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RotoBaller Experts League - Dynasty League Recap (Rounds 11-17)

Last month, 12 RotoBaller writers came together to do a live dynasty league startup on the internet. This article is the next in a series that will evaluate draft results in order to give readers a look into current dynasty values, and discuss the best and worst values in the draft.

Today we take a look at rounds 11-17, and provide some draft analysis.

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Dynasty Draft Analysis - Rounds 11-17

The crucial middle rounds of a draft can make or break a team. This is especially true in dynasty formats, where you are committing to players long-term and may leave your team bereft of depth if you choose unwisely. This is also the time to take calculated risks in order to glean value from rookies or unproven players. Speaking of rookies, they were plentiful throughout this segment of the draft. The rookies started flying in round 10 and continued from that point on until the conclusion. A total of 21 rookies were selected in the 84 picks throughout these rounds.

In addition, quarterbacks began to fly off the board in much greater numbers. Whereas only five QB were taken in the first seven rounds, there were a total of 17 QB in rounds 11-17. I personally have been advocating for waiting on a signal caller in standard leagues, but found myself pulling the trigger on Cam Newton early on because of the dynasty format and a lack of more appealing options at my draft spot in rounds 3-4. Although only two of the writers appeared to truly embrace the Zero RB strategy, most teams padded their RB numbers equally in these rounds. 26 RB were picked in the first seven rounds, 29 RB came off the board in rounds 11-17. It will be interesting to see which group winds up being the higher performing one this season given the recent fluctuation in running back performance.

 

Best Pick - Charles Sims (RB, TB), 11.08 Overall

(Nathan Powell, @NPowellFF)

After waiting until the 10th round to take his first running back, Nathan Powell grabbed Sims next as part of a Zero RB strategy. He wisely grabbed this Gio Bernard clone three rounds later than the real thing and wound up with a player who totaled 1,090 yards from scrimmage and four TD in a part time role. His greatest asset is as a pass-catcher in a PPR format, as he tallied 51 receptions on 70 targets. Sims will deliver solid RB2-type value in a deep league such as this even if his role doesn't grow significantly.

Sims also makes a wise pick because of Doug Martin's injury history. If Martin should go down, Sims immediately vaults into a top-ten RB value. The Bucs will continue to help Jameis Winston along by keeping the short passing game a priority. Sims is entering his third year as a pro and could prove useful for many years to come. It doesn't hurt if you're a Tampa Bay fan either, right Nathan?

 

Worst Pick - Mike Wallace (WR, BAL), 12.12 Overall

(Chris Durell, @Jager_Bombs9)

Taking a 30 year-old receiver in a dynasty draft is questionable enough if you're not talking about a star player. Taking one that couldn't manage more than 473 yards and two TD last season and has seen his Y/R drop almost every year since 2010 is even more questionable. Taking a WR who is joining his third team in three years and failed his conditioning test less than a month ago is just baffling. For a player whose greatest asset was his downfield speed, it makes you wonder if Wallace even belongs on an NFL roster at this point.

In all likelihood, Wallace will have a role on the Ravens this season. After all, they are writing his paychecks at the moment. He may match his numbers from last season, but how much good will that really do? With Steve Smith due back, Breshad Perriman primed to become a primary target and Kamar Aiken returning as the most productive Ravens WR last year, Wallace figures to be fourth in line at best. Wallace didn't play in the first pre-season game and wasn't even targeted in the second game. This pick could have been better spent on a rookie like Tajae Sharpe or a young receiver due to actually improve, like Robert Woods.

 

Riskiest Pick - Martavis Bryant (WR, PIT), 14.02 Overall

(Justin Bales, @BalesSJustin)

Despite never being more than a WR2 on his own team and never playing for a full season, Bryant has the talent to be a dominant NFL receiver. Bryant has scored 14 TD in 21 games and posted a 17.3 AVG in his two seasons. That said, he continues to get in his own way and could become another casualty of the league's substance abuse policy. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said it best, "He is at a crossroads of his professional life, and he needs to understand significant changes need to occur in his personal life if he wants to regain his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler."

A 14th round pick isn't too early to take a risk like this, but it remains a huge roll of the dice. For a player who is already guaranteed to miss the entire season, Bryant could become an empty WR spot on this team permanently if he doesn't conquer his personal demons first. Otherwise, every other owner will be jealous when Bryant is making big plays in 2017 as a 14th round pick the year before.

 

Biggest Upside Pick - Jared Goff (QB, LA), 17.03 Overall

(Matt Terrelle, @supermt)

This has to go to the #1 overall pick of the 2016 draft, QB Jared Goff. How much he plays this season remains to be seen, but this is obviously a long-term selection. This is also a risky pick, as evidenced by the brief careers of Tim Couch, David Carr and JaMarcus Russell (wow, haven't had to dredge up that name in a while). Fortunately, the list of recent QB successes is slightly longer, including Andrew Luck and Cam Newton among others. Goff obviously profiles closer to Luck than Newton, but with slightly less mobility. In three seasons at Cal, Goff completed 62.3% of his passes. In his junior year, he threw for an impressive 4,714 yards and a 43/13 TD/INT rate.

