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Matt Bowen, ESPN staff writer
As fantasy football managers begin preparing for summer, now is a good time to take another look at the 2024 rookie class. Specifically, we're looking at the rookies who should be selected in all 10-team redraft leagues.
While the quarterbacks at the top of the NFL Draft have grabbed most of the headlines, there is also a talented group of wide receivers who could make an immediate impact in fantasy. Additionally, there are several running backs you should keep on your fantasy radar during training camp. So let's start with the quarterbacks worthy of consideration in all leagues.
Quarterback
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears: Williams is a natural creator with the ability to make difference-making plays and has the dual-threat traits to produce practical output in fantasy as a rookie. Keeping him on schedule as a pocket thrower will be a priority, but with a pair of proven veteran pass-catchers (D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen) and dynamic rookie Rome Odunze, Williams has the potential to be as high as any quarterback in the 2024 class. He should be targeted as a high-end QB2 in redraft leagues and has the talent to jump into the lower-tier QB1 mix as the season progresses.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders: Daniels is an exciting dual-threat talent with field vision and throwing efficiency from the pocket. Under the direction of new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders can give Daniels a mix of pro and spread concept setups to maximize his ability to anticipate opportunities. Additionally, Daniels' ability to carry the ball on planned runs and generate big plays off scramble attempts allows him to add rushing totals to your lineup. With Terry McLaurin being the true No. 1 target, you could draft Daniels as an upside player with the ability to produce early in Year 1.
Run back
Jonathan Brooks, Carolina Panthers: Brooks injured his ACL in November, so we'll have to monitor his recovery this summer. If cleared to play during camp, Brooks has the 3-down traits to make an immediate fantasy impact. He's a slasher with great vision and has the second level evasiveness to win in the open field. Additionally, Brooks has the receiving skills to create favorable matchups. He's better than Carolina's Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders and should be targeted as a flex/RB2.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals: Benson has the size and contact balance of a pro (6-foot, 216 pounds) to be a downhill runner for Arizona. With 4.39 speed, Benson can hit home runs. As a receiver, he can get below level and be a screen target. Benson is smart insurance behind starter James Conner, who missed four games each of the past two seasons. Benson played in the rotation as a rookie and is worthy of being a late draft pick in redshirt leagues.
Blake Collum, Los Angeles Rams: Corum has good vision and contact balance, making him a good fit in Los Angeles' Sean McVay run game. As he showed at Michigan, Corum is a grinder who can get a ton of touches every week and also function as an under-outlet in the passing game. With Kyren Williams leading the Rams backfield, Corum's ceiling as a rookie is limited, but he should be a late-round draft target as an insurance back to step up to RB2 if Williams is injured.
Wide Receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals: Harrison reminds me of DeAndre Hopkins. He has the route running skills, coverage awareness, body control/ball skills to produce immediate results in fantasy. As the first option behind Kyler Murray in Arizona, Harrison will get plenty of volume and has the ability to isolate in scoring position. Given his projected targets and pro-ready traits, Harrison should be drafted as a bit part WR1.
Malik Neighbors, New York Giants: Neighbors is a very explosive player. He can pass vertically from the slot or boundary positioning and dodge defenders. Additionally, he displays physical catch-and-run ability in the open turf. The Giants will need to see a higher level of play from quarterback Daniel Jones this season, but there's no doubt Neighbors can elevate the passing game. He should be drafted as a WR3 with the ability to put up lower WR2 numbers.
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears: Odunze, with his 6-foot-3, 212-pound frame, fits in as the boundary X in a Bears offense that features three wide receivers. Odunze can catch the ball as a vertical target and make plays on contested passes. Additionally, Odunze has instincts after the catch and could quickly develop into a top red zone option for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. With veteran receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen clamoring for targets in this offense, Odunze will be in a crowded wide receiver room, but he has the potential to produce as a WR-of-the-week this season.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars: Thomas joins the Jaguars as a replacement for Zay Jones and gives quarterback Trevor Lawrence a vertical element in the passing game. Thomas has good ball tracking skills and has also proven his ability to separate at the third level of the field. In Doug Pederson's system, Thomas can also be schemed to attack gaps on the interior. Thomas could be drafted as a WR3 with the ability to produce a breakout week with his big-play ability.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers: McConkey could be a primary target for quarterback Justin Herbert in Los Angeles this season. Jim Harbaugh's offense has a heavy play-action component, which creates space in the middle of the field, allowing McConkey to thrive among the catch-and-run target numbers. Additionally, he has the quickness and route savvy to show off in one-on-one matchups. Running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, McConkey fits in as a high-volume WR3/flex here.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs: An electric mover with impressive 4.21 speed, Worthy can stretch defenses vertically or escape coverage with crossing and over routes. Andy Reid's offense will likely use Worthy as a multi-level target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have deep wide receivers, with tight end Travis Kelce remaining Mahomes' first choice. But Worthy's speed and big-play prowess suggest he should be drafted as a WR3 in the later rounds and could have more upside in non-PPR formats.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills: At 6-foot-3, 213 pounds and with good leaping ability, Coleman can play at the third level for quarterback Josh Allen. He is physical, a target in the middle of the field and can drop his pads after the catch. With both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis leaving Buffalo, the opportunity opens up for Coleman to play as a multi-level target in Buffalo. He should be drafted in all formats as a potential WR3.
Xavier Leggett, Carolina Panthers: Leggett has the linear strength and power to make plays down the field and is also physical after the catch. He can shift gears and get behind the pass. Leggett will likely see limited playing time early in the season as he plays opposite veterans Diontaie Johnson and Adam Thielen, which puts him in the lower tier of a WR3.
Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts: Mitchell's sudden movement on his release and at the top of his routes could make him a vertical threat for quarterback Anthony Richardson, and he'll compete for targets with Michael Pittman Jr. and slot man Josh Downs in Indianapolis. But if you're looking to play in a higher league and take on a late draft pick with playmaking ability and good ball skills, Mitchell could be a good fit.
Tight End
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders: The unquestioned top tight end prospect in the 2024 class, Bowers has the route-running traits and ability to stretch the seam that he can use against safeties and linebackers. Additionally, he has the post-catch skills and tough moves. Although the team drafted TE Michael Mayer in the second round last year, Bowers is the Raiders tight end you want on your fantasy roster. He will be a bit part TE1 with the ability to produce a breakout game as a rookie.
