The 2024 Perfect Startup Draft: Superflex Bully QB/TE
Over the span of the next few weeks, we’re going to be bringing you our 2024 versions of the “Perfect Draft.” Anyone who has followed us for any length of time knows you can’t enter a draft without a strategy but which strategy you choose will directly affect who you want to target. With that in mind, these are the strategies we’re going to cover:
- Win Now
- Value
- Balanced
- Productive Struggle
- Fake Punt
- Zero RB
- Bully QB/TE
- Robust RB
Most are familiar with the value of quarterbacks in a superflex format. The elite quarterbacks go fast and furious, and even middling talents are pushed into the high rounds due to simple supply and demand. Somehow find a way to nab two high-end quarterbacks? You can pretty much punch your ticket to the playoffs, assuming you are not asleep at the wheel at the other positions.
A less popular build is TE Bully. The goal is to dominate the landscape at tight end, not only securing a player who can provide a weekly advantage in the TE slot but the type of depth that allows you to start a tight end in the flex spot and eliminate strong options from your opponent.
Here, we combine quarterbacks and tight ends to dominate a superflex draft, utilizing the QB-TE Bully approach. Like any strategy, you need to thread the needle to make this work. You will be laughed out of the league if you are plugging in Johnny Mundt in your flex weekly. However, there is a clear opportunity to find an edge if you identify the talents who can perform weekly.
Using July Superflex ADP, let’s have the perfect dynasty startup draft.
First Round
Early (Team One): Josh Allen, QB BUF
At the top, we are keeping it simple. Josh Allen has been fantasy’s top quarterback in three of the past four seasons, and while losing Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis raises questions about his supporting cast, he has proven to be a dominant performer in fantasy due to his rushing ability and his ever-expanding passing game. Only 28, Allen is in the midst of his prime years and is arguably the top building block in superflex leagues.
Mid (Team Two): Anthony Richardson, QB IND
Despite limited experience – both at Florida and in the NFL – fantasy managers are salivating over the fantasy prospects of Anthony Richardson. In an admittedly small sample size in 2023, Richardson was a fantasy superstar, showcasing the explosive dual-threat ability that made him a top prospect for both the NFL Draft and superflex leagues. There is no discount here; you are buying Richardson at a price that bakes in his upside, though the reward is well worth it if Richardson can stay healthy. He has the tools to be the QB1 annually.
Late (Team Three): Jordan Love, QB GB
A breakout season has Love as one of the newest highly-paid players in the league, and more importantly, sneaking into the back end of round one in dynasty superflex drafts. Armed with one of the game’s premier playcallers in Matt LaFleur and with a deep group of young and ascending receivers, Love is all of a sudden safe selection who should remain one of fantasy’s best quarterbacks.
Second Round
Early (Team One): Caleb Williams, QB CHI
The first overall pick is already well-regarded in dynasty circles yet could see his value vault into the middle of the first round if his rookie year matches the hype. This could be his most palatable cost for a long time and pairing him with Allen gives this team a chance to obliterate teams weekly at the quarterback position.
Mid (Team Two): Jayden Daniels, QB WAS
Jayden Daniels is already a highly-ranked dynasty asset due to his rushing ability. The number two overall selection could provide Lamar Jackson-esque value with his legs. If he can round out his game as Jackson has, he could become a first-round lock in superflex dynasty formats.
Late (Team Three): Trevor Lawrence, QB JAC
After a rather pedestrian 2023, Trevor Lawrence has lost some of his dynasty juice. The circumstances, however, were less than ideal last season, and there was a lot of production left on the field due to Jacksonville’s less-than-stellar supporting cast. This is not to absolve Lawrence; he still has plenty to prove, especially after signing a lucrative extension. However, entering his age-25 season and armed with what we hope is an improved offensive line, Lawrence could remind us of why he was so well-regarded and prove a steal late in the second round.
Third Round
Early (Team One): AJ Brown, WR PHI
Armed with an elite quarterback duo and without an obvious tight end choice at ADP, Team One sits back and corrals an elite receiver in AJ Brown. Brown has been excellent in Philadelphia and provides an enticing combination of floor and ceiling. The quarterbacks drive down elite players at other positions, creating an opportunity to land a great player early in the third.
