With a little over a week to go, it's time to stop speculating and start getting ready to absorb, react to, and act on everything that happens in Detroit next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. For a lot of us, a big part of that is our dynasty rookie drafts. For the 19th time, I'm bringing you my top 100 players for fantasy leagues (including IDPs!). As always, Matt Waldman, Jason Wood, me, and a ton of guests will be broadcasting and reacting live to the first round on our YouTube channel. I'll be updating this for draft capital and destination by Tuesday after the draft.
The Bloom 100 is ranked with the following type of dynasty fantasy football league in mind:
- Full IDP lineups including DT and CB
- PPR, start 3 WR
- Deep lineups and rosters
How are the classes?
QB: There are three prospects who could have gone #1 last year, and all have high enough ceiling to become every-week fantasy starters in 1QB leagues, if not elite fantasy starters. There is another prospect who should go in the first half of the first round, and two more who should go in the first 40-50 picks, if not in the first round. This is a great draft for superflex leagues.
RB: The best prospect is coming off an ACL tear, but don't let that scare you off of him. The rest mostly project as committee backs or quality NFL depth. You're better off trading for veteran backs with a year or two of viability left if you need immediate help at running back.
WR: Three wide receivers who could be #1 in most classes and then a huge second tier with a mix of high floor and high ceiling prospects. Expect to get a better quality prospect than usual no matter when you take a wide receiver.
TE: There's one prospect who could rule the tight end landscape for a long time, and a bunch of guys who can level off as low-end fantasy TE1's if they develop in the NFL.
DT: Two very strong first-round prospects who might be fantasy starters right away
EDGE: If there is a strength of the IDP class, it's the edge group, with 4-5 projected NFL first-round picks and a strong second tier. It's hard to gauge what they are worth with the edge pool in IDP leagues deeper and wider than ever.
LB: This class lacks a marquee prospect, but does have a handful of players who could become fantasy starters at this now scarce position.
CB: We should see at least three go in the first round, and the most intriguing one for fantasy leagues may end up at safety.
S: There aren't any future superstars in this class, but there are at least 3-4 guys who project as starters early in their career, which puts them on our late round rookie draft radar.
IS THIS A GOOD ROOKIE CLASS FOR DYNASTY LEAGUES?
Well, it depends on your format.
Superflex: The premium pick tier extends to pick 8 or later. A great rookie draft.
Tight End Premium: There's an argument to go tight end #1, but not a lot of juice in the second tier. Then again, we didn't see Trey McBride as having a lot of juice when he went in the second round two years ago.
Traditional PPR: Outstanding with the deepest wide receiver class in ten years. The running back class is lackluster no matter your scoring format, but this class at least sports a few advanced pass-catchers to boost the mid-tier value.
Big Play IDP: The strength at EDGE should help boost the value of this class.
Tackle-heavy IDP: The lack of top-quality off-ball linebackers and box safety, rack-up-the-tackles types diminishes the value of this year's crop.
Pre-draft Strategy Cheatsheet
- The sweet spot in 1QB leagues is 3-4. In Superflex leagues, it's 5-7. The value doesn't drop off as steeply in the top tier as it has in previous years. Be open to trading down from 1 or 2 unless you love Harrison (1QB) or Williams (Superflex).
- As Kyren Williams and Isiah Pacheco have shown us, the path to opportunity might be more important than the draft capital or quality of measurables/production. You might be able to steal backs with more fantasy upside than draft buzz late in your rookie draft.
- The quality of depth at wide receiver is stunning. You'll be able to get a prospect similar to the quartet that went in the first round last year at 10 or later in this year's rookie drafts. You can trade down from the 9th pick to the 14th or 15th pick and not lose much unless there's a prospect you love or hate in the second tier.
- If Brock Bowers starts to fall, be willing to trade up for him. The trauma of Kyle Pitts' first three years could unfairly bias people against taking him over wide receivers outside of the big three that go in the first round of the NFL draft. After Bowers, the dropoff is shallow in the second tier, so you can afford to be patient if you are restocking at the position.
- Remember to adjust rankings for your league's scoring and lineup settings! This list will look very different after the draft, as this class has bigger and more tightly packed tiers than in recent years.
- There aren't any true blue chip IDPs, but there are a few off-ball linebackers that could be impact players at a position that is getting tougher to fill with productive starters. It's still probably best to avoid IDPs inside the top 25 of your rookie draft, pending your scoring system.
SUPERFLEX TOP 25 (No IDP)
Note: Williams/Daniels and the top 3 WR/Bowers are close enough that positional need should dictate how you rank them or, alternatively, whether you are willing to trade down in the top 6.
