Welcome to Volume 6 of The Draft Board. As usual, we’re starting the new volume off big. I’m talking about the return of hot takes, cold takes, takes nobody asked for, and takes nobody cares about. The return of full of objective fantasy knowledge, educated guesses, and pure baseless speculation. The return of the…
2024 Rookie Mock Draft
1.01: DReid – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR | ARI)
The most highly touted WR prospect since Ja’Marr Chase. Harrison is a 6’3″ alpha with route running that routinely beat college corners. He’s got excellent body control and above average vision. Most importantly, he’s coming into the NFL as an elite route-runner – very rare for college receivers.
Don’t get it twisted, MHJ isn’t perfect. He’s a little more AJ Green than Calvin Johnson. He lacks top end speed and has trouble breaking contact on both release and post-catch tackles. In fact, there’s not even consensus among NFL scouts whether he’s the best receiver in the draft. But that hardly matters since the fantasy community crowned Harrison Jr. the best 2024 prospect years ago. Given how spot-on fantasy consensus is at predicting the 1.01, I would be shocked if he didn’t go first.
1.02: Rallen – Malik Nabers (WR | NYG)
Nabers could easily be the 1.01 if Marvin Harrison Jr. wasn’t in this draft. He has very good route-running for a rookie and his physicality is unrivaled. He frequently burns defenders deep, knows how to make them pay for overcommitting with stop routes, and has strong hands capable of pulling down jump balls.
🚨Mock Trade🚨
jamesmyers9 receives: 1.06 and 2.03
TigersMom receives: 1.03
JamesMyers9 took over a dismal team in 2023 and comes into 2024 without a QB who is starting in the NFL. That leaves two options – reach for a QB with the 1.03 or trade back and take one later. I think JM9 opts to take swap his 1.03 with TigersMom’s 1.06 in exchange for an early 2nd as compensation.
1.03: TigersMom – Rome Odunze (WR | CHI)
Odunze is another 6’3″ receiver that can excel at both separating on deep routes and winning 50/50 balls in the red zone. To make things even more enticing, he’ll have rookie phenom Caleb Williams as his QB in Chicago.
His body control was stellar for a 6’3″ college player, but his biggest weakness was a lack of effort – something the Bears struggled a lot with on offense last season… *cough* Cole Kmet *cough* Chase Claypool *cough*.
He’ll have to face competition from DJ Moore and over-the-hill Keenan Allen at WR, so it may take a year or so for Odunze to begin to reach his potential. But it’s been widely reported that he already has strong bond with Caleb Williams, so it may not take as long as we initially expected before he becomes the favored target in Chicago.
1.04: twatkins10 – Xavier Worthy (WR | KC)
A case can be made for Brock Bowers to be picked here, but considering the strong season Evan Engram had I think TWatkins opts for a wide receiver that could end up being fantasy gold.
Worthy is a speedy wide receiver that has excited fantasy GMs more than he has NFL GMs. And when I say speedy, I’m talking 4.21 40 speed. That’s an NFL combine record. It doesn’t take a football genius to put one-and-one together. Pat Mahomes is in dire need of quality receivers and Xavier Worthy is already being compared to Tyreek Hill. Like many speedster receivers before him, could end up being nothing; but if he becomes something he could be everything.
🚨Mock Trade🚨
rkmay receives: 1.09 and Austin Ekeler
DReid receives: 1.05
DReid may have lucked out on winning the MHJ lottery, but his other three first round picks landed in the back half. Any year could be the last year of Reid’s aging dynasty, and his roster could use an extra tight end after the surprise retirement of Darren Waller. It makes sense for Reid to finally bite the bullet and trade away Ekeler (who he originally drafted for $62 in 2019).
rkmay needs a decent first round pick, but she also needs roster depth – especially at RB. Ekeler is solidly past his prime and playing second fiddle to Brian Robinson in Washington, but it was only one year ago he was still considered a top running back so there could be life in him yet.