Mid (Team Two): Jonathan Taylor, RB IND
After landing a pair of potential superstars in Anthony Richardson and Jayden Daniels, Team Two adds to a Colts stack with Jonathan Taylor, a back whose ceiling was well demonstrated in 2021. The Colts offense is poised to have a fantastic 2024, which could lead to Taylor returning to previous heights as he provides an anchor running back for this team whose prime years should dovetail with Richardson’s ascent.
Late (Team Three): Sam LaPorta, TE DET
LaPorta’s rookie season was truly special, and while he may not have the touchdown fortune he had in 2023, he could elevate his game elsewhere as he cements himself as the clear top tight end in dynasty leagues. At 23 and with a prominent role on one of the league’s most explosive offenses, LaPorta fits this strategy perfectly.
Fourth Round
Early (Team One): Nico Collins, WR HOU
Nico Collins’ built on some strong underlying metrics in 2022 to deliver a true breakout season in 2023, teaming with Rookie of the Year CJ Stroud to make the Texans one of the league’s most exciting offenses. While Houston has receiver depth, Collins remains a pivotal weapon within this offense, attached to Stroud for his prime years after posting incredible efficiency as a third-year player. He is another building block for Team One.
Mid (Team Two): Trey McBride, TE ARI
One of 2023’s biggest breakout stars, McBride was fantastic as a sophomore as he became the featured piece in Arizona’s offense. He soared up dynasty rankings, currently sitting as the second tight end off the board and a potential stalwart at the position for years to come. He assists in building a bully via tight end and could post big numbers even with a target hog like Marvin Harrison Jr in town.
Late (Team Three): Kyren Williams, RB LAR
Normally, a third-year running back who had the type of 2023 Kyren Williams had would be a nearly untouchable commodity. Lingering doubts about Williams’ prospect profile – from his athletic testing to his draft capital to his size – have conspired to keep his price in check. It is a great opportunity to land a top running back late in the fourth round, alleviating pressure to load up on some value backs later in the draft.
Fifth Round
Early (Team One): Dalton Kincaid, TE BUF
After losing both Stefon Diggs and Gave Davis in the offseason, there is ample room for Dalton Kincaid to expand his role within the offense. Dawson Knox figures to be a thorn in his side, but Kincaid is a former first-round pick now entering year two in an offense that will still be productive with Josh Allen under center. He should operate in more of a downfield role than he did in 2023, potentially allowing him to work into the top three of dynasty tight end rankings.
Mid (Team Two): Brock Bowers, TE LV
Bowers is a perfect target for TE-hungry managers. He is a rare, dynamic prospect, yet one whose price remains manageable due to the fact he has yet to step on an NFL field in a regular season game. Bowers could be the rare tight end who is a featured piece in his passing offense, making him a strong add while his price is still palatable.
Late (Team Three): Travis Kelce, TE KC
Kelce’s age is sure to make any dynasty manager cringe, yet he remains a staple at the position even as he hits his mid-30s. 2023 was the worst we have seen from Kelce in a long while, and it still resulted in 93 receptions for nearly 1,000 yards. The bar is so high for Kelce that a simply good season is boring. It looks like Kelce plans to play two more seasons given his recently restructured contract, allaying concerns this is his last ride.
Sixth Round
Early (Team One): Kyle Pitts, TE ATL
Many are slowly being brought back to Kyle Pitts, yet many of us never left. Pitts was not right in 2023, still being impacted by a significant knee injury he suffered in 2022. He was also never a good fit for Arthur Smith, a head coach who appeared more interested in proving how smart he was as opposed to keeping this simple and feeding his best players. He should remind us of how good he is in 2024 with a brand-new situation ushering in a new era in Atlanta.
Mid (Team Two): Tank Dell, WR HOU
Team Two has built a juggernaut around him, making Tank Dell a viable top receiver with plausible upside. Had his rookie season not been truncated by a serious injury on a blocking play near the goal line, his current ADP may be a full round higher. Dell was an electric playmaker in 2023 and should continue to grow within an ascending offense.
