As The Bachelor has shown, dream pairings are everyone’s favorite thing, both young and old. When it comes to a dynasty rookie, finding perfect pairings is key to maintaining value. Nothing is better than having a prospect you love and a team that is loaded at the position draft him.
In today’s NFL teams like depth at the skillset positions. It destroys fantasy value for a lot of guys so what was already a lottery system just became that much harder for retaining their value.
Right now we can see what teams have in terms of holes or can at least project. Giving those teams some dream pairings for both immediate and long-term success in fantasy is a healthy exercise to have. Here are five teams and potential rookies who could be drafted and make an instant impact on their team.
Michael Penix Jr. to the Minnesota Vikings
In what would be the most explosive dynasty rookie pairing, Penix would be dangerous in this offense. Penix has shown he loves to push the ball downfield and that he is still growing as a passer. Pairing him with an offense that has Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson would give instant production for all. Throw in a sprinkle of Kevin O’Connell’s coaching, and we could be looking at an up-and-coming star in the league.
TreVeyon Henderson to the Baltimore Ravens
Henderson has struggled to put together a complete career at Ohio State. By no fault of his own, his health has just let him down. When he has been on the field, though, he looks like the dominant running back prospect the nation saw when he was a freshman. The Ravens are currently pivoting away from another Ohio State running back, but if they plug this one in, they reach a new level of explosiveness. Henderson could be a homerun threat out of the backfield and complement Lamar Jackson.
Bucky Irving to the Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs got a one-year extension and got paid, but this isn’t a long-term relationship between him and the Raiders. A new coaching staff and front office will want to make their mark, so while we can’t project the type of player they favor, we can give them a good football player. Irving is the pinball running back that Oregon utilizes for all four quarters. Giving him the ball out of the backfield or in the passing game has proven to be effective. Add the touches with his ability in the open field and contact balance, and you get a reliable NFL running back. He would be a dynasty rookie buy if he were to land in the silver and black.
Brock Bowers to the Indianapolis Colts
The best player in the 2024 NFL Draft, regardless of position, will be Bowers. There is no other position in the draft that the gap between one and two is as large either. On that note, the Colts are looking up as an offense under Shane Steichen. They are using Zack Moss effectively, Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. complement each other, and now they need a tight end. Brock Bowers would be a reliable receiver for Anthony Richardson while also being someone who can run or pass block effectively. Continue to build around your budding superstar quarterback and watch the offense grow.
Troy Franklin to the Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are missing Tyreek Hill, in fact, they are just missing a competent receiving threat period. When Oregon pushes the ball downfield, it is to Franklin. He has the size they should like and need at the receiver position as well as the speed they covet. He won’t be a perfect Hill replacement but he would be the WR1 and could be a 1,000-yard receiver as a rookie with Patrick Mahomes. Of all the dynasty rookie pairings mentioned, this could be one of the best on the list.
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