Rookie NFL players tend to mainly be exciting for dynasty players. Many of them don’t emerge for fantasy until their second or third seasons. However, there are some exceptions. These rookies are not only more important for redraft leagues, but they’re also important for win-now dynasty managers. The preseason will likely change things but here are some rookies to target for 2024 impact.

QB: Jayden Daniels

One of his biggest attributes is his rushing upside. Unless the Washington Commanders try to drastically change his usage, Jayden Daniels should have fantasy value through rushing yards and touchdowns. He also has an abundance of weapons in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Zach Ertz, and Austin Ekeler with some decent depth behind them. I would take him ahead of Caleb Williams in redraft leagues, though I still think Caleb could have a decent fantasy season for a rookie.

RB: Jonathon Brooks

Not only was Jonathon Brooks drafted as the first running back off the board, he also lands in a spot without strong competition. Miles Sanders lost his starting job last season to Chuba Hubbard, and Chuba hasn’t shown so much talent to show he’s likely to hold onto the starting job for many games. Brooks can be a three-down back, and Dave Canales will likely want to establish the run to help out his young QB.

WR: Ladd McConkey

I’m not forgetting Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers. Those two are very likely to become the WR1s on their offences and I would expect them to produce right away. However, due to their high draft capital, I thought they’d be too obvious. Ladd McConkey is a sneakier prospect to be a year 1 producer. Though he may not be strong, he has the route-running capabilities to potentially emerge as the WR1 for Justin Herbert. The target competition in that L.A. locker room will be relatively weak. With the run very likely pulling away the attention of defences, I expect the Chargers coach and QB to set up Ladd for success.

TE: Theo Johnson

To be clear, I do not have a strong conviction about this. First of all, rookie TEs very rarely produce. Don’t expect a Sam LaPorta season ever again. However, if I had to choose a rookie TE to surprise us, it would be Theo Johnson. He is an athletic beast who could be the second target in that New York offence.

Wrap-Up

Not including first-round rookie RBs, rookies aren’t usually very reliable for fantasy in their first seasons. However, here are some rookies to keep an eye on throughout training camp to see if it seems like they may be carving out a role for themselves. In dynasty rookie drafts, these could be players to not feel bad about drafting if you are a win-now team.

If you found this article helpful, check out other Belly Up Fantasy Sports articles at Belly Up Fantasy and you can follow me on Twitter/X.