👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


Way Too Early Dynasty Mock Draft Analysis - Rounds 4-6

Dynasty leagues offer a fun twist of fantasy football in which owners retain most, if not all of their players from year to year. This creates a greater sense of pride and ownership as you carry many of the same players for multiple seasons.

Of course, you've got to make sure you have a core of players you actually want to carry for years and years. If you end up with a roster saddled with aging, injured veterans and young, inconsistent newcomers, your roster will lean more toward "rebuilding" than "dynasty." That's where the initial startup draft comes into play.

Twelve of RotoBaller's finest contributors gathered for a dynasty startup mock draft. Over the next week, we'll break it down round-by-round, continuing with the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds in this article. Check out our earlier recaps of round one, and rounds 2-3 to see how this draft progressed.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Round 4

Incoming rookies were popular in the fourth round. Smith-Schuster, Davis and Fournette marked the first three picks of the round, with Williams coming later on. Much like in the actual NFL, rookies are unknown commodities. There's significant risk, but also significant upside, particularly in a dynasty league, where youth and potential are valuable assets.

This round also featured plenty of familiar names from the fantasy world, including LeSean McCoy, Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr and Lamar Miller. Terrelle Pryor parlayed his breakout season with the Browns into a one-year deal with Washington, a move that boosts his fantasy value. Alshon Jeffery's move to Philadelphia hurts Jordan Matthews' value.

Rodgers and Carr were the first two quarterbacks off the board, while Hunter Henry and Travis Kelce were the third and fourth tight ends selected, respectively. This was the most balanced round, with five wide receivers, three running backs, two quarterbacks and two tight ends taken.

 

Round 5

Wideouts, wideouts, wideouts. The fifth round was heavy on veteran pass-catchers and, unlike the previous round, featured no incoming rookies. Sterling Shepard's selection kicked off a run of five straight wide receivers to open the round.

Tate, Edelman and Crabtree are all proven, if aging, commodities, while Shepard, Hill and Crowder are promising young players. Josh Doctson is a wild card, but he's still young enough to carry value.

Four running backs (Prosise, Coleman, Hyde, Henry) and one quarterback (Luck) also went in the fifth round. No major surprises among that group -- all are in their 20s and have promising careers ahead.

 

Round 6

Back to the incoming rookies! McCaffrey and Mixon led off the sixth round, with Ross coming just two picks later. This round featured a decent number of proven veteran performers, including DeMarco Murray, Emmanuel Sanders, Cam Newton and Randall Cobb.

Britt, like Pryor, also changed teams in the offseason, but it's difficult to get excited about his move to Cleveland. Tyler Eifert (injuries) and Martavis Bryant (suspension) are intriguing picks, as is Rishard Matthews, who finished with nine touchdown receptions last season.

Overall, the sixth round featured six wide receivers, four running backs, one quarterback and one tight end.

 

Best Picks

Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU) #39 overall

Fournette's value is going to depend on his landing spot in April's draft. If he ends up somewhere like, say, Carolina, that figures to boost his value. If he lands with a team like the New York Jets, well ... that won't boost his value.

Given the immediate rookie success of Ezekiel Elliott this past season, Fournette is sure to be a popular pick in most fantasy drafts. But that's particularly true in a dynasty league, where you can control him for years to come. At 39th overall, I like the value.

Tevin Coleman (RB, ATL) #55 overall

Coleman showed this past season that he can provide serious fantasy value while splitting the backfield touches with Devonta Freeman. Coleman will be 24 at the start of the 2017 season, which could be Freeman's last in Atlanta, if he ends up leaving as a free agent.

If that were to happen, Coleman's value would skyrocket as the primary back in Atlanta's offense. If Freeman stays, then maybe Coleman leaves for a starting job elsewhere after 2018. Or perhaps the two remain a productive tandem in Atlanta. No matter what, landing a dynamic, 24-year-old running back with the 55th pick is a win-win.

