2024 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Latest Projections Amid Preseason Week 2
If you are a fantasy football enthusiast, then this is the absolute best time of year. Well, except for being on the winning side of Championship Week.
It's fantasy draft season. At this point, no matter what happened in 2023, it's a fresh slate. You're 0-0. You have an opportunity to build on last year's success and erase last year's failure. In order to do so, though, you have to prepare.
The problem there is that draft prep in mid-August can be tricky. With full-contact practices going on and the preseason underway, we have already seen a number of injuries happen to fantasy-relevant players, including the presumptive No. 1 overall pick.
Many of those players will be fine by Week 1. But some may not.
As the NFL landscape shifts with those injuries, so does the fantasy draft landscape. Draft slots for players move with abandon, whether due to guys getting hurt, camp buzz or managers simply changing their minds.
One of the best ways to monitor how player values are shifting in real time is to either participate in mock drafts or examine those that have recently taken place, such as this 12-team PPR league (starting 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 D/ST and a flex) I participated in.
Got the No. 6 slot. Yippee.
Fantasy scoring data courtesy of FFToday
Average draft position data courtesy of FantasyPros.
Round 1
1 of 13
1.01: Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF
1.02: Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA
1.03: CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL
1.04: Ja'Marr Chase, WR, CIN
1.05: Breece Hall, RB, NYJ
1.06: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET
1.07: Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN
1.08: Bijan Robinson, RB, ATL
1.09: Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ
1.10: Saquon Barkley, RB, PHI
1.11: Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND
1.12: A.J. Brown, WR, PHI
The Justin Jefferson Dilemma
At this time a year ago, Justin Jefferson was the No. 1 overall pick in many fantasy drafts. But while he topped 1,000 receiving yards again last year and has more receiving yards than any player in NFL history over his first four seasons, he missed a sizable chunk of the season and finished outside the top 30 in PPR points.
However, that injury isn't the issue with Jefferson in 2024. His quarterback is.
With rookie J.J. McCarthy now out for the season after surgery to repair a torn meniscus, Sam Darnold is now locked in as Minnesota's starting quarterback this year.
If you believe Darnold can finally put it together in Kevin O'Connell's offense or Jefferson is effective no matter the signal-caller, he's a value in the middle of Round 1.
But there's no denying Jefferson is a riskier pick than he was not that long ago.
My Pick
Jefferson was tempting here, but I wimped out. Where possible I prefer my first pick in a draft to be relatively safe. First-round busts sink seasons. And unless he gets injured, it's hard to find a safer pick at wide receiver this year than Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions.
Last season, he was fifth in the NFL in targets (164), tied for second in the NFL in catches (119), third in receiving yards (1,515), tied for third in touchdown catches (10) and one of three wide receivers to surpass 300 PPR fantasy points.
As the focal point of a potent Lions passing attack, there's little reason to think those numbers will drop substantially in 2024.
Round 2
2 of 13
2.01: Puka Nacua, WR, LAR
2.02: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, DET
2.03: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF
2.04: Kyren Williams, RB, LAR
2.05: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI
2.06: Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX
2.07: Davante Adams, WR, LV
2.08: Derrick Henry, RB, BAL
2.09: Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR
2.10: Drake London, WR, ATL
2.11: Michael Pittman, WR, IND
2.12: Isiah Pacheco, RB, KC
Questions, Risks and Worries
Risk is a part of fantasy football.
There are no players who are completely risk-free—fantasy managers have to be willing to accept varying degrees of a gamble with every player they draft.
But the front end of Round 2 is pretty early to have to consider players for whom the degree of fantasy risk is seemingly growing by the day.
Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua (knee) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) have injuries that put their Week 1 availability in jeopardy. We still aren't sure if wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will open the season in Pittsburgh or San Francisco. Rams running back Kyren Williams missed five games last year. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is undeniably talented, but he's also a rookie.
Those players could all have great 2024 campaigns. But none are for the faint of heart.
My Pick
Generally speaking, this analyst is something of an old-school fantasy drafter. This isn't to say I don't believe going WR-heavy early in drafts is a viable strategy; I just don't do it much.
But in starting my draft off with Amon-Ra St. Brown and then Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, my team is built around two of the five-most targeted wideouts in the league a year ago.
No AFC receiver was thrown at more last year than Adams, and he finished 2023 10th at his position in PPR points.
The quarterback situation in Vegas isn't ideal, but that didn't stop Adams from posting WR1 numbers last year—and it won't in 2024.
Round 3
3 of 13
3.01: Chris Olave, WR, NO
3.02: Alvin Kamara, RB, NO
3.03: De'Von Achane, RB, MIA
3.04: Stefon Diggs, WR, HOU
3.05: Mike Evans, WR, TB
3.06: Josh Jacobs, RB, GB
3.07: Travis Kelce, TE, KC
3.08: Malik Nabers, WR, NYG
3.09: Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, SF
3.10: Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA
3.11: Nico Collins, WR, HOU
3.12: D.J. Moore, WR, CHI
An Embarrassment of Riches
There wasn't a team in the NFL that was more aggressive in the offseason this year than the Houston Texans—on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they added a pair of proven veteran talents via trade in running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Those acquisitions left C.J. Stroud with a loaded offense that includes Mixon, Diggs, wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell and veteran tight end Dalton Schultz. But there are only so many targets to go around, and the reality is we don't yet know who will emerge as the quarterback's No. 1 receiver.
Will it be Collins, who amassed almost 1,300 receiving yards on 80 catches last year? Or Diggs, who has at least 1,100 receiving yards and 100 receptions in each of the past four seasons?
Here, it was Diggs off the board first. But Collins will be the first Texans wideout drafted with some regularity as well.
Decisions, decisions.
My Pick
Josh Jacobs didn't have a great season with the Raiders in 2023—he missed four games and averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. But the season before, the 26-year-old paced the NFL with 1,653 yards on the ground and finished third among all running backs in PPR fantasy points.
Asking for top-five numbers from Jacobs in his first year with the Green Bay Packers is a bit much. But they thought enough of him to jettison Aaron Jones and give him $12 million a season over four years.
Green Bay's loaded passing attack should keep Jacobs from seeing the stacked fronts he faced last year in Vegas, and a top-12 fantasy finish is well within his range of outcomes.
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Round 4
4 of 13
4.01: Josh Allen, QB, BUF
4.02: Rachaad White, RB, TB
4.03: DK Metcalf, WR, SEA
4.04: DeVonta Smith, WR, PHI
4.05: Sam LaPorta, TE, DET
4.06: Patrick Mahomes, QB, KC
4.07: James Cook, RB, BUF
4.08: Amari Cooper, WR, CLE
4.09: Tee Higgins, WR, CIN
4.10: Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI
4.11: Keenan Allen, WR, CHI
4.12: Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL
Patience is a Virtue
If you have read any of my fantasy musings (that doesn't really sound right) here at Bleacher Report over the past decade-plus, then you know I have long railed against drafting quarterbacks too early.
It's the deepest position in fantasy football, the first quarterback drafted almost never finishes in that spot, and the edge gained by taking the first QB at ADP isn't worth the hole it digs at running back or wide receiver.
Well, four quarterbacks came off the board in Round 4 of this draft—and for the most part, I don't have an issue with it.
As is the case in most fantasy drafts this year, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills was the first signal-caller drafted at 37th overall—over a round after his ADP at Fantasy Pros. Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles came off the board at No. 46—16 places after his average draft position.
I still think the value at quarterback lies later in drafts. But if the elite options drop on draft day, pouncing on one becomes a far more viable strategy.
My Pick
Last year with the Buffalo Bills, James Cook eclipsed 1,100 yards on the ground, averaged 4.7 yards per carry, caught 44 passes and finished among the top-12 running backs in PPR points.
This year, the 24-year-old is the unquestioned lead back for a Bills team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Cook's ADP has tumbled a bit amid reports that he's struggling with drops and fumbles in training camp. But he's in no danger of losing his job to Day 3 rookie Ray Davis just yet, and that drop in asking price could present fantasy managers with an opportunity for value if he gets his act together once games begin to count.
Round 5
5 of 13
5.01: Zay Flowers, WR, BAL
5.02: Joe Mixon, RB, CIN
5.03: Christian Kirk, WR, JAX
5.04: Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA
5.05: Aaron Jones, RB, MIN
5.06: Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE
5.07: George Pickens, WR, PIT
5.08: Rashee Rice, WR, KC
5.09: James Conner, RB, ARI
5.10: Zamir White, RB, LV
5.11: Tank Dell, WR, HOU
5.12: David Montgomery, RB, DET
The 'RB Dead Zone' May Not be So Dead
There is a concept in fantasy football known as the "RB Dead Zone." In a nutshell, running backs in the Rounds 4-7 range are best avoided, as the bust rate at the position is historically higher at the position in this portion of the draft than at wide receiver.
The thing is, with so many wide receivers being taken early in 2024, the "Dead Zone" appears to have shifted. Seven RBs were selected in Round 5, and several have considerable upside this year.
Joe Mixon is a proven commodity who topped 1,400 total yards last year and is now playing on one of the league's most loaded offenses. Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks has surpassed 1,100 total yards in both of his professional seasons. James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals isn't getting any younger, but he was a top-15 option in PPR points per game last year.
The "RB Dead Zone" may have gotten some CPR in 2024.
My Pick
Getting sniped is part of every fantasy football draft. And I got hit hard in Round 5.
Mixon, Walker and Aaron Jones of the Vikings were all admittedly higher on my board than Rhamondre Stevenson of the New England Patriots. No one is racing to get shares of the Patriots offense in 2024, and his numbers dropped substantially in an injury-marred 2023 campaign.
But Stevenson may well be the best offensive weapon the Patriots have. Antonio Gibson may siphon some passing-game work this year, but the 26-year-old should see plenty of work if he's healthy, including the goal-line carries.
Don't be surprised if Stevenson sneaks his way into the back end of the top 20 at his position by season's end.
Round 6
6 of 13
6.01: Trey McBride, TE, ARI
6.02: D'Andre Swift, RB, CHI
6.03: Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS
6.04: Calvin Ridley, WR, TEN
6.05: Mark Andrews, TE, BAL
6.06: Chris Godwin, WR, TB
6.07: Diontae Johnson, WR, CAR
6.08: Jayden Reed, WR, GB
6.09: Nick Chubb, RB, CLE
6.10: Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT
6.11: Anthony Richardson, QB, IND
6.12: Marquise Brown, WR, ARI
The Chubb Conundrum Continues
There isn't a player whose ADP has changed more over the last month than Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb.
In fact, his asking price doesn't just change from week to week—it can vary wildly from one draft to another. In the last of these exercises here at B/R a couple of weeks ago, he went at the back end of Round 9.
Here, Chubb didn't make it out of Round 6.
There's still no guarantee whatsoever when the 28-year-old, who tore his ACL early in the 2023 season, will be ready for full contact. But as speculation grows that he could make a return early in the season, his ADP is only going to keep going up.
Two years ago Chubb surpassed 1,500 rushing yards and finished sixth in PPR points among running backs.
Just do yourself a favor: If you do decide to invest in Chubb, think long and hard about circling back for reserve Jerome Ford a little later in the draft.
My Pick
After taking three consecutive running backs, it was time to circle back for another wide receiver. And when it comes to exciting passing attacks in 2024, it's hard to find one more electrifying than the Carolina Panthers.
OK, so that was sarcasm.
Joking aside, the Panthers should be better through the air than last year's dismal unit—they spent a first-round pick on South Carolina's Xavier Legette and traded for veteran receiver Diontae Johnson.
