Round 2: Unearthing Jewels
The rookie draft in a fantasy football dynasty league is a voyage into the unknown, a quest to discover the next generation of fantasy superstars. As Round 1 laid the foundation with its high-profile selections, Round 2 offers the opportunity to uncover hidden gems, overlooked talents ready to make their mark on the fantasy landscape.
For more insights on the foundational picks from Round 1, check out this detailed analysis: Dynasty Gems - Round 1: "The Foundation".
In this installment, we'll dive into the insights and analysis of Round 2 picks from my 2024 rookie draft, examining the rationale behind each selection and the potential impact on team rosters. As in Round 1, at the end of every pick, I’ll add a “pick score” on a scale of 1-5, with 1 indicating a terrible pick or a “reach”, 3 being within one pick of where most projections had the player going, and 5 being a steal. Hopefully, this will help guide you during your drafts, as there’s always value to be had.
2.01 - Trey Benson - RB - Florida St.
With the first pick of Round 2, the owner who selected both Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. in Round 1 was also able to land arguably the 2nd best RB in this year’s class. Drafting Benson at pick 2.01 is a strategic move for him since he was seeking a high-upside player with impressive potential. At 6'0" and 216 pounds, Benson is the second running back off the board, but his 4.39-second 40-yard dash sets him apart, making him significantly faster than his peer Jonathon Brooks of the Carolina Panthers. Despite a challenging start to his college career, including a severe ACL, MCL, and meniscus tear in 2020 while at Oregon, Benson's transfer to Florida State marked a turning point. After a recovery year in 2021, he showcased his talent with 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns on just 310 carries over two seasons, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Benson's explosive speed and proven resilience make him a valuable addition to any fantasy roster, with the potential to outperform his peers and become a cornerstone player for years to come. Additionally, Benson’s landing spot in Arizona is favorable for fantasy purposes as the odds of him starting sooner rather than later are high due to incumbent James Conner’s propensity to injury. All in all a solid pick at this spot: Pick Score: 3 (Close To Projection)
2.02 - Bo Nix - QB - Oregon
In a draft class loaded with QB and WR talent, Oregon QB Bo Nix ended up being selected in the 1st round by the Denver Broncos. In Superflex leagues, rostering starting QBs is one of the keys to success, and the owner who picked up Nix with this pick was able to secure the last of the starting QB’s in this draft class, thus setting himself up for success. It’s clear this owner is seeking a quarterback with immediate starting potential and significant long-term upside. Additionally, at this point in the offseason, Broncos coach Sean Payton has praised Nix, stating he is "farther along" than most would be at this stage of OTAs, highlighting his quick grasp of the offense. Nix is currently competing with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the Week 1 starting job, and appears to have the edge, making him a valuable asset for fantasy owners. His impressive college career at Oregon showcased his strong leadership and playmaking ability, making his transition to the NFL under Payton's guidance even more promising. Selecting Nix at 2.02 provides a high-reward opportunity, securing a quarterback who could become an immediate starter and a cornerstone player for years to come. This owner secured a potentially reliable starting option for his squad at a good point in the draft. In fact, it’s a bit surprising a starting QB fell this far in the Superflex format. Pick Score: 4 (A Bit Of A Steal)
2.03 - Ladd McConkey - WR - Georgia
As the draft progressed, it became apparent that the owner who was able to acquire the services of Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison, and Trey Benson wasn’t finished, as he was also able to acquire Ladd McConkey at pick 2.03. A favorite of many draft analysts, McConkey landed in a solid spot with the Los Angeles Chargers coming out of the NFL draft and is projected to be a starting contributor for fantasy teams moving forward. With only Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnson ahead of him on the team’s depth chart, McConkey figures to be in the mix for alot of targets, and will most likely be in the starting lineup come September. Currently,McConkey has taken the majority of his snaps with the first-team in the slot at OTAs, which aligns with where he excelled in college at Georgia. His familiarity and effectiveness in the slot position make him a promising target in the Chargers' offense. As he continues to impress in OTAs and training camp, McConkey remains a player to monitor closely. Selecting McConkey at 2.02 offers a high-reward opportunity, securing a receiver who could become an integral part of the team's passing game and a reliable fantasy asset for years to come. Another solid selection by this owner to add to his already impressive rookie cache. Pick Score: 3 (Close To Projection)
2.04 - Michael Penix Jr. - QB - Washington