Late (Team Three): Brian Thomas Jr. WR JAC
Brian Thomas Jr. as your WR1 in any format is a leap of faith, but you are making tradeoffs when you build elsewhere. The dynasty community seems a bit lukewarm on Thomas, perhaps due to worries he only produced big numbers in one year. His developmental curve was always going to be a bit longer, however, and few receivers combine his size and athleticism. He could be Jacksonville’s WR1 by 2025 and reward teams who are patient with him.
Seventh Round
Early (Team One): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR SEA
JSN’s rookie season did not go to script. He was a distant third in the pecking order and former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron never seemed to quite figure out how to best utilize him. The entire coaching staff has turned over in Seattle, offering hope Smith-Njigba shows the promise he did as a prospect out of Ohio State. A hot start would have him shooting up dynasty rankings.
Mid (Team Two): Trey Benson, RB ARI
An explosive runner who is a big play waiting to happen, Trey Benson will need to let his game mature before pressing James Conner, yet he has a great opportunity to start in 2025. When we are looking to hit home runs with runners in the middle of the round, we want the legitimate upside Benson provides.
Late (Team Three): Jayden Reed, WR GB
Despite a very strong rookie year, Jayden Reed’s dynasty price is in check. It makes sense; dynasty leagues are far too savvy to be seduced by unsustainable touchdown rates and acknowledge the competition for targets in Green Bay. On the other hand, Reed still has plenty of room to grow and showed himself to be a unique playmaker for the Packers in year one. He is a strong addition to this receiver room, even if you feel he is better suited as a WR2 at the NFL level.
Eighth Round
Early (Team One): Rashee Rice, WR KC
The looming threat of suspension has created a buy opportunity for Rashee Rice. Rice did a lot of things well as a rookie – and while the target competition is becoming stiffer – he looks ready to assume the featured role he had late in 2023, especially as Travis Kelce hits the latter stage of his career. Were there no risk of NFL discipline, Rice would be going much higher, providing a strong starter at a favorable cost.
Mid (Team Two): Terry McLaurin, WR WAS
Terry McLaurin is at an interesting juncture in his career. Jayden Daniels may be the best quarterback he has ever played with, but possibly not in year one, and McLaurin will be in his 30s by the time Daniels hits his prime years. Still, McLaurin has been a steady if unspectacular producer during his career in less-than-ideal circumstances and is a fine add when complementing a lot of skill at other positions.
Three (Team Three): George Kittle, TE SF
Perhaps his appearance on Netflix’s Receiver boosts his ADP, but as is, George Kittle is an impact player going at the end of Round 8. Tight ends can age gracefully, and Kittle is locked in as a 49er for the foreseeable future, making him a strong add even for a team with two tight ends already. LaPorta, Kelce, and Kittle epitomize a Bully TE build, and all can slot in as starters in the flex as well as at tight end.
Ninth Round
Early (Team One): Tyjae Spears, RB TEN
We should have expected the Titans to bring in competition for Tyjae Spears despite a promising rookie season. The good news is they brought in Tony Pollard, a solid back yet not one who is going to dominate the workload. Spears was particularly effective as a receiver in 2023 and could really thrive through the air in a new-look Titan offense. I would expect he is a popular target in builds that prioritize other positions.
Mid (Team Two): Michael Penix, QB ATL
You may have heard the Falcons took Michael Penix despite handing Kirk Cousins a lucrative contract. Patience will be required, but Penix could be a goldmine as his stock figures to only creep upwards over the coming years even if his playing time is limited. He will not be for everyone, but he could well be on the Jordan Love path.
Late (Team Three): Ricky Pearsall, WR SF
Buzz around Ricky Pearsall has been quiet despite being a first-round receiver. The depth of the 49ers receiver room (including George Kittle) along with the never-ending Brandon Aiyuk saga have made Pearsall a forgotten man, yet he has a great opportunity long-term. He is the perfect stash for a team looking to reap rewards in 2025 and beyond.
