The 2024 NFL draft class was supposed to be a game-changer for fantasy managers. It was deemed as one of the greatest wide receiver classes ever. Six quarterbacks were taken in the top 12 of the draft. One of the greatest tight-end prospects was featured in the class. The draft was loaded on paper and fantasy managers could not wait to make their selections during rookie drafts in dynasty leagues.
Now that regular season is over, it is time to look back and see how just good the 2024 NFL draft turned out to be for fantasy football. Spoiler, it was awesome. The ranges of the rookie’s draft slots varied amongst leagues, but for this piece, PFF’s Superflex rankings from before the season will be used to break down the players.
1.01- Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Arizona Cardinals: After being drafted fourth overall in the NFL draft by the Cardinals to be their WR 1, Marvin Harrison Jr. had high expectations from the public. Many expected a record-setting rookie season from MHJ, and while he had a good year, it was not what fantasy managers hoped for. He had just 62 catches(49th most in the league) for 885 yards(33rd most in the league), but he saved his fantasy season with 8 touchdowns, a number that was good for 13th best in the league.
From a fantasy standpoint, he had an up-and-down season, but the talent was clear and he flashes of greatness throughout the season. Despite the elite seasons from other fellow rookies, there should be no concern moving forward with Marv as he showed the ability to be an elite receiver in this league, he just needs to be more consistent. MHJ is also a great buy-low target in dynasty as managers may be worried after a disappointing rookie year.
1.02- Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears: There was an expectation that Caleb Williams would come into the league and excel right away after being drafted first overall in the NFL draft, unfortunately, that did not happen. He had typical rookie struggles and held onto the ball for way too long, leading to 68 sacks taken. He flashed the elite playmaking that made him the number 1 overall pick, but he also showed he wasn’t adjusted to the NFL speed yet. More often than not, he would look to make a big play instead of taking what the defense gave him and it got him in trouble.
Caleb did show he can take care of the ball as he threw 6 interceptions throughout the entire season and four of those games in his first three games. With all the attention he had this season it has been easy to say he had a disappointing first season, but the truth is he had a typical rookie season. He threw for just over 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, both of which were middle of the pack. In a dynasty rookie re-draft, he wouldn’t be the first QB taken, but he shouldn’t be viewed much differently just because he didn’t have a great season as rookie QBs are not supposed to excel right from the jump.
1.03- Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants: Marvin Harrison Jr. had flashes of greatness, Malik Nabers was great all year. He set the record for most receptions by a rookie with 109, but he only held that for about three hours. He had 1,204 yards and 7 touchdowns, despite average to below-average QB play for the entire season. He routinely made plays out of nothing as he was turning screens and slants into gains of 20-plus yards. He made ridiculous catches all year and was the main reason the Giants had chances to win games this year. He had a sensational rookie season, and it wasn’t even the best rookie season in this class.
There isn’t much to say about Nabers as he was just great all year and should only get better with an upgrade at QB next year. He wouldn’t be the 1.01 in a rookie re-draft, but he would he would go no later than the 1.03. Nabers is set to be a star for years to come in the NFL.
1.04- Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders: Rookie QBs are not supposed to thrive right away, but Jayden Daniels did just that. He led the Commanders to the playoffs with a 12-5 record after going 4-13 the previous season. He looked comfortable right away as he took what the defense gave him and didn’t force the ball. He threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns and added another 891 yards on the ground and 6 more touchdowns. He was an elite fantasy option all year long and that is unheard of for rookies.
Daniels would undoubtedly be the 1.01 in a rookie re-draft for dynasty leagues as he was fantastic all season and will only get better. He is set to be a top-5 fantasy QB for a long time due to his rushing upside. Daniels also turned Terry McLaurin into a fantasy stud, something fantasy managers have been waiting for but never got due to the poor QB play in Washington before Daniels showed up.
1.05- Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears: The rookie season for Rome Odunze feels very similar to the season Jaxon Smith-Njigba had just a year ago. An extremely talented receiver who was drafted by a team that already had two great options. The Bears already had D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen on the roster, but they still decided to draft Rome with the 9th pick in the NFL draft as the talent was too good to pass up.
Between playing with a rookie QB and being the third option in the passing game, Odunze had a solid rookie season, but nothing to freak out about. He had 54 catches for 734 yards and 3 touchdowns. He flashed when given the opportunity, but he didn’t have much of a chance for fantasy success this season.