1.05: DReid – Brock Bowers (TE| LV)
Bowers led Georgia in receiving yards for three straight seasons through a blend of speed and body control that’s unusual for tight ends. He doesn’t have the most impressive measurables (6’3″, 240 lbs, est. 4.53 40), but his production in college speaks for its self. Like most tight ends, he may need a year or two to acclimate to the size and speed of NFL defenders, but so far he’s showcased everything it takes to be an elite NFL tight end.
1.06: jamesmyers – Caleb Williams (QB | CHI)
Williams was the first overall pick in the NFL draft and has a lot of expectations to be a top QB immediately. He’s got an NFL-ready quick release and a rare talent to feel pressure and reset his pocket when needed. He’s not the most reliable at playing short yard passes as they were drawn, struggles with deep ball accuracy, and has a tendency to play hero ball – sacrificing easy scramble opportunities to cosplay as Aaron Rodgers with off-balance throws. But once Williams adapts to the NFL, he should be an excellent quarterback.
1.07: HaffCaff – Jonathon Brooks (RB | CAR)
There’s a few directions HaffCaff could take this pick, but I think he opts for the top RB in the draft after a disappointing 2023 from Singletary and Pierce.
Jonathon Brooks isn’t exactly the most exciting running back prospect. He hesitates on zone runs, he tore his ACL in November, and Carolina hasn’t produced a 1,000 yard rusher since McCaffrey in 2019. Despite his flaws, Brooks is still a talented runner with good size. He reads blocks well and showcases considerable agility working through cuts. In one of our weakest RB classes yet, he has the clearest path toward fantasy production.
1.08: TigersMom – Ladd McConkey (WR | LAC)
Conkey is coming into an offense that just lost Keenan Allen & Mike Williams, and averages 37 passing attempts/game (3rd in the NFL). After Quintin Johnson struggled last year, Conkey has an opportunity to become Justin Herbert’s new go-to. He’s a smart route route-runners and is consistently able to manipulate corners. However, he struggles catching deep balls and had a concerning back injury in 2023.
1.09: rkmay – Brian Thomas Jr. (WR | JAX)
Brian Thomas is another 6’3″ receiver with both size and speed. A wideout adept at working both inside and outside. He’s best at generating separation on deep routes and catching balls on straight line routes, but he has a great foundation to become a solid intermediate route-runner.
If he gets the coaching he needs and improves his effort on the field, he’ll be at least a WR2. If not, he risks becoming a boom-or-bust deep threat without the consistent PPR points from midrange receptions needed to become a reliable fantasy player.
1.10: plumbob – Keon Coleman
Yet another 6’3″ receiver with circus catch ability, Coleman is coming into a Josh Allen led offense that just lost their top pass catchers in Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Coleman has good ball tracking and sticky hands. He may not be a favorite for some of Josh Allen’s wild deep throws, but he excels at working aggressive short and medium routes. He sometimes relies too much on his size to make catches and struggles to find separation from press coverage, but it’s normal for large receivers to need route-running practice when they come into the NFL.
1.11: twatkins – Trey Benson (RB | ARI)
This pick may seem counterintuitive since TWatkins already has Arizona running back James Conner. But after a great 2023 season (and adding Xavier Worthy earlier in this mock draft), gaining roster stability may be more important than taking a risk on more receivers. Adding Trey Benson lets TWatkins monopolize the Cardinals backfield in case Conner gets injured again or loses the starting job. And don’t forget James Conner will be an unrestricted free agent after this year, meaning Benson has a clear path to starting in 2025.
The second running back taken in the NFL draft, Trey Benson is a big back with 4.40 speed. He has the ideal body type for a pro ball carrier (6’0″, 215 lbs) and plays with a surprisingly elusive playstyle. To become a top RB he’ll need to improve his vision and make quicker decisions finding holes.
In the pros, this can be corrected by good coaching – but you would really prefer for a player to come into the NFL with that skill set considering how short running back careers are.
