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Which fantasy football rookie wide receivers should you target in 2024? Mike Fanelli examines the prospect profiles of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.
The 2024 NFL Draft was a goldmine for anyone scouting future fantasy football stars, especially at the wide receiver position.
Stepping into the spotlight first were Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers, snagged within the top-6 picks on draft night. These aren't just any rookies -- they're walking into their teams as the bona fide No. 1 wideouts ready to rack up points from Day 1.
Considering their current ADPs (average draft position), which rookie WR should you take in your fantasy draft? Both Harrison and Nabers are primed to be fantasy darlings with their elite skills and top billing on their teams. The real question for fantasy managers: Which of these rookie receivers will be the key to fantasy glory in 2024?
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Marvin Harrison Jr. 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Current ADP: WR9 -- 14.2 overall in PPR formats
Harrison had an outstanding college career. He had at least 67 receptions for 1,211 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in back-to-back years despite losing his starting quarterback C.J. Stroud to the NFL ahead of the 2023 season. Opposing defenses knew the Ohio State offense went through Harrison, yet they couldn’t stop the superstar receiver from making plays anyway. Harrison went on to win the prestigious Biletnikoff Award for the most outstanding wide receiver of the 2023 college football season.
The rookie receiver will be the No. 1 guy for Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals this season. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has been impressive with Harrison throughout offseason practices and plans to incorporate him into the offense immediately. Harrison lined up on the outside with tight end Trey McBride working the middle of the field should prove to be a deadly combination in Arizona this year.
“I was really pleased how he performed throughout the offseason.”
Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing says he’ll learn more about WR Marvin Harrison Jr. when they put on the pads in training camp, but the rookie has impressed. pic.twitter.com/Xpd3L8zQ2F
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) June 27, 2024
Malik Nabers 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Current ADP: WR24 -- 39.4 overall in PPR formats
Nabers had a breakout year in 2023. After totaling 100 receptions for 1,434 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his first two seasons at LSU, the star receiver totaled 89 receptions for 1,569 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Nabers was arguably the top wide receiver in college football last year, playing a critical role in Jayden Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy. Nabers was an explosive threat all over the field, leading college football with 34 plays of 20+ yards in 2023.
The rookie receiver doesn’t have an ideal quarterback situation. However, Daniel Jones and Drew Lock can get Nabers the ball and will need to do so to sustain drives. The former LSU star has made several impressive catches during offseason practices, flashing big-play abilities. With the Giants lacking any other clear No. 1 options on their wide receiver depth chart, Nabers should shine immediately in New York.
“Post more Malik Nabers content!!!” pic.twitter.com/bsCHPtKmDM
— New York Giants (@Giants) June 6, 2024
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
Fantasy players should jump at the chance to draft both rookie wide receivers this season. Each player is expected to be their team's No. 1 target in the passing attack. Furthermore, the Cardinals and Giants should be high passing offenses with both teams likely trailing most of their games, only helping Nabers and Harrison get fed the ball.
However, Harrison should get drafted first. The Cardinals play in a dome, while the Giants play outdoors. Therefore, he is more likely to have success later in the year. More importantly, Harrison has a significant advantage over Nabers at quarterback with Murray. Giants head coach Brian Daboll is known for being an offensive innovator and will have no choice but to get the ball into the hands of his rookie wideout to move the chains, but Harrison is in a far better situation.
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