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After last week’s article on “The Rabbit” drafts, we head back to the FastDraft Origins—the rookie-only best ball drafts.
This week, we look at players trending up and break down the values at each position. .
I have the 1.02 in “The Origins” FastDraft to see the full draft board click HERE
Quarterback | The One & Only
My Selection: Fernando Mendoza 1.02
In these rookie-only FastDraft formats, it’s not likely most quarterbacks will make much of an impact outside of Fernando Mendoza. If one falls to you in the 5th or 6th round, it could be worth taking an upside shot at worst case.
Since I had the 1.02, I felt like Mendoza made the most sense in this format strategy. He is the only quarterback likely to start 17 games and would give value to my team to win this draft.
Like I mentioned, the strategy for QB in these FastDraft rookie drafts is to wait outside of Mendoza.
Ty Simpson is dropping down the FastDraft boards after going at the 1.08 just a few weeks ago and now falling to the 3.01. Due to his inexperience and the likelihood that he does not play in 2025, he should still be a player to pass on—even in the 3rd round.
Taking deep shots on Garrett Nussmeier(5.04) or Carson Beck(6.04)—two experienced college QBs—are better bets in the last two rounds of this draft. At that point, the opportunity cost is minimal and you’re simply chasing a possible surprise starts. Nussmeier’s Senior Bowl hype seems to be fading since his round three selection just a few weeks ago, now sliding down to the fifth round.
Dante Moore(6.05) continues to show up in drafts but now is trending to be out of these drafts completely. Only a benefit to you if someone still drafts him.
Running Backs | Get Your RBs Early
In this rookie-only format, running back is going to be top-heavy in terms of the talent you’ll want to draft. I wouldn’t wait on running back in this format. There are better options at wide receiver later in the draft than there are at running back, and once those RB tiers dry up, you’re selecting upside at best.
My Selection: Jaydn Ott (6.02)
Based on where I was drafting, I didn’t get many opportunities to take running backs in this draft. If you believe in them, drafting from the back half of these drafts is where you’ll get your chance — especially with the Tier 2 and Tier 3 backs.
I was only able to take Jaydn Ott with my last pick. Ott is on a slight rise coming out of the Senior Bowl, and it felt like solid value to take a chance on him with my final selection.
Best Value: Jadarian Price (2.06)
Seeing Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price fall to the 2.06 feels like good value for a running back, especially for someone who believes he could be the second-best back in the class. He could land in a promising role in the NFL and quickly outperform that draft slot.
Running Backs ADP Up/Down
Two players who are clearly on the rise compared to a few weeks ago are Justice Haynes (4.01) and Le’Veon Moss (4.03). Both have jumped double-digit spots compared to drafts done just weeks earlier. Moss is a solid gamble, but Haynes didn’t declare for the Draft. He’s a dead end player this cycle, so avoid him.
While Nick Singleton is dropping due to his injuiry down to the 3.04 which is still little high but the value is better for drafting than he was a few weeks ago as an early second rounder.
Wide Receiver | Depth Position
Wide receivers dominated the early portion of the draft board. Of the first 16 picks, 10 selections were at the receiver position, with six of those coming in the first round alone. WR is becoming more of a staple prospect group as we get closer to the NFL Draft, and the depth at the position is showing up in rookie drafts as well.
You can still land solid receivers later in the draft like Ja’Kobi Lane, Bryce Lance, and Ted Hurst without having to force the position early. Unless you have a top-two pick, the better strategy is to grab a receiver early, go best player available for a few rounds, and then circle back to load up on receivers again once the board settles.
My selections: Omar Cooper Jr. (2.07) Antonio Williams (3.07) & Eric McAlister (5.07)
From the 2nd spot, I was able to land some solid receivers. Omar Cooper Jr. is gaining hype for the explosiveness he brings and could see the field early. Antonio Williams offers a similar skill set but profiles more as a full-time slot option, which could help him carve out an early role. Eric McAlister may need things to break right as a rookie, but finishing 5th in the nation in YAC shows the weapon he can be with the ball in his hands.
Wide Receiver ADP Up/Down
Wide receivers have clearly been trending upward in these FastDrafts. There were three receivers who made massive jumps since the beginning of February.
Chris Brazzell (2.01) made the biggest leap, rising 15 spots after going in the late third round in the previous draft. Brazzell’s speed is propelling him up boards, and he could climb even higher if he performs well at the Combine.
Chris Bell (2.05) and Malachi Fields (3.08) both jumped 10 spots in value. Drafters seem to be buying into Chris Bell’s talent, pushing him up an entire round. Meanwhile, Malachi Fields’ Senior Bowl performance has him up a full two rounds after previously being drafted in Round 5.
Tight ends | Gamble on One
Tight ends are tougher to navigate since they’ve been drafted all over the place. I think it’s important to grab one in these drafts no matter your draft spot.
If you have a favorite tight end in this class, you should be able to get them a bit easier in the later rounds of these FastDrafts. Of course, that is unless you want Kenyon Sadiq, who has consistently been an early Round 2 selection.
My selection: Michael Trigg (4.02)
My selection here at tight end was Michael Trigg from Baylor. He’s a mismatch machine who can be a red-zone threat while also being dangerous with the ball in his hands after the catch.
With so many young tight ends breaking out early in their NFL careers, it’s worth taking a shot on at least one TE in this format.
Tight End ADP Up/Down
Compared to the last FastDraft, we added a few more tight ends to the board. Tanner Koziol (4.07) and Max Klare (4.05) both landed in Round 4 after not being selected in the previous draft.
Both tight ends offer plenty of upside as pass catchers, and they’ll likely continue to show up in drafts, especially post-Combine.
Full FastDraft Board
Get Money, T-Shirt, Or FREE Annual NerdHerd Pass!
- Use code NERDS on FastDraft for a $50 deposit match
- That’s free money to start building your rookie portfolio.
Already A FastDraft Member?
- Deposit and play on FastDraft, and we’ll send you a $25 coupon code for the Dynasty Nerds apparel store.
- That’s basically a free Dynasty Nerds t-shirt just for playing.
Brand New To Dynasty Nerds? Never Been A Member?
- Deposit and play at least $10 on FastDraft, and we’ll send you a FREE YEAR of our annual bundle subscription.
- That’s the full Dynasty Nerds experience on the house for supporting our partners at FastDraft.