As mentioned earlier, this season felt very similar to JSN’s rookie season where he was almost unplayable for fantasy, but this season he was a top 12 receiver. Rome may have to wait for a breakout due to the talent in front of him, but fantasy managers shouldn’t worry, as there was nothing that showed he wasn’t the elite prospect everyone thought he was coming out of Washington. His time will come, and when it does, he will be a great fantasy option, but managers just need to be patient.
1.06- Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers: Jonathon Brooks, the first running back selected in the NFL draft, was never meant to be a startable fantasy asset until late in the season as he was recovering from a torn ACL he suffered the previous season. He would return late in November for the Panthers, but unfortunately in just his third game back, he tore his ACL once again. He will likely miss most of next season, and likely won’t be a usable fantasy asset until the 2026-2027 season.
Fantasy managers should hold Brooks for now as his value is at its lowest. His rookie season can’t be judged as he hardly played, and it is still unknown what he will look like as an NFL running back. Just an unfortunate outcome for Brooks who spent so much time rehabbing to be fully healthy when making his NFL debut.
1.07- Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders: This rookie class produced some special players, but Brock Bowers may be the best of the bunch. Rookie tight ends usually don’t produce right away as it takes time for them to adjust to the NFL, but Bowers looked like a vet from the moment he stepped on the field. He broke the rookie receptions record with 112, a number that was good for 3rd most in the entire league. On top of being top three in catches, he had 1,194 yards which was 8th most in the league, and 5 touchdowns. Bowers did all of this with poor QB play for the majority of the year.
He was unguardable from the moment he stepped on the field. He was the Tight End 1 in fantasy as a rookie and beat out Trey McBride and George Kittle who both had elite seasons as well. Bowers is a special talent and he should be dominant for years to come, especially when Vegas gets a better QB. He is a top-three lock in a rookie re-draft and should be the TE 1 for years to come.
If he was listed as a WR instead of a TE coming out of college, Bowers may have been the first-skill position player selected in the draft with how great he was as a prospect, but because he is a “tight end” he fell to the 13 pick in the NFL draft, and the Raiders got a steal
1.08- Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots: Drake Maye began the season on the bench with the Patriots wanting to develop him, but after poor play from Jacoby Brissett, they decided to throw the rookie out on the field. Maye certainly looked like a rookie who needed to sit and develop, but he also showed exactly what made him a top-three pick in the draft. He showcased his arm talent and ball placement numerous times throughout the season. His flashes were as good as anyone in the league.
Maye has a lot of work to do, but the future looks extremely bright. Without having much to work with at the skill positions, and a poor offensive line, he still threw for 2,276 yards in 12 games. He also added 421 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground as well. The Patriots are set up to build around Maye with the most cap space in the league this off-season and a top-five pick. Maye was playable for fantasy as a raw rookie with limited help, making the ceiling sky-high if he continues to develop with better pieces around him.
1.09- J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy did not play this season after suffering a season-ending injury in the off-season. Due to the emergence of Sam Darnold, there is a chance J.J. won’t play next year if the Vikings bring back Darnold. If they sign him to a long-term deal then J.J. could be traded. Regardless of what happens, the value of McCarthy is the same as it was before the season as his outlook hasn’t changed at all.
1.10- Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: Malik Nabers and Brock Bowers had elite rookie seasons, but neither of them led this rookie class in receiving yards. Brian Thomas Jr. had 1,282 yards, third most in the league, and 10 touchdowns, 7th most in the league, as a rookie while playing almost half his games with a backup QB. He had a sensational season and it isn’t even being talked about. He was constantly getting open downfield with his speed, and he also would take a simple drag route the distance. He was phenomenal and yet it feels like he isn’t talked about as a premier dynasty receiver.
He would be a top-four pick in a rookie re-draft and he could go even higher. Rookies are not supposed to do what BTJ did this season, especially in his situation. From week 13 and on, he never saw less than 10 targets in a game and it resulted in elite production. This was truly a special season and it could be the start of a special career for BTJ.
1.11- Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: The last time that four rookie receivers finished in the top 10 for receiving yards was never. Thanks to Ladd McConkey the answer to that question is now 2024. The 34th pick in the NFL draft finished the season with 82 catches for 1,149 yards, tenth most in the league, and 7 touchdowns. He was the go-to target for Justin Herbert and was the engine for the Chargers offense. Ladd showed his ability to separate at the line of scrimmage, but also the ability to create after the catch. He was always open at all levels of the field.
He is just another member of this rookie class that had a sensational season. The numbers he put up would normally be at least top two for rookies if not number one, but the fact he finished top ten in yards and was fourth amongst rookies just shows how great this class was. Ladd should be a fantasy stud for years to come as his skill set is everything teams want, and he is paired with an elite QB in Justin Herbert. There just isn’t much to say other than he had a great season just like many other rookies.