Johnson's last two seasons in Pittsburgh weren't especially exciting, but he posted a 107/1,161/8 line with the Steelers in 2021 and finished eighth in PPR points among wideouts.
Another top-10 season probably isn't coming, but if Bryce Young can step it up in his second season at quarterback, Johnson should be capable of at least solid fantasy WR3 production.
Round 7
7 of 13
7.01: Raheem Mostert, RB, MIA
7.02: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA
7.03: Raheem Mostert, RB, MIA
7.04: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, TEN
7.05: C.J. Stroud, QB, HOU
7.06: Javonte Williams, RB, DEN
7.07: Tony Pollard, RB, TEN
7.08: Joe Burrow, QB, CIN
7.09: Kyler Murray, QB, ARI
7.10: Jordan Love, QB, GB
7.11: Dalton Kincaid, TE, BUF
7.12: Jordan Addison, WR, MIN
Value Alert
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert was a legitimate league-winner last year.
The 32-year-old surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time, averaged a rock-solid 4.8 yards per carry, led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns and finished the year fifth in PPR points among running backs.
So, of course, Mostert is being relegated to the tail end of the "RB Dead Zone" in 2024.
Yes, he is well past the age when most running backs start to decline. He hasn't played every game in a season since 2019. And De'Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright give the Dolphins a loaded backfield.
But Mostert only has 674 career rushing attempts. He has averaged 5.2 yards per carry over his career. And given the success he had in 2023, he's not just going to disappear from the Miami offense.
He's a steal in Round 7.
My Pick
It's been quite the offseason for Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams.
After averaging just 3.6 yards per carry in 2023 following an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, there were rumblings earlier in the summer that he could be released.
Fast-forward to August, and Williams has drawn rave reviews at camp, with head coach Sean Payton consistently praising the 24-year-old.
It's not that uncommon for players to take a year to get back to 100 percent following a significant injury, and it wasn't that long ago that fantasy managers were talking about Williams as a borderline RB1.
If he is all the way back, he's a bargain at his current ADP.
Round 8
8 of 13
8.01: Tyjae Spears, RB, TEN
8.02: Xavier Worthy, WR, KC
8.03: Brian Robinson Jr., RB, WAS
8.04: Christian Watson, WR, GB
8.05: Austin Ekeler, RB, WAS
8.06: Jonathon Brooks, RB, CAR
8.07: Kyle Pitts, TE, ATL
8.08: Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC
8.09: Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA
8.10: Rome Odunze, WR, CHI
8.11: Zack Moss, RB, CIN
8.12: Keon Coleman, WR, BUF
Chaos in the Capital
If this draft is any indication, fantasy managers have no idea what to make of the Washington backfield. Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler went within two picks of one another.
The general belief appears to be that this will be a committee backfield in the truest sense. Robinson will handle early-down work for the Commanders, while Ekeler will be relegated to passing-down duties coming off a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Chargers.
However, that may not be the case. Ekeler averaged just 3.5 yards per carry last year, but he's averaged almost a full yard more for his career and is just one year removed from topping 1,600 total yards and scoring 18 touchdowns in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Robinson has never had 250 touches in a season and has barely cracked four yards a tote for his career.
If Ekeler can come close to recapturing his past form, he's going to be more than just a third-down back.
My Pick
There's little question that Kyle Pitts is an elite talent—no tight end has ever been drafted earlier than the third-year pro, and he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie before getting hurt in 2022 and falling off the map in 2023.
His disappearing act the past two seasons had a lot less to do with the player himself than a combination of injury, poor quarterback play, just 149 targets over 27 games in 2022 and 2023, and Arthur Smith's fascination with Jonnu Smith last year.
Now, Smith is gone. Pitts is healthy. Veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix Jr. represent a major upgrade under center in Atlanta and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will hopefully make better use of the talent he has in Pitts.
Add it all together, and you have all the ingredients for a big-time rebound.
