Rookies matter. Every season we debate where to take the new blood. It used to be that unless they were a running back or wide receiver, we tried to stay away from them in fantasy football. However, it’s no surprise to see a rookie selected in the first round in our drafts. Prime example; in 2023 Atlanta Falcons running back Bejan Robinson was selected in the first round with an average draft position of 1.8. The youngster was serviceable for fantasy owners. He finished as running back number 14 overall but in 2024 he has a high ceiling with an average draft position of 1.3. With a new coach and new quarterback, Robinson is sure to flourish on your roster. Other rookies from last season that shined were quarterbacks C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans), Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts) and even Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young showed late season improvement.
In 2024 it is a deep rookie class for all skill positions. The first three picks in the 2024 National Football League draft were all quarterbacks: Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) and Drake Maye (New England Patriots). For me, I would be interested in Daniels as a backup quarterback in my draft and I would probably use a late round pick (10-13) on him. I personally do not have any interest in Williams or Maye; however, I am sure by draft day that will change.
Currently, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals) is the only rookie expected to be drafted in the first round of drafts. The second generation wide out is currently being drafted with the 1.9 pick. He is the number four overall wide receiver behind Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), Ceedee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions). Harrison was drafted by the Cardinals with the fourth overall pick in the draft. Another wide receiver that was drafted in the top 10 of the draft was Malik Nabers (New York Giants). Nabers played for LSU and is currently being drafted in the fourth round of fantasy drafts. It’s not an ideal landing spot (fantasy wise) for Nabers but he does have upside with his speed and size.
Las Vegas Raiders used their 13th overall pick on tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia. Bowers is widely considered as a generational player. He can block, catch and cause chaos for defenders. Drafters are being cautious with Bowers as his average draft position is 6.1. He is currently tight end seven on draft boards. With quarterback questions in Las Vegas and few offensive weapons, Bowers has a chance to become a top target for the Raiders.
No running backs were drafted in the first round of the NFL draft in 2024. The first running back off the board was Jonathon Brooks of Texas. The Longhorns running back was selected by Carolina with the 46th overall pick. It is a great landing spot for the rookie as he has virtually little competition in that offense. Volume is king in fantasy. Brooks should be drafted between the third and fifth round of drafts this year and should be used as your running back two or flex. Brooks was the only running back taken in the second round of the NFL draft. The next running back did not get selected until the third round as the Cardinals used their 66th overall pick, second pick in the third round to select Trey Benson of Florida State. I personally am excited to see what he offers for fantasy owners. I honestly do believe he will be a nominee for Fantasy Rookie of the Year. I am that high on the kid.
Do not be afraid to reach for a rookie this season. Especially in dynasty and keeper leagues. This class is deep and these guys are worth rostering.
Next week we dive into the players who are being drafted outside of the top 100. Just because they are late round picks doesn’t mean they are not worth rostering.
Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. He may be reached at drcruz@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.