1.12: DReid – Blake Corum (RB | LAR)
It’s no secret that Sean McVay spins running backs into fantasy football gold. Kyren Williams was on fire last year as LA’s primary ball carrier, but there’s concerns whether he can maintain a prolonged NFL workload with his diminutive size.
Enter Blake Corum. Fantasy GMs around the world sat up when the Rams chose him as the third RB off the board in the 2024 NFL draft. He’s not much larger than Kyren Williams, but he’s a strong runner who has showcased the ability to handle heavy workloads and fatigue defenses – all while being very productive en route to Michigan’s National Championship.
He’s not a particularly flashy runner and may turn out to be a Kyren Williams backup plan. But if he can become McVay’s favorite his fantasy numbers should soar.
1.13: LBtown – Adonai Mitchell (WR | IND)
Another one of this class’s many strong receiver prospects, Adonai Mitchell is an ascending talent with great measurables that still needs coaching to help him utilize his genetic gifts. He has the speed to be a deep threat, but needs practice using his large frame to bully defenders in close quarters. When he locks in, he’s among the best pass catchers in this class, and he’s looked good in the preseason so far. But don’t be surprised if he needs this first year to adjust to the NFL before he lives up to his potential.
1.14: DReid – Ricky Pearsall (WR | SF)
The 49ers already have one of the best collections of pass catchers in the NFL. Ricky Pearsall has a concerning shoulder injury that will prevent him from playing in the preseason and maybe longer. So why the hell are fantasy analysts ranking this guy as a top 10 receiver in a draft full of great WRs? Because GM John Lynch selected him with the 49ers first round pick in the NFL draft, and that has to mean something.
When Pearsall plays, there’s a lot to like. I’m going to put it bluntly – he’s the prototypical white receiver. Crafty route running, skilled at manipulating coverages, “surprising” speed (4.41 40), great route tempo – you get the idea. His foot quickness and release ability isn’t the best (he’s white after all), but he should be a perfect fit for Shanahan’s offense where scheming is more important than bullying corners.
That is, he’ll be perfect if he ever gets to play. There’s hope though. Shoulders heal, and Aiyuk is gone after this season. Not to mention the rumors that #11 may be traded.
1.15: Kenjifonn – Xavier Legette (WR | CAR)
In 2021 it was Terrace Marshall. In 2023 it was Jonathan Mingo. One of these Carolina receivers has to be the next Steve Smith at some point, right? Trust me bro, this time is the time. He has “Leg-It” in his fucking name so he must be fast.
Yes, Legette is fast – and tough. He’s one of the best once the ball is in the air and he can use his speed, strength, and body control to impose his will on the coverage. Frankly his route running is not what you want to see from a guy who was picked in the first round of the NFL, and it appears unlikely to improve. Thankfully that won’t matter if he can bully defenders the way he did in college.
Even in the NFL you don’t need to be a tricky route-runner when you’re tough as nails and able to bring catches in with authority. Considering how much stronger NFL defenders are, that’s a big “if.” But if he can pick up where he left off in college, Legette will be Legit.
1.16: playboyheff – Jayden Daniels (QB | WAS)
PlayboyHeff has a good squad, but he could pepper in an extra starter at any position. That may make the choice to take a backup QB here perplexing, but I like it. Right now Heff’s QB options are pretty much just Baker Mayfield, Baker Mayfield, and Baker Mayfield. Since many of the best receivers of the draft have been taken, the three most enticing running backs are gone, and any other tight ends would be a reach, it’s the perfect time to secure a backup QB so that if Mayfield is injured the season isn’t over.
The second overall pick in the NFL draft, Jayden Daniels is arguably the equal of Caleb Wiliams. He’s a dual threat playmaker with accurate first and second level passing. He makes good decisions and protects the football well. His arm strength is lacking when it comes to hitting deep routes in stride, but you can’t have everything. Daniels can make plays from the pocket, reading defenses like a book pre-snap and punishing zones with quick-release anticipation. If he senses an opening he also has the scrambling ability to really make defenses pay.
