Fantasy football rankings 2021: Best overall rookie players following 1st round of NFL Draft

The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft is over and we now know where the top rookies will be playing this season. Landing spot is still a bigger piece of the puzzle when scouting what rookies to add to your dynasty fantasy football teams this season. No matter how good a player is, if he doesn’t get his chances on the field, he’s not going to get you any fantasy points. You can bet on a player’s talent to win a competition, but it’s always safer to go with the guy who has an undisputed path to touches.

I’ll take us through the top picks from Day 1 and will update after Day 2. Happy dynasty drafting all!

Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons

If you want to win now, go Najee Harris with the No. 1 pick, but if you’re looking for longer production at a weak position, Pitts is your guy. Can I guarantee he’ll be in Travis Kelce/George Kittle range for his career? No, but I’d bet that he is. That’s worth more than 4-5 big fantasy years from a running back.

Najee Harris, RB, Steelers

The offensive line is a problem in Pittsburgh, but their talent at running back was part of their problems last year. They won’t have that now, as Harris is instant offense while also being a capable receiver. He should quickly become the workhorse for the Steelers and see enough touches to be a Top 10 back this season

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals

We know that Chase won’t have a big learning curve playing with his college quarterback and he’s a player I feel is destined to be a Top 20 receiver in this league without much problem. The Bengals should be on the upswing sooner than later. I could see grabbing him over Najee Harris depending on your needs.

Devonta Smith, WR, Eagles

I don’t know if Jalen Hurts is the guy to turn Smith into the player he’s destined to be, but Smith could surpass Chase sooner than later. I see him having a long and productive career no matter who his quarterback is.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins

The Dolphins are building something special in Miami and Waddle will be a big part of their success. I still believe Tua Tagovailoa makes a big leap in his second year and I can see Waddle putting up fantasy numbers quickly. With Devante Parker and Will Fuller there, he won’t be the No. 1 guy to start, but he has the chops to get their fast.

Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars

Etienne will likely be in a committee to start his career, but his talent should win him work as the season goes on. The Jaguars are going to have a lot of talent to work with after this draft and Etienne is going to find ways to get the ball sooner than later.

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars

Lawrence’s rushing ability will elevate him in fantasy quicker than say Mac Jones, who has no rushing ability. But quarterbacks don’t hold as much value in fantasy as the other positions unless you’re in a 2QB league. Can he become so dominant that you see people reaching for him in the first round of drafts in years to come? Sure, but you shouldn’t reach for a quarterback in the first round.

Trey Lance, QB, 49ers

Lance probably has more fantasy upside than Lawrence due to his rushing ability, team, and coach, but Lawrence is still the safer bet to be a top starter five years from now. But I am super excited about Lance in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and you should be too.