATL, 22.11.5
D.J. Turner, WR, LV, 24.4.22
Austin Watkins, WR, SF, 23.3.24
Jhamon Ausbon, WR, PHI, 21.9.6
Landen Akers, WR, LAR, 23.11.2
Josh Imatorbhebhe, WR, JAX, 23.1.28
Dillon Stoner, WR, LV, 23.4.3
T.J. Vasher, WR, DAL, 22.9.11
Warren Jackson, WR, DEN, 21.11.24
Bailey Gaither, WR, GB, 24.4.29
Tyler Vaughns, WR, IND, 23.11.29
Rico Bussey Jr., WR, PIT, 23.3.15
Eli Stove, WR, LAC, 22.6.26
T.J. Simmons, WR, TB, 23.5.8
Whop Philyor, WR, MIN, 22.10.9
Tarik Black, WR, IND, 23.3.30
Donte Sylencieux, WR, BAL, 26.3.15
Branden Mack, WR, DEN, 25.3.29
Damon Hazelton, WR, HOU, 24.3.12
Devontres Dukes, WR, DEN, 23.10.22
Jeremiah Haydel, WR, LAR, 22.2.15
Kai Locksley, WR, MIA, 24.6.23
Myron Mitchell, WR, MIN, 22.1.20
Osirus Mitchell, WR, DAL, 23.8.25
Best of the Rest (TE):
Luke Farrell, TE, JAX, 23.7.26
Jack Stoll, TE, PHI, 23.4.12
Miller Forristall, TE, TEN, 23.2.29
Dylan Soehner, TE, NO, 23.7.1
Pro Wells, TE, CIN, 22.10.20
Brock Wright, TE, DET, 22.6.13
Tony Poljan, TE, BAL, 24.1.15
Artayvious Lynn, TE, DAL, 25.2.27
Hunter Kampmoyer, TE, LAC, 23.4.3
Cary Angeline, TE, ARI, 23.9.1
Josh Pederson, TE, SF, 23.8.18
Matt Bushman, TE, LV, 25.7.1
Shaun Beyer, TE, DEN, 24.6.29
Nick Eubanks, TE, DAL, 24.6.20
Best of the Rest (CB):
Tyson Campbell, CB, JAX, 21.2.23
Greg Newsome II, CB, CLE, 21.0.22
Eric Stokes, CB, GB, 22.3.8
Kelvin Joseph, CB, DAL, 21.6.29
Aaron Robinson, CB, NYG, 22.6.30
Elijah Molden, CB, TEN, 22.4.10
Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, DET, 22.1.7
Ambry Thomas, CB, SF, 21.9.0
Nahshon Wright, CB, DAL, 22.8.17
Brandon Stephens, CB, BAL, 23.5.11
Benjamin St-Juste, CB, WAS, 23.9.1
Michael Carter II, CB, NYJ, 22.3.1
Marco Wilson, CB, ARI, 22.3.6
Shaun Wade, CB, BAL, 22.8.25
Tre Brown, CB, SEA, 23.8.16
Best of the Rest (DE):
Payton Turner, DE, NO, 22.5.2
Dayo Odeyingbo, DE, IND, 21.8.16
Carlos "Boogie" Basham, DE, BUF, 23.5.24
Chauncey Golston, DE, DAL, 23.3.30
Rashad Weaver, DE, TEN, 23.7.30
Joshua Kaindoh, DE, KC, 22.5.13
Best of the Rest (DI):
Tommy Togiai, DT, CLE, 21.8.21
Levi Onwuzurike, DT, DET, 23.3.6
Alim McNeill, DT, DET, 21.0.29
Bobby Brown III, DT, LAR, 20.10.2
Milton Williams, DT, PHI, 22.2.3
Osa Odighizuwa, DT, DAL, 22.9.27
Jay Tufele, DT, JAX, 21.10.15
Tyler Shelvin, DT, CIN, 22.10.18
Best of the Rest (EDGE):
Joe Tryon, EDGE, TB, 22.1.10
Chris Rumph II, EDGE, LAC, 22.7.21
Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, NE, 21.8.11,
Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, LV, 23.0.3
Cameron Sample, EDGE, CIN, 21.8.20
Patrick Jones II, EDGE, MIN, 22.8.11,
Elerson G. Smith, EDGE, NYG, 22.10.23
Jordan Smith, EDGE, JAX, 23.1.30
Janarius Robinson, EDGE, MIN, 23.1.5
Best of the Rest (LB):
Baron Browning, LB, DEN, 22.3.21
Derrick Barnes, LB, DET, 22.0.11
Jabril Cox, LB, DAL, 23.1.24
Buddy Johnson, LB, PIT, 22.3.13
Best of the Rest (Safety):
Divine Deablo, S, LV, 22.9.23
Jamien Sherwood, S, NYJ, 21.4.28
Tyree Gillespie, S, LV, 22.9.4
Caden Sterns, S, DEN, 21.7.7
Talanoa Hufanga, S, SF, 22.4.7
Jamar Johnson, S, DEN, 21.6.18
