The 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and now is the perfect time for dynasty managers to get an eye on the incoming rookie class. Every class has strengths and weaknesses, and this group is no different. The quarterbacks and wide receivers lead the pack, with one elite tight end propping up that position group. The declaration day is still over a month away, so a ton can change. Some of these players may wind up back in school. Some may have pre-draft concerns that aren't currently known. But this is my best guess at what Superflex rookie drafts will look like in the spring.
1.01 - Caleb Williams (QB - USC)
Caleb Williams hasn't taken the steps forward many expected, but what he's put on film still suggests he's the best quarterback in the class. He can make every throw to any area of the field. Williams is athletic and a skilled runner. He is remarkable when operating both in and out of structure. With the premium on quarterbacks in superflex leagues and Williams' potential to be a top-five fantasy quarterback, he's still the top player despite some worthy challengers.
1.02 - Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR - Ohio State)
I have been grading players on a scale of 100 since 2020. My top wide receivers:
- Ja'Marr Chase (83.82)
- Justin Jefferson (82.66)
- CeeDee Lamb (81.36)
- Rashod Bateman (81.06) (whoops!)
- Jaylen Waddle (81.00)
Marvin Harrison Jr. will finish with a grade in the 90s. He's the best receiver prospect I've evaluated (I began ranking prospects in 2014), and he's virtually situation-proof (the Patriots and Giants would present some hesitation). Harrison is a skilled, shifty route runner, plays incredibly strong, has top-tier body control, and is as reliable as anyone in the class. He will enter the league as a consensus top-five wide receiver.
1.03 - Drake Maye (QB - North Carolina)
Many in the industry have moved Drake Maye ahead of Caleb Williams, with the former challenging to become the No. 1 overall pick. I'm not there, personally. In fact, I have some mild concerns about Maye's game. Still, he's a large-framed, big-armed gunslinger with good pre-snap assessment and outstanding ball placement. Those guys typically figure it out at the NFL level, and some have compared him to a young Ben Roethlisberger. I see a little Justin Herbert in his game, and I believe Maye will be a high-end fantasy performer for a long time in the NFL.
1.04 - Malik Nabers (WR - LSU)
If Marvin Harrison Jr. were in a different class, scouts would discuss Nabers as the most "can't-miss" wideout in the 2024 class. Nabers has been magnificent in 2023, becoming the go-to player for Jayden Daniels and the driving force of the passing attack. He has incredible separation ability, wins above the rim, and is a nightmare for opposing defenses to tackle. He will draw D.J. Moore comparisons throughout the pre-draft process, and a career outlook like Moore's seems closer to his floor.
1.05 - Brock Bowers (TE - Georgia)
Many in the dynasty community are well aware of Brock Bowers. He's been the next great tight end prospect for a couple of years now, and he'll likely end up in the Kyle Pitts tier of "this guy shouldn't be able to do this." Bowers is an incredible receiver (go look up his one-handed snags on back-to-back possessions earlier this year), but his ability to block will keep him on the field as a full-time tight end. He often gets Travis Kelce comparisons, but he's closer to George Kittle with softer hands, and he'll likely enter the league as a top-five dynasty TE.
1.06 - Jayden Daniels (QB - LSU)
This selection is likely a shocker for folks tuned into the 2024 class. Daniels hasn't been considered a top-50 player for long, but his performance this season has him firmly in first-round discussions. Daniels has generated over 4500 yards of offense, is the favorite for the Heisman, and has been an excellent passer. His deep ball accuracy will leave evaluators in awe, and he may end up being the QB3 off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. Even if he's not, his rushing upside alone (he has over 1000 yards on the ground this season) gives him an edge that not many in this class have.
1.07 - Keon Coleman (WR - Florida State)
Keon Coleman was a two-sport athlete at Michigan State, playing football and basketball before transferring to Florida State to compete for a national championship. The athleticism it takes to do that shows up on film. Coleman is the best catch-point receiver in the class, aside from Marvin Harrison Jr., and he has more nuance when creating separation than scouts will anticipate. He's an explosive athlete who can do damage after the catch, and he plays like a more focused George Pickens. I expect he'll be gone in the first 20 picks, hopefully to a team that can take advantage of all that talent.