The landing spot isn’t nearly as ideal as Caleb Williams’, but it is going to be harder than usual for Washington to fuck this up.
2.01: LBtown – Drake Maye (QB | NE)
LBtown is another GM who needs a backup QB, especially since Minshew could be benched any time with how unpredictable the Las Vegas QB situation has been. After getting Adonai Mitchell in the first round, it makes sense to take a quarterback here while Drake Maye is still available.
Maye isn’t the equal of Williams and Daniels, but he is a quality quarterback who won’t be subjected to the Belichick passing-game curse now that the former coach is out of New England. He’s got arm talent, pocket discipline, and guts. He struggles sometimes with disguised coverages and unclear reads, but he’s still young and these are things that can be improved once you make it to the NFL.
2.02: Rallen – Jaylen Wright (RB | MIA)
This team is another in need of a backup QB, but they’re also in need of just about everything else even more. After locking in Nabers in the first round, I think they’ll opt to gamble on running back Jaylen Wright in the second.
Jaylen Wright is a sub 4.40 running back for Miami. That’s all you need to know. Right now he’s competing on the depth chart with:
- Raheem Mostert – A 100 yr. old geriatric whose bones may turn to dust on any tackle.
- De’Von Achane – A 100 lb. dwarf whose bones may turn to dust on any tackle.
- Jeff Wilson Jr. – A person Mike McDaniel made up as an elaborate prank. It’s actually Raheem Mostert wearing a different jersey (seriously look into it).
The chances that Jaylen Wright can beat out all three are slim, but if he can then he will score five touchdowns a game despite not really being able to do much other than run really fucking fast once he gets to the open field. In Mike McDaniel’s offense, that’s all that’s needed. He’ll create the gaps, and you’ll sprint sixty yards into the end zone.
2.03: jamesmyers – Ja’Lynn Polk (WR | NE)
In previous years, Ja’Lynn Polk may have been written off as another receiver destined to be squandered by Belichick. Polk lacks the suddenness needed to reliably create separation, but he has strong hands and can carve out space near the boundary when the ball is in the air. New England is relatively soft at WR (Kendrick Bourne and DeMario Douglas) so Polk has a chance to get double digit targets every game if he can create a connection with Drake Maye.
2.04: Kenjifonn – MarShawn Lloyd (RB | GB)
Lloyd will likely compete with AJ Dillon for the opportunity to complement Josh Jacobs in the Green Bay running game – assuming he recovers from a lingering hamstring injury. MarShawn has NFL caliber burst and good natural timing to create big slashes of yardage. He posses average vision and isn’t what many would consider a natural playmaker – although he can shine in the short yardage passing game if given the opportunity. He should be a classic third down back.
2.05: rkmay – Ben Sinnott (TE | WAS)
After Austin Hooper’s quiet 2023, it’s clear that rkmay needs some juice at tight end. Sinnott is capable of beating man coverage and getting YAC, but he’ll need to improve his blocking to get consistent NFL playtime. Both Washington and new quarterbacks have a reputation for feeding tight ends, which makes his landing spot one of the better places he could have been drafted.
2.06: twatkins -Jermaine Burton (WR | CIN)
Fantasy GMs are hoping that Jermaine Burton could replace Tee Higgins as a longterm second option for Joe Burrow. Burton is solid at mostly everything, but doesn’t stand out on any skills either. His route tree is decent, but not NFL caliber. His route-running is good, but not great. His ball tracking is particularly good, but still pales to some of the better receivers in this class. He’s not a playmaker, but he can get open and catch a football.
2.07: HaffCaff – Roman Wilson (WR | PIT)
Pittsburgh has a reputation for developing standout receivers, and they’ll have their prototypical guy in Roman Wilson. He’s got great top gear speed and smooth striding that let him shine on intermediate and deep routes in college. His route-running needs developing, but the Pittsburgh coaching staff should be able to work on that. He’ll likely never be a reliable underneath option, but he can develop into a guy who gets 5 – 10 targets a game with highlight reel plays peppered in.
