Roy Altbaun’s Return Rookie Mock 1.01
Here is a way too early HDL rookie mock draft that will almost certainly be nothing close to accurate and change many times from now until we actually draft in May/June/July.
1.01 (Calhoun)- Najee Harris RB Alabama- Pretty easy decision here. Calhoun’s running backs, like most of his team, are god awful and Harris provides the most potential of an every down back in this class. He has a nice combination of size, speed, strength and will likely be a late 1st/early 2nd round pick similar to Taylor/Swift last year. You can take this pick being Harris to the bank.
1.02 (Chris Black)- Travis Etienne RB Clemson- I think Chris owning the 4th pick in this draft plays a part in this selection. With Harris gone, selecting Etienne allows him to guarantee still coming away with Chase or Smith. Chris needs help everywhere and I think he would like to come away with one stud RB and WR. Etienne is a big play waiting to happen and improved a lot in the passing game. He’ll be drafted in a similar range as Harris this Apirl.
103 (Marino)- Jamarr Chase WR Clemson- Marino has a decent RB core in place right now and needs help at WR. Jamarr Chase is easily the best in this class and a lock top 10 pick in April. He could be a star at the next level and the perfect WR for Marino to trade to Mike right before he takes over the league.
1.04 (Chris Black)- Devonta Smith WR Alabama- As I explained earlier Chris comes away with a top 2 RB and WR. Devonta Smith is skinny but his production at Alabama is unmatched and he could have a similar output at the next level. Another WR with star potential.
1.05 (Troy)- Javonte Williams RB UNC- My co-owner and good pal Troy’s team is just dominant. Everyone should probably be tanking already and conceding the season as there is virtually zero chance of Troy not bringing home his second mug this year. I suppose Troy could use some depth on his roster and Williams is the best RB on the board.
1.06 (Sarlo/Hark)- Kyle Pitts TE Florida- We all know Sarlo loves being a tight end factory and Pitts is the best he’ll ever have. Pitts isn’t your average tight end and is almost guaranteed to be a star in the NFL. Some people would likely argue this pick is a steal at this point.
1.07 (Falcone)- Jaylen Waddle WR Alabama- The last of the big 3 WRs gets taken here at 1.07. Waddle will likely be a top 10–15 pick in April but is more of a speed/big play WR so could fall a bit in fantasy drafts. I think Waddle is good enough however to be more than that and like Chase/Smith could be a star in the NFL.
1.08 (Sarlo/Hark)- Rashod Bateman WR Minnesota- RB’s don’t matter so Sarlo goes TE/WR with his first two picks. I think Bateman could be a stud in the NFL and is the best player available for a team that needs as many best player availables as possible.
1.09 (Ian/Mike)- Rondale Moore WR Purdue- The defending champs* go with the undersized but extremely talented WR in Moore. Moore just put up ridiculous numbers at his pro day and likely boosted himself into round 1 of the NFL draft. He’ll be a versatile weapon for any offense.
1.10 (Chris Black)- Terrace Marshall WR LSU- While often times overshadowed by Chase and Jefferson, Marshall didn’t garner the attention he deserved. Hes a big WR that could be a reliable red zone and fantasy asset going forward. If he sneaks into the first round of the draft you could see him come off earlier than this.
1.11 (Marino)- Michael Carter RB UNC- After getting WR with his first pick Marino adds to his RB depth with Carter. Side note, every time i say or write his name i keep think Michael Carter-Williams and have to stop myself from typing. Anyway, Carter is an explosive back with big play ability and a likely day 2 pick in the NFL draft.
1.12 (Ian/Mike)- Kenneth Gainwell RB Memphis- Gainwell is a very similar back to Carter offering explosive big play ability. While neither will likely be a bell-cow early in their career, whoever drafts them will utilize them. both offer pass catching ability and good value this late in round 1.