Our ESPN Fantasy Soccer trio of Liz Loza, Matt Bowen and Mike Clay provide their evaluation of every talent place participant chosen within the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL draft, in addition to projections for his or her rookie season.
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Will high quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make noise of their maiden voyage by means of the league like C.J. Stroud did final season? Will Marvin Harrison Jr. make the largest impression of this deep huge receiver class, or will Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze put up higher numbers in 12 months 1? Might Brock Bowers match the influence Sam LaPorta had final season?
There isn’t any higher time than now to begin eager about the 2024 fantasy soccer season.
Spherical 1
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 324 of 497, 3,391 yards, 20 TD, 13 INT;62 carries, 312 yards, 3 TD (15 video games)
A pure creator with the power to supply difference-making performs, Williams has the dual-threat traits to log viable fantasy numbers as a rookie. Maintaining him on schedule as a pocket thrower will probably be a precedence in Chicago, however with a confirmed pair of veteran pass-catchers (DJ Moore and Keenan Allen) and dynamic rookie Rome Odunze (taken ninth total), Williams has the best ceiling of any quarterback in 2024 class. He ought to be drafted as a high-end QB2, offering fast returns in superflex codecs. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 320 of 515, 3,447 yards, 15 TD, 14 INT;106 carries, 578 yards, 5 TD (15 video games)
Not dissimilar in taking part in type to Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Daniels’ throwing traits are a eager match for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. Anticipate the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator to make use of loads of unfold passing parts, which ought to assist the 23-year-old’s transition to the professionals. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson main the receiving corps in addition to a stable run sport out there to ascertain a rhythm, Daniels slides right into a sneaky-productive scenario. Add in his elite dashing instincts, and the rookie may doubtlessly thrive as a QB2 in superflex codecs as early as 12 months 1. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 325 of 511, 3,361 yards, 16 TD, 13 INT;66 carries, 330 yards, 2 TD (15 video games)
With a 6-foot-4, 223-pound body, Maye has the bodily instruments to create fantasy manufacturing in his rookie season. He is a high-velocity thrower who can assault all three ranges of the sphere, and he has the power to put up dashing totals on designed carries and scramble makes an attempt. The Patriots signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett this offseason, so a camp battle looms this summer time. If Maye wins the beginning job, nevertheless, he brings worth to superflex codecs as an upside QB2. — Bowen
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 82 receptions, 1,115 yards, 5 TD (15 video games)
A sophisticated playmaker with a Corridor of Fame father, Harrison is arguably essentially the most pro-ready participant on this 12 months’s draft class, no matter place. Kyler Murray won’t be essentially the most constant passer within the NFL, however he has confirmed able to supporting a top-15 fantasy producer on the place (DeAndre Hopkins was a top-15 WR in fantasy factors per sport in all three of his seasons as a Cardinal). Harrison ought to simply emerge as Murray’s main possibility, probably flirting with double-digit targets on a weekly foundation and making him a precedence rookie in redraft and dynasty codecs. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 75 receptions, 982 yards, 5 TD (15 video games)
Nabers is an explosive receiver. He can stretch defenses vertically from slot or boundary alignments, with the bodily catch-and-run traits to create in open grass. In New York beneath Brian Daboll, Nabers will probably be schemed as a three-level, big-play goal. The Giants might want to see the next degree of play from quarterback Daniel Jones this season, however there isn’t any query about Nabers’ skill to raise the cross sport. He ought to be drafted as a WR3, with the potential to supply lower-end WR2 numbers as a rookie. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 42 of 65, 451 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT; 6 carries, 21 yards, 0 TD (2 begins)
Penix is a rhythm pocket passer who’s correct on the second and third ranges of the sphere. He also can drive the ball with velocity. Simply try the tape from the Sugar Bowl win over Texas. He was dialed in. Penix is a powerful match for an Atlanta offense that options extra play-action parts. He has the pocket mobility to reset his throwing window or assault the perimeters on bootlegs. With the Falcons signing veteran Kirk Cousins this offseason, nevertheless, Penix’s fantasy worth is proscribed to dynasty codecs solely. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 55 receptions, 739 yards, 4 TD (15 video games)
