Day 3 Rookies to Stash in Dynasty Fantasy Football Leagues

Dynasty rookie drafts are in full swing and we are here to help you! Many of these players in our rookie mocks were going much sooner before the 2023 NFL Draft. Today, all these players have their new NFL teams, and draft capital has affected their average draft position (ADP) as some have fallen, while others rose. Here we are looking at true dart throws. These players are going mid-3rd round and later in rookie drafts in 12-team leagues. All players listed below were drafted on Day 3. 

Stetson Bennett, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Superflex Consensus ADP: 41st Overall (QB6)

Many will knock Stetson Bennett because he was the Van Wilder at the University of Georgia. A two-time national championship-winning quarterback usually doesn’t fall to the fourth round of the NFL Draft, but Bennett did. His knocks on him are his size (5’11”, 192 pounds), but most notably he’ll also turn 26 during the 2023 season. However, he was targeted by both Zac Robinson (quarterback coach) and Mike LaFleur (offensive coordinator). Not to mention, head coach Sean McVay was impressed by his athleticism and natural stroke. All in all, this is one of “their guys”. He may not start anytime soon, but with the health of Matthew Stafford, 2025 could be Bennett’s time.

Clayton Tune, QB, Arizona Cardinals

Superflex Consensus ADP: 42nd Overall (QB7)

The Arizona Cardinals are in a tough predicament. As of right now, starting quarterback Kyler Murray is doing well in his recovery. On the other hand, current backup quarterback Colt McCoy does not commit to being ready in Week 1. That leaves 5th-round pick Clayton Tune at the helm.

Now, there’s no guarantee that the Cardinals don’t go out and sign any of the available free agents. However, through the whole free agency process, there have been no rumors of adding any other quarterback. Could Tune be the Week 1 starter? As he could be this year’s version of Brock Purdy.

Let’s not forget, this Cardinals team could be tanking too, as they have two 2024 first-round picks. So why not put the rookie out there and see what happens? Love him as a late-round flier in rookie drafts.

Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

1QB Consensus ADP: 27th Overall (RB9)

The pre-draft hype around the Cincinnati Bengals is that Joe Mixon would be released if he didn’t restructure his deal. Furthermore, many around the industry pegged the Bengals to use early draft capital on a running back. The draft side of it never came to fruition, and Mixon is still on the team. However, don’t sleep on fifth-round pick Chase Brown. He’s an exceptional pass blocker and could be the Samaje Perine replacement in this offense.

Zach Evans, RB, Los Angeles Rams

1QB Consensus ADP: 29th Overall (RB10)

Many had Zach Evans as an RB1 in the devy community with Bijan Robinson. However, Robinson was drafted early in the first round while Evans fell to the sixth round. Not just the sixth round, but the third to last pick. The Los Angeles Rams are in a mini rebuild mode after trading many first-round picks to win a Super Bowl.
Although a late-round pick, Evans landed in a good spot as Cam Akers is the starter, and Kyren Williams is still a questionable back.

However, the Rams could move on from Akers in 2024. Could Evans be next in line? While Evans has shared a backfield in his college career, he’s more suited as a three-down back. Furthermore, if anything is to happen to Akers during the season, Evans could have back-end RB2 numbers.

Israel Abanikanda, RB, New York Jets

1QB Consensus ADP: 32nd Overall (RB11)

Even though he was a fifth-round pick, I do love the landing spot here for Israel Abanikanda. This kid has it all. While many thought he would have gone earlier in the draft, he fell to the New York Jets in the 5th round. I love this landing spot a lot as now Breece Hall doesn’t have to be rushed back.

Additionally, a tandem of Michael Carter with Abanikanda will be a great mix as Hall comes back from his injury. But look out, as Aaron Rodgers could have a similar tandem in Hall and Abanikanda as he did in Green Bay with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.

Deuce Vaughn, RB, Dallas Cowboys

1QB Consensus ADP: 36th Overall (RB13)

One of the smallest running backs (5’5”, 179 pounds), Deuce Vaughn could see a solid opportunity, especially in the passing game. The Cowboys are set to feature Tony Pollard in a full-time role, but there’s a possibility Vaughn could be the Darren Sproles of this offense. We enjoyed the many one-yard touchdown runs by Ezekiel Elliott, but this offense could look to air it out a little more.

The depth chart shouldn’t be hard for Vaughn to move up on as it’s only Malik Davis, Ronald Jones, and Rico Dowdle. These names alone don’t scare me and it’s Vaughn’s opportunity to move up.

Eric Gray, RB, New York Giants

1QB Consensus ADP: 37th Overall (RB14)

Many thought that Eric Gray would go undrafted. To surprise us, Gray went in the fifth round to the New York Giants. While many may not like this pick, I do. As of now, Saquon Barkley hasn’t signed his franchise tag, nor have there been any talks about a long-term deal.

This backfield doesn’t have much behind it, so Gray could easily slide in as the RB2. Per PFF College, Gray had 44 carries of 10-plus yards, which was first among Big 12 running backs. Albeit, he may not burn you, you will feel the power that Gray has on the field. Overall, he is a running back I am targeting in all drafts this year at this price.