Cam Newton (QB, CAR) #71 overall

It was an ugly season for Newton in 2016. And, yet, his season wasn't actually that bad. The expectations for Newton coming off his historic MVP season in 2015 were sky-high, so it's not shocking he suffered from regression.

He's a prime bounce-back candidate in 2017 and beyond. Newton, despite playing six seasons in the NFL, will only be 28 when the upcoming season begins. He still boasts elite rushing ability, which further adds to his fantasy value. He's a solid pick as the fourth quarterback (and 71st player overall) off the board.

 

Biggest Reaches

JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC) #37 overall

I'll say it again -- drafting rookies is an inexact science. Smith-Schuster certainly could become a great NFL wide receiver. But is worth a top-40 overall pick? It's difficult to support that decision. He was the first rookie wideout selected, ahead of guys like Davis, Williams and Ross, among others that have similar, if not higher, consensus grades.

Also, when's the last time a USC wide receiver excelled for an extended period of time in the NFL? I'll wait... The answer? Keyshawn Johnson. That's not totally fair to Smith-Schuster, who could end up being great, but it's worth noting nonetheless.

Joe Mixon (RB, OKLA) #62 overall

This is a pick that is sure to draw some attention. If Mixon had no off-field issues, this would be a fine selection. But Mixon carries serious baggage stemming from a 2014 assault incident. That baggage is so heavy, in fact, that it kept him from participating in the NFL scouting combine.

Mixon performed well at Oklahoma's pro day, but there's still some major question marks. Will he slip in the draft, and if so, how far? Will he able to avoid trouble in the NFL? Will he be worth the 62nd overall pick in this mock draft? The answers to all of those questions remain unclear.

Kenny Britt (WR, CLE) #67 overall

I must admit, I wasn't a big fan of this selection when Britt was still with the Los Angeles Rams. Now that he's with Cleveland, I like it even less. It's a total head-scratcher for Britt, who has played with a series of underwhelming quarterbacks in his eight-year career with Tennessee and Los Angeles.

Now, he finally has a choice to choose his team in free agency, and he settles on Cleveland and ... Cody Kessler? Kevin Hogan? Someone else? Sure, maybe Cleveland lands Jimmy Garoppolo, Britt becomes a go-to target and this pick turns into a steal. But for now, I'm going to assume the Browns remain a fantasy wasteland.

 

Conclusion

Let's take a closer look at the numbers. Of the 36 players selected in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds of RotoBaller's dynasty startup mock draft, 18 were wide receivers, 11 were running backs, four were quarterbacks and three were tight ends. There were seven incoming rookies selected, compared to just three players who will be 30 or older at the start of the 2017 season (Rodgers, Edelman, Sanders).

That latter statistic isn't entirely surprising for a dynasty mock draft. When building a roster for the long haul, it's ideal to have players that will provide value not only for the immediate season, but future seasons to come.

Free agency is barely a week old, and the NFL draft is still more than a month away, so a lot can change between now and the regular-season opener on Sept. 7. But hey, who doesn't love a good mock draft?

Be sure to follow along with the rest of our round-by-round analysis throughout the week.

 

More 2017 Mock Drafts & Analysis




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles Offense to Borrow From Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay in 2026?
Taysom Hill

Saints Haven't Offered a Contract to Taysom Hill
Kayshon Boutte

Working Out Away From the Team
Lamar Jackson

Expected to Return to OTAs Soon
Dalton Kincaid

Taking Part in OTAs This Week
Josh Allen

"Good to Go" for Offseason Workouts
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch
Rashee Rice

to Miss Two Months After Clean-Up Surgery on his Knee
Dean Wade

Returns to Starting Unit Tuesday
OG Anunoby

Starting on Tuesday
Tobias Harris

May Remain in Motown
Jalen Duren

Pistons Eager to Keep Jalen Duren
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd Fired as Mavericks Head Coach
De'Aaron Fox

Officially Listed as Questionable for Game 2 Against Thunder
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
Tank Bigsby

