The 2024 NFL Draft was a rollercoaster ride of surprises and anticipation. From the expected picks to the ones that left us all in awe, like the Atlanta Falcons' first-round selection of Michael Penix Jr., the draft was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Penix was a prospect that sparked debates and discussions leading up to this year’s draft. Some believed in his potential, predicting an early selection like the one to the Falcons, while others speculated he might fall to the back half of the first round or even be a round-two pick.
The Penix pick certainly threw the NFL world into a frenzy, and it made a lot of fantasy football players what the 2024 season is going to look like, especially for players taken in the first round. With those questions in mind, we have taken a deep look at the first round of this year’s draft, diving into three specific picks and what they might mean for the upcoming fantasy season. Let’s get into it!
Malik Nabers (5th Overall Pick, New York Giants)
What does this Nabers pick mean for the Giants? After all, many people expected them to take a quarterback coming into the draft, as Daniel Jones hasn’t been the answer for them to this point. Jones might still have a few shortcomings, but having a player like Nabers to throw to could certainly help his cause.
Nabers is regarded as the second-best receiver in this year’s class after Marvin Harrison Jr., and if he’s anything like fellow LSU alums, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, he shouldn’t have any problems making an instant impact on this team. The Giants don’t have many solid pass-catchers besides Nabers on the roster, meaning that he could see a lot of work in his rookie campaign.
Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Darren Waller were the team’s leading target-getters last year, garnering 79, 78, and 74, respectively. With this in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising if Nabers had at least 100-120 targets this year, as he presents as a much better receiving threat than those three names. Nabers could be a sneaky later-round pick for you in fantasy drafts, especially if you go RB-heavy early.
Brock Bowers (13th Overall Pick, Las Vegas Raiders)
Bowers was a highly-touted tight end prospect heading into the draft. There was a lot of buzz that he was slated to sneak into the top 10, which didn’t end up coming to fruition. However, just because he fell further than expected, does not mean that Bowers is a bad player.
In fact, similarly to Nabers, we believe Bowers could be one of the best players on the Raiders offense in 2024. Devante Adams is still the team’s leading receiver, but beyond him, there isn’t much talent to speak of. The Raiders did draft Michael Mayer last season, making for an interesting point of contention in the tight end room.
Ultimately, Bowers should be TE1 for this team in 2024, and if they get a consistent quarterback, his rookie season could be quite impressive. In fantasy drafts this year, Bowers could be the perfect TE2 for your team if you’re looking for someone with high upside. We would recommend taking a veteran earlier in the draft for some early-season stability, but Bowers could end up being your starter in the back half of the season.
Xavier Worthy (28th Overall Pick, Kansas City Chiefs)
Worthy could easily end up being one of the best picks from the first round of this draft, especially considering where the Chiefs took him. They traded up with the Buffalo Bills to take him, and he presents as a player who could be a true game-breaker.
Worthy did break the NFL Combine record for his 40-yard dash time, an indication of the speed he can bring to this Chiefs offense. Many are already comparing Worthy to Tyreek Hill, and it’s hard not to draw those comparisons.
With Rashee Rice now suspended for the first half of the season, we project Worthy to have at least 1,000 receiving yards this year, a true contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Don’t overlook Worthy in your drafts this year!