A former observe standout with a 6-foot-3 and 212-pound body, Odunze has the dimensions and pace to win on the surface on the subsequent degree. Using route savvy and a catch radius within the 97th percentile, the Washington product figures to spherical out the Bears’ receiving corps, working reverse DJ Moore and as a complement to Keenan Allen within the slot. Given the crowded WR room and the presence of a rookie QB, Odunze is prone to begin sluggish however may flirt with 60 grabs by the shut of his first professional marketing campaign. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 327 of 516, 3,535 yards, 19 TD, 13 INT; 45 carries, 197 yards, 2 TD (14 begins)
McCarthy matches in Kevin O’Connell’s offense as a ball distributor who can produce off outlined, play-action throws. McCarthy possesses high-end pocket motion to work in tight quarters and has the power to make second-reaction throws, He can create for himself as a runner or thrower. With the Vikings signing veteran Sam Darnold this offseason, McCarthy must earn that No. 1 job in camp. If he’s the starter this season, McCarthy has lower-end QB2 worth in deeper, superflex codecs. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 307 of 486, 3,076 yards, 16 TD, 15 INT; 47 carries, 154 yards, 1 TD (14 begins)
Nix broke out after transferring from Auburn to Oregon. As a Duck, he demonstrated beautiful improvisational instincts, usually delivering off platform. His taking part in type is thrilling, however the tempo of the NFL may result in questionable decision-making, significantly when throwing deep, an space wherein Nix struggled in school. He has an actual shot of profitable the beginning gig in Denver, and his skill to increase performs together with his legs may pad fantasy stats, however he is probably not more than a streaming possibility in 2QB and superflex leagues heading into 2024. — Loza
1:40
Fantasy projections for the 2024 rookie NFL QBs
Take a look at Mike Clay’s fantasy projections for Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix.
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 56 receptions, 651 yards, 4 TD (15 video games)
Bowers is the unquestioned high tight finish prospect within the 2024 class. He has the route-running traits to uncover versus safeties and linebackers and the power to stretch the seams. Plus, he is a talented and rugged mover after the catch. Whereas the Raiders drafted TE Michael Mayer within the second spherical final 12 months, Bowers is the Raiders tight finish you wish to roster in fantasy. He’ll be a fringe TE1 as a rookie with the power to supply breakout video games. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 57 receptions, 756 yards, 4 TD (15 video games)
Thomas thrived as a constant downfield playmaker at LSU and led the FBS with 17 receiving TDs in 2023. Thomas makes use of his pace (4.33-second 40-yard sprint) and size (6-foot-3) to shine as a fluid route runner with an unbelievable catch radius (98th percentile). His arrival in Jacksonville indicators a departure for Zay Jones. Assuming Thomas replaces Jones because the Jaguars’ main vertical risk, the rookie may put up growth weeks for fantasy managers, significantly as a flex possibility. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 44 receptions, 582 yards, 5 TD (15 video games)
An electrical mover with ridiculous 4.21 pace, Worthy can stretch defenses vertically or run away from protection on crossers and over routes. And in Andy Reid’s closely schemed cross sport, Worthy can function as a multilevel goal for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have some depth at huge receiver now, and tight finish Travis Kelce stays Mahomes’ high goal. Nonetheless, given Worthy’s pace and big-play chops, he ought to be drafted as a WR3, with doubtlessly extra upside in non-PPR codecs. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 32 receptions, 430 yards, 3 TD (15 video games)
Pearsall is a favourite amongst metrics experts, presenting with elite testing numbers that embody burst and agility scores above the ninety fifth percentile. Pearsall offers off Christian Kirk vibes, probably greatest deployed within the slot however with the route savvy, energy and catch radius to efficiently work all ranges of the sphere. With Brandon Aiyuk rumors swirling, Pearsall may discover himself in a beginning position sooner reasonably than later. He is a beautiful match for Kyle Shanahan’s offense and is price a flier for upside-seeking fantasy managers. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 48 receptions, 633 yards, 3 TD (15 video games)
Legette performs with pace (4.39-second 40-yard sprint) and energy. He is unafraid in site visitors, utilizing a formidable mix of stability and physique management to frequently win in contested conditions. The 23-year-old will be a part of Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen, probably working reverse Johnson on the surface. He is a stable catch-and-run goal for second-year quarterback Bryce Younger, however given quantity restrictions and questions on Younger’s improvement, Legette presents as an unlikely starter for fantasy managers. — Loza
