Although the 2023 fantasy football season is over and we are bracing ourselves for an exciting NFL playoffs, it still feels like there’s not enough football being talked about (could there ever be?). With the conclusion of the CFB National Championship earlier this week, I figured it’s as good a time as any to take a first look at our 2024 rookie rankings and ponder where these top college stars will fit into fantasy football drafts come next fall.
This has been such a fantastic college football season, with so many unforgettable games, so much controversy, and, most importantly, so many breakout stars making cases for themselves to get drafted and play on the grandest of stages. From the prep for the actual NFL draft to the start of all of our dynasty rookie drafts, we sure are in for an exciting and thrilling six months (a very underrated part of fantasy football, in my opinion).
I’ve more commonly seen people do position-specific rankings regarding rookies entering the fantasy player pools; however, I see it best to rank simply the top prospects in one list regardless of their position. My ranking is determined solely by their overall value as an NFL prospect and potential difference-maker in your fantasy football leagues.
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Early 2024 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Speaking of difference-makers, does it get more obvious than this? Son of NFL legend Marvin Harrison, this kid has all the tools to instantly become a superstar in every application of the word. Not that he needs more going for him, but based on where current NFL mock drafts are, it looks like he will go to a team with a component quarterback situation where he will also instantly become the WR1. Expect lots of targets, receptions, and touchdowns for Harrison Jr starting in week 1. Far and away the top receiver prospect out of this class.
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Like Harrison Jr, this is another immediate impact player to keep your eye on starting in week 1 of next season. Out of a school that recently gave us Jamarr Chase and Justin Jefferson, Nabers may be the most promising prospect of the three. He improved immensely from 2022 to 2023, having 17 more receptions, over 500 more yards, and 11 more touchdowns in one less game played. Nabers has also been recognized for having a tremendous work ethic and a willingness to listen to coaching – something that can’t be said about everyone as talented as him. The quarterback room may not be as stable for him as for Harrison Jr, but all signs are still trending in the right direction for Nabers to become a premium fantasy starter immediately.
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Another pretty clear-cut difference-maker here. Although many say the gap between Williams and the other top quarterbacks has shrunk, there is little evidence that supports that. Williams played more reservedly in 2023 (which led to the Trojans having a worse record than in 2022), but that is very common for prospects with his allure. He was a slightly more accurate passer this year, and he averaged slightly more yards per attempt – both good signs and very important out of a potential franchise-altering QB prospect. I expect early struggles like so many before him; however, there is no telling how high his ceiling is come mid-season next year.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Have I convinced you that this wide receiver class is elite yet? Thomas Jr. is another game-changing player who could quickly become a team’s WR1. He is coming into the league after catching 17 touchdown passes from the 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. (that is not a typo – the third-ranked receiver caught 17 touchdown passes in 2023). His knock against him is that he has limited go-to routes, which may hold him back a tiny bit at first, but this kid can (and will) still make explosive plays happen with all the skills he already possesses. Give him a few years, and he will be one of the game’s best.
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
I understand that Drake Maye will be drafted before Daniels in the NFL draft. However, I don’t see how Maye could be considered a better fantasy prospect than him. The 2023 Heisman winner was responsible for over 400 yards of offense a game, and, between passing and rushing produced 50 touchdowns to only five turnovers. Yes, he had great weapons, but that’s not something you could use against him. Time and time again, people doubted he could do it, and, repeatedly, he just kept his head down and proved all the naysayers wrong. Jayden Daniels will be a great fantasy QB for years to come.
Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Drake Maye, similar to Caleb Williams, had a more reserved 2023, and at times, it looked like he was saving himself for the NFL. In Maye’s case, however, his accuracy and yards per play didn’t improve, and his turnover count increased, which is why he has fallen to QB3, in my opinion. For such reasons, Maye seems like more of a long-term investment rather than an immediate impact player. Don’t get me wrong, he will be great and is not a bad pick by any means, but can he carry your fantasy team starting in 2024? I don’t think so.
Rome Odunze, WR, WASH
I love Rome Odunze. Being as objective as I possibly can, I think his draft stock has fallen off a little bit, but this kid is a freak athlete who has all the tools to be a WR1 still. I would pay close attention to his combine scores and his official scouting profile once it’s released. Still, Odunze absolutely has what it takes to shake off his lacklustre playoff performances and have his 2023 stats translate to NFL success. I just no longer can objectively say he’ll be a better fantasy performer than the three receivers I ranked above him.
Tre’Veyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The first RB taken in fantasy leagues should be Tre’Veyon Henderson, assuming he declares for the draft this year. Although he likely will not be taken in round one of the NFL draft, he will likely be a fantasy weapon and a great option to have as a third RB on your roster. I could see Henderson earning the majority of his team’s reps by midseason and never looking back from there.
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Brock Bowers is hard to rank for me because I think he is the penultimate football prospect. He can block extremely well, run routes like a true receiver, and evade tackles as well as anyone. The only reason he isn’t ranked higher is because, depending on what team chooses him, he might not put up all that many fantasy stats. For example, Bowers could go to a team like the Chargers, where he is targeted and used as much as any tight end in the game. Or, he could go to a team like the Giants, where he would be used primarily as a lead blocker or sixth offensive lineman. Do your due diligence, and invest in Bowers at your own risk.
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
In my eyes, Williams, Maye, Daniels, and Nix will be the only four quarterbacks who will definitely get starts and be given a generous amount of freedom, trust, and ample opportunity in the 2024 NFL season. I think it’s quite obvious that Nix ranks below the other three mentioned, and yes, he absolutely will make mistakes throughout his first couple of years, but this kid absolutely can and will pad his stats (specifically passing yds and TDS) – which is something to make note of as a fantasy owner.
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
As more film has been viewed on Coleman, more people are starting to recognize him as a receiver at the top of tier 2 rather than one in the bottom of tier 1 coming out of this class. I understand the skepticism; however, it seems to me the big thing Coleman lacks is discipline – something that all NFL teams value and instill into all their players. He has shown plenty of flashes of greatness but has then been inconsistent at times. Put him into the right situation, and I expect him to be a great fantasy receiver for years to come. I don’t love to give player comparisons this early on, but I see a lot of George Pickens in Keon Coleman – lots of receptions and yards racked up afterward.
Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
Sure, there may be another WR more skilled than Benson to take the final spot on my list, but I understand the importance of running backs in fantasy as well as anyone. Expect Benson to be given a chance to earn reps right from week 1, and to be a solid RB3 or RB4 on your fantasy team for next season.
While you ponder our early 2024 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings, head on over and check out these 10 Wide Receivers Who Are Rising in Value in Dynasty Leagues.