Round 2 - Superflex Rookie Mock Draft

Last week the TNFF crew did their Round 1 superflex rookie mock draft. The results of Round 1 can be seen here. This week they are back for Round 2 with perhaps a surprise pick or two! The order of the draft is as follows:

Nate Williams (@TrueNorth_Nate)

Jesse (@df_patterson)

Connor (@connorten)

Ty (@TnfFtyrell)

Will Harris (@itsharristime)

Josh Smokey (@TNFF_Smokey)

Jim Nastic (@goldjacketqbs)

Matt (@TexasTrojan2004)

Dan Brown (@DanBrownNFL)

Ellis Johnson (@YoitsEllis_FF)

Brian (@TheFFAviator)

Coach Craig (@CoachCraigSport)

2.01 - WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens

There are several players I considered drafting here including WRs Elijah and Rondale Moore, as well as RB Michael Carter. In a real draft, this pick would be dependent on team need, but nonetheless taking the best talent available is always a good option. Many people, including myself, are concerned at least to some degree with the landing spot of Rashod Bateman. It’s well known that Baltimore is a run-first offense and QB Lamar Jackson usually doesn’t provide his wideouts with much opportunity to post stellar fantasy numbers. It’s definitely a cause of concern, but you cannot deny the raw talent possessed by Bateman. The kid is an absolute stud, and if anyone can “overcome the odds” in “Charm City” it is the former Golden Gopher Rashod Bateman.

- Nate Williams (@TrueNorth_Nate)

2.02 - RB Trey Sermon, San Francisco 49ers

This pick may see a bit off the board here. In many rookie drafts WRs Elijah and Rondale Moore along with Terrance Marshall are often being selected ahead of Trey Sermon. However, as we all know RB is one or the toughest positions to acquire talent in fantasy leagues due to the scarcity of talent/opportunity. I will gladly take a shot here on a very talented runner going to a team and system in the San Francisco 49'ers that has shown multiple times to be a fantasy goldmine at the position. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has made fantasy heroes out of ordinary RBs like Raheem Mostert or Jeff Wilson Jr and Sermon profiles as more talented than either of those players. I wouldn't even be shocked to see the team cut ties with one of Mostert or Wilson (Editor's Note: Jeff Wilson Jr. is out for 4-6 months with a torn meniscus) if Sermon shows well during the offseason program.

- Jesse (@df_patterson)

2.03 - WR Elijah Moore, New York Jets

Moore is one of the prospects who gained the most steam post draft due to his landing spot with new franchise QB Zach Wilson, new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and, who possesses an intriguing skillset. To be able to pick More up at 2.03 - yes please! There is a minor roadblock, and he is current slot receiver Jamison Crowder, but the Jets currently have a massive $10.3 million cap saving decision to make with him. GM Joe Douglas is a smart man, and people should draft Moore with confidence!

Being compared to Tyler Lockett, Elijah Moore is an explosive WR with big play potential anytime the ball touches his hands. He has a sexy combination of route running and speed that will help him win and get open. Despite playing behind DK Metcalf and AJ Brown in his freshman season, he has ascended through the Ole Miss system with back to back 100 target seasons, back to back 30% target share seasons and producing 14 TDs to go with 2043 yards receiving across those two seasons. With WRs Corey Davis, Denzel Mims, Elijah Moore plus QB Zach Wilson and his gun slinging electric arm, there will be plenty of opportunity for Moore to become a fantasy asset.

- Connor (@connorten)

2.04 - WR Terrace Marshall, Carolina Panthers

The former 5 star recruit ended up behind WRs Justin Jefferson and Ja’Mar Chase at LSU in college and with an entirely new cast of characters in that Tigers offense last season, along with everything else that came with 2020, we never saw Marshall spread his wings. The production was admirable given the context but he didn’t provide us with those electric box scores that so many others did during their collegiate career. Marshall enters the NFL at the tender age of 20 sporting prototypical size, high end athleticism and the ability to play all 3 WR positions (X, Y and Z). The Panthers bet on the talent with Marshall and if we select him in our rookie drafts we’re doing the same.

In the short term, it’s hard to muster much optimism with Marshall. Let’s start with the injury concerns that caused him to slip in the draft, and are also causing him to work off to the side to start his offseason activities in Carolina. Marshall commanding volume in the Panther’s offense is hard to imagine in year one as well because he’s 4th in the pecking order at best, behind RB Christian McCaffrey, WR DJ Moore, and WR Robby Anderson. How attractive could the 4th option tethered to Sam Darnold be? If we squint, the long term upside exists with Marshall and how it plays out is contingent on Robby Anderson and his future with the Panthers. Robby enters the final year of his deal and Marshall is an appealing running mate for DJ Moore long term, but why wouldn’t Robby resign? He has a connection with head coach Matt Rhule and is being used in an ideal fashion. Conversely, offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s connection with Terrace Marshall seems meaningless because Brady likely takes a head coaching gig next year after interviewing for several vacancies this offseason. This selection was a bet on talent and the market (because his value will increase next offseason if Robby leaves). Call it Marshall’s law.

