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The 2024 NFL Draft is fast approaching. Also around the corner are dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts. It’s the most exciting time of the year. There’s nothing like drafting your favorite college players and watching them become stars on your dynasty team.
As fun as that sounds, there are players who disappoint every draft cycle. Select enough of these players and you’ll find yourself in the dreaded perpetual rebuild. One of the keys to staying competitive in dynasty fantasy football is spotting potential landmines in rookie drafts. Knowing who to avoid is oftentimes more important than knowing who to draft.
Make sure you keep up to date with all your NFL Draft and fantasy football needs by following RotoBaller on X and checking out RotoBaller.com. Using RotoBaller’s up-to-date rookie rankings, we’re going to take a look at which rookies are currently overvalued in dynasty fantasy football leagues.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky- RotoBaller Rookie Ranking: 15th Overall, WR11
Simply put, Corley dominated the competition at Western Kentucky.
I can't stop watching Malachi Corley highlights...💪⚡️
When he gets the ball in his hands it's an ANGER that he runs with that makes this guy one of my favorite prospects in the draft❗️
Watch these highlights and tell me you don't feel the same way⬇️🔥
*Disclaimer, these… pic.twitter.com/s5t57bOLP0
— Tyler Knaeble (@PPRTyler) February 6, 2024
He combined for 180 receptions, 2,279 yards, and 22 touchdowns during his final two collegiate seasons. He boasted a strong analytic profile in 2023 with a 2.79 yards per route run (YPRR), per Pro Football Focus. This was good for 27th in the nation among all receivers.
It all sounds great, but there is a major caveat that Corley accomplished all this while playing against lesser competition in Conference USA. Transitioning to the NFL presents a major step up in competition. Corley still needs to refine his route running against man and press coverage. The same moves/release packages that worked against the players he faced in Conference USA will not work against NFL-caliber defensive backs. Despite these issues, Corley is built like an absolute tank and can bulldoze defenders with ease. He has the speed to outrun defenses and is a problem in the open field.
Corley is an intriguing prospect. There are elements to his game that stand out, and he can be a fantasy force if he improves his route running. This ranking is just too high given the concerns about his game translating to the NFL. Corley is more of a Round 3 rookie pick and should be drafted as such.
Marshawn Lloyd, RB, USC- RotoBaller Rookie Ranking: 17th Overall, RB3
Lloyd is coming off a career year in his final collegiate season. He combined for over 1,000 scrimmage yards and scored nine rushing touchdowns. Lloyd had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and further increased his draft stock last month at the NFL Combine.
Marshawn Lloyd 4.46 unofficial 40 pic.twitter.com/hF00pIMWP1
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 2, 2024
Ball security has been a major issue for Lloyd in his playing career. He has put the ball on the ground on average once every 32 touches.
Scoop n score after a Marshawn Lloyd fumble and UCLA leads #USC 28-10 with 9:29 left in 3rd Qtr @On3USC pic.twitter.com/VNkUiuwvW9
— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) November 18, 2023
Unless he can address this issue, that number will be a major problem facing NFL defenders who are skilled at ripping the ball away. While fumbling issues are not always a death nail, they can be if a player does not correct it. Tiki Barber is a good example of a player who overcame fumbles to become an elite running back.
Lloyd has the prerequisite ability to be one of the best backs in this class. This ranking, though, is a little too high given the concerns. There are other running backs ranked after Lloyd that are equal or better in talent and don’t carry the same risk.
Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan- RotoBaller Rookie Ranking: 22nd Overall, WR13
One of the more polarizing prospects in the 2024 wide receiver class, Wilson displayed big-play ability during his time at the University of Michigan.
Roman Wilson with his third touchdown of the day. Perfect pass from J.J. McCarthy. pic.twitter.com/7fQcOFTjUv
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) September 2, 2023
Wilson turned heads at the Senior Bowl back in February, and he immediately began to gain steam in dynasty fantasy football circles. He has some impressive athletic traits; however, there are concerns about his development as a route runner. Wilson ran a very limited route tree at Michigan. He’ll need to improve his release packages to find success at the next level.
Roman Wilson can improve his choice and execution of release footwork/setups during routes. pic.twitter.com/qsXGMEBRFS
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) February 25, 2024
Wilson has the type of athleticism that can help him develop as a receiver, but he’s further from a finished product than people realize. He makes for a better dart throw later in rookie drafts, but there are better players to roll the dice on near the end of Round 2.
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