Fantasy Football Rookies With Top-12 Positional Upside In 2024

Mike Fanelli breaks down the four rookies who could finish as a top-12 guy in fantasy football during their rookie season in 2024.

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror. While everyone is focused on their dynasty rookie drafts, it’s never too early to look ahead to redraft season.

There were six players to end their rookie season as a top-12 guy at their position in half-point PPR scoring last season – C.J. Stroud, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Puka Nacua, Sam LaPorta, and Dalton Kincaid.

While it’s unlikely that six players from the 2024 NFL Draft class are top-12 guys as rookies, let’s look at the four most likely candidates.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings
• 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings

Caleb Williams

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has an outstanding supporting cast. Williams has three elite wide receivers – DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze. Furthermore, the Chicago Bears have multiple weapons at tight end and running back with Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, D'Andre Swift, and Roschon Johnson on the roster. Head coach Matt Eberflus has already named Williams the Week 1 starter. He has the weapons needed to be a top-five quarterback as a rookie.

Caleb Williams named Bears starter.

Of course. Seems obvious.

But 3 years ago Justin Fields sat and watched Andy Dalton (!) get the first team reps.

Different era. Different player. I believe there will be much different results. pic.twitter.com/dfMfnZSGFL

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) May 10, 2024

Jayden Daniels

Quarterbacks that can run are worth either weight in gold for fantasy players. Daniels had an unbelievable final year at LSU, totaling 3,812 passing yards and 40 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions. More importantly, he had 1,134 rushing yards and double-digit rushing scores for the second consecutive season. The Washington Commanders will be in negative game script often in 2024, giving Daniels plenty of opportunities to put up QB1 numbers.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison is the only rookie wide receiver that belongs in the top 12 of redraft rankings. The Arizona Cardinals lost Marquise Brown in free agency and traded away Rondale Moore. While they recently signed Zay Jones, the veteran won’t keep Harrison from seeing a massive target share as a rookie. DeAndre Hopkins was an excellent fantasy football wide receiver with Kyler Murray under center. Yet, Harrison could be even better. The former Ohio State star has overall WR1 upside in 2024.

You’ve heard the name Marvin Harrison Jr for years now. But get to know the player and why he has WR1 upside in fantasy football even as a rookie! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/aqEQTtTE4j

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) April 17, 2024

Malik Nabers

Many aren’t happy that Nabers landed with the New York Giants because of the quarterback situation. However, Daniel Jones and Drew Lock are accurate enough to get the star rookie wide receiver the ball. Meanwhile, the Giants lack any other significant receiving threats. Saquon Barkley is gone, while Darren Waller reportedly could retire. While the target quality won’t be ideal, Nabers will see enough volume to put him in the low-end WR1 conversation this upcoming season.

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