- Ty (@TnfFtyrell)

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2.05 - WR Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals

Is there a more intriguing WR prospect than Rondale Moore? With 4.37 speed and a 1,200+ yard season before the age of 19, Moore looked like a can’t miss prospect after his freshman season.

Then injuries and COVID hit. Over his last two seasons at Purdue, Moore played a total of seven games. This makes for an uncomfortable small sample size. In those games, Moore showed explosive playmaking ability (13.3 YPR in 2019) and was a multidimensional weapon, often lining up in the backfield. With the 49th overall selection Kingsbury and Co. drafted Moore to be their “explosive” slot receiver, adding an element to their offense they felt was lacking. I’m pressing “draft” on Moore for the same reasons the Cardinals did: his freshman season, tantalizing in game speed, an ability to be utilized as both a receiver and a runner, and an upside that was not fully demonstrated due to injury. It's upside or bust with this pick.

- Will Harris (@itsharristime)

2.06 - RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

I know, I know! Piggybacking off what my colleague at TNFF Will said above though, it’s upside or bust with this pick. It’s easy to say Chuba made a mistake by not declaring for the draft in 2020 with the hindsight of his injury this year. Whether he wanted to help his team to a National Championship or wanted to improve his draft stock in a year with less competition, it doesn’t matter at this point. His talent is evident, putting up 2,094 rushing yards with 21 TDs in 13 games plus 23 receptions for 198 yards in his last healthy season.

Did he land in the best spot scheme wise? No. I’m a big believer in talent trumping all, and this good Canadian kid has it. Did we think Mike Davis would be a league winner last year? I’m not projecting injuries here, but the fact of the matter is injuries do happen. Wouldn’t you like to get the presumed handcuff for a top high-volume back in an RB-friendly system? Hit rates in these rounds are not great, especially in a weaker RB draft class, but Chuba is someone I will be reaching for. To add to the risk of this pick, we have to address the opportunity cost of it as well. By reaching for Chuba here, I am forgoing players such as Michael Carter, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tylan Wallace, all of whom many fantasy players would view as more sure-fire bets. Is this a risk you are willing to take with a second round pick? If it’s me on the clock and Chuba is there, you are damn right Chuba and I are leaving that dance together!

- Josh Smokey (@TNFF_Smokey)

2.07 - WR Nico Collins, Houston Texans

At 2.07 in a rookie mock draft without @Ekballer or @DabeezyBFF this was a slam dunk pick. WR Nico Collins ADP has been steadily climbing since the Houston Texans selected him with the 89th pick. Coming into Michigan, Nico was a 4 star recruit who managed to shine despite the horrible QB play of Shea Patterson and crowded WR room with Tarik Black, Donovan Peoples-Jones & Ronnie Bell. I don't expect it to be difficult for Nico to see immediate playing time as his only true competition is a pair of aging WRs in Brandin Cooks & Randall Cobb. The true fear and question mark for 2021 is who will be tossing the pigskin in Houston as it sure doesn't look like it's going to be DeShaun Watson.

With the likes of other rookie WRS in Chase, Smith, Waddle, Bateman & the Moores all gone by this point in most drafts, Nico offers the most upside in my opinion. He is a big body WR at 6'4" 215 lbs. I see visions of Nico high pointing over defenders in the endzone and it's a glorious thing.

- Jim Nastic (@goldjacketqbs)

2.08 - RB Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles

When I start getting into the back half of the second round of rookie drafts, I start to look for value. Players who if I’m contending near the trade deadline, I can package with picks to acquire better players, or if I’m out of contention, players who I may be able to sell to a contender who are looking to acquire depth. In hindsight, I messed up. With the opportunities available on the Jets, I should have selected Michael Carter. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize he was available (sidenote: always have a running list of who’s been drafted, even in a mock draft). That being said, I accomplished my goal by drafting Kenneth Gainwell. I’ve said before that I don’t trust Miles Sanders and that hasn’t changed. Between his injury history and inconsistent performances, there should be opportunity for Gainwell. In Philadelphia’s offense, I can easily see him getting plenty of touches, especially if Sanders gets hurt, which could give him prime value at the trade deadline.

- Matt (@TexasTrojan2004)

2.09 - RB Michael Carter, New York Jets

Carter was selected 107th overall in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. The 22-year old, listed at 5’8” and 200 pounds, spent four seasons with the Tar Heels. He rushed for 3,404 yards and 22 touchdowns and caught 82 passes.

