Training camps are open around the NFL which means we are getting our first glimpse at this year's rookie class. If the draft was any indication, this group of first year players may be the best we've seen in a while.
As a reminder, the first 14 picks were all offensive players, and we saw 10 wide receivers selected in the first 37 picks.
With such a loaded group, how do they stack up against one another? Let's dive into it with our first set of fantasy rookie rankings for 2024.
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1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI)
Marvin Harrison Jr. steps into the desert a few years after Larry Fitzgerald's departure, and the similarities between the two are unmistakable. Fitz was drafted 3rd overall by the Cardinals in 2004 while twenty years later, Harrison Jr. was drafted 4th by Arizona as they look to get a proper WR1 for Kyler Murray.
With Murray playing at 100% and the Cardinals ultimately playing with nothing to lose on both sides of the football, Harrison could be trending towards a 100+ reception season with plenty of red zone targets. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t finish as the overall rookie #1 this season.
Nabers might be just as talented as Marvin Harrison from his rookie tape out of Giants camp, but with Daniel Jones Quarterbacking and the offensive line less-than-ideal, Nabers is nowhere close to grabbing that top rookie spot.
The Giants haven’t seen this type of talent in their receiver room since OBJ’s early career, so expect Malik to haul in 85+ receptions, but he could struggle to haul in some deep passes which is what made him so explosive at LSU.
After drafting Michael Mayer last year, the Raiders doubled down at tight end and selected Brock Bowers with their 1st rounder this season. Bowers is by-far the most talented tight end in his class and similar to Sam LaPorta last season for the Lions, is trending to finish as a TE10 or better during his rookie season with Las Vegas.
No matter the Quarterback situation for Vegas, Bowers is bound to become a focal point of this offense and if Davante Adams indeed requests a trade out of the desert, watch out for a late season surge from the TE1.
In a two QB league, Williams would most likely be ranked at the 1 or 2 spot. However in a one QB league, Williams should drop to the middle of the first round of rookie drafts with the potential to become an all-time pick in best ball and dynasty drafts should someone take a swing. With Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, and D.J. Moore just a few of Williams’ targets, the sky's the limit for Caleb.
The key will be the C.J. Stroud rule - don’t make unnecessary turnovers. Stroud’s 23 TD, 5 INT season isn’t a reasonable target for Williams who tends to throw some 50/50 balls deep and in tight spaces, but anywhere in the 25+TD, 9 or less interception range would make for a solid rookie campaign.
Another Chicago Bear Rome Odunze comes in at #5. While Odunze might get the JSN treatment his rookie season as the Bears have plenty of options for Williams to choose from, Rome is still a top three talent at WR in his class.
The rookie-to-rookie connection should go for 5+ TDs and 70+ receptions making for a solid rookie campaign. However, if you are looking for a WR 20 or better season from the Washington alum, you might have to wait a season.
Thomas could easily slide into the WR2 or 3 role for Jacksonville, who now has Thomas, Gabe Davis, and Christian Kirk as their top wideouts to complement Etienne and Engram. Thomas knows how to play the WR2 role as he was opposite Malik Nabers at LSU.
Watching his tape, Thomas can beat defenders over the top, on 50/50 balls, and with his footwork. This could be a match made in heaven with TLaw, Pederson, and company.
A player rising up our draft board, Texas wideout AD Mitchell might have already secured a starting role with the Colts. While Anthony Richardson is a run-heavy Quarterback, Mitchell’s sheer size and speed is tough to ignore in a division that lacks solid secondaries.
The Colts should score in bunches and Mitchell could be the most-targeted AFC rookie wideout in the red zone, making for a top 10 rookie campaign.
Daniels is falling on our list in 1QB leagues, but he’s someone you can’t ignore. A best ball target, Daniels is a smart runner and has some qualities that Kyler Murray showed coming into his rookie year.
With Kliff Kingsbury now working with the Washington Commanders rookie, don’t expect the same numbers Williams is putting up but with McLaurin, Dotson, Ekeler, and Robinson at his disposal it should be a solid rookie campaign for JD.
The Chargers took Ladd McConkey with the 34th overall pick in last year's draft, and will need him to contribute immediately. At the moment, the Chargers room is led by Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnson.
While we expect Johnson to take a big step forward in year 2, McConkey looks like the he may end up being the targets leader for Justin Herbert.
An excellent route runner, Ladd has already been ruled the breakout player in Chargers camp.
One are for concern? He was constantly hurt at Georgia. Maybe not significant injuries, but he was limping off the field at some point of virtually every game.
If he can stay healthy he will be one of the top fantasy rookies, but that is a major if, particularly if he ends up serving as the #1 target in this offense.
An injury might be knocking him out of the rest of training camp, but Roman Wilson is our sleeper pick in best ball and rookie drafts as a solid bet to take the WR2 or 3 role in Pittsburgh at some point this season.
As a short to medium yardage player at Michigan, Justin Fields or Russ Wilson is a great match for Roman who is a fantastic route runner with some sneaky speed to match.
The injury will be something to monitor, but if you are buying into the new-look Steelers offense, Wilson is a name to keep your eye on.
11. Xavier Worthy
12. Jonathan Brooks
13. Ricky Pearsall
14. Keon Coleman
15. Xavier Legette
16. Trey Benson
17. Blake Corum
18. Drake Maye
19. J.J. McCarthy
20. MarShawn Lloyd
21. Ja'Lynn Polk
22. Jermaine Burton
23. Bo Nix
24. Troy Franklin
25. Ben Sinnott