Spherical 2
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 52 receptions, 706 yards, 4 TD (15 video games)
Coleman, a former basketball participant who performed for Tom Izzo at Michigan State, has dimension (6-foot-3, 213 kilos) and hops. The Florida State product makes use of unbelievable ball abilities to frequently climb the ladder to make circus catches. His routes lack polish, however he’ll be thrown into motion with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis not in Buffalo. An X receiver with downfield skill, Coleman figures to emerge as a main crimson zone possibility for Josh Allen. His stat traces is perhaps growth or bust, however he is deserving of top-40 consideration on the place for fantasy functions. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 66 receptions, 849 yards, 5 TD (15 video games)
The Chargers wanted so as to add a receiving goal in Jim Harbaugh’s offense, and McConkey can uncover at a number of ranges of the sphere, with the juice to create after the catch. There’s element to his sport within the route tree. And given the depth chart in Los Angeles, McConkey may emerge shortly as a main goal for quarterback Justin Herbert. He ought to be drafted as a WR3 this season. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 34 receptions, 411 yards, 2 TD (15 video games)
Polk is a splendidly well-rounded receiver. His routes are exact and his palms are sticky. New England had a necessity on the place and, clearly, the Patriots’ overhauled teaching regime valued Polk’s consistency over a scarcity of elite testing numbers. Between questionable quantity and the probably presence of a rookie quarterback, nevertheless, Polk does not determine to make an instantaneous influence in redraft codecs. His rapport with Drake Maye will probably be one thing to keep watch over, although. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 195 carries, 871 yards, 6 TD; 35 receptions, 257 yards, 1 TD (14 video games)
Brooks suffered an ACL harm in November, and he joins a crowded operating again room in Carolina with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. Nonetheless, Brooks has the traits of a three-down again in a professional offense. He is a slasher who has the imaginative and prescient to search out daylight and second-level elusiveness to create large performs. Plus, Brooks has the receiving abilities to supply out of the backfield. If he is able to roll at first of camp, search for Brooks to emerge because the lead again within the Panthers’ offense. He is a flex/RB2 goal in redraft leagues. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 47 receptions, 566 yards, 3 TD (15 video games)
A area stretcher with electrical pace (4.34-second 40-yard sprint) and dizzying change-of-direction abilities, “AD” Mitchell tasks to work primarily as an outdoor vertical risk. He figures to leapfrog Alec Pierce upon arriving in Indianapolis, working reverse Michael Pittman Jr., whereas Josh Downs mans the slot. Mitchell’s explosive talent set is a unbelievable complement to the corps. His yards per reception could possibly be large, assuming Anthony Richardson can keep wholesome. That stated, quantity could possibly be scarce, which might make him a greater wager in greatest ball than redraft codecs heading into 2024. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 19 receptions, 193 yards, 1 TD (15 video games)
With the route traits to work the center of the sphere or stretch defenses on the third degree, Sinnott is a simple mover from a number of alignments. He can rumble after the catch, too. Washington signed 33-year-old tight finish Zach Ertz, in order that impacts Sinnott’s fantasy worth as a rookie. Nonetheless, new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will deploy two-tight finish units in his sport plan, which retains Sinnott on the radar this season as a possible streaming possibility. — Bowen
Spherical 3
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 39 receptions, 439 yards, 3 TD; 9 carries, 54 yards, 0 TD (15 video games)
Aptly nicknamed the “YAC King,” Corley racked up a jaw-dropping 694 yards after the catch (WR5) in 2023. At 5-foot-11 and 205 kilos, the Western Kentucky product strikes extra like a operating again than a large receiver after the catch. He is been in comparison with Deebo Samuel all through the draft course of, although that is beneficiant (and largely reductions Samuel’s receiving abilities). Nonetheless, the 22-year-old brings a bodily component to the Jets’ receiving corps. He may emerge as a top-35 fantasy participant on the place given Mike Williams’ harm historical past, and is price a late-round flier in redraft codecs. Nonetheless, fantasy managers ought to mood fast expectations. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 115 carries, 495 yards, 3 TD; 22 receptions, 152 yards, 1 TD (15 video games)
