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For some fantasy football dynasty teams, 2023 hasn't been very kind, and it's already time to think about how to win your leagues next year. While selling off assets that are more valuable in 2023 than in the future is step one, looking at the rookies to bring in is the next crucial step for turnarounds.
2024 is looking like a loaded rookie draft, with plenty of talent at quarterback and wide receiver. Some of the best prospects from the last couple of years will be on the board, and selecting them could be essential for a championship in 2024 and beyond.
Here's an early mock draft for dynasty rookie drafts in 2024.
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1. Caleb Williams, QB- USC Trojans
The 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner, Caleb Williams, is the clear-cut choice to go number one overall in both the NFL Draft and in dynasty rookie drafts. The USC Trojan has immense arm talent and improvises with the best of them, playing an exciting brand of football that has often been compared to Patrick Mahomes.
The situation shouldn't matter too much, but a good situation can elevate his performance right from the start. Although he needs to work on playing within the structure at times and processing defenses, Williams is an incredible talent who should be the top pick in every rookie draft.
2. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR- Ohio State Buckeyes
Unless quarterback is a dire need for your team in the second spot, Marvin Harrison Jr. is the obvious choice out of Ohio State. The son of the Hall-of-Famer stands at 6'4" and is expected to run the 40-yard dash in the 4.3 range. His production is undeniable, as he accumulated 1,263 yards in 2022 and has 766 yards through seven games in 2023.
Ohio State has a remarkable track record of producing NFL talent in recent years, with players like Terry McLaurin, Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson, to name just a few. Brian Hartline excels in receiver development, and Harrison Jr. possesses all the qualities of a generational talent and a top dynasty receiver.
3. Drake Maye, QB- North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is putting together another impressive campaign and is projected to be the second quarterback off the board in 2024. If you play in Superflex formats, Maye is definitely a strong consideration for the second overall pick, as he possesses all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback.
Maye is a tall, prototypical quarterback that teams typically look for in drafts and has impressive physical traits. Apart from some minor mechanical tweaks, along with improving his ability to process defenses and throw with anticipation, there isn't much to dislike about Maye. He should be drafted no later than third overall in most formats.
4. Brock Bowers, TE- Georgia Bulldogs
Before his injury, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was receiving legitimate Heisman buzz in his third season. Bowers has accumulated 2,931 career receiving yards and has been one of the best offensive players on the top college football team over the last three seasons. After winning titles in his freshman and sophomore seasons, Bowers is aiming for a third title in as many years.
Bowers has been utilized like few other tight ends ever are in college, and he's thriving. He possesses good speed, can easily get open, and excels after the catch. With the positional advantage that comes with having an elite tight end, Bowers immediately becomes one of the best dynasty tight ends if he receives usage anywhere near what he's been seeing at Georgia.
5. Quinn Ewers, QB- Texas Longhorns
The former highly-touted Ohio State recruit has experienced his share of ups and downs this year, from a Heisman-worthy performance at Alabama to a turnover-filled outing in the Red River Rivalry. Quinn Ewers has shown glimpses of the qualities that scouts have admired for so long, but the game against the Sooner defense has raised questions, leaving him as the third quarterback to be selected.
Ewers possesses excellent accuracy as a pocket passer, with a rapid release and a strong ability to recognize defenses. However, he operates in a relatively simple RPO offense that hasn't exposed him to the more complex reads he's likely to encounter in the NFL. Furthermore, he exhibits below-average arm strength and athleticism, which could limit his potential. If he can excel as a pocket passer, Ewers has the potential to be a dependable fantasy option at quarterback.
6. Malik Nabers, WR- LSU Tigers
LSU Tigers receiver Malik Nabers has rapidly risen through the draft boards at the start of the 2023 season, already amassing 981 yards through eight games. The competition for the WR2 position in this draft is closely contested, but the 6'0", 200-pound receiver has taken a slight edge at this point in the season.
Nabers has good hands and elite ball-tracking ability, excelling at getting open and making plays after the catch. He has been most effective on slot fades this year but has shown the capability to succeed in any alignment with his explosiveness. His well-rounded skill set indicates a high ceiling, potentially even as high as Stefon Diggs.
7. Emeka Egbuka, WR- Ohio State Buckeyes
The wide receiver talent in Columbus continues to be remarkable, as the number two receiver on this Buckeyes team is yet another first-round talent with versatile abilities. Emeka Egbuka boasts very good size and length and appears to be a more explosive version of his former teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Egbuka's diverse skill set allows him to be deployed across various formations, a trait that is highly regarded by general managers and coaches. Egbuka stands out as another electrifying talent in a deep receiver class and is a solid pick in the middle-to-late stages of the first round.
8. Michael Penix Jr., QB- Washington Huskies
With a 7-0 record and a significant victory over Oregon, Michael Penix Jr. finds himself right in the thick of the Heisman race this late in the season. He has thrown for 2,576 yards in just seven games and has been the leader of one of college football's most dynamic passing attacks. Penix has an excellent field vision and rarely makes plays that could lead to turnovers.
While he will turn 24 at the start of the next season, a quarterback posting these kinds of numbers is worth considering in the late first round of drafts. Penix, however, lacks arm strength, isn't a significant rushing threat, and has an extensive injury history. However, he still has the potential to be a solid player in the NFL.
9. Rome Odunze, WR- Washington Huskies
Following Penix, his primary target, Rome Odunze, is poised to contend as one of the first receivers off the draft board. Odunze has accumulated 832 yards through seven games this season, following a total of 1,151 yards the previous year. He maintains an impressive average of 3.16 yards per route run on 67 targets despite having an average target depth of 15 yards.
Standing 6'3", Odunze is an elite route runner with strong hands who can navigate through traffic effectively. While his lack of speed may somewhat limit his potential, he excels at finding lanes and producing after the catch. Odunze's reliable hands and adept route running bode well for his prospects at the NFL level.
10. Keon Coleman, WR- Florida State Seminoles
At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Keon Coleman possesses an ideal build for an outside receiver in the NFL. He is an elite athlete who excels at making mid-air adjustments and coming down with contested catches. Coleman has also demonstrated the ability to elude solo defenders in open space.
As another potential first-round pick among wide receivers, Coleman's combination of size and athleticism positions him to be a productive NFL receiver. While he may not have blazing speed to break open defenses, he possesses a set of innate skills that set him apart from other receivers in this draft.
11. TreVeyon Henderson, RB- Ohio State Buckeyes
The third Buckeye poised to go in the first round of dynasty drafts is running back TreVeyon Henderson, who has missed a significant amount of time in 2023. When he's healthy, he possesses the most explosiveness of any back in this draft. While his vision isn't considered elite, his quick decision-making often compensates for it, along with his ability to power through defenders.
Standing at 5'10" and weighing 214 pounds, Henderson has the build and attributes of a three-down back in the NFL. He excels after the catch and displays significant rushing potential, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt this season.
12. Trey Benson, RB- Florida State Seminoles
Two spots after Coleman, his teammate Trey Benson will be part of the conversation for the first running back taken. Although there might be more value in quarterbacks or other receivers after this selection, the demand for the position will likely lead to some reaching in this draft. Benson is a nightmare in open space and is projected to have an impact in both phases of the game.
While he isn't the most complete receiver, he has demonstrated some effectiveness in that aspect of the game but still has room for improvement. Benson is most likely suited for outside zone schemes, as he exhibits excellent vision for cutbacks in those types of blocking schemes. All in all, he's a challenging back to bring down with some receiving potential, making him a borderline first-round prospect in rookie drafts.
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