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Dave Ventresca breaks down five fantasy football rookies who will fail to make an immediate impact in 2024. Which rookies may not have entered the best situation?
In recent years, we have seen more rookies than ever before provide immediate fantasy football results. Just last year, we watched Puka Nacua and C.J. Stroud have impressive debut seasons.
However, not every rookie can make an immediate impact. Whether it’s due to circumstances or lack of experience, there are times when first-year players disappoint.
Make sure you follow RotoBaller on X and check out RotoBaller.com for all your fantasy football needs. Here are five rookies that will fail to make an impact in 2024.
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Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears
Odunze was arguably the best route runner in this decorated rookie receiver class. The Chicago Bears selected him with the ninth overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Man Rome Odunze is just good. Contested catch monster to go along with superb route running.
Gonna be a special player. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/zMyb10LycZ
— The Fantasy Football Stallion (@FF_Stallion) April 24, 2024
He will now catch passes from No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams for the foreseeable future. The problem for Odunze is that the Bears receiving room is rather crowded. Incumbent WR1 DJ Moore will still command a healthy target share, and the team also traded for veteran Keenan Allen this offseason. Fifth-year tight end Cole Kmet is also in the mix.
Odunze could eventually emerge as a top option in this receiving game, but in all likelihood, he will be stuck behind the veterans for most of the season.
Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
Bowers takes over as the clear TE1 for Las Vegas. He is arguably the most talented tight-end prospect to come out in recent years.
Who remembers this Brock Bowers touchdown?😳 pic.twitter.com/5XlYLLmBGo
— Elite Georgia Football (@elitegeorgiacfb) March 13, 2022
However, things might be tough in 2024. The Raiders figure to have a run-oriented offense and Gardner Minshew II or Aidan O'Connell as QB1 is less than ideal. There is also significant target competition with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers in the mix. Put it all together, and it’s hard to envision a highly productive rookie year for Bowers.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Mitchell profiles best as an X-receiver. He figures to play this position with the Colts. Much like Odunze, Mitchell also faces a lot of competition for targets. Michael Pittman Jr. is an alpha WR1 who can play all over the field. Josh Downs is a strong separator and has established himself as the team’s top slot receiver. It’s also unclear how many targets are up for grabs with Anthony Richardson under center. Mitchell is a good dynasty asset, but it might be an underwhelming rookie season.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons stunned the football world when they selected Penix a few weeks after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency. Penix is clearly the Falcons' long-term solution at the position, but Atlanta did not give Cousins $100 million guaranteed to ride the bench. Penix will sit behind the veteran and learn for the time being. While that’s a good thing for his development, it also means he carries zero redraft value heading into draft season.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
It was a bit of a surprise pick when the San Francisco 49ers selected Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in April’s draft. Still, he’s a talented player, a strong route runner, and can play all over the field.
The Ricky Pearsall highlights you’ve all been clamoring for: pic.twitter.com/j6ug4rbZBg
— East Bay Chris (@EastBayChris) April 26, 2024
The problem for Pearsall is that he is snookered behind Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk on the 49ers’ depth chart. San Francisco has not traditionally utilized many three wide receiver sets, so it’s unlikely Pearsall has any significant role. Unless Aiyuk or Samuel are injured, Pearsall doesn’t carry much redraft value.
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