Round 9
9 of 13
9.01: Devin Singletary, RB, NYG
9.02: Gus Edwards, RB, LAC
9.03: Chase Brown, RB, CIN
9.04: Jerome Ford, RB, CLE
9.05: Jameson Williams, WR, DET
9.06: Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN
9.07: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, DAL
9.08: Jakobi Meyers, WR, LV
9.09: Antonio Gibson, RB, NE
9.10: Trey Benson, RB, ARI
9.11: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX
9.12: Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR
'Zero RB' Targets
For those who don't know, the "Zero RB" draft strategy is essentially just what it sounds like.
Managers punt on the position, instead building a formidable wideout corps and/or selecting an elite tight end and quarterback. Then, it's a matter of happening on later-round targets with the potential to be at least serviceable weekly starters.
A trio of those players went in Round 9 of this draft, starting with the first two picks of the round.
Devin Singletary of the New York Giants has surpassed 1,000 total yards in each of the past three seasons, and with rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. likely to miss the start of the season, he will have a chance to nail down featured-back duties in the Big Apple.
Gus Edwards of the Los Angeles Chargers isn't going to score 13 rushing touchdowns again in 2024, and the 29-year-old averaged a career-low 4.1 yards per carry in 2023. But he's the lead back for a Bolts team that will run the ball a lot under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
If his lone year with the New England Patriots was any indication, Ezekiel Elliott's days of rolling through the NFL for over 1,300 rushing yards are over. But he is back in Dallas, and given what's on the depth chart behind him, the touches should be there this year.
My Pick
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton's reception and yardage numbers were nothing to write home about in 2023, but he scored a career-high 10 touchdowns and finished the season inside fantasy WR3 territory.
Now, with Jerry Jeudy in Cleveland, the 28-year-old is the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver in Denver. He should sail past last year's 90 targets and could flirt with the 124 he saw in 2019.
That season, Sutton topped 1,100 yards, found the end zone six times and finished as a top-20 fantasy receiver.
Round 10
10 of 13
10.01: Tyler Lockett, WR, SEA
10.02: Curtis Samuel, WR, BUF
10.03: Blake Corum, RB, LAR
10.04: Evan Engram, TE, JAX
10.05: Ty Chandler, RB, MIN
10.06: San Francisco 49ers Defense/Special Teams
10.07: Dak Prescott, QB, DAL
10.08: George Kittle, TE, SF
10.09: Khalil Herbert, RB, CHI
10.10: Joshua Palmer, WR, LAC
10.11: Khalil Shakir, WR, NO
10.12: David Njoku, TE, CLE
Value Alert
Normally, this is where this analyst would rail against the idea of drafting a defense (any defense) in Round 10, And to be clear, it's a bad idea for multiple reasons.
But there are a couple of tight ends who came off the board in this round who were such outstanding values that it bears mentioning—and makes me mad I took Pitts when I did.
No TE in the NFL had more targets (143) or receptions (116) last year than Evan Engram of the Jacksonville Jaguars. No TE in the AFC had more PPR points. Yet, despite the fact that Jacksonville's wide receivers aren't demonstrably better than a year ago, fantasy managers appear to think there's no way the 29-year-old can come close to last year's numbers.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers has a better resume of fantasy production than Engram, including a 1,000-yard season, six scores and a TE6 fantasy finish in 2023.
Yes, the San Francisco passing game is crowded, but Kittle hasn't finished lower than TE6 since 2020 when he missed half the season.
My Pick
It has already been mentioned that my belief this year is that the value at the quarterback position lies in patience. The ability to draft Dak Prescott in Round 10 is evidence of that.
In 2023, he was one of three NFL quarterbacks who surpassed 4,500 passing yards. His 36 touchdown passes paced the league, and he finished the year third at the position in fantasy points.
Prescott doesn't offer the rushing upside that so many fantasy managers covet. But given the sizable questions surrounding the Cowboys' ground game in 2024, Dallas could be the most pass-heavy team in the NFL.