In a draft class brimming with talent, the owner with pick 2.04 decided to select QB Michael Penix Jr. at this spot. While this could be a forward-thinking move aiming to secure a quarterback with significant long-term potential, chances are good that Penix will have minimal fantasy production in 2024, thus capping the value this owner could’ve had at this point in the rookie draft. The Atlanta Falcons selected Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, positioning him as a backup to Kirk Cousins for the first few years of his career. While this setup does give Penix an invaluable opportunity to learn from an established veteran, unless there’s a significant injury he will be riding the bench. The owner who selected him must’ve felt solid enough at QB (as of this writing, he has Will Levis and Bryce Young as his starters) to be willing to wait for Penix to develop. While the thought process is sound, I felt this owner reached a bit, as he could’ve used help in other areas of his roster instead of a backup QB. To that end, it seems that taking Penix at 2.04 could’ve been a bit of a stretch. Pick Score: 2 (A Bit Of A Reach)
2.05 - Blake Corum - RB - Michigan
As Round 2 unfolded, there was talent to be had and trades to be made. This pick was originally mine, and I thought about drafting Corum at this spot. However, there was another owner in our league who had Kyren Williams and wanted Corum as a backup. To that end, I traded this pick away, obtaining both Zach Charbonnet and the 2024 4.01 (which I would later use to pick Jacob Cowing). The other owner then proceeded to select Corum, who was the best RB still available on the draft board. At the very least, Corum provides valuable insurance to this owner in case Williams is hurt (a possibility) or traded (also a possibility, see Cam Akers last year). While this owner could’ve used the pick to better meet the needs of his team, there’s no doubt he got the best player available and picked Corum about where he was projected to go. Pick Score: 3 (Close To Projection)
2.06 - Jaylen Wright - RB - Tennessee
Drafting Jaylen Wright at pick 2.06 in a rookie dynasty draft is a savvy move for any fantasy football owner looking to add depth and potential to their running back corps. Wright joins an already speedy Miami backfield that includes De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. Given that Mostert is entering his age 32 season and Achane spent a portion of last season on IR, Wright provides valuable insurance and another dynamic option for Coach Mike McDaniel's offense. McDaniel's system thrives on speed, and Wright fits this mold perfectly. While initially part of a committee, Wright's combination of youth and explosiveness positions him to take advantage of any opportunities that arise from injuries or declines in performance by his fellow backs. Selecting Wright at 2.06 secures a high-upside player who could carve out a significant role and deliver strong fantasy returns in the near future. The owner who selected Wright is currently in rebuilding mode, and was able to draft Bo Nix four picks earlier, so this pick continues his trend of acquiring good young assets for his team. Picking up Wright at this stage of the draft to pair with Nix and 1st rounder Rome Odunze gives this owner some solid building blocks for the foreseeable future. Taking Wright at 2.06 wasn’t much of a stretch either, so this is a solid pick at this spot. Pick Score: 3 (Close To Projection)
2.07 - Ja’Lynn Polk - WR - Washington
Drafting Ja'Lynn Polk at 2.07 was a smart move for the owner seeking a promising wide receiver with significant upside. The Patriots selected Polk in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, showing their confidence in his abilities. Polk showcased his talent during his time at Washington, especially in 2023 when he had 1,159 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Although he may not have elite speed, his refined skills, good hands, and ability to win matchups make him a reliable target on the field. Joining the New England offense, which lacked depth in the receiver position, Polk has a chance to make an immediate impact and become a valuable asset for fantasy teams in the long run. Many fantasy analysts have Polk listed as the defacto #1 WR in New England, where he could possibly create a dynamic 1-2 punch with fellow rookie Drake Maye. To that end, being taken in the mid 2nd round of this Superflex draft is about where he was projected to go. Pick Score: 3 (Close To Projection)
2.08 - Xavier Legette - WR - South Carolina
In a draft class loaded with talent at the wide receiver position, Xavier Legette emerges as a potential 1st rounder in 1QB leagues to a mid-to-late 2nd in Superflex formats, and this draft was no exception. Legette is the new WR in Carolina and will be competing with teammates Adam Thielen, Diontae Johnson, and 2nd year wideout Jonathan Mingo for targets. While both Thielen and Johnson are expected to take the lion’s share of the play time, Legette is being viewed by many analysts as a potential sleeper at the position, with some arguing that he’ll quickly displace Mingo for the #3 wideout on the depth chart. To that end, this pick actually feels like a bit of a steal, as Legette was projected to go in the early 2nd in many mocks. The owner who drafted Legette also got Brock Bowers in the 1st round, so he now has a nice little pairing at both TE and WR. Pick Score: 4 (A Bit Of A Steal)
2.09 - Ricky Pearsall - WR - Florida
As Round 2 unfolded, some unique players and situations began to emerge. Ricky Pearsall, the solid WR from Florida who was taken 31st overall by the San Francisco 49ers, ended up getting picked here at 2.09. The owner who took Pearsall clearly felt he was the overall best player available at that point in the draft (and he was), and this owner was able to pair him with Jonathan Brooks, whom he took in Round 1. While Pearsall may have a very good long term outlook with San Francisco, as of this writing it remains to be seen how much of an impact he will make in year 1, as he’s currently blocked on the depth chart by Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Should one of those two get hurt or traded, chances are good Pearsall would be the first man up as a replacement. All that said, many fantasy analysts projected Pearsall to go a bit earlier in a Superflex format (around the middle of the 2nd round), so the fact that this owner was able to get him this late speaks to his drafting prowess as well as how this draft has gone. All-in-all, a solid pick at this stage of the draft. Pick Score: 4 (A Bit Of A Steal)