Is Tank Bigsby a Worthy Dynasty Stash Entering 2026?
Hunter Henry

Profiles as a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Gerrit Cole

to Make Season Debut on Friday Against Rays
Matthew Golden

Can Matthew Golden Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in 2026?
Jalen Coker

a Prime Buy-Low Dynasty Target
Dak Prescott

Remains a High-Floor Dynasty Quarterback
CeeDee Lamb

Is CeeDee Lamb's Dynasty Value Poised to Rise in 2026?
Keon Coleman

Joe Brady Likes What he's Seen From Keon Coleman
Deshaun Watson

Hitting it Off With Todd Monken?
Jacoby Brissett

Not Present for First OTA Practice
Tua Tagovailoa

Michael Penix Jr. Splitting First-Team Reps at OTAs
Rashee Rice

Tests Positive for Marijuana, Violating his Probation
Cam Skattebo

Says he'll be Ready for Week 1
De'Von Achane

Present for Start of OTAs This Week
Malik Washington

an Affordable Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues
Drake Baldwin

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain
CFB

Ezavier Crowell has Immediate Opportunity at Alabama
CFB

Mark Bowman a Day 1 Impact Player for USC?
CFB

Bill Belichick Says Relationship with First North Carolina Team "Wasn't Great"
Alex Caruso

Erupts for 31 Points in Game 1 Loss to Spurs
CFB

Kemario Taylor a Breakout Candidate at Quarterback
Jalen Williams

Productive in Comeback Game
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss the Undisputed Top SEC Quarterback Entering 2026?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Records First Double-Double of Postseason
CFB

Rocco Becht The "Unifier" of Penn State's Roster
Stephon Castle

Opens Conference Finals With Double-Double
Dylan Harper

Makes Outstanding Two-Way Impact in Game 1 Win
Victor Wembanyama

Dominates Game 1 Against Thunder
Mattias Samuelsson

Picks Up an Assist in Season-Ending Loss
Rasmus Dahlin

Nets Fourth Postseason Goal
Jakub Dobes

Records 37 Saves in Game 7 Win
Lane Hutson

Contributes Power-Play Assist in Game 7 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Extends Road Point Streak
Alex Newhook

Scores Series-Clincher in Overtime
Jackson Holliday

Orioles Reinstate Jackson Holliday From Injured List on Monday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Reinstate Ronald Acuna Jr. From Injured List on Monday
Jose Altuve

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Larry Nance Jr.

is Questionable for Game 1 on Tuesday
OG Anunoby

is Probable for Tuesday's Game 1
Luke Kornet

is Cleared for Game 1
New Orleans Pelicans

Jamahl Mosley Agrees to Become Pelicans Next Head Coach
De'Aaron Fox

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Monday
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Set to Start Game 7
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Tage Thompson

Can Match Franchise Record With Another Multi-Point Game
Nick Suzuki

Seeks More Road Success Monday
Lane Hutson

Riding a Five-Game Assist Streak Into Game 7
Filip Gustavsson

Needs Offseason Surgery
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
Melquizael Costa

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 117
Arnold Allen

Bounces Back
Daniel Santos

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Dohoo Choi Wins His Third Consecutive Fight
Malcolm Wellmaker

Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

Scores Second-Round Submission
Christian Edwards

Defeated At UFC Vegas 117
CFB

Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
Modestas Bukauskas

Gets Split-Decision Win
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
Tobias Harris

Goes Cold in Game 7 Loss
Quinn Hughes

Open to Signing Extension This Offseason
Jalen Duren

Finishes Game 7 with Quiet Line
Cade Cunningham

Endures Cold Shooting Night Sunday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Misses Second Round Due to Heel Injury
Sam Merrill

Catches Fire in Game 7 Win
Jonas Brodin

Sits Out Round 2 Due to Toe Injury
Sam Malinski

Practices Fully Sunday
Josh Manson

Rejoins Practice
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF