Fantasy Football 2024: Marvin Harrison Jr. and Top Rookies to Target in Mock Drafts

NFL rookies can be extremely valuable in fantasy football.

And not only in dynasty leagues.

While plenty of players encounter a steep learning curve upon entering the league, some manage to hit the ground running regardless. Last season, C.J. Stroud finished as QB11, Bijan Robinson was RB12 and Puka Nacua held WR5 status, per FantasyPros. All three were NFL first-timers.

You can't afford to ignore the freshman class, in other words, and mock drafts help give you a guide on where these players are going. Let's spotlight three first-year players to monitor as you make your selections.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders

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ASHBURN, VA - JULY 25: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders participates in a drill during training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on July 25, 2024 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

With all due respect to Sam Howell, Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz, it's been a while since fantasy managers cared about a Commanders quarterback.

Jayden Daniels, this year's No. 2 pick, could change that in a hurry.

He is an explosive ball-carrier and a rocket-armed passer. Gamers don't post the kind of production he hit at LSU last season: 3,812 passing yards with 40 touchdowns against four interceptions and another 1,134 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

Now, he won't have the same edge in playmakers anymore, but the Commanders have weapons at receiver (Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson), running back (Austin Ekeler, Brian Robinson Jr.) and tight end (Zach Ertz, rookie Ben Sinnott). Daniels could get this offense humming in a hurry.

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals

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DETROIT, MI - APRIL 25: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image has been taken using a Star Effect Filter) Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. poses for portraits after being selected fourth overall in the first round by the Arizona Cardinals during the 2024 NFL draft on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Go back and check the pre-draft scouting reports on Marvin Harrison Jr. It will sound as if everyone was speaking in hyperbole.

Back in April, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. noted Harrison was on track "to get my highest pre-draft grade for a wideout since Calvin Johnson (2007) and Larry Fitzgerald (2004)." In the same piece, Field Yates said Harrison "checks every box and is the most pro-ready prospect in the entire class." Yates even called Harrison "a QB-proof player."

Harrison was all-caps AWESOME in 2022 (77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns) when he had C.J. Stroud as his quarterback. Stroud's successor, Kyle McCord, wasn't nearly as potent, yet Harrison's production was once again elite (67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 scores).

Harrison looks like an instant-star, and the runway is cleared for him to become Kyler Murray's favorite target right away. This could be the last time in a long time that Harrison isn't an automatic first-round pick in fantasy.

Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears

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CANTON, OHIO - AUGUST 01: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on August 01, 2024 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Caleb Williams was this year's top pick for a reason.

Or for a lot of reasons, actually.

When B/R's Derrick Klassen put together Williams' scouting report, he called Williams a "fascinating prospect" and "special playmaker" with arm talent that "oozes off the film." Those assets and more helped Williams post silly production over the past two seasons at USC, including 8,170 passing yards, 72 passing touchdowns (against 10 interceptions) and 21 rushing scores.

The Bears have kept busy trying to position Williams for success by upgrading the roster around him. Chicago might not be known for explosive offense, but this campaign could be different. Williams gets one of the most loaded receiving trios (DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze), a deep backfield (D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson) and a talented tight end (Cole Kmet). This group is a low-key candidate to produce fantasy fireworks.