Tenth Round
Early (Team One): David Njoku, TE CLE
Despite an elite finish to 2023 and somehow just turning 28, David Njoku is available in Round 10. We can fairly acknowledge his monster games were with Joe Flacco under center; the production with Deshaun Watson just has not been there. If we assume Watson will improve as he has moved past his shoulder injury, the connection with Njoku should rapidly improve and the Browns tight end could very well be the second man in line for targets. Perhaps the long developmental curve for Njoku soured many on him, but he has the look of one of the game’s best at the position in 2024.
Mid (Team Two): Blake Corum, RB LAR
Blake Corum has looked right at home in the Rams’ backfield, operating as the clear backup to Kyren Williams and looking capable of filling in should Williams miss time. While being stuck behind another solid, young running back is less than ideal, Corum should have some standalone value while possessing immense upside if anything happens to Williams. He could work his way into a starting role before his rookie contract is over.
Late (Team Three): Xavier Legette, WR CAR
Few seem to actually want to draft Xavier Legette despite his first-round draft capital. I will admit I have my doubts, but he will be given every opportunity to become a dynamic playmaker for Bryce Young. We are swinging big late in Round 10 with a player who could be Carolina’s WR1.
Eleventh Round
Early (Team One): Brian Robinson, RB WAS
It is boring, yet Brian Robinson falling this far should be celebrated. He was an effective grinder for Washington in 2023 and showed more receiving chops than he had previous. He could start for the Commanders over the final two years of his rookie deal – and even if he cedes more work to Austin Ekeler – should be a contributor to fantasy backfields.
Mid (Team Two): MarShawn Lloyd, RB GB
A preseason hamstring injury does not damper the outlook for MarShawn Lloyd. He is a gifted runner who could work his way into a rotation for Matt LaFleur, who has shown a propensity to rotate backs. Lloyd has immense long-term upside if for some reason Josh Jacobs is not a fit in Green Bay.
Late (Team Three): Zach Charbonnet, RB SEA
While the drumbeat for Kenneth Walker has been steady this offseason, Zach Charbonnet is still a young runner with a three-down skillset who should work his way into a rotation. He would be an immediate value if Walker missed time and has the build and well-rounded game to carve out a long career, even if he fails to hit a true ceiling.
Twelfth Round
Early (Team One): Jaylen Wright, RB MIA
Jaylen Wright is a bet on a match of skillset and situation. Immediate returns could be limited, but Wright could be part of a committee as soon as 2025. The Dolphins are the ideal situation to maximize his toolkit and his stock will soar once he breaks off his first long run.
Mid (Team Two): Adonai Mitchell, WR IND
Adonai Mitchell is as physically gifted as they come, a common theme on the Colts roster. He will be given every opportunity to become a key contributor on offense yet will not be rushed in his development. Patient fantasy managers could be rewarded with a dynamic receiver in the middle rounds.
Late (Team Three): Chase Brown, RB CIN
Chase Brown has done everything in his power to be a more complete player and now stands to be part of a committee with Zack Moss in Cincinnati. If his more well-rounded game can work in conjunction with his explosive athletic ability, Brown could be someone we wonder why we were drafting so late.
Team One
QB Josh Allen
QB Caleb Williams
WR AJ Brown
WR Nico Collins
TE Dalton Kincaid
TE Kyle Pitts
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
WR Rashee Rice
RB Tyjae Spears
TE David Njoku
RB Brian Robinson
RB Jaylen Wright
Team Two
QB Anthony Richardson
QB Jayden Daniels
RB Jonathan Taylor
TE Trey McBride
TE Brock Bowers
WR Tank Dell
RB Trey Benson
WR Terry McLaurin
QB Michael Penix
RB Blake Corum
RB MarShawn Lloyd
WR Adonai Mitchell
Team Three
QB Jordan Love
QB Trevor Lawrence
TE Sam LaPorta
RB Kyren Williams
TE Travis Kelce
WR Brian Thomas Jr.
WR Jayden Reed
TE George Kittle
WR Ricky Pearsall
WR Xavier Legette
RB Zach Charbonnet
RB Chase Brown
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