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Editor’s Note: This live analysis of the 2024 NFL Draft will provide pick-by-pick dynasty perspective in the early rounds, transitioning to round-by-round analysis as we get into day three. The latest updates will always appear at the bottom of the post. We will continue providing more in-depth recaps, breakdowns, rankings, and mock drafts, which you can find here.
The time is here! Welcome to the 2024 NFL Draft! I will be covering all the offensive skill position selections and giving an instant reaction for the player and their respective team. I am excited to see what will transpire as the draft continues throughout the weekend. If you aren’t already a DLF Premium subscriber, you won’t want to wait any longer! We’re covering the NFL Draft and dynasty rookie drafts from every perspective. You can get 20% off the normal price by clicking the banner below, or you can check out our “deals” section to see how you can get it for free.
Now, on to the analysis!
We made it.
We have consumed all the analysis. We have stomached the hot takes and engagement farming. Finally, we get to see how the NFL Draft unfolds.
Fantasy managers always get hot and bothered when rookies are entering the league, but 2024 has a chance to be a special group. Need a quarterback? Four are expected to go in the Top 11, with some forecasting the top four picks are going to be signal callers. Eyeing receivers? Welcome in three true studs along with outstanding depth. Elite tight end? Nab Brock Bowers and sleep soundly. Top running back? Well…just hope Jonathan Brooks gets a cozy landing spot.
There is no drama at the top: Caleb Williams will be a Bear. Jayden Daniels is expected to be a Commander, though there is still some doubt at number two overall. The third pick looks to be a pivot point. The Patriots desperately need a quarterback and Drake Maye is the favorite, though they may attempt to maneuver within the Top 10 if they do not perceive much of a gap between the second tier at the position. It will be a fantasy friendly first round. Sit back and enjoy the festivities.
For all the posturing, this has been the pick since the season ended. Williams is one of the best quarterback prospects we have seen in recent times and immediately opens the Bears Super Bowl window. With D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen out wide and Darnell Wright looking like a foundational piece along the line, the Bears all of a sudden have a strong supporting cast. The former Sooner and Trojan is a dynasty QB1 from day one. Get excited, Chicago.
As expected, it is Jayden Daniels. It would be an understatement to say he had a big year; he absolutely eviscerated defenses as he won the Heisman Trophy. Washington has completely rebuilt their leadership structure and turns to Daniels as they look to get off the mat in the NFC East. His running ability alone will make him a fantasy asset. If he continues to improve his passing game – as he did during his time at LSU – Daniels will be a fantasy superstar.
The Patriots stand pat and land Maye, breathing new life into an offense which has become incredibly stagnant post-Tom Brady. Maye oozes upside yet may sit behind Brissett early as he cleans up some of the weaknesses which have some nervous about his NFL projection. Fortunately, Matt Patricia is no longer in charge of this offense. New England is not an ideal landing spot as is but we have to hope Jared Mayo has bigger offensive plans than late career Bill Belichick. In Superflex leagues, Maye is a likely Top 5 rookie selection and given the dynasty quarterback landscape he has immense value from day one.
Harrison has been the favorite to be the first non-QB off the board since he tormented Utah in the Rose Bowl. He has elite tools and teams with Kyler Murray to give the Cardinals a strong QB-WR duo. Harrison is the favorite to go number one in rookie drafts in single QB leagues and even has a case in Superflex leagues. This a great match of talent and team. Harrison is a dynasty WR1 from the jump.
The Giants bypass McCarthy to make a move for Nabers, possibly the most explosive receiver in this draft. It is a much-needed tonic for what ails the Giants: an absence of offensive talent. The WR1 in many classes, Nabers is a home run play waiting to happen. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Nabers is an elite dynasty asset. What a fun draft.
Wow. This is stunning. Already an older prospect, Penix now sits behind Cousins for an undetermined amount of time. Two years seems like the minimum, making Penix a tough call in rookie drafts. But you cannot ignore the first round – nay, top ten draft capital. I am shaken. We have our first true twist of the 2024 NFL Draft.
