There have been some amazing transitions throughout the evolution of fantasy football, and it likely isn’t going to stop now. First, there were standard season-long leagues. Eventually, PPR leagues developed, but most leagues continued to be only for one season. The dynasty league was the next development, but it was more of a limited dynasty league, as many leagues had a maximum number of keepers. The dynasty league is shifting to allow as many keepers as the teams would like, while only having a rookie draft.

Generally, dynasty leagues allow as many keepers as each team pleases, while having a draft that is filled with rookies and free agents. It’s impossible to know what free agents will be available in everyone’s leagues, so these rankings are only for rookies. If you want to see where I have ranked other players ranked, be sure to check out my Dynasty League Rankings.

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2016 NFL Rookie Rankings Analysis

The 2016 rookie class was not filled with many dominant quarterbacks. As is the case in any draft, quarterbacks were over-selected, as Goff and Wentz were the first two players taken. Keep in mind that the draft position of players in the NFL Draft should have little to no impact on the draft position of the players in your rookie draft. This is especially true when dealing with quarterbacks.

The running backs in this class are fairly impressive. Ezekiel Elliott is in a tier of his own, but the other running backs come with great upside. There are 12 running backs in the top 25 rookies, which shows the depth of this class. The majority of the running backs have great hands out of the backfield, which will help them get on the field immediately, and it also helps them in PPR formats. As everyone knows, running backs are never safe picks because of the running-back-by-committee mentality in the NFL, but that doesn’t take away from their potential.

Wide receivers are one of the best examples of a position that doesn’t need draft pedigree to be successful. The best example is Antonio Brown, who was a sixth-round draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He’s now one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, while other receivers that were drafted before him, such as Arrelious Benn and Jordan Shipley, have fizzled out. Obviously first round picks may have a bit more leeway than the later-round players, but there is definitely value to be had late in the draft.

Tight end is a position that tends to go overlooked, especially in rookie drafts. Sure, there might not be the next Rob Gronkowski any time soon, but there will be TE1s coming in the draft. Plus, someone has to become the new Gronkowski at some point. Keep in mind, tight ends are quickly becoming receivers in the NFL, and they are a sneaky way to get great PPR points if they are in the right situation.

Overall, this draft was fairly loaded with running backs and wide receivers. The tight ends aren’t elite, but they do come with upside. The same can be said for the quarterbacks, although they all come with quite a bit of risk, as well.

 

2016 Rookie Fantasy Football League Rankings

1	Ezekiel Elliott	RB
2	Josh Doctson	WR
3	Corey Coleman	WR
4	Sterling Shepard	WR
5	Laquon Treadwell	WR
6	Mike Thomas	WR
7	Derrick Henry	RB
8	Kenneth Dixon	RB
9	Tajae Sharpe	WR
10	C.J. Prosise	RB
11	Will Fuller	WR
12	Paul Perkins	RB
13	Leonte Carroo	WR
14	Kenyan Drake	RB
15	Jordan Howard	RB
16	Tyler Boyd	WR
17	Devontae Booker	RB
18	Malcolm Mitchell	WR
19	Hunter Henry	TE
20	Carson Wentz	QB
21	Jared Goff	QB
22	Jonathan Williams	RB
23	Wendell Smallwood	RB
24	Alex Collins	RB
25	DeAndre Washington	RB
26	Pharoh Cooper	WR
27	Rashard Higgins	WR
28	Paxton Lynch	QB
29	Keith Marshall	RB
30	Braxton Miller	WR
31	Austin Hooper	TE
32	Tyler Ervin	RB
33	Michael Thomas	WR
34	Tyler Higbee	TE
35	Jordan Payton	WR
36	Demarcus Robinson	WR
37	Josh Ferguson	RB
38	Kolby Listenbee	WR
39	Ricardo Louis	WR
40	Jerell Adams	TE
41	Kenny Lawler	WR
42	Cardale Jones	QB
43	Charone Peake	WR
44	Kelvin Taylor	RB
45	Darius Jackson	RB
46	Dak Prescott	QB
47	Daniel Braverman	WR
48	Connor Cooker	QB
49	Cody Kessler	QB
50	Chris Moore	WR
51	Nick Vannett	TE
52	Thomas Duarte	TE
53	Christian Hackenberg	QB
54	Jeff Driskel	QB
55	Jakeem Grant	WR
56	Aaron Burbridge	WR
57	Seth DeValve	TE
58	Jacoby Brissett	QB
59	Kevin Hogan	QB
60	Keyarris Garrett	WR
61	Roger Lewis	WR
62	Daniel Lasco	RB
63	Devin Lucien	WR
64	Moritz Boehringer	WR
65	Brandon Wilds	RB
66	Marquez North	WR
67	Cody Core	WR
68	Mitch Mathews	WR
69	Demarcus Ayers	WR
70	Dwayne Washington	RB
71	Trevor Davis	WR
72	Devin Fuller	WR
73	Temarrick Hemmingway	TE
74	Rico Gathers	TE
75	Keenan Reynolds	WR
76	Tyreek Hill	WR
77	Devon Johnson	RB
78	Nate Sudfeld	QB
79	Brandon Allen	QB
80	Devon Cajuste	WR
81	Cayleb Jones	WR
82	DJ Foster	RB
83	Zac Brooks	RB
84	Beau Sandland	TE
85	David Morgan	TE
86	Jalin Marshall	WR
87	Jake Rudock	QB
88	Brandon Doughty	QB
89	Byron Marshall	WR
90	Bryce Williams	TE
91	Trevone Boykin	QB
92	Jay Lee	WR
93	Nelson Spruce	WR
94	Peyton Barter	RB
95	Hunter Sharp	WR
96	D'haquille Williams	WR
97	Jhurell Pressley	RB
98	Jaydon Mickens	WR
99	K.J. Maye	WR
100	Dom Williams	WR

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Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.