1. Caleb Williams (QB-USC)
2. Jayden Daniels (QB-LSU)
3. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR-Ohio State)
4. Malik Nabers (WR-LSU)
5. Rome Odunze (WR-Washington)
6. Brock Bowers (TE-Georgia)
7. Drake Maye (QB-North Carolina)
8. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR-LSU)
9. Jonathon Brooks (RB-Texas)
10. J.J. McCarthy (QB-Michigan)
11. Ladd McConkey (WR-Georgia)
12. Xavier Worthy (WR-Texas)
13. Ricky Pearsall (WR-Florida)
14. Keon Coleman (WR-Florida State)
15. Troy Franklin (WR-Oregon)
16. Adonai Mitchell (WR-Texas)
17. Jermaine Burton (WR-Alabama)
18. Bo Nix (QB-Oregon)
19. Javon Baker (WR-UCF)
20. Xavier Legette (WR-South Carolina)
21. Trey Benson (RB-Florida State)
22. Michael Penix Jr. (QB-Washington)
23. Roman Wilson (WR-Michigan)
24. Blake Corum (RB-Michigan)
25. MarShawn Lloyd (RB-USC)
THE 2024 PREDRAFT BLOOM 100
1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR-Ohio State) - Harrison is a rare prospect, showing he can command and beat double teams, produce through a quarterback change, and run routes like a polished NFL receiver with the catch radius of a condor. Even the "weaknesses" in his game - speed and run-after-catch ability - are not actual liabilities and certainly stand out when a receiver is as big and skilled as he is. I won't fault anyone for taking Malik Nabers over him, and Nabers could end up #1 on the post-draft list, but in a vacuum, Harrison is slightly safer, especially with an assumption of PPR scoring and no big play bonuses.
2. Malik Nabers (WR-LSU) - Nabers is a breathtaking playmaker after the catch and a nerve-wracking assignment for a cornerback. You'll see more concentration and execution lapses than you see on Harrison and Odunze's tape, and he's not as stout a presence on the field, but you'll also see plays that neither of them can make with the ball in their hands. Nabers gets a ton of cushion (respect) from corners, and he knows how to use that to set up his lethal creativity and athletic ability once he has the ball in his hands. Just pray that he doesn't fall to the Giants and a potential dead-end quarterback situation.
3. Rome Odunze (WR-Washington) - Odunze isn't quite as imposing in his routes as Harrison or after the catch as Nabers, but he owns the space around the arriving ball in flight as well as any prospect since Larry Fitzgerald. He's still very good as a route runner and a creative and strong player after the catch, and he might be the best receiver of the three in the vertical game because of his contested catch ability. We just need him to end up with a quarterback who is willing to throw players open and give them chances to make plays in the deep passing game.
4. Brock Bowers (TE-Georgia) - Some dynasty players with first-round picks will shy away from Bowers because of Kyle Pitts' failures, and if Bowers lands somewhere with an unstable quarterback situation, then perhaps passing on him applies here. If Bowers lands in an offense with a good passer that gets the most out of their offensive talents, buckle up. He has racked up unprecedented accolades and will be drafted as an offensive weapon more than an inline tight end. With Travis Kelce entering the autumn of his career, we don't have an alpha at tight end in fantasy leagues right now. Bowers has a good chance to become that guy.
**TIER BREAK**
5. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR-LSU) - Thomas is big and fast, and it feels like his best football may be yet to come. Chances are he will be the fourth wide receiver off of the board, and like the top three, the team that takes him will probably be envisioning him as a future #1. A prospect with his profile would have been the #1 receiver in last year's class, so he's a value pick this year with our wide receiver cup running over.
6. Jonathon Brooks (RB-Texas) - Brooks already looks like a veteran NFL running back. The Texas offense lost very little going from Bijan Robinson to Brooks, and Robinson was the best running back prospect in the last few seasons. He's a smooth, efficient mover but strong and not contact-averse while still providing elusiveness. He's an excellent pass-catching back and should be a three-down player. Brooks is coming back from an ACL tear but should still be the first running back off of the board. That shows you how below average the top of this class is, but also how good of a prospect he is in the age of running back devaluation. If he lands in Dallas in the second round, it's reasonable to take him as high as #4 overall in 1QB leagues and inside the top 6 of Superflex rookie drafts.
7. Caleb Williams (QB-USC) - Williams has a higher floor than any other quarterback in this class, and he has just as high a ceiling as any quarterback in this class. We know that he'll be going to Chicago, where he has a solid offense already built, a new successful offensive coordinator in Shane Waldron, and a mostly fantasy-friendly divisional schedule. In a superflex league, he should be the #1 overall pick. In a 1QB league, Jayden Daniels' value is close to Williams' because of a higher rushing ceiling and a larger margin of error in roster management if a quarterback busts.
8. Jayden Daniels (QB-LSU) - Daniels compares to Lamar Jackson in terms of fantasy ceiling and speed as a runner, but that's about where the comparison ends. His late bloomer profile, strong supporting cast at LSU, and tendency to take sacks could put him on a Justin Fields-esque career arc, but he should have a better supporting cast than Fields did at first, no matter where he lands, and he has shown much better feel as a passer than Fields did in college. It won't be a surprise if Daniels is an instant top-five fantasy quarterback, but it also won't be a surprise if he and his organization (Washington?) disappoint, and by the end of his rookie contract, he is not thought of as a franchise quarterback.
9. Ladd McConkey (WR-Georgia) - McConkey lacks the size and game at the catch point to be a true #1 receiver, but in the right situation, he can still be maxed out to fantasy WR1 territory. He creates separation about as well as anyone in this class and has enough skill with the ball in his hands to get manufactured touches to add to his game-breaking ability as a downfield receiver. He might not win many contested catches, but he might not need to, even in the NFL.
**TIER BREAK**
10. Xavier Worthy (WR-Texas) - Should we hold the spotty track record of the "fastest receiver in the draft" against Worthy? Probably not. He plays bigger and tougher than his slight frame at the catch point and after the catch, although he didn't produce as many big plays as you'd expect of such a highly-ranked prospect. The quarterback is partly to blame, but Worthy's hands and plays on the ball in flight are inconsistent. There are many examples of speedsters who were too inconsistent to gain the trust of their offense and coaches, hopefully Worthy isn't another one. His value is more sensitive to destination because he'll need a good deep passer with an offensive line to buy time to throw downfield.
11. Ricky Pearsall (WR-Florida) - Piersall might be a slot-only prospect, but a very good one, and we've seen players like him gain more value in the NFL draft and fantasy leagues in recent years. He's a great route runner with reliable hands, and he can make some of the most unlikely catches of any receiver in this very good class. He also could blend in on a team with good outside receivers. Like so many in the big second tier in this class, he could move up with the right landing spot.
12. Keon Coleman (WR-Florida State) - Coleman has one of the widest ranges of draft rankings of any of the big second tier of receivers in this class. He is slow and not very sudden for a wide receiver prospect projected to go in the first two rounds, but he has great hands and ball skills and is a load to bring down after the catch. He could languish or flourish depending on his role and the quality of his offense.
13. Troy Franklin (WR-Oregon) - Franklin has legit NFL speed, he can go up and get the ball above the rim, he'll run away from would-be tacklers, and he knows how to get free of coverage. If there's a flaw here, it's that he's a finesse receiver, and sometimes that becomes a bigger problem in the pros than it was in college. Still, even in his lower range of outcomes, he'll make at least a handful of plays every season that win your week.
14. Adonai Mitchell (WR-Texas) - The sum is not as great as the parts when you watch Mitchell, but if his game gels in the NFL, Mitchell could be as valuable as the big three receivers that will cost a lot more than him. His size, athletic ability, and ball skills all look like a #1, but he is inconsistent and could be a tease that frustrates more than delights at the next level.
15. Jermaine Burton (WR-Alabama) - What do you do with a prospect like Burton, who is athletically gifted, an advanced route runner, and battle-tested against a top-level competition, but as trusted draft expert Dane Brugler told us, he has been to six schools in eight years and he on the *expletive* list of his coaches at Georgia and Alabama per one NFL scout. If you like ceiling, move Burton up. If he lands in an organization like Pittsburgh, move him up. If he lands somewhere like the Jets, move him down.
16. Javon Baker (WR-UCF) - Baker wins with skill and toughness more than superior athletic ability, which gives him a higher floor but maybe a lower ceiling than some of the receivers close to him on this list. He's yet another illustration of the quality in the second tier of this class and could end up being one of the best values in rookie drafts if he falls to the mid-second round or later.
17. Xavier Legette (WR-South Carolina) - Legette is linear and isn't going to be winning his reps with route running and separation. But he dominates at the catch point, and his speed can create big plays. It won't be a surprise if he's the kind of player who is nullified in the NFL much easier than we expect him to be, but with some refinement, he could outproduce many receivers above him on this list.
18. Trey Benson (RB-Florida State) - Benson has good size and speed, and when he is efficient and rugged, his game is well-suited for the transition to the NFL. He has the foundation of pass-catching and blocking skills to eventually be a three-down back, but it is not a given that he will get there. Expect him to be one of the first backs taken in both your rookie draft and the NFL draft, even though he hasn't proven he can be a true workhorse yet.
19. Roman Wilson (WR-Michigan) - Wilson is part of a big "slot only" group in this draft because of his size, but he has plus speed and good hands. If his route-running and polish catch up, then he could be a very productive NFL player in the right spot. He's probably going to be overrated in rookie drafts because of the high visibility spot he played in last year.
**TIER BREAK**
20. Blake Corum (RB-Michigan) - Corum won't jump off of the tape with highlight reel moves and speed, but his footwork, balance, decisions, and toughness all look like an NFL quality back. He projects as a committee back with upside to be a lead back, but he is going to be ordinary in terms of athletic ability compared to other NFL backs. He has one of the highest floors in this class, but his ceiling could be based more on who his backfieldmates are than whether he hits his best-case scenario as a pro. If he is reunited with Jim Harbaugh on the second day of the draft, he'll move up on this list.
21. Payton Wilson (LB-NC State) - Wilson has some durability concerns, and we'll see just how concerned the league is by how far he falls. His athleticism and never leave the field skillset would make him a strong second round pick with late first possibilities if there were no medical questions.
22. Edgerrin Cooper (LB-Texas A&M) - Cooper is a versatile seek-and-destroy linebacker with speed to stay on the field for every down and a knack for getting after the quarterback. If he gets a little more physical and disciplined, he'll be the most valuable IDP in this class.
23. Drake Maye (QB-North Carolina) - Maye, like Daniels, is a bit of a polarizing prospect. He could still go as high as #2 in this draft and is the kind of prospect in consideration to go #1 in a draft without a prospect like Williams. His fantasy ceiling isn't quite as high as Williams and Daniels, but he will make strong contributions as a runner and be given a lot of chances to fail before his team gives up on him. Minnesota is a possibility for him, which would be a lot better landing spot than New England or Washington. It would give him a better chance of having long-term staying power and early fantasy success because of what has already been built around him.
24. MarShawn Lloyd (RB-USC) - Lloyd has great feet and he can uncoil his burst quickly, but his decisions will have to tighten up at the NFL level. He's also great at taking on and breaking tackles, but he has the biggest fumble problem of any back in this class and could get banished to the bench quickly if he doesn't figure it out. He's a true boom/bust prospect.
25. Jaylen Wright (RB-Tennessee) - Raheem Mostert is a good comparison for Wright, who is the best speed back in this class. Like Mostert, he isn't purely a finesse back, and he also has some moves/agility to unlock his speed. He probably won't be a true lead back, but in a good running game, he'll matter in fantasy football.
**TIER BREAK**
26. Malachi Corley (WR-Western Kentucky) - Corley absolutely looks like a plus player in the NFL after the catch, but leading up to and at the moment of the catch, he may struggle against NFL competition. He has a high ceiling if he can tighten up his route running and do better at the catch point vs. tight coverage, but he could also be relegated to a peripheral offensive role if he doesn't.
27. Ben Sinnott (TE-Kansas State) - Sinnott has NFL athleticism and receiving skills and he could be a very productive move tight end that breaks into the top 8-10 among fantasy tight ends in time. He can break long plays and had the best lateral agility and explosion numbers of any tight end in this class with Brock Bowers not testing before the draft.
28. Will Shipley (RB-Clemson) - Shipley is one of the best pass-catching backs in this class, and that could keep him on the field enough to get more opportunities as a runner. At worst, he'll be a role player in his NFL backfield, but he could become a starter in time and greatly outproduce his NFL and dynasty rookie draft cost.
29. Dallas Turner (EDGE-Alabama) - Turner has the highest ceiling in an edge class that should get at least three players in the first round and, more likely, 4-5. He's a little undersized and runs hot and cold as a pass rusher, but his speed, twitch, and flexibility are undeniable.
30. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB-Purdue) - Many very smart football people like this converted wide receiver to eventually become one of the best backs in this class. He has shown natural moves and vision in close quarters, which could mean that his best play as a back is yet to come. Tracy also adds value as a receiver and returner, which could help him hang around and get an extra opportunity to hit in fantasy leagues.
31. Johnny Wilson (WR-Florida State) - Wilson has a size/speed/athletic ability profile that might make him seem like a tantalizing conversion to tight end, but he can win against press coverage outside and is just scratching the surface of his potential. And if he fails as a wideout, he could always convert to tight end…
32. Junior Colson (LB-Michigan) - Colson is a smart, steady, tough player who rarely misses tackles and should become the leader of his NFL defense in time after being the defensive MVP on a defense-led national champion last year. He doesn't have a lot of big-play upside, but Colson will be a hit in a tackle-heavy league, and he's a very safe rookie draft pick.
33. Jared Verse (EDGE-Florida State) - Verse isn't quite the physical specimen that Dallas Turner is. But he is relentless with an NFL frame, power, and hand-fighting skills, and still a plus speed rusher on the edge. He was a zero star recruit and had to build his game at Albany before rising to the highest levels of college football success.
34. Laiatu Latu (EDGE-UCLA) - Latu has more risk than the other likely first-round edge prospects because he has already had to retire from football because of a neck injury, but after seeing the doctor who performed Peyton Manning's neck surgery, he roared back to become a true impact player. Latu is a natural pass rusher in terms of athleticism and skill, and he has the hands to be a ball thief when the opportunity presents.
35. Devontez Walker (WR-North Carolina) - Walker's length and speed pass the sniff test for impact in the NFL, but he is lacking when you watch the lower branches on the route tree. He has improved against tighter coverage at the catch point, but Walker is a boom/bust prospect who might not be dedicated enough to the craft to gain the trust of his coaches and quarterback.
36. Malik Washington (WR-Virginia) - Washington is a strong run-after-catch threat, and he has great hands. But he may be limited to slot work, and route running is not a plus. His ceiling isn't that high, but he can be a consistently productive player in a good offense.
37. Trevin Wallace (LB-Kentucky) - Wallace is everything the NFL wants in an off-ball linebacker athletically, but he isn't there yet when it comes to instincts, reading the action, and translating those traits into production. He'll have to sit for a year or two and learn, ideally, but if he is coached up, he could be the best IDP linebacker in this class.
38. Ja'Tavion Sanders (TE-Texas) - Sanders is a receiving tight end who is definitely big and athletic enough to project as a mid to low fantasy TE1 if he hits. He'll need to be a better route runner to maximize his potential and doesn't profile as a preferred red zone target despite his size, so his ceiling and floor aren't quite high enough for you to make him a priority over the deep second tier of wide receivers.
39. J.J. McCarthy (QB-Michigan) - McCarthy is the mystery box among the first-round quarterback. All of the pieces are there for NFL, if not fantasy, success, but his limited track record and not being the central piece of how his national championship-winning team triumphed adds a lot of risk. In 1QB leagues, he will have to fall far in rookie drafts to be worth taking in a class stocked with upside wide receiver prospects. In Superflex drafts, he'll go in the first round, but maybe shouldn't. There has been a lot of talk about McCarthy being a trade-up target for Minnesota or Denver and worth a future first to secure. If he ends up falling to one of those team's natural picks - or farther - he should fall out of the first round of Superflex rookie drafts.
**TIER BREAK**
40. Kimani Vidal (RB-Troy) - Vidal is a very common answer to the question, "Who is your favorite running back sleeper in the 2024 draft?". None other than Matt Waldman compares him favorably to D'Andre Swift. Vidal is a proven bellcow back with good pass-catching skills, but as Waldman points out, his pedigree probably drops him to the third day of the draft, so we might need to be patient to see him get an opportunity.
41. Audric Estime (RB-Notre Dame) - Estime is the epitome of a power back, but his ceiling is a limited "thunder" back in a thunder and lightning duo. He could become a fan favorite and have some matchup flex value if he lands with a team like the Chargers, but he could also get overshadowed quickly by the plethora of NFL backs that have more to offer athletically.
42. Blake Watson (RB-Memphis) - Watson is another top pass-catching back in this class who could earn opportunities on early downs if his ability to consistently gain yards overshadows his undersized frame and lack of speed and suddenness.
43. Luke McCaffrey (WR-Rice) - In a draft full of NFL bloodlines, you can't ignore McCaffrey, who is a converted quarterback who might have his best play as a receiver ahead of him. The speed, quickness, hands, and competitive toughness are there, but will the finer points of the position, like route running and releases at the line, improve enough to make an impact? He's a great later pick if bench size allows you to hold players for a few years while they develop.
44. Ryan Flournoy (WR-SE Missouri State) - We have only seen Flournoy in a small sample against big school competition, but he is athletic enough to be on Bruce Feldman's "freaks" list. He has overcome tearing the same ACL twice, but his work ethic has given him a shot to make it. Flournoy could develop into a contributing, if not starting, outside wide receiver in a best-case scenario.
45. Jaheim Bell (TE-Florida State) - Bell will likely be a third-day pick, and he probably won't be the primary receiving tight end on his team early on. But if a team has a place in their pass offense for an H-back, he could end up mattering in fantasy football with some development because of the low bar for relevance at the position. Scott Barrett, who I trust, believes Bell should be a lot higher on this list.
46. Erick All (TE-Iowa) - Iowa tight end should get your attention to begin with, although All started his career at Michigan. He was beginning to break out as a receiver in his first year this season at Iowa but suffered a torn ACL. The medicals aren't going to be pretty for him after the ACL and previously to that, spine surgery in 2022, so if a team is willing to spend a pick in the first 4-5 rounds on him, pay attention.
47. Jalen McMillan (WR-Washington) - McMillan is part of an offense that will send three wide receivers, a running back, and a quarterback to the NFL. He was playing hurt at times last year, so he could be a third-day steal. McMillan projects as a complementary crafty slot receiver who might need a similarly stacked offense in the NFL to get on the fantasy radar.
48. Dillon Johnson (RB-Washington) - Johnson's 4.68 40 dropped him on a lot of boards, but he also has the Matt Waldman favorite endorsement as a tough, smart, efficient runner with good feet and decision-making while he has the ball in his hands. He doesn't project as an every-down back, but Johnson could be a coaches' favorite and lead his team in carries if his backfieldmates can't top his consistent productivity.
49. Ainias Smith (WR-Texas A&M) - Smith is a converted running back with some off-field incidents that could drag down his draft stock, and he seemed to be affected by a 2022 leg fracture last year, but he can become a very productive slot receiver who also gets some manufactured touches.
50. Isaac Guerendo (RB-Louisville) - If you like athletic traits, you'll love Guerendo, who has great speed and size with excellent agility for a big man. The explosiveness (vertical jump) is there in his measurables, but he's not really a sudden back with acceleration on tape. Guerendo doesn't really run hot, but he could get opportunities because his constellation of athletic gifts is rare.
51. Braelon Allen (RB-Wisconsin) - Allen is the classic "potential" back who at times displays each aspect of a successive NFL running back's game, but never all at the same time. He could have fantasy relevance in a situation where he gets an opportunity by default, but if he hasn't put it together yet, he's unlikely to hit his ceiling against NFL defenses.
52. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.(LB-Clemson) - Trotter was highly productive in college and played with the edge that made his dad a signature player in the Eagles defense. He might not be a three-down linebacker and will have to prove himself in coverage to pay off on rookie pick investment down the line.
53. Brenden Rice (WR-USC) - You aren't going to mistake Rice for his dad, Jerry, but he's bigger and more physical, with the ability to win contested catches. His ceiling in the NFL is modest, but Rice would stand out a little more in a typical NFL receiver draft class.
54. Tahj Washington (WR-USC) - Washington is another undersized but productive and developing wideout who produced enough to garner a third-day pick as a special contributor and potential impact player by the end of his rookie deal. He is excellent after the catch and has route-running chops.
55. Ja'Lynn Polk (WR-Washington) - Polk wins at the catch point, and he was a versatile part of Washington's high-flying offense, but his route running and speed won't stand out in the NFL and he might be relegated to more of a zone beater in the middle of the field role at a higher level of competition.
56. Dylan Laube (RB-New Hampshire) - Laube is one of the top pass-catching backs in this class, and he can make it early in his career as a returner. But he might not be suited for early-down work. He didn't pop as a runner physically against a lower level of competition, so it's difficult to see him doing that in the NFL. Dane Brugler compared him to Danny Woodhead, and he's also a Matt Waldman favorite.
57. Bucky Irving (RB-Oregon) - Irving was very productive in college, and he is compact with more power than you'd expect in his smallish (by NFL terms) frame. He combines that with elusiveness and playmaking ability in the open field for what looks like a promising NFL profile, but his combine explosiveness numbers put him in a bucket of prospects that have had little success. He projects as a third-down back but doesn't have the skillset yet to stick in that role.
58. Bo Nix (QB-Oregon) - Nix has underrated rushing upside and a top-notch processor and football IQ, so it's definitely within the range of outcomes that Nix is one of the only quarterbacks in this class that has staying power in both NFL and fantasy terms. He could go as early as #12 to Denver, which would give him a great boost in superflex rookie drafts. Nix isn't a high-ceiling prospect, but like Brock Purdy, in the right offense, he could be a fantasy QB1. He could be a great value in superflex and 1QB leagues because he is being overshadowed by the top four.
59. Ray Davis (RB-Kentucky) - Davis is a tough, productive back who can handle himself between the tackles and should stick around as a solid backup in any event. He has a personal story (both parents in prison at one time, homeless shelters, foster care) that makes you root for him. Even though he's not a dynamic back, he's a lunch pail guy who could rise if events open a path to opportunity in a good situation, a la Kyren Williams.
60. Jared Wiley (TE-TCU) - Wiley led all FBS tight ends in touchdowns in 2023. He has good straight-line speed and quickness, and he's a natural receiver. If he lands in an offense that uses the tight end in the passing game with a path to playing time early in his career, he'll move up on this list.
61. Michael Penix Jr. (QB-Washington) - Penix is a leader, an underrated athlete, and a very experienced and bold passer who will appeal to NFL coaches. He also has a lengthy injury history and probably won't elevate a poor team/offense. If Penix were to land in a situation conducive to instant success like Chicago, he could be a hit for fantasy, but it's more likely that he'll be a consolation prize in the late first/early second for a rebuilding team like Denver or Las Vegas.
62. Chop Robinson (EDGE-Penn State) - Robinson can hang with any edge in this class as a pure outside pass rusher, but his lack of production and functional strength gives him a low floor as a rookie draft prospect, one that may never have fantasy relevance. He's more of a projection than a finished product, so roster size and scoring system will determine whether he's a target in the second half of your rookie draft.
63. Byron Murphy Jr. (DT-Texas) - Murphy should be the top defensive tackle off of the board, but even in defensive tackle-required leagues, he's not a top target. While he does have the skillset and motor to get into the DT1 tier in time, Christian Barmore showed us that you'll likely have to wait to harvest the benefits of drafting and stashing defensive tackles.
64. Terrion Arnold (CB- Alabama) - Arnold passed teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry to become the top-rated Crimson Tide corner in this draft, and he might end up being the first corner drafted overall. He plays the ball well and can finish the interception, in addition to being very active in run support. He should be an instant starter in IDP leagues that have two corner lineups.
65. Jaden Hicks (S-Washington State) - Hicks can do it all in the secondary, and he has improved as the team asked him to do more. He is big and mean enough to play in the box and good enough in coverage to play deep or in the slot. Hicks could be the first safety off of the board in the draft.
66. Cooper DeJean (DB-Iowa) - DeJean can line up all over the secondary. He's a smart, athletic defender who is a good tackler and looking to score when he does get the ball in his hands. That he might not stick as a full-time outside corner is actually a plus if he can keep the cornerback designation in IDP leagues.
67. Cedric Gray (LB-North Carolina) - Gray has sideline-to-sideline range, he gobbles up tackles like Pac-Man and he creates big plays. He'll likely start out as a backup/special teamer but has a three-down linebacker ceiling.
**TIER BREAK**
68. Jase McClellan (RB-Alabama) - McClellan could make an impact as a downhill runner with some niftiness to combine with power to create yards after contact, and there's potential to contribute in the passing game, too. Landing spot will be important, as he could emerge in a backfield bereft of talent but get buried behind more dynamic players.
69. Kendall Milton (RB-Georgia) - Milton only started to live up to lofty expectations at the end of his time at Georgia, so there could be more there than his college stats indicate. He still projects as a one-dimensional between-the-tackles back who pushes the pile and gets the tough yards but lacks the ability to break big plays.
70. Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE-Western Michigan) - Don't be surprised if Kneeland is a first-round pick, even though you won't see his name in a lot of first-round mocks. His motor runs hot, and he has NFL size and power to go along with surprising explosive movements in combat. Kneeland needs more refinement as a pass rusher, but the NFL loves defenders with his mentality and energy.
71. Isaiah Davis (RB-South Dakota State) - Davis is a big power back with enough speed to never be mistaken for a plodder. He is a good pass catcher to add some fantasy upside, but his game will need refinement before an NFL team has him active on game day.
72. Cody Schrader (RB-Missouri) - Schrader is a well-rounded back, and he was very productive in the SEC. But his tools are below average in NFL terms. He might be able to hang around on an NFL roster and get short-term opportunities when injuries strike.
73. Jha'Quan Jackson (WR-Tulane) - Jackson is yet another "slot only" prospect. But his speed and quickness pass the eye test, and he will likely win a roster spot as a punt and kick return specialist, buying time to develop as a wide receiver. His route running ability and early career guidance from former college teammate Darnell Mooney give him a shot to make it.
74. Jacob Cowing (WR-Arizona) - Right now, Cowing is a poor man's Tank Dell, but he could develop into something closer to Dell than his likely third-day draft capital would indicate. He is durable for a small receiver and could add value as a developing punt returner.
75. Jamari Thrash (WR-Louisville) - Thrash has a limited application in the pros, but it could be impactful as a deep threat who can create separation from the slot. He is going to have to adjust to more physical coverage in the NFL if any of that is going to matter on Sundays.
76. Anthony Gould (WR-Oregon State) - This class is stacked with receivers who sort out nicely into archetypes. Gould is another pint-sized speedster who will initially endear himself to his team with return skills and hopefully eventually develop the physicality and route-running acumen to be a dangerous weapon on more than just special teams.
77. Quinyon Mitchell (CB-Toledo) - Mitchell has the athleticism and tape of a future shutdown corner, but he didn't face many future NFL wide receivers. He'll be a first-round pick, and that's good enough to be a late-round pick in rookie drafts as a player who will be picked on a lot early in his career, creating ample opportunity for IDP production.
78. George Holani (RB-Boise State) - Holani is a versatile back who is the kind of player every team likes to have as a third back. He has quickness and passing-game skills, and he takes a lot of effort to bring down even though he's not a big back. His ceiling isn't high, but he'll likely get fantasy-relevant work here and there when injuries ahead of him on the depth chart dictate.
79. Rasheen Ali (RB-Marshall) - Ali has speed and tackle-breaking ability, and he can play on passing downs. Unfortunately, he suffered a ruptured biceps tendon at the Senior Bowl and might be a medical redshirt year, so he's only a pick for deep leagues.
80. Theo Johnson (TE- Penn State) - Johnson will require patience and is probably only worth taking outside of tight end premium leagues if he lands in a good offense. But he has the wide receiver background and top-end athletic ability to matter in fantasy football by the end of his rookie contract and the blocking ability to endear himself to his coaches and teammates.
81. Cornelius Johnson (WR-Michigan) - Johnson is the latest Michigan wideout with NFL size and athleticism that makes you wonder if there's more there than we saw in the Wolverines run-heavy offense. He needs to develop as a route-runner and be more consistent catching the ball, but the flashes are there to be worth an investment in deeper dynasty leagues.
82. Bub Means (WR-Pitt) - You'll want to have Means at the end of your roster or on your taxi squad in deep dynasty leagues because he has an NFL frame with NFL speed, and he looks like an NFL receiver at the catch point. Route running deficiencies could keep him from ever getting significant NFL regular season reps, but the tools are there to become a downfield playmaker if he can hone his craft.
83. Dallin Holker (TE-Colorado State) - Holker broke out as a joker tight end in 2023, and he was one of the best big play tight ends in the country. He'll be drafted for his receiving skills and athleticism, and even though he'll be a third-day pick, that's what we're looking for in deep and tight end premium dynasty leagues for the roster spots at the end of our bench.
84. Tommy Eichenberg (LB-Ohio State) - Eichenberg will instantly improve his team's run defense, and he could start early in his career. He can be exposed in coverage, which will limit his fantasy ceiling if he doesn't improve as a pro.
85. Tyler Nubin (S-Minnesota) - Nubin's ability to handle downfield coverage responsibilities could hamper his fantasy production, but he can handle himself in the box, and he's one of the best ball thieves in this class. He doesn't have the profile of a high-ceiling IDP safety, but he should be one of the first safeties off of the board in the draft and could outproduce expectations.
86. Javon Bullard (S-Georgia) - Bullard isn't ideal from a size or athleticism standpoint, and that will keep him out of the first round. He still has the versatile skillset to hold up against the run and be an excellent zone safety, which should get him into the second day and ticketed to become a starter sooner rather than later.
87. Mike Sainristil (CB- Michigan) - It's time to usher in a new archetype for IDP leagues - the slot corner who is startable despite not being on the field for every defensive snap because they are agents of chaos, gremlins who sabotage the offense's plans. Sainristil is undersized and not for every defensive coordinator, but he was a good enough wide receiver to play on that side of the ball for Michigan for three years and should continue to improve from an already high level.
88. Jer'Zhan Newton (DT-Illinois) - Newton is always in the backfield, he's almost always on the field, and he was very productive for an interior defensive lineman. He has a chance to get in the first round of the NFL draft and should be one of the first players to go on day two if not. If your league requires a defensive tackle, Newton is worth targeting at the end of late drafts.
89. Mason Tipton (WR-Yale) - Tipton is small by NFL wide receiver standards and he has only had to face Ivy League corners, but his speed and athleticism are pro quality. He could make an impact as a downfield receiver after a year or two as a practice squad or end-of-the-roster receiver.
90. Xavier Weaver (WR-Colorado) - Weaver is probably too slight to be a core NFL wide receiver, but his route-running and speed could secure a role for him at the next level. His punt return skills should create a window for him to stick as a wide receiver.
91. Cade Stover (TE-Ohio State) - Stover is a developmental tight end, but he's a good mover and natural receiver, and he even spent some time on the defensive side of the ball for the Buckeyes as a linebacker.
92. Austin Booker (EDGE-Kansas) - Booker was an unknown entering 2023, but he flashed as a highly productive edge rusher in his only year at Kansas even though he was a rotational player. He's already more advanced than some of the higher-rated edge rushers in this class, even though he's just scratching the surface of his potential. Booker could end up being one of the best edge defenders in the class by year two or three of his rookie contract.
93. Darius Robinson (EDGE-Missouri) - Robinson is a massive, powerful defender whose best football should still be ahead of him. He projects as an end on early downs and interior rusher on passing downs, which makes his future fantasy value a little more difficult to gauge. If he ends up being classified as a defensive tackle eventually, he could be among the most valuable at his position.
94. Chris Braswell (EDGE-Alabama) - Braswell actually had more pressures last year than his ballyhooed teammate Dallas Turner, but he lacks the bend and diversity of skills and strategy to translate that success to the NFL right away. He's only an end-of-the-bench or taxi squad stash in sack-heavy leagues, but he could hit if his pass-rush repertoire catches up to his power game.
95. Jordan Magee (LB-Temple) - Magee is a little light in both build and strength for an NFL linebacker, but he makes up for it with speed and effort. He's a developmental linebacker, but with increasing scarcity, he might be worth stashing over higher-drafted edge rushers.
96. Michael Wiley (RB-Arizona) - Wiley is a seasoned back with three years of starting experience. He's one of the better receiving backs in this class and might be under the radar because a high ankle sprain ruined his senior season.
97. Daijun Edwards (RB-Georgia) - Edwards has limited application in the pros, but he could stick as a third-down/two-minute drill back and prove useful even though he lacks the size to be a reliable early down option.
98. Spencer Rattler (QB - South Carolina) - At one time, Rattler was expected to be among the top quarterbacks in this class, and at times you can see why on his tape. He's only of interest if he lands in a situation with a path to playing time in the near future.
99. Adisa Isaac (EDGE-Penn State) - Isaac has the athleticism, motor, and frame to be a starter and disruptive player on the edge in time, but he'll need some time in the incubator before we can see if he'll hit his ceiling. He's worth a late-round pick in sack-heavy leagues. His personal story is amazing - Isaac helped his mom care for his three developmentally disabled siblings.
100. James Williams (S/LB-Miami) - Williams is far from a finished product, but his safety/linebacker tweener profile is a lot more attractive to NFL teams than it was 10-15 years ago. He could be developed into a Swiss army knife that can do everything from blitz the quarterback to erase athletic tight ends in coverage. If he gets a safety designation but eventually plays a lot of nickel linebacker, he could be a very relevant player in IDP leagues.