What a night to be a Bears fan. Need a franchise QB? Sure – send your flowers to the Panthers. Need a luxury pick yet one who can be your WR1 before long? Why not. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. Thievery. Embrace this Chicago: Odunze is a Top 5-6 rookie selection in Superflex and Top 3 in single QB.
The Vikings were patient and still landed McCarthy. Regardless of what you think of McCarthy, this was an excellent scenario for the Vikings. They nab their quarterback of the future and hold on to pick 23 – at least for now. McCarthy is a first rounder in Superflex leagues and Minnesota is an ideal landing spot; he has a lot of long-term appeal. At the very least, the Vikings have made life easier for their weapons, assuming Justin Jefferson is back in the fold long-term.
All offense, all the time. The Broncos were desperate at quarterback – perhaps more than anyone – and go for Bo Nix. I think it is a reach, but when the need is so great at such an important position, you go big. This is at least a soft landing spot, as we trust Sean Payton can put forth a decent offense. Nix moves into the Round 1 discussion in Superflex leagues, even if he appears to have a modest ceiling.
The Raiders look to have gone best player available, as they land Bowers despite spending an early second round pick on Michael Mayer last year. This draft seems to be dismissive of dynasty rosters, which is pretty rude if you ask me. Still no defenders – fantasy managers are jubilant. Bowers is a Top 5 dynasty tight end early despite the presence of Mayer.
The Jaguars move back and still land Thomas, who may have fallen a bit due to the depth of this receiver class. He is a big, athletic receiver who had a monster junior season. The Jaguars needed a top receiver and hope they landed one in Thomas Jr. After losing Ridley, this was a big need. Thomas settles into Round 1 of rookie drafts and Trevor Lawrence lands the receiver he needs.
Care to draft a receiver attached to Patrick Mahomes? Xavier Worthy – forty champion – is your man. They identified a type and were aggressive to land him; great fit. Worthy was a player who vacillated along the Round 1/Round 2 fringe yet this landing spot is hard to ignore.
Pearsall looked like a day two player; he rumbles into Round 1 with the Niners. Does this mean Brandon Aiyuk is on the move? It is not clear, but a cozy spot for Pearsall. He now surges up draft boards in all formats…you have to respect the draft capital.
The last pick of the round goes to Carolina, and it is Legette. While I have time for him, I am not enthused about him here, especially when trading up. The Panthers could have just stayed put and selected a better receiver IMO. They are at least looking to help Bryce Young breakout in year two.
If you enjoy fantasy football, you enjoyed Thursday evening. An optimist would view six teams as upgrading at quarterback; a pessimist would see five teams reaching. In any event, offense was a theme. Six quarterbacks in the top twelve. Three receivers in the top nine. A draft class which we all dream about.
The endgame? A 2024 which sees offense back on the upswing after a sluggish 2023. This class is strong enough to elevate an entire offensive unit.
Offense carried the day yet we see many talented players available on day two, most notably receivers such as Adonai Mitchell and Ladd McConkey, along with running back Jonathan Brooks, who has long been linked to the Cowboys. While Day 1 soaks up the hype, Day 2 is often the most entertaining day of the draft. Are you ready?
A rough rookie Top 12 post-Round 1 (Single QB):
1- Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, CHI
2 – Malik Nabers, WR NYG
3 – Rome Odunze, WR CHI
4 – Brian Thomas, WR JAX
5 – Brock Bowers, TE LAV
6 – Xavier Worthy, WR KC
7 – Jonathan Brooks, RB TBD
8 – Caleb Williams, QB CHI
9 – Ladd McConkey, WR TBD
10 – Adonai Mitchell, WR TBD
11 – Ricky Pearsall, WR SF
12 – Jayden Daniels, QB WAS
We start day two with more offense, as the Bills fill a massive void by landing a big, physical receiver in Keon Coleman. As far as landing spots go, this is perfect. Coleman steps in as the best long-term prospect on the roster and teams with Josh Allen to provide Buffalo with some juice on offense. A very cozy fantasy fit.
