The 2023 college football regular season is over, and the NFL season is past the midway point. With the 2024 NFL Draft quickly approaching, fantasy football managers can start familiarizing themselves with the hottest dynasty prospects in the nation.
At Pro Football Network, we conduct thorough research to help you confidently walk into your draft and dominate your league this season. With that, we present our comprehensive rankings of 2024 dynasty rookies.
Best Rookies for Fantasy Football in 2024
1) Caleb Williams, QB, USC
There will be a great debate about the QB1 in this class because Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are dynamic, potential All-Pro talents. Either could go first overall, depending on how a coaching staff wants to build an offense.
Williams doesn’t have Maye’s size or desire to stay in the pocket as much, but his playmaking, arm talent, and feel for the game are exquisite. Williams may also be more advanced of a processor than what he’s given credit for in a USC offense not built on timing and rhythmic passes. He will be stellar immediately and is close to a near-lock to being a franchise star for years — even if more development is needed.
2) Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Drake Maye certainly looks the part of a star quarterback, boasting elite size, arm strength, great athleticism, and playmaking. He can control the ball well enough to feather it between defenders or quickly rifle a bullet to beat closing windows. His tools and play style are incredibly similar to Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert.
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However, Maye’s processing and decision-making have led to head-scratching turnovers throughout his two seasons as a starter. There’s slightly more risk with Maye than Williams, but he’d be the QB1 in most draft classes because he has everything necessary to be a top-eight NFL quarterback.
3) Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
There’s an argument that Marvin Harrison Jr. should be the top overall player in 2024 dynasty drafts. The hype around the son of the NFL Hall of Famer by the same name is justified. The only receiver prospects who entered the NFL with the same blend of physical talent and clear polish over the last 20 years were Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green, and Julio Jones.
Harrison will be a star, regardless of where he lands. His size, hand strength, catch radius, burst, footwork, and body control blend into one unstoppable package. He’ll be a feared presence as soon as he enters the league.
4) Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
While Harrison is the total package, Malik Nabers has the skill set to be just as productive and effective in the right situation. He’s remarkably similar to NFL star wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Garrett Wilson — slender, but speedy route runners who can win from anywhere on the field.
Nabers’ acceleration is second to none, and his ability to get on top of defenders and make them guess what’s next will continue at the next level.
He might rely more on having a decent quarterback than Harrison, but Nabers’ ability to get open quickly and create after the catch will help any offense. If he lands in an offense that will use his quickness on sharp-breaking routes and his ability to get vertical from the slot, Nabers will anchor fantasy teams for a decade.
5) Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
There’s no more unique and dynamic offensive weapon in this class than Brock Bowers. One of the most productive tight ends in NCAA history, Bowers moves like a running back, despite being 6’4″ and 240 pounds.
While most highly touted tight ends have struggled early in the NFL, Bowers will only find troubles if he’s as underused as Kyle Pitts has been in Atlanta with the Falcons.
Finding an elite tight end in dynasty leagues is incredibly difficult. It’s possible that Bowers could rank even higher than this once we know his landing spot. The fleet-footed pass catcher can immediately be the focal point of an offense, which is incredibly rare.
6) Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
There aren’t many receivers more productive than Rome Odunze. Expected to measure 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Odunze has a big man’s game and attitude. He makes 50-50 balls more like 80-20 attempts, thanks to his aggressiveness, ability to show his hands late, and footwork.
However, Odunze struggles to create separation more than the other top receivers in the class. That hasn’t mattered with a daring QB, but not every NFL passer will have that trait. Washington often puts Odunze in motion to give him a head start on his release or allows him to work 1-on-1 and win contested catches.
7) Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Deciding on the QB3 in this class is difficult. Each of the five candidates has flashed the upside to be an above-average-or-better starter in the NFL, but there are enough warts to have question marks. We’re also unsure if a few will enter the NFL this offseason.
If you’ve been paying attention to fantasy QB finishes over the last few years, dual-threat playmakers are almost a cheat code. A great passer who barely runs can still finish highly, but the margin for error for someone like Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, and Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields is significant.
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Jayden Daniels isn’t quite ahead of Oregon Duck Bo Nix in our QB rankings because he’s not as refined of a decision-maker or processor. Still, Daniels is ahead of Nix in our dynasty rankings because of his upside.
Daniels’ development since entering college, rushing ability, and penchant for creating big plays all bode well for his projection. A great draft process can push him into Round 1.
