Like every year, fantasy football gets a lot of attention at the start of the regular season.
Even though the first preseason game is still more than a month away, fantasy investors have already begun formulating their 2024 blueprints through mock drafts and analysis.
As for the Arizona Cardinals, they have a wealth of talent to consider in the early part of the draft, highlighted by projected starters Marvin Harrison Jr., James Conner, Trey McBride and Kyler Murray.
But with the well of talent drying up with each passing round, who could be a valuable late-round selection for the Cardinals in 2024, or a potential addition on the waiver wire?
Let’s take a fairly quick look at some of the late round picks and undrafted players that could make a difference in your fantasy team this year.
Cardinals are targets in the later rounds of fantasy football drafts
Trey Benson, RB
The Cardinals selected Benson in the third round in the recent NFL Draft, leading many to view the rookie as Conner's successor.
Will a generational change begin this year?
All signs point to Conner leading Arizona's running back corps in 2024, especially coming off a career year with 1,040 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.
However, there is also the issue of Connor's health.
Conner missed four games with the Cardinals over the past two seasons due to injury, and looking at his career overall, he has only played in more than 15 games once (2021).
Translation: The rookie will likely get an opportunity to expand his role at some point in 2024.
And given his collegiate tape, that could be a big help from a fantasy standpoint.
Regarded as one of the best running backs in the draft, the Florida State product has rushed for 156 yards, 906 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games. He can dominate opponents up front and take it to the home field.
In addition to his prowess as a runner, Benson also had 20 catches for 227 yards and one score last year.
The biggest question for Benson is whether he can beat out veteran Michael Carter for the RB2 spot.
Before Arizona acquired Benson in the draft, Carter, who joined the team via waivers midway through last season, led the clubhouse in that role.
Currently, Pro Football Focus and ESPN have Benson ranked as the RB38 and RB39, respectively, with Seattle's Zach Charbonnet and Los Angeles' Gus Edwards ranked above him.
In a traditional format like PPR (points per reception), Benson is an upside, premium handcuff option for anyone targeting Conner as a RB1/2. Given his potential and that Conner is 29 years old and entering the final year of his contract, his value in dynasty leagues increases significantly.
Michael Wilson, WR
The 6-foot-2 pass catcher enters his second year as a top option for the WR2 role.
After a strong rookie season with 38 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns, Wilson entered the offseason determined to improve his technique and develop better chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray.
Judging by all indications, Wilson seems to have achieved that: He even found the time to get engaged.
It's important to stay healthy now.
Wilson struggled with injuries throughout his college career and continued to be plagued by injuries in the pros, missing four games with a shoulder injury.
The competition for the WR2 position has also intensified, with the Cardinals acquiring veteran wide receiver Zay Jones (more on that later) in upcoming free agency.
Still, PFF ranks Wilson higher than Jones at WR68, but ESPN ranks Wilson just below Jones at WR83.
Zay Jones, WR
The 6-foot-2 Jones is entering his eighth season after bouncing around the league as a member of the Buffalo Bills (2017-19), Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2019-21) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2022-23).
He's coming off a career-best showing in 2022 (82 catches, 823 yards, five touchdowns) and has earned praise from head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing in his short time with the Cardinals.
But just how much of an advantage does Wilson have over the veterans?
Wilson has spent the offseason working to get closer to Murray and gain a deeper understanding of offensive concepts, while Jones signed in May.
On the other hand, Jones has plenty of NFL experience that could be put to better use once he puts on pads during training camp and the preseason.
Jones is ranked 99th by PFF and 81st by ESPN.
No matter which side you're on, the Jones vs. Wilson fight will be one to watch going forward.
Greg Dortch, WR
Should your fantasy team light up Dortch in 2024?
Given his current ranking (WR92 (PFF), WR113 (ESPN)), there could be plenty of value there.
Arizona released Rondale Moore in a trade with Atlanta, meaning Dortch will be a starting option in the slot for the Cardinals in 2024.
And let's not forget what Murray said about the veteran pass-catcher earlier in the offseason.
“I think Dortch is a guy that you can't guard one-on-one. He knows where he's at in the zone. He has the nuance and the resourcefulness that you want in a receiver. Not everybody has that. I'm just saying it's not that common.”
“He's 5-foot-7. If he was 6-foot-3, he would have been a top-five pick in the NFL draft. That's just how I see it. That's the type of football player he is. And also, he loves the game. I would go up against Greg every day.”
Offensively, there's plenty of trust in him, as he was given time to work in Petzing's system and recorded 24 catches for 280 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games last year.
What makes this year's Dortch winner so special for your fantasy team isn't the wide receiver's pass-catching ability, but his abilities as a returner.
With the NFL implementing new kickoff rules to facilitate returns, Dortch is expected to do more in that area.
“Just watching the film, I feel like I have a lot of opportunities to make explosive plays,” Dortch said. “I’m really looking forward to September coming up.
“The game's a little slower and everybody's on the same level,” the wide receiver added. “Once you get through the first level, it's just me and the kicker and I'm going to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Matt Prater, K
As a veteran player, Prater deserves attention later in the draft.
First, he could shoot the ball, connecting on a career-best 9 of 12 field goal attempts from 50 yards or further, including a 62-yarder. For total yardage, he was 28 of 33 (84.8%).
Second, all signs are clear that Arizona's offense is taking steps forward, which may mean fewer long-distance kicks for him, but could lead to more kick attempts for the 18-year veteran, which could lead to additional points.
Prater is listed as K23 on PFF and K21 on ESPN.