It is yet another receiver, with the Chargers trading up for McConkey. Justin Herbert desperately needed more weapons and gets one in McConkey, who can get open against just about anyone. With a tackle in Round 1 and a receiver in Round 2, the Chargers are getting Herbert all the help he needs.
Receivers: so hot right now. The Patriots are building around Drake Maye with their second pick. Polk does a bit of everything; I question if he has the tools to be a true number one, but a solid number two is well within reason. He should earn snaps immediately in New England and we can at least be encouraged the Patriots are making an effort to retool with this offense.
The Panthers jump up the board to nab the draft’s first runner. Jonathon Brooks is the clear RB1 in this class in my view and gives Carolina a building block on offense. We do not get excited about Carolina as a landing spot these days, but Brooks will have all sorts of opportunity to take control of this backfield. He may be the only running back worthy of a first-round rookie pick.
The slide for Adonai Mitchell ends with the Colts selecting him at Pick 52. This tumble could actually work in his favor, as the Colts had a big need on the perimeter and fill it with a special athlete in Mitchell. With Michael Pittman, Mitchell, and Josh Downs, the Colts have created a friendly environment for Anthony Richardson. Shane Steichen was able to keep this offense afloat with Gardner Minshew last year; this collection of talent could have Indianapolis turning into one of the league’s most fantasy-friendly offenses.
The second tight end off the board is Ben Sinnott, a do-everything tight end who should insert himself directly into Washington’s starting lineup. This is a nice match of player and team and Sinnott likely slides into Round 3 of rookie drafts. I do not see immense fantasy upside, but he could very well slide into the back end of dynasty TE1’s.
The Jets add to their receiver room with Malachi Corley, a compact receiver who can contribute in multiple ways and is a menace after the catch. He fits in well with Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams and going early in round three likely secures Round 2 rookie draft capital. I think Corley does more for the Jets than he does for fantasy managers, but there is potential here.
The second runner is off the board with Trey Benson to Arizona. Benson is a big play hitter who routinely hit on chunk gains for Florida State. He has enough flaws to prevent him from hitting 20 touches each week (and led to him falling to Round 3) but he is an explosive back who now enters a quality situation in Arizona. James Conner still has it but he is on the back nine of his career. Benson could very well be the future of this backfield.
Jermaine Burton awakens me from my slumber, heading to Cincinnati in Round 3. The Bengals – due to the presence of Joe Burrow – are one of the select few franchises we always wants rookie skill players to head to. I do not expect a ton in year one from Burton, but assuming Tee Higgins moves on in 2025, he has a ton of long-term appeal.
Apparently, Tip Reiman does not believe in birds. I do not believe in his fantasy value, especially with Trey McBride looking like an ascending star. It looks like the Cardinals view Reiman as a tight end ready to do the dirty work. He is an option only in the deepest of rookie drafts.
This is the first selection which really sends dynasty rankings into the ether. Blake Corum is a solid runner; I view him as more of a high-end backup, but he is more than good enough to eat into Kyren Williams’ workload. Stock down on Williams while Corum remains a fringy Round 2 pick in rookie drafts.
Rich Eisen has to be paying off front offices at this point. The Steelers had a need after trading Diontae Johnson and they fill it with Roman Wilson, a player I like to have a long NFL career yet not one filled with fantasy goodness. Still, Round 3 is about what we expected and he could very well be the Steelers WR2 in 2024 and beyond. His stock holds steady.
MarShawn Lloyd heads to Green Bay, where he looks to be a complementary weapon to Josh Jacobs before presumably taking over the backfield a few years into his career. The presence of Jacobs (and AJ Dillon as well) really puts a damper on his dynasty value, but he is a Round 2 option.