Whoever drafts Daniels will need some patience, as he’ll drop his eyes to run quickly, and his reads against zone looks aren’t crisp. However, his playmaking might win him the Heisman Trophy for good reason, and his upside is that of a league-winning quarterback.
8) Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Once known for doing too much and struggling to perform well against quality competition at Auburn, Bo Nix has redefined himself as a player over the last two seasons. Now, Nix is a composed game manager who orchestrates one of the most efficient offenses in the country. He does so with a great physical skill set, including a live arm, good mobility, and improved poise under pressure.
While some are concerned that Nix is too controlled now and that the inner gunslinger is mostly gone, the flashes have been there when needed. We could see Nix be more advanced and comfortable than expected early in his career, similar to how Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud has taken to the NFL.
Nix isn’t quite the precise passer that Stroud is, but he has a similar makeup and should be a high-floor player who can start for a long time and be effective.
9) Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Discerning between the top receivers in this class is difficult. If Keon Coleman or Odunze end up in a more favorable situation than Nabers, either could be the WR2 from this class. However, it’s a little easier to project speed-based receivers’ success to all landing spots than more ball-dominant ones.
Coleman is this class’ premier alpha at the catch point. The 6’4″, 210-pounder has no issues plucking the ball at its high point and boxing out defenders, as needed. He’s a great athlete, offering excellent verticality and body control for someone with such a big frame.
10) TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The class’s top running back is another debated seat. There’s not a clear Round 1 candidate, but there are several Day 2 types who should be good starters throughout their rookie deals. The most complete back in this class and most likely to have sustained quality production is TreVeyon Henderson.
The Buckeyes tailback played through a foot injury in 2022 and then missed three games with an undisclosed ailment this year, so his health is a concern. But Henderson has been a star again for Ohio State in 2023, creating explosive plays and averaging 6.2 yards per carry, with 229 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
A healthy Henderson brings excellent speed, good contact balance, pass-catching, and toughness to a backfield. His vision and health are areas of concern, but putting him behind even an average line will lead to big plays.
11) J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy is right in the mix to be QB3 after a stellar performance against Ohio State. He bounced back from his shockingly poor output against Maryland with timely throws that swung “The Game” in Michigan’s favor. Those moments matter — pressure-filled moments are rare in college.
While we’d love to see McCarthy have to carry the Michigan offense and not just be a high-end game manager, his rapid improvement and physical skill set project to a Pro Bowl level in the NFL. He’s consistently made difficult throws throughout the season — even after being flushed from the pocket — and has shown terrific decision-making.
12) Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Don’t forget about Emeka Egbuka in this class quite yet. He has missed time this season due to a leg injury, cutting short a season that was supposed to see him rise after producing 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. Instead, he caught 35 passes for 452 yards and four scores.
However, when Egbuka is on the field, he can carry a passing game. The 6’1″, 200-pounder wins from the slot and outside with excellent route-running prowess, power as a ball carrier, and the speed to continually find green space.
13) Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
As impressive as Coleman and Odunze are as taller receivers, Adonai “AD” Mitchell is a better route runner than both. Mitchell, 6’4″, has the sharpest and best burst out of cuts of any receiver over 6’0″ in the class. Guarding him on slants, double moves, and posts without a safety’s help proved nearly impossible in 2023.
The biggest hole in Mitchell’s résumé is a lack of volume. With only 89 career catches, we haven’t seen him take on a WR1’s workload. He projects well to a bigger role with his traits, but the Longhorn takes a back seat in a deep class.
14) Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The buzz is that Shedeur Sanders will return to college for his senior season, which drops him a bit for now in our rankings. A terrific surprise in his first year at Colorado, Sanders has taken his game to a new level, despite playing with an underwhelming surrounding cast. Sure, his play has dipped a bit in Pac-12 play, but the Buffaloes have also been thoroughly outmatched most weeks.
Sanders’ skill set is too good to ignore. The way he mastered the Colorado system quickly shows a high football IQ, and he confirmed his work ethic by showing off improved passing mechanics from 2022 to 2023. Sanders’ arm talent is electric, and he balances it with terrific processing and decision-making.
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As with Williams, we’d love to see Sanders get rid of the ball quicker and take fewer hits when possible, but Colorado doesn’t have the offense or elite talent to accomplish those feats when it’s outmatched.
Sanders might be better served to continue developing in the NFL next year, even if it ends the good times in Boulder, prematurely.
15) Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
A massive 6’5″, 200-pound frame doesn’t stop Brian Thomas Jr. from excelling in space. Thomas has enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, catching 60 passes for 1,079 yards and 15 touchdowns. The true junior has become a big-play savant, showing off terrific speed and surprising fluidity for his size.
Thomas is a bit raw still, relying more on his physical gifts than being a reliable route-runner. Part of that is LSU’s offense. Some concerns about his raw skills can be overlooked if he lands with a gunslinger. Long-term, Thomas has terrific potential.
16) Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
There’s not another back in the class who can match Trey Benson‘s blend of open-field speed and workhorse durability. Benson will grind down defenses until a crease reveals itself. No back has logged a top-end speed as fast as his.
His contact balance isn’t quite as good as his size might suggest, so Benson’s NFL success doesn’t project as well as someone like Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs, despite similar traits. Still, Benson should be a solid starter as a Day 2 pick.
17) Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
While Henderson and Benson have the edge in pure speed, Bucky Irving is this class’ super-charged jitterbug. He’s the most elusive back, among the top names, and has the contact balance you’d expect from someone 20 pounds heavier. At 5’9″ and 190 pounds, Irving is much more of a fighter than expected.
Despite his size, Irving is perfectly equipped to be an efficient starter with explosive plays in the NFL. His pass-catching ability is terrific, and he’ll leave defenders in his wake from missed tackles. The only question is whether he’ll be able to get more than 12 touches a game or if a team will protect his workload.
18) Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The need for speed across the league is at an all-time high, making Oregon’s Troy Franklin a valued commodity. The 6’2″, 170-pounder is slender but makes up for his lack of bulk with effortless acceleration up to top speed. An equally dangerous vertical threat from the slot as he is on the outside, Franklin will be one of the fastest playmakers in the NFL from Day 1.
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He’s capable of more than just deep shots, though. Franklin is effective on sharp in- and out-breaking routes and puts immense pressure on defenders to guess his route correctly. He’s not the most physical playmaker, and his route-running could use more polish, but Franklin should be a good WR2 for a team.
19) Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Thin receivers like Xavier Worthy are tougher to put full faith into because NFL teams have been hot and cold on that body type. Worthy is undoubtedly a good player, boasting terrific acceleration, good top speed, strong hands, and route-running abilities. But he’s not a traditional X or Z receiver because of his frame, and whatever team he lands on will need to be a bit creative to get Worthy free releases.
20) Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
Clemson’s Will Shipley doesn’t have the explosive stats that pop out like those of his peers, but no back in the class matches his nuanced game. Shipley is fast but is even quicker, and his footwork maximizes whatever blocking he’s given. Still, Clemson hasn’t given him much to work with this year.
However, Shipley will do wonders for a team’s rushing attack, regardless of whether the blocking is good. He contributes as a pass catcher effectively and is a better athlete than he is given credit for.
2023 Dynasty Superflex Rookie Rankings
21) Michael Penix Jr. | Washington, QB 22) Roman Wilson | Michigan, WR 23) Devontez Walker | North Carolina, WR 24) Devin Neal | Kansas, RB 25) Audric Estimé | Notre Dame, RB 26) Ja’Tavion Sanders | Texas, TE 27) Carson Beck | Georgia, QB 28) MarShawn Lloyd | USC, RB 29) Xavier Legette | South Carolina, WR 30) Tory Horton | Colorado State, WR 31) Ja’Lynn Polk | Washington, WR 32) Ben Sinnott | Kansas State, TE 33) Ladd McConkey | Georgia, WR 34) Jalen McMillan | Washington, WR 35) Emani Bailey | TCU, RB 36) Blake Corum | Michigan, RB 37) Malachi Corley | Western Kentucky, WR 38) Braelon Allen | Wisconsin, RB 39) Will Sheppard | Vanderbilt, WR 40) Cade Stover | Ohio State, TE 41) Jalen Milroe | Alabama, QB 42) Antwane Wells Jr. | South Carolina, WR 43) Johnny Wilson | Florida State, WR 44) Blake Watson | Memphis, RB 45) J. Michael Sturdivant | UCLA, WR 46) Michael Pratt | Tulane, QB 47) Jo’Quavious Marks | Mississippi St., RB 48) Jaheim Bell | Florida State, TE 49) Jamari Thrash | Louisville, WR 50) Donovan Edwards | Michigan, RB
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