Corviknight
- Rookidee is available in the first Routes
- Easy to evolve, and becomes a Corviknight in time for Opal's Gym
- STAB attacks super effective against Milo, Bea, Opal, Gordie, Melony, and some Pokemon in the Champion Cup
- Learns moves like Drill Peck, Brave Bird, U-turn, Roost, Iron Head, and Body Slam
- Just two weaknesses
- Very mediocre Attack
- Slow
Dracozolt
- Better Attack than Corviknight, at a respectable 100
- Faster than Corviknight, but still not that speedy
- STAB attacks super effective against Nessa, part of Raihan's team, and some Pokemon in the Champion Cup
- Learns moves like Bolt Beak, Dragon Claw, Earthquake, Low Kick, Stone Edge, and Aerial Ace
- Extremely potent Dynamaxer
- Hustle hurts it a bit, so Volt Absorb is preferred
- The fossils are hard to get, as only the Drake is easy to find in Shield, and only the Bird is easily obtainable in Sword
- Comes at Level 10, before the fourth Gym
Overall, I'd choose Corviknight. Its STAB is more useful against more Pokemon, and while it doesn't have as many coverage options (or as high an Attack stat), it gets the job done just fine. You also get it earlier and it's easier to keep it on-pace with the rest of your team.
Corviknight @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Pressure
- Drill Peck
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Body Press / Body Slam
Hope I helped!