DeWayne McBride, RB, Minnesota Vikings

1QB Consensus ADP: 43rd Overall (RB18)

With rumors now that starting running back Dalvin Cook will be released as a post-June 1st cut, it moves Dewayne McBride into the No.2 spot behind Alexander Mattison. While many will seek after Mattison or Kene Nwangwu, my money is on Mcbride. McBride was a Senior Bowl standout and many had him moving up their rookie draft boards.

However, McBride lasted to the seventh round. Don’t knock him either for going to UAB as he had great games against Georgia and LSU. Once the Cook saga is complete, McBride could make an immediate impact. Based on what we know now, if your rookie drafts are coming up over the next couple of weeks, get him now. His draft stock is only going to go up, especially once OTAs start. 

Charlie Jones, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

1QB Consensus ADP: 48th Overall (WR24)

Tyler Boyd is entering a contract year and the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t waste any time in this year’s draft. In the first three rounds, the Bengals attacked defense before taking their first offensive weapon in Charlie Jones in the late 4th round. Jones had a breakout senior year at Purdue with a league-leading 110 receptions turning it into 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns. Furthermore, he could make an immediate impact on special teams.

 As stated above, Boyd going into a contract year, and so is Tee Higgins. While Boyd has been an important piece to the Bengals’ offense, I see the Bengals letting him walk over Higgins.

Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots

1QB Consensus ADP: 31st Overall (WR12)

Once the devy darling, Kayshon Boutte had a massive fall from grace. Boutte at this time last year as a first-round pick was selected in the sixth round by the New England Patriots. Many love this pick, but is the risk worth the reward? Furthermore, many teams had Boutte completely off their draft boards due to coachability concerns.

However, the Patriots’ wide receiver core is in desperate need of pass catchers. Will the rookie look like his old self from 2020 and 2021 or will he be like he did last season at LSU? Let’s hope for the electrifying player who amazed us with his run-after-the-catch ability. If he can keep his head on straight, he could be not only the steal of the NFL Draft but also a steal in rookie drafts.

A.T. Perry, WR, New Orleans Saints

1QB Consensus ADP: 45th Overall (WR21)

The Saints waited till the sixth round before they drafted a wide receiver. Unlike most wide receivers in this class, A.T. Perry (6’5”, 205 pounds) has an ideal alpha build. Along with his height, his wingspan should help him make an impact, especially if Michael Thomas is to miss time. 

Perry is a nice deep threat, a perfect addition for quarterback Derek Carr. We had some good games from Rasheed Shaheed, but I see Perry surpassing him and being that better outside threat. Although he doesn’t offer much YAC upside, he will be a name to add to your fantasy late in the fourth round.

Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

1QB Consensus ADP: 43rd Overall (WR18)

The Rams drafted Puca Nacua with the last pick (177th) in the fifth round. The Rams did not have a lot of picks this year as they mortgaged the team to win Super Bowl LVI. Looking at this team that just traded away Allen Robinson, is now left with the likes of Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek behind Cooper Kupp. 

While in an up-and-down injury-riddled college career, seeing what Nacua can do, many are putting him in that Robert Woods role. Furthermore, the Rams have struggled to replace Woods, and head coach Sean McVay hopes he may have found that guy. This offense needs weapons. This offense needs a spark and Nacua could be that piece needed to bring the Rams back to the promised land. 

Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Houston Texans

1QB Consensus ADP: 42nd Overall (WR17)

One of my favorite Day 3 receivers from the NFL Draft is Xavier Hutchinson. While Tank Dell went in the third round, Hutchinson fell to the sixth round behind the likes of Parker Washington, Kayshon Boutte, Trey Palmer, and Elijah Higgins. While the Texans selected C.J. Stroud second overall in the draft, adding weapons was a must. Many are nervous about Dell due to his size, however, Hutchinson (6’2”, 203 pounds) gives the Houston Texans a future as the X receiver. Overall, Hutchinson could be the best value in this article!

Zack Kuntz, TE, New York Jets

Superflex Consensus ADP: 45th Overall (TE10)

What happens when you’re the best tight end based on your RAS score? Many think, well he’s a day 2 pick, easily. Easily was not the term used during the NFL Draft. Unfortunately for Zack Kuntz, he fell to the seventh round.

Why, though? First of all, he had a knee injury that knocked him out for the season. Although he tested well at the combine, there was still speculation about the young talent. Coming in at 6’8”, 251 pounds, Kuntz watched 13 tight ends get drafted in front of him. According to PlayerProfiler, Kuntz is the most athletic tight end we’ve ever seen, with a profile similar to Mike Gesicki. Of 465 tight ends recorded, Kuntz has the highest Athleticism Score of all time with 120.1.

Now being a New York Jet, Kuntz’s opportunities could be there sooner rather than later as only Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah are ahead of him. Although he more than likely won’t make an impact in year one, Kuntz is a tight end to draft with upside and add to your taxi squad. If I’ve told you once, I’m sure Ice told you many times that tight ends take the longest to develop than any other position. Draft him with patience. 

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