Fantasy News & Analysis

Ranking the top 2017 fantasy rookies

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Corey Davis of Western Michigan reacts after being picked #5 overall by the Tennessee Titans (from Rams) during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The conclusion of the NFL draft means the beginning of dynasty rookie drafts across the fantasy football landscape. Below you’ll find the fantasy rankings for the top 136 players in this year’s class, along with a brief blurb on the top 50 and a few additional players from there.

Why 136? I could give you some fancy-sounding answer, but really, it was all the players I covered before the draft. If you’re interested in reading those profiles, you can follow these links: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. Be sure to also check out my dynasty rookie draft board with strategy on how to draft each position in your 2017 dynasty rookie drafts.

1. Corey Davis, WR, TEN

Wide receivers have a longer dynasty shelf life than running backs, and Davis lands in a good spot as a potential immediate No. 1 with an ascending quarterback.

2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, CAR

It’s an intriguing landing spot for McCaffrey, but one with room to grow with Jonathan Stewart on his way out of the league.

(Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

3. Leonard Fournette, RB, JAX

Sure, there’s a chance that Fournette is the next Ezekiell Elliott, but there’s also a chance he’s the next Todd Gurley. The latter may be more likely, given the state of the Jaguars' offensive line.

4. Joe Mixon, RB, CIN

It’s a somewhat crowded house in the Cincinnati backfield, but Mixon has the talent to rise to the top. The bigger fantasy concern is the Bengals' depleted offensive line.

5. Mike Williams, WR, LAC

There are a lot of mouths to feed in Los Angeles (that’s still weird to say), but this ranking is reflective of Williams’ long-term outlook.

6. Dalvin Cook, RB, MIN

Dynamic on the field, Cook has the makings of a future RB1 with three-down chops. In the short-term, he’ll compete with Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon for touches.

7. Kareem Hunt, RB, KC

One of the biggest post-draft risers, Hunt lands in an ideal spot in the Chiefs’ RB-friendly scheme. He has a shot to beat out Spencer Ware for starting duties in Year 1.

8. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, PIT

He doesn’t fit the mold of recent Steelers’ wideouts, but Smith-Schuster could be in store for a healthy target share, especially if Martavis Bryant doesn’t keep on the straight and narrow.

9. O.J. Howard, TE, TB

Some may have him higher, but the concern with tight ends is the steep learning curve. It’s extremely rare for tight ends to immediately produce. That said, he’s still a future TE1 with elite long-term fantasy potential.

10. John Ross, WR, CIN

The landing spot bumps Ross’s fantasy value down a notch. Andy Dalton isn’t known for his arm strength, and A.J. Green will still dominate the target share.

(Robert Reiners/Getty Images)

11. Alvin Kamara, RB, NO

Yes, it’s quite crowded in the Saints’ backfield, but this is a tremendous spot for Kamara’s skill-set.

12. David Njoku, TE, CLV

Cleveland’s quarterback situation muddies things in the short-term for Njoku, but he should see significant snaps in 2017 after the Browns cut ties with Gary Barnidge.

13. Evan Engram, TE, NYG

The mismatch tight end gives Eli Manning and the Giants yet another receiving weapon.

14. Samaje Perine, RB, WAS

Built like a brick house, Perine should beat out Rob Kelley for the early-down duties in the Washington backfield.

15. Zay Jones, WR, BUF

Buffalo isn’t a pass-friendly offense, but Jones has the potential to see strong volume in the short-term, especially if Sammy Watkins continues to be dinged up.

16. Carlos Henderson, WR, DEN

He’ll play third-fiddle in Denver initially, but Henderson’s run-after-catch ability still makes him a very appealing long-term option.

17. Curtis Samuel, WR, CAR

The Percy Harvin-esque weapon will man the slot for the Panthers. His dynamic ability means boom-or-bust fantasy upside.

18. D'Onta Foreman, RB, HST

Lamar Miller struggled as the Texans’ every-down workhorse last year, which means Foreman has a chance of usurping some of the veteran's early-down work.

19. Chris Godwin, WR, TB

Don’t expect the Penn State speedster to pay immediate fantasy dividends, but Godwin’s long-term outlook is rosy with ascending QB Jameis Winston throwing him the ball.

20. Jamaal Williams, RB, GB

The Packers addressed their need at running back on Day 3 of the draft. Williams was the first RB selected by Green Bay, and the most likely to get the first crack at unseating Ty Montgomery.

21. Deshaun Watson, QB, HST

This isn’t an exceptional quarterback class, but Watson lands in a great spot with a solid surrounding cast where he could potentially be a Day 1 starter.

22. ArDarius Stewart, WR, NYJ

It’s a poor short-term landing spot, but Stewart has the profile of a future producer if the Jets are able to address their need at quarterback.

23. Taywan Taylor, WR, TEN

The hyper-productive receiver who excels after the catch steps into a thin depth chart and has the potential to contribute early.

24. Deshone Kizer, QB, CLV

He may be forced onto the field earlier than he should be, but Kizer’s upside is still very appealing as a long-term fantasy option.