Jalen McMillan gets the coveted day two draft capital, and I feel this is about as perfect a spot as one could ask for. Immediate opportunity is limited, but the Buccaneers have two aging vets and little behind them on the depth chart. This is a long play, but McMillan is another player flirting with Round 2 draft value in rookie drafts.
Bloodlines are strong with Luke McCaffrey. You can connect those dots, but the Commanders clearly saw something they liked. I do not see a ton of fantasy appeal here but McCaffrey has placed himself on the radar with a late selection in Round 3.
After a first-round heavy on offense, day two brought us a lot of defensive talent. There is still plenty to chew on, however. Receivers went fast on Friday and we saw the first runners go off the board.
Most notable may be the omission of a few big names. Troy Franklin – at times mocked in Round 1 – is still on the board heading into day three. I am not his biggest fan but this fall likely means someone is getting a quality player with a late pick. I will be very curious where he lands.
The running back class is largely going to be a pick of your favorite flavor. I am personally on board with Jonathon Brooks as RB1 – even in Carolina – and do not see many contenders. However, Trey Benson and MarShawn Lloyd have pushed Brooks at the top of rankings. Blake Corum is also making some noise after landing with the Rams. For all the fretting over this running back class, someone will step up and provide fantasy production.
The first two days of the draft are the most important. But we still watch day three, because we are sick individuals. If you have read this far, join me in the chaos and follow along for Rounds 4-7.
We waste no time getting to the fantasy goodness on day three, with the Panthers using the first selection of Round 4 to land Ja’Tavion Sanders. I like this fit. The Panthers are bereft of playmakers and Sanders has the tools to become a very solid receiving tight end. He settles into the third round of rookie drafts as a tight end with feasible upside.
The fall for Troy Franklin ends in Round 4, with the Denver Broncos reuniting him with Bo Nix at Pick 102. We have to take note of this draft slide; the NFL clearly sees concerns with Franklin’s game. However, this is a great situation with an unsettled receiver depth chart in Denver. He becomes an intriguing rookie flier in the later rounds.
The Giants nab Theo Johnson in Round 4, an athletic tight end who could prove to be the heir apparent to Darren Waller, who is pondering retirement. Johnson has the receiving tools to become a productive tight end and becomes an intriguing add in the latter half of rookie drafts.
The Patriots are truly building around Drake Maye as they usher in the Jerod Mayo Era. Baker gives New England a competitive receiver who hit on a ton of big plays with Central Florida. I expect Baker to operate more as a team’s WR2 or WR3, capping his fantasy upside, but Baker has a path to a lot of reps early, settling into the final few rounds of rookie drafts.
The Ravens nab Devontez Walker in Round 4, and it is fair to get excited about this fit. Walker can fly and can get vertical in a heartbeat; he figure to have a defined role early as he works to expand his game. Assuming Todd Monken’s offense is here to stay in Baltimore, this is a great match of talent and team and Walker likely sidles into Round 3 of rookie drafts.
A talented tight end whose collegiate career was marred by injury, All finds a soft-landing spot in Cincinnati. The Bengals have not had much receiving production from the tight end position, perhaps partly due to having two excellent receivers on the perimeter but also due to a dearth of talent at the position. All is a perfectly fine late round dart for teams needing depth at tight end.
The Dolphins clearly have a type. Wright can scoot, and he was incredibly productive for the Volunteers despite limited touches. Landing in Miami – even with a lot of competition in the backfield – surely will make Wright one of rookie drafts most popular “sleepers”. Wright has tools which translate in this offense and could very well find himself in Round 2 of rookie drafts by ADP when everything settles.
Every team needs a tight end who can muck it up in the run game. Fantasy teams do not value the skillset. Barner looks like a nice fit as an in-line tight end for the Seahawks but does not move the needle for fantasy purposes.