1.12 Xavier Worthy, WR Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy had the type of rookie season people should’ve expected. He had some big plays and showcased his elite speed, but he didn’t see much volume and was boom or bust for fantasy. He had 59 catches for 638 yards and 6 touchdowns, as well as 20 carries for 104 yards and 3 touchdowns. People convinced themselves Worthy would be the next Tyreek Hill and a fantasy star right away because he landed with the Chiefs, but that was never going to happen. He saw more than 8 targets just three times all season and those three games were his last three of the year.
It was easy to understand why people liked him as a prospect, but he was never going to be a fantasy star right off the jump. He had a solid season and would likely go in a similar spot in a rookie re-draft, but he didn’t meet the expectations that many had for him. It also doesn’t help that so many other rookies had historical seasons, but don’t worry about Worthy, he’ll be fine in the long run.
2.01- Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos: Bo Nix was the most polarizing QB prospect in last year’s draft. Some people loved him and some hated him. Sean Payton loved him and drafted him 12th overall in the NFL draft and he looks like a genius. Nix didn’t have a perfect rookie season, especially at the start, but he got better as the year went on and finished with 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also ran for 430 yards and 4 touchdowns. He showed that he was worth the 12th overall pick and looks to be the perfect QB for Sean Payton.
He still had plenty of rookie moments, but he displayed his upside seemingly every week with beautiful deep balls and playmaking ability. Nix was a big part of the Broncos making the playoffs for the first time since 2015. He would be a first-round pick in a rookie re-draft, but he would most likely be in the back half of the first round due to how good this draft class was. Regardless, Nix had a great rookie season, and he showed he is a franchise QB for years to come.
2.02- Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman had just 29 receptions this year, but they resulted in 556 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Bills spread the ball around to about 10 different players, so it was hard for Keon to demand targets, but when the ball went his way, he was likely making a play. He was hitting his stride following the mid-season acquisition of Amari Cooper as he had 9 catches for 195 yards and 1 touchdown in the first two games, but an injury in the third game derailed his breakout. He would return later in the season, but he would be eased into things.
Coleman was never a consistent fantasy asset due to the lack of targets, but he played over 60% of snaps in all but one game, and he showed flashes that are as good as anyone. His basketball background was apparent as he rarely lost 1 on 1 situations on jump balls. Coleman should continue to grow and develop into Josh Allen’s go-to receiver in the future. His value is about where it was before the season, but it will only go up as he develops his overall skill set.
2.03- Michael Penix Jr, QB, Atlanta Falcons: The shock of NFL draft night was the Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall despite signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal. The pick seemed ridiculous at the time but as it turned out it wasn’t. Cousins just never looked right and after a month of poor play, the Falcons turned to their rookie. While Penix only played 3 games, the skills that made him a top-ten pick were clear as day. His arm talent and ability to throw with anticipation were clear. Now that he is already starting for the Falcons, Penix would be a first-round pick in a rookie re-draft.
2.04- Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Fransico 49ers: Ricky Pearsall’s NFL career got off to a terrible start after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery over the summer. It caused him to miss the first six games of the season, but thankfully he was healthy enough to return.
Upon returning, Pearsall would be slotted in as the wide receiver four, as Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Juaun Jennings were ahead of him. Aiyuk would suffer a season-ending injury the week Ricky returned, and it opened up a role in the offense for him. He would have some nice moments, including a game with 4 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers, but he was hardly involved in the following five games with just two total catches.
While his rookie season was a lost one for the most part, Ricky did have a fantastic end to the season as he had 14 catches for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns over the last two games of the season. Pearsall will be a bigger part of the offense next season after being a first rounder this year, and is a sneaky good buy in dynasty. He will be fully healthy over the off-season and will have a chance to get fully integrated in the offense.
2.05- Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson was the second RB off the board in the 2024 NFL draft, and he was slotted to be the Cardinals future RB 1 with James Conner set to hit free agent this off-season. Things quickly changed as the Cardinals signed Conner to a two year extension this season.
With the extension, Benson is now the primary backup for Arizona, but he won’t offer much fantasy value unless James Conner were to get hurt. He had just 63 carries for 291 yards and 1 touchdown this year as the backup and it is unlikely his production drastically rises. From a dynasty perspective the best option for Benson managers may be to trade him if they can get a second rounder back as it at least lets them re-roll on an incoming rookie.
2.06- Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams: Blake Corum is in the same boat as Trey Benson, maybe even a worse situation. James Conner is 29 years old and has plenty of usage and a well known injury history. Kyren Williams on the other hand is just 24 years old, and has only played two seasons as he missed his entire rookie season with an injury. Corum saw just 58 carriers while backing up Williams this year, and it is hard to see that number having a drastic increase as long as Kyren is a Ram as they love him.
It is unkonw how effective Corum may be as an NFL back, but he was great in college and is in a system that is great for RBs, but that doesn’t matter as long as he is the backup. Williams is set to be a free agent after the upcoming season so holding Corum may be the best thing right now incase Kyren walks, but don’t bank on it.
2.07- Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers: Xavier Legette had his moments this season but there was no consistency as he finished the year with 49 receptions for 497 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was viewed as a prospect who just needs the ball in his hands to make a play more so than a pure route runner who can get himself open. He was at best a flex play this season for fantasy, but that had to do with the poor QB play for half of the season.
Now that Bryce Young has found his footing and confidence, the recievers should be more viable fantasy options moving forward. The Panthers will add another wide out this offseason, but Legette should still be a top option in the passing game. Carolina traded up for him in the NFL draft so they clearly have big plans for him. Try and buy-low on Legette if possible.
2.08- Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, New England Patriots: Ja’Lynn Polk’s rookie season makes no sense. He was a reliable, go-to reciever at Washington, and with the Patriots, he couldn’t get on the field halfway through the season. He was not the same player that everyone saw on tape during draft season. Polk had just 12 catches for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns in his rookie campaign, and he fell down the depth chart as the year went on.
From a dynasty standpoint it is hard to see anyone trading a second rounder for Polk so holding may be the best idea. Considering he was just a rookie, sending a late third rounder for him, or an aging veteran, may be a good idea as he can only improve from here. With Drake Maye starting full-time next year, Polk has a chance to rebound. He was a second round pick in the NFL draft so the talent is there, he just needs to put it all together.
2.09- MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Green Bay Packers: MarShawn Lloyd had 6 carries for 15 yards this season. He dealt with injuries all year long, and never even had a chance to find his footing due to them. He was expected to play a legitimate role for the Packers as compliment to Josh Jacobs. Lloyd is a good buy low in dynasty as owners may want to get something for a player who basically didn’t play at all. If Green Bay still believes in him, he should be an important piece of the offense next year, and thus a possible fantasy contributor.
2.10- Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving was viewed as a nice backup to Rachaad White, but he was much more than that. He finished the year 1,122 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, despite being a primary backup for seeminlgy the first half of the season. He also added an additional 392 yards through the air on 47 receptions. Bucky was a baller, he was always making people miss with his quick cuts, he wasa always breaking tackles everytime he touched the ball, he was awesome.
Usually when a RB picked on day three of the NFL draft has a major fantasy impact, it doesn’t last, but this feels like it will. Rachaad White is still under contract next year, so it is unlikley the Bucs will add another RB, and that means Bucky gets another year to show he is truly special. Unless something drastic occurs, Irving is a top ten dynasty RB and should be a trade target for everyone.
2.11- Adonai Mitchell, WR, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts needs to make some decisions with their WR core as A.D. Mitchell is way to talented to be playing less than 20% of the snaps every week. He was always open, and frequently targeted when on the field, but he was hardly on the field. He had just 23 catches for 312 yards this season, but he made multiple highlight reel catches.
Dynasty managers shouldn’t worry, the talent will win out and Mitchell is the best talent in the Colts recieivng more, he isn’t the best player, but he has the highest upside and he showed it this season. In a perfect world, another team makes a deal for Mitchell and he becomes an every down player, but for now, just hold onto him as his value will only rise. Indy spend a second round pikc on him in the NFL draft so they clearly liked him. Try and buy-low if the manager who has him is worried.
2.12- Ray Davis, RB, Buffalo Bills: Ray Davis looked the part this season as he rushed for 442 yards and 3 touchowns on 113 carries, and added 189 yards and 3 touchdowns on 17 receptions. While the player looked good, his production had a clear ceiling as he was the backup to James Cook. He started one game and in that game he had 97 yards on the ground and 55 in the air. Due to the limited upside due to his role on the team, he wasn’t much of a fantasy option.
There is no reason to sell Davis as he is a good player, but his only path to true fantasy relevance is via injury to James Cook. He may have a week or two where he steals a goaline touchdown, but he won’t be a confident start unless an injury occurs. Just hold Davis or trade him to someone that really believes in him, as he is what he is for fantasy.
3.02- Jaylen Wright, RB, Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Wright was a non-factor for fantasy football this year, but he could be in the future. Raheem Mostert heavily regressed this year, and it is unlikley De’Von Achane maintains the workload he had this year in the future. The Dolphins were the perfect fit for Wright in the draft as he is an explosive back, who just needs to hit the whole and hes gone, and that is what Miami looks for in backs. He had just 249 yards on 68 carries, but Miami struggled to run the ball all year long, regardless of who was in the backfield.
The flashes were there for Wright when he had an open hole. Try to acquire him as a throw in as part of a bigger deal if possible as he should have a much bigger role next year. Miami also cleary loved him during the draft considering they traded a future third round pick to move into the fourth round of the NFL draft to grab Wright.
3.05- Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos: Troy Franklin had a lot of fans during draft season amongst the fantasy community, but not as many in the NFL. He fell to the 4th round of the NFL draft, and had a hard time getting on the field early in the season. Franklin had just 28 catches for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns and was a non-factor more often than not.
With the Broncos likely adding a reciever or two this off-season, Franklin should be a trade away target. There are still believers out there, but the path to production is not clear at all, so moving him to someone who still has hope it the best way to handle Franklin as a dynasty manager.
3.06- Ben Sinnott, TE, Washington Commanders: There are going to be people out there who completely forgot that Ben Sinnott exists, and if that is the case, go trade for him. He had just 5 receptions for 28 yards and 1 touchdown on the season, but he hardly played and that was expected. Zach Ertz was the lead guy for Washington at the position, but he is a free agent, and considering the 2nd round draft capital spent on Sinnott in last years NFL draft, it makes sense for them to let Ertz walk.
Assuming Sinnott is the starter next season, he has a real chance at fantasy production. Ertz had 66 catches for 654 yards and 7 touchdowns and he offers nothing after the catch, where as Sinnott is great after the catch. This is one of the best buy lows in dynasty as managers may be totally out after a non existent rookie season.
3.09- Braelon Allen, RB, New York Jets: There a few weeks where Braelon Allen had fantasy relevance, but for the majority of the season he was unplayable. Even when Breece Hall missed time, the backfield was split between Allen and fellow rookie Isaiah Davis. The Jets relied heavily on the passing game this year and that did not work as Aaron Rodgers clearly isn’t the player he once was. With a new coaching staff next season, the Jets may look to rely on the ground game more often and that could give Allen some more value. Regardless, he only has fantasy value if Hall were to get injured for the foreseeable future.
3.10- Tyrone Tracy Jr, RB, New York Giants: The Giants didn’t have many bright spots this year, but the emergence of Tyrone Tracy was one of them. The former college reciever turned running back, emerged onto the scene in a week five win over the Seahawks with 129 yards on 18 carries. He looked like a legit starting RB and it showed the rest of the season. He had 839 yards and 5 touchdowns on just 192 carries, as well as 38 catches for 284 yards and 1 touchdown. He was awesome for the Giants, and was a home run draft pick in fantasy.
Despite the great season, Tracy is a trade away candiate in dynasty leagues. He is aready 25 years old despite being a rookie, and he was just a 5th round pick in the NFL draft. He could absolutely be the Giants starting RB next year, and he probaly should be, but they will most likely bring someone elese in to compliment him. RBs have a limited shelf life in the NFL, especially ones selected on day three of the NFL draft. Don’t move Tracy for nothing, but if someone is willing to pay up for him, ship him away.
4.01- Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: On paper, the numbers for Jalen Mcmillan look fine, but nothing crazy, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. It wasn’t until week eight where he became a full-time starter due to an unfortunate injury to Chris Godwin, but even then McMillan was dealing with his own injury and wasn’t pruductive. It wasn’t until week 14 that he got fuly involved in the offense, and once that happened, he erupted onto the fantasy scene.
He scored 7 touchdowns over the last five games, and had at least 50 yards in every game over that span. McMillan got a lot of hype over the off-season after a great training camp, but it appeared as if he was nothing more than a bench piece. Moving forward, there is a real chance he is here to stay as a consistent fantasy contributor, especially if Chris Godwin leaves in free agency. The end of the season won’t make him an easy trade target, but it is worth a shot to try and trade for McMillan.
4.03- Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders fell further in the NFL draft than expected, but he landed in a great situation, and he a stretch of fantays relevance once he got a true opportunity. He had just 33 catches for 342 yards and 1 touchdown, but he flashes his athleticism that made him a highly touted prospect for much of his collegiate career. He had multiple gains of 25 plus yards this season, including a 46 yard catch against the Saints. If he can build on a solid rookie season, Sanders has a chance to be a true fantasy contributor in the future. Try and buy low if possible.
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