1.08 - Xavier Worthy (WR - Texas)
Many are down on Xavier Worthy right now, but I expect the road leads to a backend first-round selection in rookie drafts. Worthy is an exceptionally talented separator with some of the quickest footwork within stems in the class. He constantly has defensive backs on skates, and he has the speed to stretch the field vertically. He's a bit undersized and has shown inconsistent hands at times, but I don't anticipate he'll last outside the Top 100, and he's the type of player to have immediate production at the NFL level (see: Tank Dell).
1.09 - J.J. McCarthy (QB - Michigan)
Scouts have debated the battle for QB3 (or 4, if Daniels takes the third spot) for months, but my money is on J.J. McCarthy impressing an NFL team enough to be selected in the first round should he declare (my money is actually on him returning to school at this point). McCarthy has been up and down over the last month, but he has shown an ability to throw with anticipation and accuracy (maybe because he knew the defensive play calls, but who is to say?). He needs to add some weight, and working on tightening up his mechanics to get more juice on the deep ball would be advised, but should he declare, I see him as a perfect fit for a Shanahan/McVay-type of offense.
1.10 - Troy Franklin (WR - Oregon)
Troy Franklin is perhaps the best player, aside from Justin Herbert, to ever play in Eugene. Franklin's elite athleticism, feel for zone coverage, ability to win down the field, and ability to create yards after the catch make him one of the most exciting prospects in a talented receiver class. He refined his route running this season, taking the next step and leading himself to over 1200 yards with games left to play. I don't expect he'll get out of the top 50, and if he runs at the NFL Scouting Combine, I don't know that he'll get out of the top 20.
1.11 - Rome Odunze (WR - Washington)
Yet another addition to a remarkably talented wide receiver class, Rome Odunze has been Michael Penix Jr.'s rock this year. Odunze is another big-bodied, athletic receiver who moves well and can generate separation. He expects to run in the low 4.4s, has sure hands, and is one of the most challenging players to find a comparison to. Odunze will be a first-round pick this spring, and he has a skill set that could make him a fantasy WR1 very quickly.
1.12 - TreVeyon Henderson (RB - Ohio State)
Henderson is a fantastic athlete with breakaway speed and remarkable burst. He's grown as a runner between the tackles, displaying better vision and decisiveness when healthy in 2023. He has taken steps to manipulate defenders and create his own running lanes, pressing gaps before exploding into the space he generated. Health is a factor, as he's struggled to stay healthy. He should still be a day-two pick based on athletic traits and on-field production alone.
2.01 - Emeka Egbuka (WR - Ohio State)
Scouting Report: Egbuka is a player who I believe may return to school. Injuries hurt his production this year, and he hasn't shown a ton to make evaluators think he's more than a good slot receiver. He's a fantastic athlete, and his route running is above average. Still, he may fall to day two if he declares this year with the strength of the class at his position, meaning a return to school could be in order.
2.02 - Ladd McConkey (WR - Georgia)
Scouting Report: McConkey is a high-level route runner with impressive separating ability. He's strong at the catch point and plays incredibly fast (he's projected to run in the 4.4s in the forty-yard dash). He'll likely become a Top 100 pick.
2.03 - MarShawn Lloyd (RB - USC)
Scouting Report: Lloyd has an argument to be considered the player who made himself the most NFL money this season. His burst and athleticism are constantly on display, and his shiftiness and tackle-breaking ability are prevalent on film. He tends to bounce runs outside, but Lloyd looks like a high-value committee back, provided he receives day-two draft capital.
2.04 - Brian Thomas Jr. (WR - LSU)
Scouting Report: Brian Thomas Jr. is having a great season as the No. 2 in the LSU passing attack. He's another big, X-type receiver who moves well and can be lethal after the catch (the common theme in this year's class). I'm less confident that he'll be able to generate separation at the highest level, but NFL teams are reportedly very in on the LSU standout.
2.05 - Trey Benson (RB - Florida State)
Scouting Report: Trey Benson was my preseason RB2. He had a slow start to the 2023 season before getting back on track and is back to averaging more than six yards per attempt en route to 11 touchdowns. Benson has burst, tackle-breaking ability and can be a threat as a receiver. Draft capital is critical, and I'd be lying if I said I was confident he'd become a day-two pick. He reminds me a bit of Dameon Pierce, though, and could be a useful second-round rookie selection.
2.06 - Ja'Lynn Polk (WR - Washington)
Scouting Report: The Washington offense has missed Jalen McMillan this season, but only marginally, thanks to Ja'Lynn Polk. Polk has been a viable No. 2 for the Huskies, averaging over 17 yards per reception and being the most reliable deep threat on the team. Polk is very scheme-specific, and his role will likely be confined to stretching the field and working the intermediate areas. Still, if you put that type of player on the Kansas City Chiefs, for example, he'd become an intriguing selection in rookie drafts.
2.07 - Bucky Irving (RB - Oregon)
Scouting Report: He's this year's anointed "small boy," as Irving doesn't necessarily meet some thresholds that many would like to see (he's slightly thin). But Irving is a tackle-breaking, missed-force-tackle-generating monster with plus vision and fantastic speed. He's also a refined pass-catcher, displaying solid hands and running routes extending past the scrimmage line. Think Kyren Williams, but with more juice.
2.08 - Bo Nix (QB - Oregon)
Scouting Report: Nix's evaluation is difficult because he has all of the arm talent and athleticism that NFL scouts drool over, but the Oregon offense hides some of his faults (throwing over the middle of the field, making difficult decisions). Still, with the current state of QB play, I wouldn't be shocked if Nix gets higher draft capital than I currently anticipate, pushing him much higher than 2.08 next spring.
2.09 - Adonai Mitchell (WR - Texas)
Scouting Report: Mitchell is another big athlete with unique movement skills and skills at the catch point. He may have the surest hands of the entire group (even over Marvin Harrison Jr.), and he looks like a perfect chain-moving player. Admittedly, I'm lower on him (I prefer visible separation, especially with how the NFL is operating, and Mitchell offers catch-point separation in a Tee Higgins-esque manner). I believe he's likely to go in the early second round when all is said and done.
2.10 - Xavier Legette (WR - South Carolina)
Scouting Report: Legette is drawing A.J. Brown comparisons, and his skill set is quite similar. He's a big-bodied receiver with elite ability after the catch and alignment versatility. He doesn't create the most separation with his routes, and that's slightly concerning, but he's physical enough to win underneath (like Brown does on slants and shallow routes). The landing spot is critical with Legette, pushing him down the board a bit compared to what his ceiling indicates.
2.11 - Jacob Cowing (WR - Arizona)
Scouting Report: Cowing is one of my favorite slot receivers in the class. He generates a ton of separation, and he can go up and get the ball at the catch point. Cowing has solid hands, too. His usage at Arizona this season has been baffling, and he's an older player, but I still believe in the talent.
2.12 - Roman Wilson (WR - Michigan)
Scouting Report: The back of the second is a perfect spot to take guaranteed slot receivers who can be sure-handed, go-to guys for younger quarterbacks. Wilson isn't dissimilar to Josh Downs, winning with creative routes and playing bigger than his listed size indicates. Wilson may be a better fantasy producer than some of the big guys in this class, but his landing spot is critical.
3.01 - Michael Penix Jr. (QB - Washington)
Why I'd Take Him: He's more talented than his draft spot will indicate (injury concerns and offensive scheme may push him down boards).
3.02 - Jase McClellan (RB - Alabama)
Why I'd Take Him: Someone will emerge as a viable option at running back, and McClellan has enough good film to convince me it could be him.
3.03 - Devin Neal (RB - Kansas)
Why I'd Take Him: He's a tremendous dual-threat option in a lesser-talented class.
3.04 - Devontez Walker (WR - North Carolina)
Why I'd Take Him: Since being cleared, he has looked every bit the No. 1 wideout that Drake Maye needed, and he could work his way into day-two discussions before the process concludes.
3.05 - Blake Corum (RB - Michigan)
Why I'd Take Him: His injury last season took away some vital speed and burst, but if he continues to rebuild that, he'll be the most skilled running back in the class with regard to vision and manipulating holes.
3.06 - Donovan Edwards (RB - Michigan)
Why I'd Take Him: He's a fantastic pass catcher but inconsistent runner between the tackles, and that sounds like early-career D'Andre Swift.
3.07 - Will Shipley (RB - Clemson)
Why I'd Take Him: He's an incredibly skilled, patient runner who lacks long speed but is probably the best receiving back in the class.
3.08 - Audric Estime (RB - Notre Dame)
Why I'd Take Him: He probably won't declare, but he looks like an early-down carry-eater who could see goal-line action and a ton of volume.
3.09 - Braelon Allen (RB - Wisconsin)
Why I'd Take Him: It seems like the NFL likes him even if I'm not sold; a running back with an opportunity at the end of the third round is a no-brainer.
3.10 - Cade Stover (TE - Ohio State)
Why I'd Take Him: He is a well-rounded tight end and reminds me a bit of Cole Kmet.
3.11 - Bryson Nesbit (TE - North Carolina)
Why I'd Take Him: He is a fantastic pass-catching tight end and reminds me a bit of Dalton Schultz.
3.12 - Ben Sinnott (TE - Kansas State)
Why I'd Take Him: He is a versatile player who will undoubtedly work his way onto the field as a rookie and has a skill set that lends itself to fantasy (soft hands!).
4.01 - Michael Pratt (QB - Tulane)
Why I'd Take Him: He is one of the best processing quarterbacks in the class, and he might push for a starting gig in 2024 with how the current QB landscape looks.
4.02 - Jalen McMillan (WR - Washington)
Why I'd Take Him: If he declares (unlikely), he's a great slot receiver with fluidity and the ability to generate yards after the catch.
4.03 - Tory Horton (WR - Colorado State)
Why I'd Take Him: He may be this year's Diontae Johnson (smaller school wide receiver with fantastic separating ability and elusiveness as a runner).
4.04 - Malachi Corley (WR - Western Kentucky)
Why I'd Take Him: He's probably the most underrated receiver in the group, as he is an explosive athlete with excellent play strength (watch him beat up on Ohio State in Week 2 of this season).
4.05 - Ray Davis (RB - Kentucky)
Why I'd Take Him: He's an explosive back with contact balance and took a massive leap in 2023 with Kentucky.
4.06 - Theo Johnson (TE - Penn State)
Why I'd Take Him: I believe he'll be a day-two pick.
4.07 - Kendall Milton (RB - Georgia)
Why I'd Take Him: He's finally taken the steps I expected two years ago, becoming an incredibly talented tackle-breaker with burst and elusiveness.
4.08 - J.Michael Sturdivant (WR - UCLA)
Why I'd Take Him: He runs fast, and NFL teams like speed.
4.09 - Montrell Johnson Jr. (RB - Florida)
Why I'd Take Him: I think he's underrated because Travis Etienne's brother sometimes outshines him, but he's a fluid runner with above-average contact balance and vision.
4.10 - Jo'Quavious Marks (RB - Mississippi State)
Why I'd Take Him: He's one of the better pass-catching backs in the 2024 class.
4.11 - Jalin Conyers (TE - Arizona State)
Why I'd Take Him: He hasn't quite produced the way many expected, but he has a nice pass-catching skill set that could turn into fantasy points at the NFL level.
4.12 - Jamari Thrash (WR - Louisville)
Why I'd Take Him: He'll likely receive a Senior Bowl bump and may have a fun landing spot.