On the opposite end of the spectrum from Barner, Cade Stover is a plus receiver who can be an asset in the passing game. He does most things at an NFL level but is unlikely to ever star. Coincidentally, he may fall somewhere on the Dalton Schultz spectrum as a player, a veteran he may one day replace.
Tampa Bay adds running back depth with Bucky Irving, a limited athlete with a small frame. Despite the glaring flaws, Irving is a natural runner who makes near every defender miss in the open field. Irving has the look of a quality backup, and this could be considered good news for Rachaad White as Irving is unlikely to push him on the depth chart.
Will Shipley is a great athlete and can do a bit of everything. He is not going to move a pile but is a plus receiver who can put defenders in a blender in the open field. The presence of Saquon Barkley is problematic for opportunity, but Shipley can be an excellent backup and has the tools to emerge with more seasoning.
Ray Davis looks like the ultimate NFL backup. He is tough, compact, and offers plenty as a receiver yet lacks true dynanism in his game. He will join a Bills backfield which needs a complement to James Cook, but it is tough to view Davis as more than a Round 3 pick in rookie drafts.
Isaac Guerendo had my curiosity, but now he has my attention. A tremendous athlete and a late collegiate breakout, Guerendo has an interetsing toolkit and lands in an incredibly run-friendly scheme. I like him to immediately compete with Elijah Mitchell for backup duties and he may be my favorite fantasy selection from this group of runners taken in Round 4.
Jared Wiley was one of the more intriguing talents within the second tier of tight ends, and he lands in Kansas City, where life after Travis Kelce is fast approaching. He has the athleticism to work the field in the intermediate game and has the power to be a redzone threat. I am unlikely to go crazy over a day three tight end, but Wiley could develop into Kelce’s heir apparent.
The Lions have announced Vaki as a running back, an interesting fit after he did a bit of everything for Utah in 2023. I would view Vaki more as a depth player on a NFL roster and feel the Lions may value his character and versatility above all else. Despite Round 4 capital, he is unlikely to be in my Rookie Top 50.
Once thought to be the premier runner in this class, Allen tumbles to the end of Round 4. Allen has an enormous frame yet lacks wiggle and can fail to use his size to finish runs. On the plus side, he is massive and has adequate athleticism to go along with it. He is still very young and may benefit from playing at a lighter weight. The name value may push him into Round 2 of rookie drafts but Round 3 feels more right.
The 49ers close Round 4 by selecting Cowing, a diminutive receiver who was one of the more prolific producers in college football. He looks like a pure slot, and while we like the offense, I do not have much enthusiasm for Cowing in rookie drafts.
A true weapon due to his speed, Anthony Gould is another great athlete joining the Colts. He may be more of a gadget player/return man as opposed to a consistent performer who is a boon to fantasy rosters, but it will be fun to watch him develop under Shane Steichen.
Estime plays a simple yet effective game and could be an ideal complement to Jaleel McLaughlin (I am assuming this is Javonte Williams’ last year in Denver). This is a nice landing spot for Estime; there is a pathway to immediate touches and long-term appeal as a piece of a committee.
It was ages since a quarterback last went, and the Saints end the drought with Spencer Rattler. Rattler has a ton of tools; it is easy to see why he was a favorite of many outside of the ‘Big 6″ quarterbacks. I do not see a high upside, but he is an excellent developmental option behind the very replaceable Derek Carr. Rattler only has rookie draft appeal in Superflex leagues.
This is interesting. Ainias Smith was a hybrid player at Texas A&M, utilized as both a running back and a slot/gadget receiver. If he can fully focus on receiver, I like his fit in between AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. He will likely be one of my favorite picks in the final round of rookie drafts.
I feel Jamari Thrash is better than your average fifth round pick and was done in by the depth of the class. The Browns have a lot of receivers at the moment, but both Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore are in the last years of their deal. Thrash could well develop into a strong WR2 for this team and can likely be had in the last round of rookie drafts.