The Rams are still a rebuilding team, and I'm not talking about their stadium either. Todd Gurley is a stud in the backfield, but their top receiver is currently Tavon Austin. The rest of the receiving corps is either young and unproven or too inconsistent to count on. Eventually, fellow draft picks Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas and Tyler Higbee will give Goff a slew of options on the outside to complement the running game and recall the glory days of the Rams when Eric Dickerson, Jim Everett, Henry Ellard and Willie Anderson were running things. It was shocking to see such an obvious potential star last until the 17th round in a dynasty league where youth rules.

 

General Analysis

The middle of this dynasty draft was a true reflection of the current trends in fantasy football. In past years, nearly every draft-worthy running back would have been long gone by round 11. Instead, there was an equal quantity of runners taken and they may ultimately provide just as much value than those selected earlier. The quarterbacks represented the best value in these rounds by far, with veterans such as Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Matthew Stafford all readily available in the double-digit rounds. Pairing a veteran QB in the middle rounds with a younger prospect later on could give fantasy owners a good balance between short and long term needs.

When the depth at certain positions such as receiver start to become questionable, pulling the trigger on a rookie becomes the norm. With so many changes and injuries year-to-year, last year's champ could easily become this year's chump. Dynasty owners always have to be forward-thinking and flexible. The more I reflect on these draft results, the more I am certain that this RotoBaller dynasty league is sure to be competitive for many years to come.

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

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to Undergo Additional Imaging
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Steelers, Darnell Washington Agree to Four-Year Extension
Micah Parsons

Eyeing a Mid-October Return After Having Another Knee Surgery
Rome Odunze

Foot Injury Still an Issue Going into 2026 Season?
Ketel Marte

Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Mitchell Robinson

is Available for Game 1 on Wednesday
Kawhi Leonard

Unlikely to be Traded
Chicago Bulls

Bulls Host Potential Lottery Picks for Workout
Washington Wizards

Wizards Considering Trading Down in Draft
Russell Wilson

Retiring From the NFL
Corbin Burnes

has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Malik Davis

Appears to be the Front-Runner for RB2 Job in Dallas
Kayshon Boutte

to Compete for Snaps in Three-Receiver Sets
Alvin Kamara

Attends OTAs on Wednesday
Andrei Iosivas

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Andrei Iosivas?
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Is Tyjae Spears Droppable in Dynasty Formats?
Jaylen Wright

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Facing Likely Regression After Career Year in 2025
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Remains a High-End Dynasty RB1 Despite Injury History
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Ollie Gordon II

Is Ollie Gordon II Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Justin Herbert

Overhauling his Footwork This Offseason
De'Von Achane

Doing Individual Drills at Minicamp
Ashton Jeanty

Raiders Emphasizing Ashton Jeanty's Progress as Their Lead Back
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Still on the Mend From 2025 Injuries
Brandon Aiyuk

Warrant Issued for Brandon Aiyuk's Arrest in California
CFB

Can Eric Singleton Jr. Fully Break Out at Third School?
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Katin Houser Steps into QB1 Role for Illinois
CFB

Savion Hiter an Immediate Impact Freshman for Michigan
CFB

Isaiah Horton Set to Take Over KC Concepcion's Role
CFB

UCLA Transfer Karson Gordon Signs with Austin Peay
CFB

Will Muschamp Bringing New Intensity to Texas Practices
Gary Woodland

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Memorial
Jordan Spieth

Still Searching for a Breakthrough
Alex Smalley

Brings Elite Form to Memorial Tournament
Justin Rose

Looks to Recapture Memorial Tournament Success
Cameron Young

Looks to Get Back to His Contending Ways at Murifield Village
Chris Gotterup

Needs to Find Fairways at Muirfield Village
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Stay Hot at Memorial Tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick

Positioned for Success at Muirfield Village
Jalen Chatfield

Records Two Assists in Tuesday's Loss
Keegan Bradley

Looking for Another Strong Finish at Muirfield
Nikolaj Ehlers

Nets Two Goals in Game 1 Loss to Golden Knights
Shea Theodore

Notches Three Points in Game 1 Win
Brayden McNabb

Sets Up Three Goals in Game 1 Win Over Hurricanes
Justin Thomas

is an Exciting Play This Week in Ohio
Brett Howden

Starts Finals With Multi-Point Effort
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Memorial Tournament for Third Consecutive Year
Tomas Hertl

Scores Game-Winner in Finals Opener
Rory McIlroy

Looking for Better Performance at Muirfield Village
Drake Baldwin

Could Return During Braves Next Homestand
Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Russell Henley

Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
Isaiah Hartenstein

Hopeful to Stay with Oklahoma City
Luguentz Dort

Wants to Remain with Thunder
Mitchell Robinson

is Questionable for Game 1
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Has Contract Guaranteed for 2026-2027 Season
Oso Ighodaro

Gets Guaranteed Contract for Next Season
NAS

Chris MacFarland Joins Predators as President and General Manager
VAN

Canucks Name Manny Malhotra as New Head Coach
Brendan Gallagher

to Leave Canadiens This Offseason
Patrik Laine

Looking Forward to Free Agency
Jeremy Lauzon

Returns to Action Tuesday
Zach Werenski

Wins 2025-26 Norris Trophy
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
Josh Hader

Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
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Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Akshay Bhatia

Needs the Driver to be True in Ohio
Aaron Rai

Primed to take on the Memorial Tournament
J.J. Spaun

Rebounded at Charles Schwab Challenge
Xander Schauffele

One to Watch This Week in Ohio
Elly De La Cruz

to Miss 2-4 Weeks of Action
Chase Burns

is Scratched Due to Illness
Deiveson Figueiredo

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Song Yadong

Gets Second-Round Submission Win
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers Back-To-Back Losses
Alonzo Menifield

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Scores First-Round Knockout Win
Cameron Smotherman

Suffers Third Loss In A Row
Edwin Arroyo

Reds Promote Top Infield Prospect Edwin Arroyo, Viewed as Priority Pick Up Ahead of MLB Debut
Kai Asakura

Earns His First UFC Win
Elly De La Cruz

Placed on IL with Right Hamstring Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Earns the first Nashville Cup Series Victory of his Career on Sunday
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Earns First Career Podium Finish at Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Scores A Solid Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Top-10 Streak at Nashville Ends after Late Flat Tire Spin
Elly De La Cruz

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Tyler Reddick

Is One of the Top Favorites to Win at Nashville
Kyle Larson

May Continue his Top-10 Consistency at Nashville this week
Christopher Bell

Is One of the Top Competitors for the Win at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Is A Must Start for Nashville DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Nashville DFS Lineups
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Nashville Lineups?
Carson Hocevar

Is Likely to have Another Solid Result at Nashville
NASCAR

Should Fantasy Players Roster Bubba Wallace at Nashville?
Chris Buescher

Is A Decent All-Around DFS Option for Nashville Lineups
Daniel Suarez

is Likely to Drop Positions during the Cracker Barrel 400
Garrett Crochet

Suffers Setback, Likely to Undergo MRI for Lat Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Could Denny Hamlin Dominate at Nashville?
Ryan Blaney

Is a DFS Tournament Option at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Don't Overlook Ty Gibbs at Nashville
Joey Logano

Could Show Life at Nashville
Ross Chastain

Needs a Good Run at Nashville
Chet Holmgren

Fails to Step Up in the Season Finale
Cason Wallace

Ends Postseason with Strong Showing
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Caps MVP Season with Game 7 Exit
Stephon Castle

Continues Postseason Run with 16 Points
Julian Champagnie

Shines in Series-Clinching Win
De'Aaron Fox

Provides Secondary Punch in Game 7 Triumph
Victor Wembanyama

Earns Conference Finals MVP in Spurs' Game 7 Win
NBA

Warriors Prioritize Depth Around Returning Steve Kerr
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Cleveland's Top Priority
Adou Thiero

Remains a Lakers Development Project
NBA

76ers Hire Mike Gansey as President of Basketball Operations
NBA

Chicago Bulls Explore Kevin Young as Coaching Candidate
Lane Hutson

Posts a Power-Play Assist in Game 5 Loss
Cole Caufield

Nets a Power-Play Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Seth Jarvis

Closes Out East Finals With Multi-Point Game
Logan Stankoven

Notches Three Points in Big Game 5 Win
Taylor Hall

Racks Up Three Points in Series-Clinching Win
Frederik Andersen

Remains Stellar as Hurricanes Clinch Finals Berth
Jacob Gonzalez

is Heading to the Big Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez is Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Deiveson Figueiredo

Set For UFC Macau Main Event
MMA

Yadong Song Returns At UFC Macau
Alonzo Menifield

An Underdog At UFC Macau
Zhang Mingyang

Set For UFC Macau Co-Main Event
Tallison Teixeira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Sergei Pavlovich

A Favorite At UFC Macau
Cameron Smotherman

Looks To Bounce Back
Kai Asakura

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
CFB

Faizon Brandon In Position to Start Week 1
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Dane Weber Commits to Cal
CFB

Joey McGuire Attempts to Add Texas to Schedule
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Mike Leach on 2027 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot
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Maryland, Baylor Schedule Home-and-Home
CFB

Taron Dickens Decommits From North Carolina
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF