Staff Fantasy Football Dynasty Mock: 12-Team Rookie Draft (1QB)

It's NFL Draft season, which means our fantasy focus can finely turn entirely toward dynasty leagues. No more wasting time on games that "matter" and weekly matchups. Now is the time to bargain, borrow, and beg for draft picks that may ever turn into anything. In other words, it's time for what we dynasty dogs live for!

In honor of the kickoff to dynasty season, the staff here at RotoBaller has begun a series of dynasty mock drafts. You can expect multiple articles over the next few weeks detailing how our staff drafts dynasty in 2025; be it in Superflex or non-Superflex formats, brand new startups, or rookie drafts for existing leagues.

Our first staff dynasty mock of the season is a rookie-only draft for a 12-team league. The format is non-Superflex with standard PPR scoring. Those factors matter a great deal, especially with this year’s unique and … let’s call it a “suspect” quarterback class. With those details out of the way, let’s break down how our staff drafted, shall we?

• 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings
• 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings

Round 1

To QB or Not to QB: Cam Ward going at 1.04 may be a common outcome … in Superflex formats. However, given this is non-Superflex, the Miami hurler going in the first round at all is a major question mark. From a talent and value perspective, no quarterback in this class is worth taking in the first two rounds of rookie drafts unless it is a Superflex format.

For transparency, it's worth noting this pick was an "auto pick," which the manager said he would take back. It's also worth noting that Ward's ADP on Sleeper is 1.05, even in non-Superflex formats. This spot is far too high for the format, yet it could be where we see less informed drafters valuing the top passer in the NFL Draft.

Debate at Tight End: There is very little debate about the top overall TE in this class … in terms of real football value. Tyler Warren is unquestionably the most well-rounded prospect in the class, given he is a strong blocker, makes contested catches, can pick up yards after the catch, and can take snaps at QB or RB if a team wants to get cute.

However, an intriguing argument exists that Colston Loveland is the best fantasy TE in this class. Loveland is not nearly the blocker that Warren is but he is the better route runner and is very comfortable in the slot. There's a chance Warren will "waste" snaps as an extra blocker, while Loveland will get more opportunities as a receiver.

Jeanty and Then Who?: Ashton Jeanty is the unquestioned first overall pick in almost all rookie drafts this year, Superflex and non-Superflex. After that, an immediate debate roars about the top players in this class. Stock answers are that Omarion Hampton, Tet McMillan, and Luther Burden III should be the next three picks in some order. But then what?

In PPR formats, there is a strong argument that TreVeyon Henderson is an underrated asset … and I don't just say that because he was my choice at 1.08 in this mock. Henderson is arguably the best receiving back in this class and the second-most explosive behind Jeanty, both of which make him an intriguing asset in PPR leagues.

Given how the NFL loves zone run schemes and versatile backs, there is a real chance some team will value Henderson over Hampton and could make the Buckeye the second back off the board. There's also a solid chance that Henderson's receiving skills make him the second-most valuable rookie RB in PPR formats.

Round 2

Best Buys of the Second Round: Pick 2.02 could be the floor for Matthew Golden in non-Superflex drafts come May. More than a few analysts have projected him as a first-round pick, which isn't far from where I have him. He's a smooth route runner, and the potential of him going in the first round of the NFL Draft could push up his price if it happens.

After Golden, Skattebo is a name worth noting. While I'm not as high on him as some, the Arizona State RB's performance in the Peach Bowl raised his profile and stock. He's a bowling ball of a player who is adequate in the receiving game and could be an every-down back in the NFL. I’ll be surprised if he’s available at 2.08 in most non-Superflex rookie drafts.

Last but not least, Dylan Sampson is an intriguing big-play back who some compare to De'Von Achane. He is lacking in some areas like short-yardage power and pass blocking, but he’s a big-play back who will likely settle into the mid-second round of most non-Superflex rookie drafts.

Second-Round Reaches: At the risk of beating up on anyone who drafts a quarterback in this non-Superflex mock … we have to beat up on people who take a quarterback in this non-Superflex mock.

Shedeur Sanders is a fine prospect who could turn into Brock Purdy someday, or perhaps better. He also lacks elite arm strength and mobility. Thus, it's hard to imagine he will deliver enough rushing yards or big plays to rise into the QB1 tier of fantasy quarterbacks. Given that profile, taking him at 2.01 in this format is rich.

Jalen Milroe is another reach but for different reasons. He has physical attributes that Sanders does not. So, Milroe could hypothetically get into the QB1 tier for fantasy if he pans out. However, the odds he does pan out are low, given how erratic his accuracy and ball placement are. Taking him at 2.03 is drafting him near his ceiling without accounting for the floor.