2.08: TigersMom – Malachi Corley (WR | NYJ)
Corley is a physical receiver who could become a reliable short – mid range pass option. He struggles with contested catches, but once the ball is in his hands he breaks tackles like a running back. His route-running isn’t impressive, but it does showcase a solid foundation to improve upon. If he can evolve beyond a quick-pass bully whose catches are schemed for him, he should be a great PPR option.
2.09: WyattBrady – Troy Franklin (WR | DEN)
Troy Franklin isn’t a physical receiver, but he posses the speed to accelerate past corners and has excellent release quickness. Outside of Courtland Sutton, he doesn’t have much competition. So it’s been concerning that he hasn’t done much and reportedly “could be facing a redshirt year.”
2.10: plumbob – Kimani Vidal (RB | LAC)
Vidal is one of a few running backs that have been brought in to try and replace Austin Ekeler for the Chargers. He’s a short but strong runner with a nose for the goal line. Vidal doesn’t have the speed, cuts, or vision to be a playmaker. But he could end up as a reliable short yardage back.
2.11: twatkins – Bo Nix (QB | DEN)
TWatkins will need to find a backup for Jalen Hurts at some point, and this pick provides an opportunity to land a starting NFL QB. Nix displays the accuracy, arm talent and athleticism consistent with today’s brand of pro quarterback. He can also move the sticks by seizing scrambling opportunities. He’s not a particularly flashy quarterback, especially compared to Caleb Williams, but if Denver schemes to his strengths he should be a solid NFL QB.
2.12: TSteggs – Braelon Allen (RB | NYJ)
Braelon Allen is the presumed backup to Breece Hall. By taking him here, TSteggs gains a valuable handcuff. Allen is the rare 6’1″ 235 lb. back who relies on his elusiveness instead of his physical frame for short yardage gains. He may get occasional opportunities to give Hall breaks, but unless he can establish himself as a reliable bruiser who can wear down the defense it’s never going to be a 50/50 split.
2.13: DReid – Luke McCaffrey (WR | WAS)
Luke McCaffrey is obviously the little brother of legendary ball carrier Christian McCaffrey. He’s a big slot target who doesn’t have his brother’s explosiveness, but he does have good hands and toughness. If he can improve his route running and release, he could emerge as the clear WR2 in Washington.
2.14: TigersMom – Jalen McMillan (WR | TB)
McMillan has been getting some buzz in training camp. He’s a slot target with above average ball tracking and good fakes on his route running. If he can improve his aggression and physicality he could eventually carve out a role on the Tampa Bay offense.
2.15: TheCarlos – Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE | CAR)
Ja’Tavion Sanders is in line to start at tight end for Carolina. He’s a talented pass catching tight end with flashes as a run blocker. He runs surprisingly good routes for a TE and consistently beats man coverage. If he can block well enough to get on the field, he’s a superb pass catching TE.
2.16: TSteggs – Theo Johnson (TE | NYG)
If TSteggs can get a reliable tight end, his team should be the clear favorite for a third championship this year. Theo Johnson is competing to be the Giants’ starting TE. His run blocking is below average, but he can make contested catches and beat man coverage. He’s not a playmaking tight end by any means, but depending on the Giants’ scheme he could at least eventually be a TE2.
