Sam Wallace breaks down Round 5 of a 2021 Superflex dynasty startup and explains why this is the round that truly separates dynasty managers as a massive tier break looms large.

In the Dynasty Draft-Off series, Shawn Siegele and I are in a pitched battle to see who can build the best startup rosters. We’ll alternate picks with each of us responsible for six squads. We’re not just focusing on the best picks, but trying to create the best teams.

Round 5 seemed to represent the emergence of a relatively substantial tier break. Between the two of us, Shawn and I selected six rookies from the 2020 class. Two veteran running backs stood out — many will be shocked that they fell this far. A pair of quarterbacks also came off the board. Again, there were no 2021 rookies selected in this mock. If there were, some of these players would likely be pushed down even more. Check out a recent piece from Curtis Patrick in which he breaks down how to win early dynasty startup drafts every year.

Throughout the mock, we’ll make a case for our picks, analyze draft tactics, and discuss team construction. Join Shawn and me as we debate players and use the RotoViz tools to help you create the Permanent Championship Window.

Sam’s Draft

Rounds 1 & 2: Controversy at QB, Firepower at RB

Round 3: Stacking the Stars with Value and Upside

Round 4: The Sweet Spot For Trading Back In Dynasty Startups

Shawn’s Draft

Round 1: Why This Year Is Different at the Top

Round 2: The Real Work Begins When the QB Run Ends

Round 3: Three Pillars for Building Your Juggernaut

Round 4: Using Scenario-Based Drafting To Load Your Team With Impact Upside

Round 5

5.01 – Clyde Edwards-Helaire

I kicked off Round 5 by selecting the first running back taken in the 2020 NFL Draft. Moments after he went off the board to the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the fantasy football community when absolutely wild for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. A late bloomer in terms of college production relative to his peers, there’s no getting around his impressive stat lines and on-field play during his final season at LSU. Over 1,800 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns are impressive enough, but it was his 55 receptions in 2019 that jumped off the page.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reportedly stated that Edwards-Helaire was better than former running back Brian Westbrook. Boy, that statement sent the fantasy world into even more of a frenzy. Edwards-Helaire may have had a rocky season compared to the preseason hype and draft capital while starting back for a high-powered offense, but I was thrilled to land him in this startup and pair him with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Edwards-Helaire totaled over 18 opportunities/game, and I bet on an increased role in his second season. 18 opportunities each week in that offense is something I absolutely want a piece of.

5.02 – James Robinson

5.03 – Ezekiel Elliot

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot still on the board early in the fifth round. Now, to be fair, I passed on him multiple times myself, but at some point, the value was too good to pass up any longer. I made this selection before the news broke that quarterback Dak Prescott had inked a long-term deal with the Cowboys. Still, in a season where Prescott played only a handful of games, Elliot garnered almost every meaningful backfield opportunity and averaged more than 15 fantasy points/game. However, there’s no getting around the noticeable dip in production after Prescott went down.