Dynasty Rookie Rankings – Targets and Fades

For this Dynasty Rookie Rankings update, I will provide you with players to target and fade in the first and second rounds of your rookie drafts. Throughout the summer, I will update my rankings based on news and updates from around the league. Friendly reminder: do not blindly pick players based on rankings from me or other dynasty pundits. I recommend drafting players that fit your team’s timeline and roster construction, along with your research. Don’t forget, dynasty teams are a long-term commitments. Treat it as such!

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Targets

• Player: Kaleb Johnson 
• Team: Pittsburgh Steelers 
• Position: RB

Despite being a Day 3 selection, Johnson is the fifth-best rookie RB with a reasonable price tag at the end of the first round in most drafts. I am a Jaylen Warren truther, but it’s hard not to like the situation for the former Hawkeye. Johnson fits Arthur Smith’s zone scheme and has the mold of a Mike Tomlin running back. 

He’ll be afforded ample opportunities in his rookie season with the departure of Najee Harris, who tallied 299 touches last season. This will surely help his case for future touches throughout his Steelers tenure. He may have a lower hit rate as a third-round pick, but I will go out on a limb and forecast he will have a few seasons as a top-24 RB. 

• Player: Travis Hunter
• Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
• Position: WR

The future Shohei Ohtani of the NFL. The generational talent joins a formidable Jaguars offense that secured their franchise QB through the 2030 season. He joins Brian Thomas Jr., who should draw plenty of coverage, allowing Hunter to operate in the open field. This duo will be ranked among the best in short order. 

Jacksonville’s newly minted front office and head coach made a splash trading up to acquire his services, so you know they plan on utilizing Hunter all over the field. As a WR, he has the potential to be the next Justin Jefferson with his separation ability and a ridiculous catch rate in college.  His draft capital insulates a higher hit rate and is easily worth a top-three pick.

• Player: Terrance Ferguson
• Team: Los Angeles Rams
• Position: TE

I am quite bullish on this Ducks’ future in Los Angeles. The excitement from Sean McVay when the Rams selected Ferguson in the second round piques my interest. I am willing to reach for him in the second round in TE premium leagues. McVay doesn’t have a rich history of using TEs. However, I cannot see a situation where the Rams’ first pick in this year’s draft does not draw at least 70 to 80 targets within his second or third season. If there’s anyone I trust in the NFL, it’s McVay getting the most out of his talent on his roster. If you miss out on TEs Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren, Ferguson is a great consolation prize.

Fades

• Player: Emeka Egbuka
• Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Position: WR

Perhaps my most controversial take on this rookie class. I love the player, but dislike his destination. The offense is crowded with playmakers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, Bucky Irving, and Rachaad White. Tampa’s QB, Baker Mayfield, enters the season at age 30 and will be a free agent after the 2026 season following his $40 million base salary. By the time Egbuka begins entering his prime, I am not sure what the offense will look like or who his signal caller will be. His ADP of 10th overall in rookie drafts makes me nervous, considering what other players are available.

• Player: Luther Burden III
• Team: Chicago Bears
• Position: WR

Burden III is another skilled WR with decent draft capital who is entering a loaded offense.  While it’s easy to like his landing spot with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, I do NOT understand the hype surrounding the former Tiger. There are plenty of question marks. The Bears drafted a pass catcher in Loveland (TE) with the 10th overall pick in the first round. Chicago just drafted Rome Odunze in the first round in the 2024 draft and secured D.J. Moore through the 2029 season. Playing time and opportunities can change quickly in the NFL, but I’d rather take a chance on Jack Bech, Jayden Higgins, or Kyle Williams. They all have better odds of becoming a WR2 with similar ADP. 

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