3.01: LBtown – Bucky Irving (RB | TB)
3.02: Rallen – J.J. McCarthy (QB | MIN)
3.03: playboyheff – Ray Davis (RB | BUF)
3.04: playboyheff – Javon Baker (WR | NE)
3.05: rkmay – Audric Estime (RB | DEN)
3.06: RestingHollow – Michael Penix Jr. (QB | ATL)
3.07: HaffCaff – Tyrone Trace (RB | NYG)
3.08: TigersMom – Isaac Guerendo (RB | SF)
3.09: WyattBrady – Will Shipley (RB | PHI)
3.10: plumbob – Brenden Rice (WR | LAC)
3.11: twatkins – Devontez Walker (WR | BAL)
3.12: TSteggs – Isaiah Davis (RB | NYJ)
3.13: DReid – Dylan Laube (RB | LV)
3.14: Eliel – Malik Washington (WR | MIA)
3.15: Kenjifonn – Jacob Cowing (WR | SF)
3.16: TigersMom – Ainias Smith (WR | PHI)
Recap
| Draft Pick | GM | Draftee | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.01 | DReid | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR 1 |
| 1.02 | Rallen | Malik Nabers | WR 2 |
| 1.03 | TigersMom | Rome Odunze | WR 3 |
| 1.04 | twatkins | Xavier Worthy | WR 4 |
| 1.05 | DReid | Brock Bowers | TE 1 |
| 1.06 | jamesmyers | Caleb Williams | QB 1 |
| 1.07 | HaffCaff | Jonathon Brooks | RB 1 |
| 1.08 | TigersMom | Ladd McConkey | WR 5 |
| 1.09 | rkmay | Brian Thomas Jr. | WR 6 |
| 1.10 | plumbob | Keon Coleman | WR 7 |
| 1.11 | twatkins | Trey Benson | RB 2 |
| 1.12 | DReid | Blake Corum | RB 3 |
| 1.13 | LBtown | Adonai Mitchell | WR 8 |
| 1.14 | DReid | Ricky Pearsall | WR 9 |
| 1.15 | Kenjifonn | Xavier Legette | WR 10 |
| 1.16 | playboyheff | Jayden Daniels | QB 2 |
| 2.01 | LBtown | Drake Maye | QB 3 |
| 2.02 | Rallen | Jaylen Wright | RB 4 |
| 2.03 | jamesmyers | Ja’Lynn Polk | WR 11 |
| 2.04 | Kenjifonn | MarShawn Lloyd | RB 5 |
| 2.05 | rkmay | Ben Sinnott | TE 2 |
| 2.06 | twatkins | Jermaine Burton | WR 12 |
| 2.07 | HaffCaff | Roman Wilson | WR 13 |
| 2.08 | TigersMom | Malachi Corley | WR 14 |
| 2.09 | WyattBrady | Troy Franklin | WR 15 |
| 2.10 | plumbob | Kimani Vidal | RB 6 |
| 2.11 | twatkins | Bo Nix | QB 4 |
| 2.12 | TSteggs | Braelon Allen | RB 7 |
| 2.13 | DReid | Luke McCaffrey | WR 16 |
| 2.14 | TigersMom | Jalen McMillan | WR 17 |
| 2.15 | TheCarlos | Ja’Tavion Sanders | TE 3 |
| 2.16 | TSteggs | Theo Johnson | TE 4 |
| 3.01 | LBtown | Bucky Irving | RB 8 |
| 3.02 | Rallen | J.J. McCarthy | QB 5 |
| 3.03 | playboyheff | Ray Davis | RB 9 |
| 3.04 | playboyheff | Javon Baker | WR 18 |
| 3.05 | rkmay | Audric Estime | RB 10 |
| 3.06 | RestingHollow | Michael Penix Jr. | QB 6 |
| 3.07 | HaffCaff | Tyrone Tracy | RB 11 |
| 3.08 | TigersMom | Isaac Guerendo | RB 12 |
| 3.09 | WyattBrady | Will Shipley | RB 13 |
| 3.10 | plumbob | Brenden Rice | WR 19 |
| 3.11 | twatkins | Devontez Walker | WR 20 |
| 3.12 | TSteggs | Isaiah Davis | RB 14 |
| 3.13 | DReid | Dylan Laube | RB 15 |
| 3.14 | Eliel | Malik Washington | WR 21 |
| 3.15 | Kenjifonn | Jacob Cowing | WR 22 |
| 3.16 | TigersMom | Ainias Smith | WR 23 |
Nilbog Fantasy League 