25. Patrick Mahomes, QB, KC

Unlike Kizer, Mahomes will likely have the benefit of sitting for at least one season. He’s extremely raw, but could be a monster if he takes well to Andy Reid’s tutelage.

26. Joe Williams, RB, SF

There’s been rumblings about the new 49ers regime not being entirely sold on Carlos Hyde. Williams has the athletic profile to excel in Kyle Shanahan’s system.

27. Marlon Mack, RB, IND

With Frank Gore almost certainly coming to the end of his lengthy career, the door is open for Mack to become the Colts' back of the future.

28. Jeremy McNichols, RB, TB

McNichols has a similar skill-set to Charles Sims, and could supplant him in the Buccaneers' offense.

29. Mitch Trubisky, QB, CHI

Questions abound for Trubisky following just one year of production at the college level. He offers upside, but is the least desirable of the first four quarterbacks in this year’s class.

Mitch Trubisky

30. Josh Reynolds, WR, LAR

Reynolds has a high ceiling and lands on a thin depth chart. That said, he will also have Jared Goff throwing him the ball.

31. James Conner, RB, PIT

Le’Veon Bell’s new backup has value if/when Bell gets injured.

32. Dede Westbrook, WR, JAX

The speedster likely won't see much work initially with the Jaguars fairly set at wide receiver, but his long-term upside is worth a bench spot in deep dynasty leagues.

33. Wayne Gallman, RB, NYG

Lackluster from an athletic standpoint, but Gallman could get an opportunity in the Giants’ backfield.

34. Donnel Pumphrey, RB, PHI

Hyper-productive, but undersized. Pumphrey appears to be Philadelphia’s heir apparent to Darren Sproles.

35. Gerald Everett, TE, LAR

The athletic former basketball player has the potential to be used like Jordan Reed in Sean McVay’s offense.

36. Aaron Jones, RB, GB

Jamaal Williams is the favorite to compete with Ty Montgomery, but don’t overlook Jones. He was extremely productive at UTEP.

37. Adam Shaheen, TE, CHI

Zach Miller isn’t getting any younger, so Shaheen could be the Bears’ long-term answer at tight end.

38. Chad Williams, WR, ARZ

The size/speed receiver lands in a favorable offense for fantasy purposes.

39. Chad Hansen, WR, NYJ

He could be slightly buried on the depth chart, but Hansen’s downfield ability is appealing.

(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

40. Kenny Golladay, WR, DET

Big and fast, Golladay has the potential to be an immediate No. 3 for the Lions.

41. Jonnu Smith, TE, TEN

An athletic move option who slots in behind the aging Delanie Walker.

42. Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR

Not the best landing spot for the ultra-productive small schooler.

43. Isaiah Ford, WR, MIA

He tested poorly in the pre-draft process, but was productive at Virginia Tech.

44. Josh Malone, WR, CIN

Malone is another speedster for Andy Dalton and company. He could have trouble getting on the field initially, however.

45. Bucky Hodges, TE, MIN

Hodges could stay at wide receiver, which would be a killer for his fantasy value.

46. Malachi Dupre, WR, GB

Green Bay is a great landing spot for Dupre, but the Packers do have a fairly crowded wide receiver depth chart.

47. Amara Darboh, WR, SEA

The Seahawks don’t run a wide-open offense, which tends to be a bad thing for fantasy value.

48. Mack Hollins, WR, PHI

There isn’t an easy path to playing time early in his career, but Hollins’ long-term upside is worth a dynasty bench spot.

49. Elijah McGuire, RB, NYJ

He was very productive at UL-Lafayette, but McGuire isn’t likely to be on the fantasy radar in the short-term.

50. Tarik Cohen, RB, CHI

Jordan Howard is cemented in as the Bears' feature back, but Cohen has the potential to contribute on passing downs.

51. Davis Webb, QB, NYG

52. Brian Hill, RB, ATL

53. Robert Davis, WR, WAS

The combine standout is a deeper name to know with opportunity to contribute on a thin Redskins wide receiver depth chart.

54. Travin Dural, WR, NO

55. Ryan Switzer, WR, DAL

56. Joshua Dobbs, QB, PIT

57. Ishmael Zamora, WR, OAK

58. T.J. Logan, RB, ARZ

David Johnson’s potential backup in 2017.

59. Michael Roberts, TE, DET

60. Noah Brown, WR, DAL

61. George Kittle, TE, SF

62. Chad Kelly, QB, DEN

Kelly can do great things on the field — he can also do stupid things on and off the field.

63. Elijah Hood, RB, OAK

64. KD Cannon, WR, SF

65. Jehu Chesson, WR, KC

66. Shelton Gibson, WR, PHI

67. Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, WAS

68. Nathan Peterman, QB, BUF

69. C.J. Beathard, QB, SF

70. Corey Clement, RB, PHI

The power back has an opportunity to contribute immediately, despite being a UDFA.

71. Devante Mays, RB, GB

72. Jake Butt, TE, DEN

73. Keon Hatcher, RB, OAK

74. Trent Taylor, WR, SF

75. DeAngelo Yancey, WR, GB

76. Chris Carson, RB, SEA

Carson showed explosive numbers in the jumps at the combine, but Seattle’s crowded depth chart isn’t ideal.

77. Amba Etta-Tawo, WR, JAX

78. De'Angelo Henderson, RB, DEN

79. Justin Davis, RB, LAR

80. I'Tavius Mathers, RB, JAX

81. Jordan Leggett, TE, NYJ

Leggett was a productive receiver at Clemson, but the Jets seem to be allergic to tight ends.

82. Matthew Dayes, RB, CLV

83. Darreus Rogers, WR, SEA

84. Rodney Adams, WR, MIN

85. Eric Saubert, TE, ATL

86. Pharaoh Brown, TE, OAK

87. De'Veon Smith, RB, MIA

88. Brad Kaaya, QB, DET

89. Stacy Coley, WR, MIN

90. Jahad Thomas, RB, DAL

91. Isaiah McKenzie, WR, DEN

92. David Moore, WR, SEA

93. Gabe Marks, WR, NYJ

94. Stanley Williams, RB, CIN

95. Kendrick Bourne, WR, SF

Cooper Kupp’s teammate was productive at Eastern Washington, but is a longshot to make much an impact as a pro.

96. Travis Rudolph, WR, NYG

97. Zach Pascal, WR, WAS

98. Khalfani Muhammad, RB, TEN

99. Mason Schreck, TE, CIN

100. Victor Bolden Jr., WR, SF

101. Noel Thomas Jr., WR, DET

102. Fred Ross, WR, CAR

103. Darrell Daniels, TE, IND

104. Ricky Seals-Jones, WR, ARZ

105. Austin Carr, WR, NE

106. Drew Morgan, WR, MIA

107. Cooper Rush, QB, DAL

108. Johnny Mundt, TE, LAR

109. Nick Mullens, QB, SF

Mullins once played through a bone popping through the skin on his throwing hand.

110. Damore'ea Stringfellow, WR, MIA

111. Robert Tonyan, TE, DET

112. Quincy Adeboyejo, WR, BLT

113. Dare Ogunbowale, RB, HST

114. Karel Hamilton, WR, CIN

115. Zach Terrell, QB, BLT

116. Krishawn Hogan, WR, ARZ

117. James Quick, WR, WAS

118. Cole Hikutini, TE, SF

119. Jerome Lane, WR, IND

120. Greg Ward Jr., WR, PHI

Ward is a converted quarterback with ideal athletic traits, but a longshot to make it in the NFL.

121. Alek Torgersen, QB, ATL

122. Rushel Shell, RB, PIT

123. Michael Rector, WR, DET

124. Scott Orndoff, TE, PIT

125. Kermit Whitfield, WR, CHI

126. Antonio Pipkin, QB, ARZ

127. Bug Howard, WR, IND

128. Trey Griffey, WR, JAX

Griffey didn’t follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps as a baseball player.

129. Hayden Plinke, TE, SEA

130. Tony Stevens, WR, KC

131. Tim White, WR, BLT

132. Wes Lunt, QB, MIN

133. Anthony Auclair, TE, TB

134. Sefo Liufau, QB, TB

135. Trevor Knight, QB, ARZ

136. Blake Jarwin, TE, DAL

Not ranked

Taquan Mizzell, RB, BLT
Jordan Johnson, RB, BUF
Joel Bouagnon, RB, CHI
Tion Green, RB, DET
Brandon Radcliff, RB, IND
Austin Ekeler, RB, LAC
Terrell Newby, RB, MIN
Matt Breida, RB, SF
Josh Magee, WR, ATL
Deante Burton, WR, ATL
Reginald Davis III, WR, ATL
Tim Patrick, WR, BLT
Austin Duke, WR, CAR
Tanner Gentry, WR, CHI
Jhajuan Seales, WR, CHI
Corey Smith, WR, CIN
Deante' Gray, WR, HST
Justin Hardee, WR, HST
Shaq Hill, WR, HST
Kenneth Walker III, WR, JAX
Andre Patton, WR, LAC
Artavis Scott, WR, LAC
Francis Owusu, WR, MIA
Malcolm Lewis, WR, MIA
Cody Hollister, WR, NE
Ahmad Fulwood, WR, NO
Keeon Johnson, WR, NYG
Brisly Estime, WR, NYJ
Isaac Whitney, WR, OAK
Jesus Wilson, WR, TB
Thomas Sperbeck, WR, TB
Tyler O'Connor, QB, CIN
Austin Appleby, QB, DAL
Kyle Sloter, QB, DEN
Taysom Hill, QB, GB
Phillip Walker, QB, IND
Eli Jenkins, QB, LAC
Dane Evans, QB, NYJ
Nick Schuessler, QB, PIT
Skyler Howard, QB, SEA
Tyler Ferguson, QB, TEN
Franko House, TE, CHI
Zach Conque, TE, HST
Colin Jeter, TE, IND
Wyatt Houston, TE, KC
Sean Culkin, TE, LAC
Josiah Price, TE, MIN
Jacob Hollister, TE, NE
Colin Thompson, TE, NYG
Tyrone Swoopes, TE, SEA
Kody Kohl, TE, TEN

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