The 2023 Fantasy Football season is in full swing, and for many dynasty league players, this is the time to look ahead. A Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft is one of the best ways to prepare for the future, ensuring that your roster is stocked with young talent that can carry your team through multiple seasons. This is especially true for leagues that use the PPR (Points Per Reception) scoring format, where wide receivers and pass-catching running backs are often more valuable than traditional formats.
In this article, we’ll walk through a Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft for PPR formats, focusing specifically on late picks. Similar to how PPR fittings create seamless connections in plumbing systems, the players you select in the later rounds of your dynasty draft will be crucial to the long-term success of your fantasy football team.
The Value of Late Picks in a Dynasty Rookie Draft
In a Dynasty Rookie Draft, the early picks tend to be dominated by players with high upside, such as top-tier quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. However, there is a hidden value in late picks. This is where savvy fantasy managers can build depth and potentially uncover diamonds in the rough. PPR scoring formats, in particular, offer unique opportunities to grab players who may not be immediate superstars but can offer a consistent, high-volume role in the offense.
When selecting in the later rounds, it’s important to target players who are not only talented but also fit your league’s scoring format—PPR. Wide receivers who are likely to see a high volume of targets, pass-catching running backs, and players in dynamic offensive systems can often outperform their draft position in PPR leagues.
Top 5 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft Picks (Late Round) for 2023 Fantasy Football
1. Jalin Hyatt – WR, New York Giants
Jalin Hyatt is a highly intriguing prospect, especially for PPR formats. While he may not have the highest floor in dynasty leagues, his ceiling is substantial. Hyatt’s ability to run crisp routes and his elite speed could make him a key asset in the Giants’ offense. His downfield threat may initially limit his reception volume, but as he adjusts to the NFL, expect him to become a consistent target in an offense that will likely need him to step up as a reliable pass catcher.
Why Hyatt is a good pick in PPR: He has big-play potential, and as he develops, Hyatt should command a higher target share, making him a solid late-round option with upside.
2. Tank Bigsby – RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tank Bigsby may not be the top rookie running back, but in PPR formats, he’s a great value pick for dynasty leagues, especially in the later rounds. Playing behind Travis Etienne, Bigsby may not get the majority of the carries, but his role as a pass-catching back makes him a sleeper. In PPR leagues, running backs who can contribute to the passing game provide consistent fantasy points, even when they’re not getting as many touches on the ground.
Why Bigsby is a good pick in PPR: Bigsby’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives him immediate value in PPR formats. His potential to carve out a meaningful role in the offense makes him a smart pick in the later rounds.
3. Michael Mayer – TE, Las Vegas Raiders
Michael Mayer is a well-rounded tight end who will likely see a significant role early in his career. Tight ends often take a few years to develop, but Mayer’s route-running ability, size, and hands make him a strong prospect for PPR formats. As the Raiders offense continues to evolve, Mayer could quickly become a top target in the middle of the field, especially with Darren Waller now out of the picture.
Why Mayer is a good pick in PPR: Tight ends are often undervalued in traditional formats, but in PPR leagues, a reliable receiving tight end can be a goldmine. Mayer’s potential to contribute early gives him long-term value in a dynasty format.
4. Zay Flowers – WR, Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers has all the skills to become a dynamic wide receiver in the NFL, particularly in PPR leagues. The Baltimore Ravens have revamped their offense with the arrival of Todd Monken as offensive coordinator, and Flowers could be the beneficiary of increased passing volume. Flowers’ ability to make plays after the catch and his route-running savvy make him a perfect fit for PPR scoring, where consistent receptions are key.
Why Flowers is a good pick in PPR: His ability to generate quick separation and gain yards after the catch makes him a valuable asset in PPR leagues. He’s the type of player who can be targeted frequently, providing both high reception and yardage totals.
5. Marvin Mims – WR, Denver Broncos
Marvin Mims is an underrated wide receiver prospect who could shine in PPR formats. He is a versatile player who excels at getting open and making plays down the field, but he also has the ability to operate in short-yardage and intermediate routes. With a new offensive regime under Sean Payton, Mims could see an uptick in targets and involvement early in his career, especially as the team looks for weapons to complement Russell Wilson.
Why Mims is a good pick in PPR: Mims’ versatility and ability to be used in various ways make him a great value in PPR formats. His potential for consistent target volume makes him a strong late-round pick.
Draft Strategy for Late Picks in PPR Leagues
When selecting late-round rookies in a Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft with PPR scoring, it’s crucial to focus on players who can accumulate receptions consistently, even if they aren’t immediate stars. Targeting pass-catching running backs and wide receivers with a high upside and potential for early involvement in the offense is key. These players might not give you instant returns, but their long-term potential and contribution to your team’s depth can pay off significantly.
A well-executed late pick strategy in PPR formats can be the difference between a mediocre dynasty squad and a championship-caliber roster. Keep an eye on rookies in pass-heavy offenses, those with high target floors, and players likely to contribute in both the short and long-term.
Conclusion
In PPR formats, selecting rookies who can make an immediate impact in the passing game is paramount. While the early rounds of your Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft may be focused on the high-profile stars, the late-round picks offer an opportunity to find hidden gems like Jalin Hyatt, Tank Bigsby, and Michael Mayer, who can contribute to your team for years to come. With the right strategy, these late-round selections can help you build a dynasty that competes year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is a Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft?
A Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft is a simulated draft where fantasy managers select rookies for their dynasty league rosters. It’s an opportunity to practice selecting young talent for the long-term success of a fantasy team. - Why is PPR scoring important in fantasy football?
PPR scoring rewards players who catch passes, making wide receivers, pass-catching running backs, and even tight ends more valuable. It alters draft strategy by emphasizing players with high reception potential. - What are the best strategies for late-round picks in Dynasty Rookie Drafts?
The best strategy is to target pass-catching players with high upside, like running backs who can contribute in the passing game or wide receivers who are expected to see a high volume of targets. - How do I evaluate rookies for PPR formats?
Look for rookies who are in pass-heavy offenses, have the potential for early playing time, and show strong pass-catching ability. Players who can make an impact in both short-yardage and deep routes are ideal. - How does a PPR format affect my draft strategy for running backs?
In PPR formats, running backs who catch passes out of the backfield are more valuable. Prioritize running backs with a receiving role, even if they are not the primary ball carriers.