Finally, I am a fan of Devin Neal. He made my list of dynasty risers from the Senior Bowl after he showed off premium receiving skills and was arguably the best back at the event. With that said, taking him at 2.04 is a bit rich. Odds are he will be available at 3.04 in most rookie drafts unless an NFL team values him as much as John and elevates his profile/stock with a high pick.

Round 3

Snipe of the Draft: Regular readers of mine will know that Jack Bech is one of my favorite prospects in this class. I’ve noted he is woefully undervalued and underrated in the dynasty and NFL Draft community. He’s gone undrafted in several analyst rookie mocks so far.

For those reasons, I waited to take Bech, hoping he would fall to me at 3.08. Seth didn't let that happen, snagging him at 3.05. It was one of the better values of the whole draft if you agree he has the size and hands to turn into a quality WR1.

Remember, Michael Thomas wasn't a first-round pick in the NFL Draft or rookie drafts when he came out of Ohio State, either.

Best Value Picks of the Third Round (Not Named Bech): Joey made up for his reach on Shedeur in the second by nailing his pick at 3.01, selecting RJ Harvey to open the round. Harvey is a stout runner who is sturdy at the goal line and surprisingly effective in the passing game. He could become a quality fantasy asset quickly.

After Joey’s pick, I must give myself continued credit for selecting Elijah Arroyo. While Seth did his best to ruin my day by selecting Bech just a few picks before me, I will gladly take Arroyo at 3.08. The former Hurricane is a tremendous athlete and receiver who has George Kittle-level upside as a receiver. Getting him in the late third is a steal.

Finally, credit is due to Matt Donnelly for his selection of Jalen Royals at 3.09. Royals isn’t an elite athlete, but he’s a savvy and experienced receiver who knows how to get open. He’s also above average with the ball in his hands. Royals has a safe floor and a solid ceiling, making him a bargain where Matt selected him.

Better Backs Left on Board: It's unfair to criticize the selections of Bhayshul Tuten and Woody Marks, as both are viable prospects who could surprise if they get a real chance in the NFL. However, several better running back prospects were still on the board when they were selected.

LeQuint Allen, Trevor Etienne, Jordan James, and Brashard Smith are all better prospects who will likely be drafted well ahead of Marks and Tuten in the NFL Draft. Each of those backs is also more likely to get a real opportunity to start before Tuten and Marks. Thus, they should have gone before those two.

Round 4

Players Who Will Go Earlier in May: Several players selected in the fourth round of this mock won’t come close to sniffing the fourth round once real rookie drafts arrive.

Expect LeQuint Allen, Mason Taylor, and Brashard Smith to all go a full round higher in May than they do here. Taylor is currently projected as a second-round pick in the draft, while Allen is likely a third-round pick. Players with this kind of talent who are drafted that high rarely fall to the fourth round of real rookie drafts.

One Deep Sleeper and One Big Bust: While players like Allen, Taylor, and Smith are unlikely to be fourth-rounders in May, some interesting names drafted in this round are likely to stay in this range … and offer intriguing fantasy value as a result.

One of those names is Jaydon Blue. The former Longhorn stood out as a receiver throughout Texas' long season. With his size, length, and receiving chops, Blue is a fascinating late-round sleeper who could offer much greater value than his cost.

On the flip side of that coin is Donovan Edwards. The video game cover boy is a big name whose 2023 tape had him pegged as a preseason Heisman contender. The actual results were mixed, as Edwards struggled with ball security throughout the season and the Senior Bowl. On name value alone, he could go higher than this range … but his film suggests he shouldn’t.

Round 5

Late-Round Bargains: While this draft is not long on elite fantasy weapons at the top, it is incredibly deep, especially at running back and tight end. However, one should not sleep on the interesting late-round options this class offers at receiver, either.

Somehow, Pat Bryant falls to pick 5.03 in this mock. The Illinois product has solid size, the ability to make acrobatic catches, and adequate deep speed. Getting him in the fifth round of a non-Superflex draft would be great value.

Other noteworthy names in this round include Cordarrelle Patterson Jr. (aka Savion Williams), Ricky White III, Kyle Williams, and Trevor Etienne. Each of those players has the skill set to see the field early in their careers.

The best value in this round comes down to either Bryant or Etienne. Etienne has the receiving chops to quickly become a quality third-down back. Meanwhile, Bryant has the potential to be a quality WR2 on a good offense if all things come together.

Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis