2024 Rookie Mock Draft 1.0
2024 Rookie Mock Draft 1.0
The NFL Combine is coming up later this month. Before we get testing and measurables from this year's prospects, let's draft them for fantasy.
With the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, the NFL season is now officially wrapped. Some analysts are clocking out for a break after a months-long slog… but not us. We’re jumping into this rookie class with both feet. We’ve already unveiled our rankings and done a primer episode on the podcast. Now it’s time for my favorite article of the year: my mock draft.
This is V1 and will shift dramatically as we approach the NFL Draft. But this version at least gives us some idea of where these prospects stand in rookie drafts. For this mock, I’m doing 1 QB, full IDP, and start 11 on offense and defense. Let’s get it.
1.01: Marvin Harrison Jr. // Ohio State // WR
Some of the best route running I have ever seen of a 6’4” receiver. Great hands, too, especially on contended passes. He tracks the ball in the air better than anyone in this class. The landing spot could be gross for Harrison Jr. but he could elevate a young or unproven quarterback. Based on his size and athleticism, it’s hard not to think about DK Metcalf, but I think Harrison Jr. will be much better because he has a more dynamic skill set. He could be a top 5 dynasty wide receiver very quickly.
1.02: Malik Nabers // LSU // WR
If Harrison Jr. is 1, then Nabers is 1B. He has the quick-twitch ability to make defenders look lost with one move. Creating some of the best separation in the class paired with his ability to win 50/50 balls will make him a WR1 in dynasty in no time. Nabers might be my favorite receiver in the class and I believe he will be in that Jefferson-Chase-Lamb conversation quickly. Nabers is that good.
1.03: Brian Thomas Jr. // LSU // WR
So the mock continues with another WR out of the factory that is LSU. His downfield contested catch prowess is the best in the class. He is keenly aware of where defenders are downfield and will eat up zone coverage. He needs to work on route running a bit but he makes up for it with strong hands. He reminds me of Tee Higgins.
1.04: Keon Coleman // Florida St. // WR
Coleman is the best athlete in the draft at wide receiver. His range and power help him to play big and he tracks the ball well in the air. Out of the bevy of receivers in this class who are 6’3” or taller, Coleman is only second to Harrison in that regard. He has a huge catch radius and would become a favorite target to a young QB.
1.05: Rome Odunze // Washington // WR
I don’t dislike Odunze. I just like other WRs more. Odunze might prove me wrong but I don’t feel as though he has very good separation. He does have great hands and catches the ball at its peak, but he’ll need to be paired with an accurate quarterback who can throw him open. His testing at the NFL Combine will be critical.
1.06: Brock Bowers // Georgia // TE
I’m skeptical to rank a TE this high as we’ve been burned by recent rookie tight end prospects who were supposed to be generational. But Bowers seems different. The ability for him to run routes, get open in space, catch with hands extended from his body, and bounce off of defenders to gain extra yards puts him in an upper tier of tight end prospects. How high could Bowers climb during this process?
1.07: Troy Franklin // Oregon // WR
Franklin could be one of the biggest benefactors of the combine if he puts up some elite numbers (primarily in the 40). Franklin’s speed and separation are unparalleled in this year’s draft which could suit the fancy of a team not looking for a tall, big bodied receiver. I like Franklin a lot and could see him shooting up draft boards.
1.08: Xavier Worthy // Texas // WR
Worthy is yet another receiver who could receive high draft capital. At 6’1” and 172 pounds, Worthy is on the smaller size but his tape at Texas is impressive. It’s hard to know who will be valued more between him and teammate Adonai Mitchell, but both stood out during their time at Texas. The combine will be big for Worthy, too.
1.09: Trey Benson // Florida State // RB
Benson is one of the most dynamic running backs in this draft. His 223-pound frame coupled with his vision and patience will draw attention from GMs, even with such a stacked RB free agent class. He has big play speed and great ball protection. Benson should be the first back off the board.
1.10: Ladd McConkey // Georgia // WR
McConkey drew a lot of praise at the Senior Bowl and saw his stock rise as a result. Fresh off of Puka mania, the tough, over-the-middle route runners are becoming more sought after in the NFL. McConkey is impressive with and without the ball. I’d think NFL GMs who missed on Puka will be drooling to add a guy like McConkey.
1.11: Caleb Williams // USC // QB
Even Williams’ detractors have to admit his highlight reel is legit. I say we pump the brakes on comparing him to Patrick Mahomes other than a similar style of play at times. Can Williams’ talent excel at the next level and push him past whatever concerns about his play and attitude that some GMs might have?
1.12: Malachi Corley // WKU // WR
Affectionately nicknamed “Deebo Lite” (and aptly so), Corley is a dynamic player. Playing ball right here in Bowling Green, KY, Corley was must-watch TV. He invites contact but also tries to make defensive backs miss. Will his height of 5’11” hurt him in the NFL or will his play style of playing bigger than his size overshadow that?
2.01: Jayden Daniels // LSU // QB
I like Daniels more than most. His rushing prowess will make defensive coordinators nervous and his reckless style will make his offensive coordinator nervous. But beyond the rushing, I think Daniels has the arm and the smarts to make it work in the NFL and excel early in his career. Daniels could end up as my QB1 from this class.
2.02: Adonai Mitchell // Texas // WR
In IDP rookie drafts, Mitchell will be a beautiful consolation prize to those managers who don’t have a first round draft pick. He tracks the ball in the air better than anyone in this class. And while he will be a threat in the red zone and plays physical at the catch, he does need to clean up his route running a bit.
2.03: Dallas Turner // Alabama // EDGE
Turner should be the first IDP off the board. He can excel as a pass rusher but can also aid in the run game. He can overpower linemen and also drop into coverage if necessary. Turner is one of two IDPs that I’m OK taking this early.
2.04: Xavier Leggette // South Carolina // WR
A bit of a reach? Maybe. There’s just something to Leggette that I like. Perhaps it’s the rolled-up jersey exposing his six-pack or the shorts he wears instead of pants with minimum pads. What I do know is that Leggette is fun to watch. He has great hands, plays huge, and his catch radius would help any QB. Leggette might fall in the NFL draft but he’s name worth knowing for our fantasy leagues.
2.05: Jared Verse // Florida State // EDGE
Verse is twitchy, instinctual, super strong, and has a great motor. Verse is the most prototypical EDGE in this class and will help a defensive line in the NFL quickly. He has moves to make linemen look stupid and could see sacks early on in his career. He is coupled with Turner as one of the two IDPs I don’t mind taking this early.
2.06: Blake Corum // Michigan // RB
Corum has talent but what jumps out to me is he plays with so much heart. He lacks elite size and speed but could be a nice change of pace back in the NFL. He does have better strength than his size suggests. I need measurables and testing from Corum at the NFL Combine to understand him in context versus other RBs.
2.07: Tahj Washington // USC // WR
Catching passes from Caleb Williams is never a bad thing and pushed Washington into the second. But Washington has the skill to stand on his own. He is undersized at 5’11” and 175 pounds but he creates separation and is dynamic after the catch.
2.08: Braelon Allen // Wisconsin // RB
Power is the name of the game with Allen and you won’t find a harder runner in the class. He can open up decent speed in small bursts and is a load to bring down. If a team drafts Allen with the right role in mind, he could pop as early as 2024.
2.09: Bucky Irving // Oregon // RB
Irving is a dynamic runner with the best lateral movement of any back in this class. He invites contact and has a powerful stiff arm. At 5’10'“ and 195 pounds, he can make defenders miss but also can be hard to bring down for his size. We need some draft capital for Irving to rise up the ranks but he could be a fun NFL back.
2.10: Johnny Wilson // Florida State // WR
Wilson joins a list of players who have entered the NFL Draft without us knowing if he’s a WR or TE. Wilson’s physicality at the catch and after is hard to deny. He has serious speed at 6’7”. I’m curious to find out how the NFL values Wilson.
2.11: Ja’Tavion Sanders // Texas // TE
Sanders could be a big-time riser if he crushes it at the NFL Combine. What I like about him is that he has great athleticism and route-running ability, which makes me think he could quickly become a favorite for us fantasy nerds. Stay tuned.
2.12: Edgerrin Cooper // Texas A&M // LB
With early comps to Ernest Jones, you knew Cooper would grab my attention. Cooper plays well off the edge but can also excel in the run game. He is an extremely physical linebacker, and if he lands in the right situation, the sky is the limit for Cooper.
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