In this series for the Dynasty Nerds, the staff will take a rookie draft pick-by-pick and evaluate who they would select. Each pick will take into account other players on the board, how the team build can affect the pick and possibly change the pick, and also the trade value of the pick.
We are operating under the assumption that the league is a SuperFlex league with a tight end-premium scoring format.
The 1.06 Pick
Tight end premium scoring pushes Brock Bowers into the 1.05 – 1.07 range, mixed among the second-tier top QBs and WRs from the 2024 rookie class.
This year’s draft class features elite QBs, WRs, RB depth, and high-upside WR depth. There’s only one elite tight end, and he’s the best prospect we’ve seen in years – Bowers. He’s already valued as a Top-5 asset at the position and should hold his trade value for years down the road. (See: Kyle Pitts)
While the landing spot doesn’t seem ideal at first glance, the Las Vegas Raiders clearly intend to feed the 6’3’’ 243-lb. receiving weapon that they selected 12th overall. Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew have been serviceable QBs in the passing game. They can find their outlets, throw them down the seam, and put their pass catchers in a position to win. Davante Adams is entering the final year of his contract and will turn 32 in December. The Raiders are building for the future and expect Bowers to be a cornerstone of their offense. He can potentially be the leading receiver on his time as early as next season.
Who Else Should You Consider?
I was on the clock with the fifth overall selection in a recent Superflex TE premium (1.5 PPR) rookie draft. It was between Bowers, Rome Odunze (WR), and Drake Maye (QB). I needed a quarterback upgrade and younger WRs, and my TE room was a recycling plant headed by a Frankensteined Cerberus featuring Cade Otton, Isaiah Likely, and Tucker Kraft. There was plenty of room for improvement.
I took Bowers because of his built-in value at the position, and Odunze and Maye have great potential. Still, it’s it’s easier to replace WR and QB production with cheaper veteran players. There are 24+ starting fantasy QBs and 50+ starting WRs, but exactly 12 TEs I’d reliably start every week. In a risk vs. reward situation, I’d rather swing for the fences on the next Travis Kelce than look for a WR or QB that ‘might’ become Top 10 at their position.
Should You Trade the 1.06?
I’m not the only one who feels this way, though. Mere minutes after selecting Bowers, I was messaged by the manager on the clock with pick 1.06. He didn’t expect me to go with the TE (based on my roster), so he didn’t offer to move up. I told him, “It was a tough call. I would’ve moved back.” Without another word, he sent me an offer that I graciously accepted:
I selected Rome Odunze at 1.06 to select an upside RB or WR with the 3.03. I’ll use the thirds to trade into the second and take Michael Penix Jr. (QB) or a Top-15 WR if an opportunity presents itself.
Positional scarcity is more important for me than team needs. I’m an avid trader and don’t expect to hold any players for more than three seasons. Even though I didn’t end up with Bowers, I made the best decisions for my team when selecting and trading him.
The Final Word
It’s vital to know your league mates, player market, scoring, and starting requirements of your league. In premium tight end scoring, Bowers is as guaranteed as the other options in the 1.05 – 1.07 range and should be drafted as a Week 1 starting TE. Flexibility in a draft can be a real roller coaster ride, so embrace the chaos and do what’s best for your team.
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