And Prescott could realistically approach 5,000 passing yards.
Rounds 11-13
11 of 13
11.01: Baltimore Ravens Defense/Special Teams
11.02: Josh Downs, WR, IND
11.03: Rico Dowdle, RB, DAL
11.04: Kirk Cousins, QB, MIN
11.05: JK Dobbins, RB, LAC
11.06: Tyler Allgeier, RB, ATL
11.07: Romeo Doubs, WR, GB
11.08: New York Jets Defense/Special Teams
11.09: Kendre Miller, RB, NO
11.10: Jake Ferguson, TE, DAL
11.11: Brock Purdy, QB, SF
11.12: Cleveland Browns Defense/Special Teams
12.01: Roschon Johnson, RB, CHI
12.02: Brock Bowers, TE, LV
12.03: Dalton Schultz, TE, HOU
12.04: Dallas Goedert, TE, PHI
12.05: Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, DEN
12.06: Jaylen Wright, RB, MIA
12.07: Mike Williams, WR, NYJ
12.08: Marshawn Lloyd, RB, GB
12.09: T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN
12.10: Rashid Shaheed, WR, NO
12.11: Demario Douglas, WR, NE
12.12: Jerry Jeudy, WR, CLE
13.01: Pat Freiermuth, TE, PIT
13.02: Luke Musgrave, TE, GB
13.03: Cole Kmet, TE, CHI
13.04: Deshaun Watson, QB, CLE
13.05: Isaiah Likely, TE, BAL
13.06: Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS
13.07: Brandin Cooks, WR, DAL
13.08: Jahan Dotson, WR, WAS
13.09: Dallas Cowboys Defense/Special Teams
13.10: Darnell Mooney, WR, ATL
13.11: Gabe Davis, WR, BUF
13.12: Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU
Sleeper Alert
There's no question that the wide receiver position has grown in value in recent years, but there's also no question that it's a deeper position than running back.
Three wideouts went in the back end of Round 13 with the potential to vastly outperform their draft slot.
Brandin Cooks' first season with the Dallas Cowboys was a relative disappointment, although his eight scores salvaged some fantasy value. But he's been running as the WR1 for the team with CeeDee Lamb holding out, and those reps could bear fruit even after Lamb gets his truck filled with money.
Fantasy managers who gambled on a breakout season from Jahan Dotson of the Washington Commanders last year likely want no part of doing so again. But he's a talented 24-year-old who could surprise this year if Jayden Daniels is a quick study at quarterback.
Darnell Mooney signing with the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason didn't generate the buzz of some of the team's other moves, but he has a 1,000-yard season on his four-year resume in the pros and should see single coverage almost constantly this year.
My Picks
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier is the clear No. 2 back behind Bijan Robinson. But that didn't stop him from getting 204 touches last year, and head coach Raheem Morris has already stated that he will have a considerable role in the Atlanta offense this season.
Injuries have been an issue for New York Jets wideout Mike Williams, including an ACL tear that wiped out most of his 2023 season. But if healthy, the 29-year-old 2017 No. 7 overall pick provides Aaron Rodgers with a big-bodied complement to Garrett Wilson.
Remember that rushing upside mentioned earlier that so many fantasy managers covet in quarterbacks? In theory, Daniels has plenty of it—the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner rushed for over 1,100 yards last year at LSU.
As a QB2 in Round 13, I'll roll the dice on a lottery ticket like this 10 times in 10.
Rounds 14-16
12 of 13
14.01: Caleb Williams, QB, CHI
14.02: Elijah Mitchell, RB, SF
14.03: Jared Goff, QB, DET
14.04: Ray Davis, RB, BUF
14.05: Bucky Irving, RB, TB
14.06: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, KC
14.07: Hunter Henry, TE, NE
14.08: Justin Tucker, PK, BAL
14.09: Pittsburgh Steelers Defense/Special Teams
14.10: Taysom Hill, TE, NO
14.11: Kansas City Chiefs Defense/Special Teams
14.12: Brandon Aubrey, PK, DAL
15.01: Braelon Allen, RB, NYJ
15.02: Ben Sinnott, TE, WAS
15.03: Miami Dolphins Defense/Special Teams
15.04: A.J. Dillon, RB, GB
15.05: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, MIA
15.06: Buffalo Bills Defense/Special Teams
15.07: Xavier Legette, WR, CAR
15.08: Harrison Butker, PK, KC
15.09: Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAX
15.10: Philadelphia Eagles Defense/Special Teams
15.11: Younghoe Koo, PK, ATL
15.12: Alexander Mattison, RB, LV
16.01: Jason Sanders, PK, MIA
16.02: Houston Texans Defense/Special Teams
16.03: Ka'imi Fairbairn, PK, HOU
16.04: Evan McPherson, PK, CIN
16.05: Dontayvion Wicks, WR, GB
16.06: Jake Elliott, PK, PHI
16.07: Tyler Bass, PK, BUF
16.08: Detroit Lions Defense/Special Teams
16.09: Miles Sanders, RB, CAR
16.10: Matt Gay, PK, IND
16.11: Jake Moody, PK, SF
16.12: Adam Thielen, WR, CAR
Mr. (Not) Irrelevant
Again, this would usually be when I would rail against being the first team to draft a kicker.
It's a waste of draft capital. The first kicker picked rarely finishes in that spot, and even if he does, the advantage over the last kicker drafted is usually minimal.
Don't ever draft a kicker last.
However, instead of doing that, I'll point out that the last pick in this draft (Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen) caught over 100 passes last year, eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards and finished WR18 in PPR points.
Will Thielen match those numbers this year given the offensive changes in Carolina? Probably not. But if he's just a so-so fantasy WR3 in 2024, he'll be a nice bargain to close the draft.
It just goes to show that value can had anywhere in a draft. You just have to look for it.
My Picks
The New England Patriots were terrible in offensive last year, but Hunter Henry still managed to catch six touchdowns and finish as a top-20 tight end. That's fine for a player who will hopefully make exactly one fantasy start here in 2024.
The final two picks were a Buffalo double-dip.
The Bills defense opens the season with a favorable home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, and one week ahead is about as far as you need to look at a position where streaming is often the best course of action.
Tyler Bass didn't have a great season for fantasy managers in 2023, but if the Bills backslide offensively just a tad and a few more drives stall, that could change in a hurry.
My Team
13 of 13
Quarterbacks: Dak Prescott, DAL (10.07); Jayden Daniels, WAS (13.06)
Running Backs: Josh Jacobs, GB (3.06); James Cook, BUF (4.07); Rhamondre Stevenson (5.06); Javonte Williams, DEN (7.06); Tyler Allgeier, ATL (11.06)
Wide Receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (1.06); Davante Adams, LV (2.07); Diontae Johnson, CAR (6.07); Courtland Sutton, DEN (9.06); Mike Williams, NYJ (12.07)
Tight Ends: Kyle Pitts, ATL (8.07); Hunter Henry, NE (14.07)
Kicker: Tyler Bass, BUF (16.07)
Defense/Special Teams: Buffalo Bills (15.06)
The point of a fantasy football draft isn't to "win" it. Or have the highest-rated draft according to whoever's projections. It's nice and all if that happens, but the point is to build a competitive roster.
This is one—albeit with a weak spot or two.
The running backs aren't great—if Jacobs or Cook falters in their lead roles this year, there could be trouble. But the wideout group has a great foundation with St. Brown and Adams, Pitts has top-three upside at tight end, and the Prescott/Daniels duo at quarterback is an interesting blend of floor meets ceiling.
There will be waiver moves to be made and trade offers to be sent. Leagues aren't won on draft day. That's just the beginning.
But this is a decent start.
Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.
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