Mike Lockhart’s 2024 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Underrated Rookies Who Could Be Draft-Day Steals
We all know the big-name rookies heading into our 2024 fantasy drafts. Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers are all names that will be flying off draft boards in the early rounds. Every year, there are players flying under the radar who can help managers win their fantasy drafts. Last year, Puka Nacua caught 105 passes for 1,486 yards and 6 touchdowns. In 2022, Tyler Allgeier was the 151st player drafted, and in his rookie year, he rushed for over 1,000 yards. Isiah Pacheco and Dameon Pierce were also late-round rookies who made an impact that season. Every year, there are names to grab later in drafts. Let’s take a look at a few who can help in 2024.
Jaylen Wright
Let them have Achane; you take Wright. Jaylen Wright could be the best running back in this rookie class. Last season, the speedy Achane started strong until an injury derailed his season. He’s a smaller back, and injuries could be a concern in the future. Jaylen Wright, on the other hand, is about 25 pounds bigger and could be thrust into a starting role. He could be a solid RB2 by the end of the year and the steal of your draft. Wright averaged 6.0 yards per carry and scored ten touchdowns last season.
Ray Davis
After two back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in the SEC, Davis finds himself in Buffalo after being selected in the fourth round. Davis is a big back at 5’9″ and 216 lbs. He’ll get immediate touches and is a great complement to James Cook. Davis is tough to bring down in the open field. I expect Davis to score 6-8 touchdowns this season and rush for 800-950 yards. If Cook goes down with an injury, Davis will be a solid RB2 option.
Luke McCaffrey
This seems like the perfect late-round steal. Luke, Christian’s younger brother, is tearing it up in camp. He’s playing both receiver and running back. Washington has an exciting young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and it looks like McCaffrey could be getting his hands on the ball a lot. Terry McLaurin will be the primary pass catcher, but McCaffrey could emerge as the second option in targets.
Blake Corum
Kyren Williams is a player managers became familiar with last season. He won the starting job and stepped into a very productive role. Corum helped the Michigan Wolverines win the national championship, and I expect him to gradually take over or at least share the workload. Corum could be a key piece to a second-half roster this coming season.
Ja’Lynn Polk
The Patriots are still searching for a top receiver, and Polk could become the primary target in New England sooner rather than later. It will depend on the Patriots’ offense giving the quarterback enough time to throw. Polk is more of a free agent pickup or late dynasty pick. If things work out, he could be a WR3 or a good bench piece. He may even start in Week 1, so his value could be higher right from the start.
Dylan Laube
This is specifically for PPR (Point Per Reception) leagues only. Laube is a master pass-catcher out of the backfield. The Raiders’ offense isn’t expected to be strong, so short passes to tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, as well as to Laube out of the backfield, could be plentiful after Davante Adams gets his share. Draft him in the last round or keep him on a watch list.
