These are the campus2canton.com rookie composite rankings. Rankings assume Superflex/2QB format, so if playing in a single QB league, drop the signal-callers down based on your preference and league desire for quarterbacks. Players are listed in order of their composite average based on the 5 campus2canton.com rankers. Each ranker has given a brief rationale on their position.
1. Trevor Lawrence (1.2 average)
Alfred (@AlfredJF) – Going chalk here, as close to a wire to wire perfect rookie prospect as you can get.
Austin (@devydeets) – Lawrence has all the tools you want from a quarterback in today’s NFL, and then some.
Colin (@C2CDecker) – Easy choice here, truly generational QB prospect. Complete package and can elevate those around him.
Felix (@sharpereview) – Not much discussion needed. Highly touted then was as advertised after taking over for Kelly Bryant.
Matthew (sportsfanaticMB) – He’ll be the number one overall pick and has the upside.
2. Justin Fields (2.0)
Alfred – I don’t get the perceived drop in his value, he’s been great and offers the rushing upside ceiling.
Austin – Fields would be the top pick any other draft the past 5 years. Don’t overthink this one.
Colin – Fields has fallen victim to everyone wanting the new shiny toy in Zach Wilson. But overlook Fields at your own risk.
Felix – As the Draft Network’s Jordan Reid has pointed out, Fields is a bit of a perfectionist. That slows his processing time down, which is likely the cause of his perceived fall down NFL rookie draft boards.
Matthew– Fields would be my pick at 1.1. He’s played fewer games and still put up stats. Higher ceiling for me.
3. Ja’Marr Chase (4.8)
Alfred – His grip on WR1 is loosening with some technique concerns but I still can’t shake that 84-1780-20 season in 2019.
Austin – I like Chase, but only one season of production and some question marks surrounding his releases keep him from being a truly elite rookie prospect.
Colin – One of the most dominant Soph. seasons in recent memory. Wish we would’ve seen him this year because there are some holes in his game, but still a top-tier WR prospect.
Felix – The Black Panther. Thrives on contact. May not be an elite separator but should be a load for NFL DBs to handle, specifically after the catch.
Matthew– Physical WR with all the talent to be an alpha at the next level.
4. Zach Wilson (5.2)
Alfred – Love his aggressiveness on tape but will face a very tough step up in defensive scheme at the next level.
Austin – Can a true gunslinger still make it in the NFL? Wilson will test that theory.
Colin – Is he a 1-year wonder who took advantage of a soft schedule? Possibly, but I think he still has all the tools you look for in a modern QB. High ceiling but the floor is lower than the top 2 rookie QBs.
Felix – Gunslinger who makes decisions in a timeframe commensurate with NFL timeframes. If he’s drafted by the Jets, he’ll be running a heavy play action zone scheme with Shannahan roots. The issue will be whether anything can grow in New York.
Matthew – Definitely has the WOW factor when you watch him play. While he’s unpredictable, I think he bails from the pocket too often. For me, highest chance to bust out of these QBs.
5. Najee Harris (5.8)
Alfred – Should be selected with draft capital fitting a bellcow and has the skillset to match.
Austin – Harris is a good prospect, but likely benefits from a weaker class. He received a 3rd round grade from the committee last year, has he improved significantly since then? I don’t think so.
Colin – Would’ve been my RB6 last year. Harris gets a big bump from a weak RB class. I like the player, but he’s going too early for me to end up with any shares.
Felix – Well rounded player. I see Fred Jackson in his game. Should be used as a receiver. Can isolate LBs, specifically on back shoulder throws and fades. Not sure that there’s a rookie RB that can be used similarly.
Matthew– Najee is one of the better all around backs we’ve seen. While he doesn’t have the home-run speed he’s great everywhere else. He’ll be a stud for the next 3-5 years.
6. Trey Lance (6.0)
Alfred – Appropriately QB4 because there is a major risk given only 1 year of experience at the FCS level. Arguably most upside in class if everything clicks.
Austin – Level of competition concerns but the tools are there. We can’t count on another Josh Allen level improvement, but some NFL teams may bank on that.
Colin – Likely needs to sit for a full year given the huge jump in competition level — coming from the FCS, but has arguably the most fantasy upside of any QB this year.
Felix – Tools for days.
Matthew – Lance is my rookie QB3 and has the tools and the upside to be mentioned with Fields and Lawrence. I do believe he’ll need to sit a year but then wheels up for this kid!
7. Tie: Rondale Moore (6.8)
Alfred – A faller for me, I drag down his average with concerns that he is not a complete receiver.