2.10 - Troy Franklin - WR - Oregon
Oregon WR Troy Franklin dropped down in both the NFL and this Superflex draft, as the owner who drafted him at pick 2.10 got a high-upside receiver. Franklin's impressive collegiate production, with 81 receptions for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023, showcases his potential as a vertical threat. His on-field speed, despite a slower 40-yard dash, and his versatility in playing both outside and in the slot make him a valuable asset. With limited competition for targets, Franklin has a clear path to a significant role, making him a quality pick with long-term upside. Additionally, this owner is a huge Broncos fan, and was able to come away with Franklin and Audric Estime (whom we will discuss when we get to Round 3) in this draft. Some analysts had Franklin going here, while others had him going slightly earlier. To that end, while the owner secured a high upside player, this pick isn’t really a reach, nor a steal, it feels just kinda….average. Pick Score: 3 (Close To Projection)
2.11 - Adonai Mitchell - WR - Texas
As Round 2 neared it's end, the draft steals and reaches began to stand out. At this point, we are starting to take some shots on specific players, and the owner who drafted Mitchell grabbed the best player available at 2.11. Mitchell's collegiate route tree and exceptional athleticism position him as a promising NFL X wide receiver, perfectly aligning with the Colts' needs in the deep to intermediate passing game. Despite incumbent Alec Pierce's high snap share and routes run in 2023, his poor separation, low catch percentage, and minimal target volume demonstrate his inability to capitalize on opportunities. In contrast, Mitchell’s impressive win rate vs. man coverage (84th percentile) showcases his ability to consistently beat defenders. Paired with Anthony Richardson and an offense that balances passing and rushing well, Mitchell is poised to see significant targets. Furthermore, his draft position (52nd overall) and the Colts' offensive strategy under coach Shane Steichen enhance his potential impact. Mitchell's profile, team fit, and opportunity make him a valuable pick in the second round, and the fact that he was drafted this late in the 2nd shows how crazy drafts can be. Mitchell has a chance to outshine his WR52 ADP and finish as a WR2 in points per game. This was a great pick by this owner to capitalize on a player with the potential to offer WR2 upside. Pick Score: 5 (Steal Of The Round)
2.12 - Ben Sinnott - TE - Kansas State
Rounding out Round 2 is Ben Sinnott, the TE from Kansas State drafted by the Washington Commanders. This pick was originally mine in this Superflex draft, and I traded it, along with the 4.06, to this owner. In return I received the 3.05, the 4.11, and a 2025 3rd. This owner then used it to pick Sinnott. Sinnott, a Kansas State product, boasts impressive athletic traits, including a 4.68 40-yard dash (76th percentile), a 103.7 speed score (76th percentile), a 133.0 burst score (98th percentile), an 11.05 agility score (94th percentile), and a 10.36 catch radius (96th percentile). With the Commanders' new quarterback Jayden Daniels, Sinnott has the potential to develop alongside a promising offense. Despite a crowded WR room featuring Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, the departure of Curtis Samuel and Logan Thomas, who combined for 169 targets in 2023, opens up significant opportunities. Additionally, the arrival of pass-catching RB Austin Ekeler further diversifies the offense. While rookie TEs often take time to adjust, Sinnott, ranked TE2 in the Rookie TE Model behind only Brock Bowers, could evolve into a priority target and a key component of the Commanders' new-look offense. There is no doubt Sinnott has high potential and is in a good landing spot to be successful at the NFL level. However, like many TE’s, there may be a bit of a learning curve. The owner who drafted him was in need of a solid TE prospect with upside, as he currently has Sam LaPorta penciled in as his starter. He got what he needed at this spot with Sinnott, and that alone makes this pick a win. While I wouldn’t consider Sinnott a steal, at this point in the draft we’re looking at players with upside, and Sinnott has that. Pick Score: 3 (Close To Projection)
In conclusion, Round 2 of the fantasy rookie draft offered a unique opportunity for savvy owners to unearth hidden gems and uncover valuable assets for their teams. While Round 1 may grab the headlines with its high-profile selections, Round 2 is where championships are won, as astute owners identify overlooked talents ready to make an impact. Whether it's the dynamic playmakers at wide receiver, the versatile weapons at running back, or the game-changing tight ends, Round 2 is filled with potential and opportunity. By the time we get to the end of Round 2, we begin to view prospects through a bit of a different lens, as the picks become more based on potential upside as opposed to surefire starter. As such, 7 of the 12 picks in this round were taken close to projection, with 4 being considered a “steal" and 1 being viewed a “reach”. As these rookies embark on their NFL careers, fantasy owners will eagerly monitor their progress, hoping to strike gold with their selections and propel their teams to glory. On to Round 3!
