Rookies are here!
What an exciting month it’s been, as the NFL Draft has brought so many answers and maybe even more questions (*cough* we’re looking at you, Atlanta) to the fantasy community. There is no better way to celebrate the incoming rookie class than to incorporate them into fun team name graphics. After all, it’s rookie draft season for all the Dynasty diehards, but even if you don’t dabble in Dynasty, save some of these for your redraft leagues! I made sure to cover every position, whether you play IDP or not, so let’s get to know some rookies I’m excited about for 2024.
Drake Maye – It’s Gonna Be Maye
Drake Maye was drafted third overall by the New England Patriots, exactly as Matt Record predicted pre-draft. Maye is going to be given the keys to an offense that, well, struggled desperately behind Mac Jones. Although they added talent to their receiving room by drafting Jaylen Polk and Javon Baker, Maye still isn’t set up with the best opportunity to shine. However, as a top-three draft pick, he’ll get the opportunity to try. Much better than Jones, I’m excited to see what Maye can bring to this Patriots’ offense, which has been struggling since Tom Brady’s departure in 2019. Drake Maye is usually drafted around the 1.04–1.06 range of Super Flex rookie drafts.
Malik Nabers – Hi-Diddly Ho! Nabers
The Giants FINALLY get a top receiver with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft, LSU stud Malik Nabers. The Giants haven’t had a WR eclipse 800 yards since Odell Beckham in 2017. Daniel Jones must be cheering about this addition. Nabers will be a target hog, although the quality of the targets may not be the best. Still, even with subpar QB play, Nabers is currently being selected in the top 5 of super-flex rookie drafts due to his elite talent. I’m all in on Nabers, and besides, if the team performs as poorly as they did last year, maybe he’ll be getting an upgrade at QB sooner rather than later.
Brock Bowers – Bower Rangers
Lucky pick #13 off the board, TE Brock Bowers, is heading to Vegas. This wasn’t the landing spot I had envisioned for Bowers pre-draft, considering the Raiders already invested in a tight end last year when they selected Michael Mayer 35th overall. Nevertheless, Bowers has landed in Vegas on a team with a desperate need for playmakers. The landing spot didn’t affect Bowers’ ADP too much; I saw him go 1.06 in my SF TE premium rookie draft. With the best hands in the class, a proven game-time winner, and a threat after the catch (YAC), drafting Bowers will pretty much sure up your TE room, a position that’s difficult to excel in, especially in TE premium formats.
Jonathan Brooks – Brooks and Young
The first running back selected in the draft, and usually the first taken in rookie drafts, Brooks and Trey Benson stand in a tier of their own at the running back position this year. Coming off an ACL tear, the Carolina Panthers have no concerns as they dramatically improved their running game from Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. The only concern is the injury, but at only 20 years old, Brooks has plenty of time to continue rehabbing before being fully integrated into this offense. I anticipate a split backfield in his rookie year, but with Hubbard becoming a free agent next year, Brooks will be given the keys to this backfield eventually. I’ve seen Brooks drafted as high as 1.08 in SF rookie drafts but slip into the early 2nd in others.
Roman Wilson – Roman’s Empire
The Steelers made the STEAL of the draft, landing Roman Wilson, the wide receiver from Michigan, in the third round. Wilson has the opportunity to slot in opposite George Pickens as the WR2 in an offense that should see positive TD regression after shoring up the QB room by signing Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. After trading away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers during free agency, the Steelers needed to address their WR needs in the draft. Many expected them to trade for big names like Brandon Aiyuk, Courtland Sutton, or Tee Higgins, but when the board fell to them, they snagged the super-talented Wilson, who showed great route-running ability and strong hands in college. Roman Wilson is one of my favorite mid- to late-second-round targets in super-flex rookie drafts. I drafted him at 2.5 for my Dynasty team, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Ben Sinnott – The Sinnotter
Of course, you’re already playing in TE premium Leagues, yes? If not you should be, and that’s exactly why The Sinnotter should be on your target list this offseason. If you’ve seen the tape, this kid can do it all, line up anywhere, and has elite route running. Currently going in the early third round of rookie drafts as the 2nd TE off the board in SF, Sinnott will need some time to develop on this Commander offense, but with only Zach Ertz, who isn’t getting any younger and is often plagued with injury, he’s a great stash to keep in the arsenal for later in the year or into Year 2.
Latu Laiatu – Better Latu Than Never
Latu Laiatu, the first edge rusher off the board in the NFL draft, lands with the Indianapolis Colts with the 15th pick overall. A true comeback story, Latu missed two entire seasons after not being medically cleared following a severe neck injury. After transferring to UCLA and finally being cleared to play, Latu sure did make the best of it, putting up back-to-back double-digit sack seasons. It’s safe to say that Latu is the best pure pass rusher from the NFL Draft this year, with a great initial burst and the ability to drop into coverage. With solid draft capital, Latu should see the field and opportunity sooner rather than later. He’s in the top tier of rookie edge rushers for your rookie drafts, alongside Jared Verse and Dallas Turner.
Chop Robinson – Chopped
“You have been Chopped!” That’s exactly what QBs will be thinking once Robinson runs them over. Drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins, Robinson possesses both straight speed and power. Weighing 245 pounds and running a 4.48 40-yard dash, the tools are there. Although this DE class isn’t the strongest, he has the most upside of all the rookies. His first step is explosive, and he presents as a three-down player, though he still needs a little refinement. Robinson is usually the 5th or 6th IDP off the board in rookie drafts.
Kool-Aid McKinstry – The Kool-Aid Man
The Big Easy is drinking the Kool-Aid! Or at least drafting the Kool-Aid Man. The New Orleans Saints traded up in the second round to draft McKinstry 41st overall. He’s a physical corner who excels in zone coverage and also boasts impressive punt return skills, which can be valuable in leagues that count return yards. If you’re looking for a CB in your leagues, McKinstry is a solid target for the later rounds of your rookie drafts.
As we wrap up our deep dive into this exciting rookie class, it’s clear that this year’s NFL Draft has brought a wealth of new talent to the fantasy football landscape. From Drake Maye’s potential revival of the Patriots’ offense to Malik Nabers’ much-needed boost to the Giants’ receiving corps, the rookies of 2024 are set to make a significant impact.
Each player brings unique skills and potential. For fantasy players, these rookies offer exciting new prospects to consider in both dynasty and redraft leagues. Keep these team names and graphics in mind as you navigate your rookie drafts, and get ready to see these new stars shine on the field in 2024.