Benson has the professional body (6-foot, 216 kilos), contact stability and residential run skill to thrive in a niche scheme. Get him on a north/south observe to assault the second degree, and he has the 4.39 pace to burst into the open area. Benson can log numbers as a receiver, too, on screens and beneath throws. In Arizona, James Conner continues to be No. 1 within the Cardinals’ backfield, so Benson will play a rotational position as a rookie. He is price a late-round choose as an insurance coverage possibility in redraft leagues. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 43 receptions, 510 yards, 3 TD (15 video games)
Burton has the energy to work by means of contact at a number of ranges of the sphere and the power to separate on the third degree to get free excessive. He is a powerful, palms catcher who can work on the boundary. Burton joins a extremely proficient (and crowded) huge receiver room in Cincinnati. He will probably be able to compete for the No. 3 position within the Bengals’ offense, and has loads of upside in dynasty codecs with Tee Higgins slated to play this season on the franchise tag. — Bowen
Reiman was a observe and area standout who performed protection in highschool in South Dakota earlier than changing to tight finish as a senior. That versatility exhibits in his skill as a receiver and blocker. Reiman is a greater blocker than he’s a receiver, although he does have potential as a pass-catcher within the short-to-intermediate ranges of the sphere. He will probably be behind Trey McBride on the depth chart, which suggests the Illinois product will work as an inline possibility. Reiman gives little worth to fantasy soccer managers, barring an harm to McBride. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 110 carries, 453 yards, 4 TD; 18 receptions, 130 yards, 1 TD (14 video games)
Corum led the Wolverines’ run-centric offense all the way in which to the nationwide championship, frequently shimmying his well beyond defenders and thru holes. Whereas he proved he can deal with a big quantity of touches (he rushed for 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns on 258 makes an attempt in 2023), he probably will not emerge because the Rams’ main ball service, since Kyren Williams holds that honor. Nonetheless, Corum may flirt with double-digit touches on a per-game foundation and is prone to eat into Williams’ snap rely. Corum is price a late-round choose in redraft leagues with deep benches, however his worth would expertise a large bump if Williams have been to be sidelined. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 28 receptions, 368 yards, 2 TD (15 video games)
Wilson is an inside goal who has 4.39 pace within the 40 to emphasize defenses on deep over routes and vertical ideas. He ought to man the slot for the Steelers of their three-wide receiver units. He’ll work the beneath ranges, too, however I actually like the thought of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith scheming up play-action targets for Wilson to create big-play alternatives. Contemplating the anticipated quantity for George Pickens and Smith’s run-heavy strategy, Wilson will be focused as a late-round flier in deeper redraft leagues, however he has way more upside in dynasty codecs. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 74 carries, 305 yards, 2 TD; 17 receptions, 119 yards, 1 TD (14 video games)
Lloyd is a polarizing prospect. When he booms, he booms laborious, as evidenced by his skill to frequently rip off lengthy runs. Practically 21% of his carries went for 10 yards or extra in 2023. Sadly, ball safety has been a difficulty for the Trojan, who dedicated eight fumbles on 289 profession carries. However his various talent set — which incorporates pass-catching potential — is plentiful with upside. He has a possibility to be taught (and convey the juice) behind Josh Jacobs in Inexperienced Bay. The touchdown spot, nevertheless, stunts Lloyd’s skill to make an instantaneous influence in redraft leagues. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 29 receptions, 349 yards, 2 TD (15 video games)
McMillan has playmaking skill from the slot. He can get vertical, create in area and switch beneath throws into large positive aspects. The route operating is pro-ready, too. He faces robust competitors for targets in Tampa with established veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, which lowers his projected totals. Whereas McMillan has extra worth in dynasty codecs, Baker Mayfield’s aggressive throwing mentality opens the door for fantasy managers to make use of a late-round flier on him. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2024 projection: 28 receptions, 325 yards, 1 TD (15 video games)
The youthful brother of Christian McCaffrey boosted his draft profile by operating a 4.46 40-yard sprint on the mix. He is a taller slot goal (6-foot-2), who’s prepared to work the soiled areas of the sphere, and he has the savvy route traits to govern protection and get open. McCaffrey may have a shot to win the beginning slot position in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense as a rookie. Nonetheless, with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson commanding a big share of the targets, McCaffrey is extra of a dynasty play. — Bowen