Austin – Purdue used him close to the line of scrimmage, but Moore showed he can separate downfield when given the chance to do so. I’m all in on Moore as a dangerous, modern NFL weapon.
Colin – Before measuring in at 5’7″, I would have said Moore could play outside. Now, I think he’s strictly a slot player. But his height doesn’t change his talent and he’s got a ton of that.
Felix – Just imagine if Jarvis Landry were as athletic as Moore when he was in Miami. Moore should be a reception magnet and chain mover at the next level.
Matthew – Moore is my rookie WR3, but I still think he’s an elite WR. My biggest fear with him is his size. While I have no doubt he can be elite in the NFL, he is the most landing-spot-dependent player in the first round for me.
8. Tie: Jaylen Waddle (6.8)
Alfred – The most dynamic mover in this rookie class and potentially the most complete receiver in the famed Alabama quartet over the past 2 years. Waddle has virtually unlimited upside but comes with risk with his injury recovery.
Austin – Elite speed, solid size, contested-catch ability. Waddle will be dangerous — so long as teams don’t shoehorn him into a pure field stretcher role.
Colin – My WR1, Waddle is a more complete WR than often given credit for. There may never be another Tyreek, but if anyone can get close, it’s Waddle.
Felix – Better have a safety shading his side.
Matthew – Waddle is my WR5 and I would not take him here. He’s a dangerous athlete who can score anytime he touches the ball. I wanted to see him be more consistent in college. I need to see it at the NFL level.
9. Kyle Pitts (10.2)
Alfred – A polarizing prospect due to his position but might have the most lineup changing production for fantasy.
Austin – Pitts is a WR playing tight end. Should be ideal for fantasy, but we’ve heard this one before. I’m proceeding with caution on Mr. Pitts.
Colin – We all know rookie TEs take longer to develop so don’t expect high end production this year. But this is likely the cheapest you’ll be able to acquire Pitts. Eric Ebron floor with prime Jimmy Graham ceiling.
Felix – Some are going to bemoan spending high rookie draft capital on him. But if he is a Saquon Barkley level prospect, then feel free to pick him wherever you need to.
Matthew – Unlike some of my cohorts I have no fears with Pitts. He’s an amazing talent who should smash the minute he steps on the field on Sundays.
10. Javonte Williams (10.6)
Alfred – Shaping up to be one of my favorite values in rookie drafts, he has all the upside of Harris with a more affordable ADP.
Austin – A poor man’s Nick Chubb? That’s Matt’s comp. If Williams gives you 80% of Chubb’s output in his career, late 1st is a solid spot for him.
Colin – Not sure Williams does anything great but he does everything well. Williams also benefits from being in a poor draft class. Late 1st is a little too rich for me given the rest of this class
Felix – Might be my favorite prospect in the class given his value. Javonte is a well rounded bruiser who is competent in the passing game. He can be the focus point of an offense.
Matthew – As Austin stated I think he’s a poor man’s Nick Chubb. He’s my RB2 in this class and a player I think you’ll be able to count on for years to come.
11. Rashod Bateman (10.6)
Alfred – I think Bateman is a sneaky target hog and would wager he’s a good value pick to have the best rookie season in this class.
Austin – I’m concerned fantasy analysts like Bateman more than the NFL. 1st round draft capital would help assuage that concern.
Colin – WR4 is not an indictment on Bateman himself. He could be the WR1/2 in most classes. He’s shaping up to be one of my favorite values.
Felix – I am not the biggest Bateman fan. Jack of all trades master of none. I’ve seen people call him the WR 1. I’m not there.
Matthew – Bateman is a tactician when running routes. He can eat up YAC yards and has great hands. I expect him to be the Justin Jefferson of this class. He’s my WR4 and I think an elite talent.
12. Travis Etienne (10.8)
Alfred – There are concerns about his overall skill set but if it clicks Etienne has game breaking potential and will be a nice pick at the end of the first round.
Austin – Etienne just produces. A great athlete with a strong production profile, late 1st is a steal for him.
Colin – Weighing in at 215 checked a big box for me. The other: can he be used as anything more than a check down in the passing game? I don’t think he can. He’s Tevin Coleman+
Felix – Is Etienne more than speed? That’s the question with this productive RB. Despite his counting stats, I’m worried that Etienne is not a natural in the passing game. This concern will lead me to grab a WR I like more at this value.
Matthew – Etienne scares me the most out of these players. Vision is one of the most important traits for a RB in my opinion, and his isn’t great. All of his speed and explosiveness won’t help him if he’s running into the back of his offensive line.
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