Here we go again. While there are plenty of dynasty rookie drafts wrapping up this weekend, there are many more kicking off in the next few weeks.
Whether you’re here to scout ahead or review your selections, there’s still plenty to gain by becoming more familiar with the NFL’s newest class.
But blah blah blah, you’re not here to listen to me wax poetic. You want picks. And I got picks.
So, after a QB-heavy first round, here’s your second round for 2024 dynasty rookie drafts.
2024 Dynasty Football Rookie Mock Draft Round 2
2.01 – Xavier Worthy, WR, KC
You’ll commonly find Mr. Worthy comfortably seated at the end of the first round table. The reason for this is obvious and doesn’t require much research at all. He’s a first round receiver. He’s going to Patrick Mahomes.
The big offseason story for the Chiefs has been the saga of Rashee Rice. Given that he’s the best option the Chiefs have had since Tyreek Hill left, it’s no wonder his status has garnered a lot of attention.
For dynasty purposes, the car crash is a bit of a nothing burger in my book. I’m skeptical that any punishment damages Rice’s dynasty value long-term.
Regardless, what we do know is that Mahomes likes to distribute the ball. So while we’re all waiting for the next Hill to emerge, particularly with Travis Kelce getting up there in age, but caveat emptor applies.
There’s certainly a lot of volume to go around. But that was the dream for past darlings like Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore. Seize the opportunity if he’s here, but be wary.
2.02 – Ricky Pearsall, WR, SF
Pearsall is an older prospect turning 24 this fall. While that didn’t stop players like Calvin Ridley from becoming high level performers, it does immediately cap a bit of Pearsall’s value and hopes that there is still development left for the slot receiver.
But that doesn’t matter too much considering the college game fully develops most players these days anyway. With all of the individual and specialized instruction available, there just often isn’t as much room to grow into an NFL career as there used to be.
There are certainly concerns with competition in the 49ers’ receivers room. But Brock Purdy needs to get paid at some point. That’s going to make signing Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel long-term impossible.
Regardless, Pearsall has great route-running ability which portends consistency at the NFL level. He is also an unbelievable athlete as one of the clear winners in Indy. Take the second round steal on the first-round receiver.
2.03 – Keon Coleman, WR, BUF
Coleman lands in a good spot with Stefon Diggs vacating 160 targets in the Buffalo offense. He becomes a strong investment by the Bills having been selected 34th in the second round of the NFL Draft.
But, in spite of the draft capital and landing spot, Coleman tumbles a bit here behind as the 7th WR taken in this mock.
While his size and athleticism scream “X receiver” at the next level, Coleman’s production only quietly whispers “alpha.”
Coleman enters the NFL with his best grade in 2022 given a 76.1 from PFF. He will need to prove he can hang with NFL cornerbacks.
2.04 -Michael Penix Jr., QB, ATL
It’s reach time baby. The most polarizing pick of the NFL Draft is also the hardest one to assess for dynasty. Already an older prospect, Penix Jr. looks likely to sit on the bench for the next two years under Kirk Cousins.
While the Atlanta Falcons seem committed to enduring that pain, are you willing to punt a pick that long? Particularly for a guy who only goes 1.07 in this draft even if Cousins weren’t around?
Ultimately, it’s still a QB taken in the top 12. This late in a Superflex rookie draft, I don’t care where you are, the upside is just too good. A couple of years ago this was Jalen Hurts sitting here in the second round of dynasty drafts behind Carson Wentz.
If you like the talent, take him while you can.
2.05 – Trey Benson, RB, ARZ
Penix Jr. serves as the line between those zones of respectable talent, and taking fliers. Benson, while leading the bunch, certainly falls into the latter category.
There is three-down potential here of course. The 4.39 40 time at 6’0″ and 216 lbs. works fine in my book, and any book for that matter.
In 2022, he shed tackles at a historic rate breaking 0.51 tackles per carry. Unfortunately, he just wasn’t given that much opportunity in college, averaging less than 12 carries a game.
That won’t likely change this year sitting behind James Conner. While Conner is certainly getting up there in age, Benson’s third round status guarantees him nothing next year. Just like his running style, this is boom or bust.
2.06 – Xavier Legette, WR, CAR
Good news: The Carolina Panthers traded up for Legette because of how much they believed in his talent. Legette broke out in a big way in 2023. He utilized his 4.39 speed and big body at 6’1″ 221 lbs. to work up the sideline and stretch the field vertically.
Bad news: The Panthers don’t have a great recent history for trading up. Bryce Young was B-A-D and there isn’t much evidence to suggest a turnaround is very likely.
With Diontae Johnson installed as the top receiver, there may not be enough volume to go around.
2.07 – Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, NE
Predictably, in a deep wide receiver draft, New England decided to flank their new quarterback with a new receiver to grow with. Polk joins one of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL with ample opportunity.
That alone really can’t be ignored given his early second round draft capital, but Polk also has the talent to take advantage. If Drake Maye lights it up, Polk could ascend much like Nico Collins did with C.J. Stroud.
2.08 – Adonai Mitchell, WR, IND
Another underachiever in college, Mitchell averaged only 40.2 receiving yards per game. On tape however, the traits flash as his eye popping 4.34 speed and strong hands make his ceiling apparent.
Much like the quarterback behind him, there’s too much potential to pass here. But Anthony Richardson isn’t necessarily expected to air it out. We’ll have to wait and see how much volume there is to divvy up in Indy.
2.09 – Blake Corum, RB, LAR
Corum broke out in a big way as PFF’s highest-graded rusher of 2023. Claiming offensive MVP honors in the National Championship certainly gained him a lot of fans.
Unfortunately, those fans included the Los Angeles Rams. Kyren Williams looks set as the leadback in an offense that doesn’t like to share. Corum certainly has upside in trying to take that role. He also has a lot of downside on a team that’s mercurial with their running back room.
2.10 – MarShawn Lloyd, RB, GB
Yes, he’s quite blocked by a freshly minted Josh Jacobs. For now. I wouldn’t worry about that too much at this stage.
Whats important is that he’s been drafted to a team that loves to run the ball. Josh Jacobs’ production fell off a cliff last year, as evidenced by his yards per carry sliding from 4.9 to 3.5. The end is nearer than the Green Bay Packers likely think and paid for.
2.11 – Malachi Corley, WR, NYJ
The Buffalo Bills under Brandon Beane have often tipped their hands as far as how they approach the wide receiver position. Their public emphasis, in spite of their trade for Stefon Diggs, has been about having receivers complement each other more so than seeking to invest in high-end talent.
Corley was a productive receiver who played all over the field. His overall route tree doesn’t stretch too far, but there are certainly spots the Bills will be looking to utilize him. With Josh Allen under center, that can mean touchdowns in a hurry.
2.12 – Bucky Irving, RB, TB
We end the second round with what is probably a bit of a reach compared to consensus. But hey, what’s life without a little spice, let’s mix it up!
I have to back my previous assertions anyway that Rachaad White is a vulnerable back playing for a statue in Baker Mayfield. Beyond that, Irving was a solid pass-catcher in college who caused chaos all over the field. He might lack the size to play inside, but he wouldn’t be the first undersized back to find success.