A smaller back compared to UNC teammate Javonte Williams, Carter still has plenty of upside. He ran a 3.98 in the short shuttle and a 6.83 in the three cone drill. Those numbers would’ve had him placed first among all RBs from the 2020 combine.

While many still have a bad taste for New York Jets football, Carter’s running style should make him an ideal fit for the Jets system. Carter told reporters after the draft he was “very familiar” with the wide-zone scheme after playing in it in college and high school. With only the likes of Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson, and Lamical Perine rounding out the RB competition in New York, Michael Carter is stepping into opportunity in year one. He is a top five back in this rookie class and I’m happy to land him at the 2.09.

- Dan Brown (@DanBrownNFL)

2.10 - WR Kadarius Toney, New York Giants

First and foremost, I believe this is a value pick. The Giants selecting Florida receiver Kadarius Toney with the 20th overall pick left a lot of analysts scratching their heads. The confusion stemmed from the Giants paying top-end money to alpha receiver Kenny Golladay this offseason and still having Sterling Shephard, Darius Slayton, Evan Engram, Kyle Rudolph, and Saquon Barkley all under contract next year. Despite this, GM Dave Gettleman wanted a receiver. After the draft, news came out that the Giants were all-in on selecting WR Devonta Smith from Alabama. That was before they got jumped by their division rival Eagles who sniped their pick. Still, with no logical explanation, after trading down they were locked into drafting a WR at pick 20. This really drives-home the fact Gettleman and Head Coach Joe Judge felt they really needed another receiver.

Although it is not as clear as some other receivers in this class, there is a path for Toney to be relevant. The Giants have a potential out of their contract with Sterling Shephard after next season, have Slayton signed through the 2022 season, and have Evan Engram entering the last year on his rookie deal in 2021. If the Giants lose both Shepherd and Engram next season, Toney has the athletic ability to make a splash. Although this may be unlikely, it is not often you can get a first round receiver this late in rookie drafts. Toney’s draft capital alone puts him ahead of the other receivers on the board (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Amari Rodgers, etc.) and made him the easy choice at the 2.10.

- Ellis Johnson (@YoitsEllis_FF)

2.11 - WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

The clouds have parted and the sun is shining though. Clearly a signal to draft the “Sun God” Amon-Ra St. Brown here at the 2.11 pick. Amon-Ra is a player that I would even consider in the early second round. I feel rather lucky to be able to draft him this late in the second round. While he may not have the upside of an alpha receiver, he is a great number two option for a team. I compared Amon-Ra early in my draft process to a twitchier WR Tyler Boyd from the Cincinnati Bengals. Boyd has multiple WR2 seasons which is something that Amon Ra can duplicate. Taking someone late in the second round that could give you that kind of safe production is definitely worth a shot. He is playing on a Detroit Lions team where he immediately becomes the most talented starting WR. Even if you aren’t a true believer in Amon-Ra, if he begins to produce in the first few weeks on a team with a ton of vacated targets, then you may be able to trade him for a profit. Sign me up!

- Brian (@TheFFAviator)

2.12 - WR Tylan Wallace,

This pick ended up in no man’s land. I was eyeballing both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kadarius Toney who both went right before my pick. So this pick was a big drop in tiers to the likes of Josh Palmer, Amari Rodgers, Tylan Wallace, Pat Freiermuth and QB group of Kellen Mond, Kyle Trask and Davis Mills.

My decision ultimately came down to Josh Palmer and Tylan Wallace. Palmer had slightly higher NFL Draft capital, but Tylan Wallace was ranked much higher in my pre-draft scouting process. Wallace was a very productive WR at Oklahoma St. for three straight years and just turned 22 years old despite being a four year senior. There are some injury concerns based on his ACL tear in 2019 and his twin brother having three ACL tears and being forced to medically retire. However, there is no direct study that shows that ACL tears are genetic at this point in time. He came back strong in 2020 and showed no lingering effects. Wallace displayed some of the strongest hands and ability to go get the ball in the air in this year’s WR class. He heads to a WR needy team in the Baltimore Ravens who do not have a clear WR1. Yes the Ravens drafted Rashod Bateman earlier in the NFL Draft and many people are super high on him. However, Bateman profiles better as a WR2 at the NFL level. Do not be surprised if Tylan Wallace outproduces Rashod Bateman within the next 3-4 years.

- Coach Craig (@CoachCraigSport)

Thank you for reading this article. Agree or disagree with any of the Eh Team's picks? Please leave a comment or message us on Twitter.

Editor: Joe Simonetti (@joesimonetti77)

Graphic work: Dan Made Graphics (@DanMadeGraphics)