The Ravens add depth to their backfield with Rasheen Ali, a running back who was a star in college fantasy football circles. Ali puts his foot in the dirt and keeps it simple; no need for him to drift east and west. He feels like purely backfield depth in Baltimore, and I do not see as a necessity to add late in rookie drafts.
I have plenty of time for Tyrone Tracy, a one-time receiver who was productive during his year as a running back. He is a premier athlete and his receiving background allows him to be an asset in the passing game. This is a nice add for a Giants team with one of the weaker backfields in football. If there is a late round/UDFA runner who becomes a star out of this class, my money is on Tracy.
The diminutive Keilan Robinson has tools, though nothing which would indicate he is ready to handle much work at the NFL level. He does have return ability, and the new kickoff rules may have helped him get drafted. I would expect him to go undrafted in most rookie drafts.
Squint and you can see a path to fantasy relevance for Bub Means. He is fairly big at 6’1″ and 212 pounds and uses his frame in contested situations. I feel the overall skillset speaks to a depth receiver on an NFL roster, but he is someone to monitor if you are very late in deep league rookie drafts.
I love me some Travis, and feel he has the tools to become a high-end NFL backup for a long time. For fantasy managers, such a description does not scream must-add, but deep or best ball Superflex leagues can take notice.
The Jets have double-dipped at running back with another big body in Isaiah Davis. This does not mean much for Breece Hall; he is one of the league’s elite. It could, however, spell trouble for Israel Abanikanda. Davis moves on to the rookie draft radar in the final round and figures to battle Braelon Allen for backup duties.
For the final rounds, I will take a different approach. Instead of isolating each skill position selection, I will add some general thoughts as we go, specifically any players I feel could have a fantasy impact despite minimal draft capital.
Malik Washington and Johnny Wilson – two receivers I expected to go much earlier – go back-to-back in Round 6. Washington was a mega producer at Virginia and can get open at will. He just adds to an offensive room which is bursting with speed and explosiveness. Wilson is an odd watch given his unique size, but he does not lumber despite being over 6’6″. He is smooth and despite consistent issues with drops was a playmaker for the Seminoles. Acknowledging the low hit rate of sixth round receivers, I am still saving a late rookie pick for one of these two.
Kimani Vidal to the Chargers is interesting. He is a fire hydrant of a runner who runs with pop and can add value as a pass catcher. The Chargers have a thin depth chart at running back – unless JK Dobbins returns to form – and Vidal has the type of game which should help him make the roster. He is the type of meat and potatoes runner who could endear himself to Jim Harbaugh.
Dylan Laube lands in Las Vegas and could have a role early. Zamir White played well late in 2023 but is not a real threat in the passing game. Laube could step in as a receiving back given his natural hands and smooth routes; good opportunity for Laube despite being picked in Round 6.
We badly needed an infusion of quarterback talent and got it in 2024. It is a near certainty one or more will be a bust, just playing the odds. As a Viking fan, however, I can assure you J.J. McCarthy is getting fitted for his Hall of Fame jacket.
Each of the first six quarterbacks taken have a case to be in the Top 15 of dynasty QB rankings. It was an ugly scene before this draft with names such as Will Levis flirting with the Top 15. This draft should bring offense back and salvage the fantasy careers of immensely talented players who have been besieged by poor QB play (looking at you, Drake London).
Two teams who desperately needed receivers (the Cardinals and Giants) landed elite talents and one who was in good shape currently but had a long-term need (the Bears) added a top talent. Jacksonville got what they hope is their WR1. Kansas City added juice; Buffalo added physicality. This draft had flavors for any palette and has been great for dynasty managers.
We now wait four long months for football to return. I hate to wish away the summer, but the weekends just hit different when there is football on. ADP’s will settle once rookie drafts get rolling, but be sure to check out DLF’s rookie rankings for both single QB and Superflex leagues. There is no better time to prep than now
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