With NFL free agency slowing down, let’s look at a few players I’m drafting the most in best ball. Below, I break down my favorite targets in the early, middle, and late rounds of best ball drafts.
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2024 Best Ball Draft Targets
Early-Round Targets
Kyren Williams (RB – LAR) & Rachaad White (RB – TB)
I’m lumping Kyren Williams and Rachaad White together because they’re two of my most drafted players for the same reason — emerging lead backs who finished as RB1s in total and average points per game in 2023, plus their teams made no investments at running back in free agency.
Williams is typically drafted at the end of the first round and White goes in the fourth round. The fear around both backs was a potential lack of commitment from their organizations. It’s not unusual to see teams abandon a successful back with no significant draft capital if a superior option is available. The Rams and Bucs may draft a running back, but given the lack of star-power at the position in this year’s draft, it’s doubtful any incoming rookie unseats either Williams or White.
For Williams, the Rams made significant investments along the offensive line and with Sean McVay and major offensive players returning, Williams’ role should remain consistent and continue to bring top-five value.
White’s value is slightly discounted given his receiving upside and the return of Baker Mayfield. However, his average draft position (ADP) is appropriate with the exit of Dave Canales and a new offensive system for 2024. If White can retain his receiving upside, he’ll yield top-10 value.
Mid-Round Targets
Zamir White is one of the few heir-apparent lead backs that escaped free agency unscathed. Where players like Tyjae Spears and Ty Chandler saw their draft stock drop after free agent signings, White appears to be the Raiders’ RB1. Ameer Abdullah is the only other back on the roster to have meaningful snaps for the Raiders in 2023. The Raiders added Alexander Mattison in free agency but he struggled as a lead back and lost his job to Chandler. Mattison and White have a redundant skill set and Mattison’s signing is likely a backup role rather than a committee one.
White’s 2023 sample size as a lead back is small but strong. In Weeks 15 through 18, White was RB12 in average points per game in PPR. If White is the Vegas lead back, best ball teams drafting him at his current discount would have a league-winner.
I understand the lack of enthusiasm around Chuba Hubbard heading into 2024 but fantasy managers should buy into Hubbard as the clear lead back for Carolina. Panthers’ General manager Dan Morgan confirmed recently Hubbard is their lead back. While Miles Sanders and his giant contract lurk in the shadows, it’s unlikely Sanders will regain the role. Hubbard’s production as a lead back in 2023 was modest. In Weeks 6-18 Hubbard was RB19 overall, averaging 12.5 fantasy points. With no passing threat and limited goal-line opportunities, Hubbard’s ceiling was limited. With offensive changes ahead under new head coach Dave Canales, the entire offense should see an increase in production. Hubbard could also benefit from Canales’ system that saw Rachaad White thrive as a pass-catcher.
Late-Round Targets
The Packers’ offense is stacked with offensive talent — a fantastic situation for the Packers and a problem for fantasy managers. Jayden Reed is the highest-ranked receiver with an ADP of WR31 on Underdog. While his ADP is very reasonable, drafting the top option in an evenly split receiving corps is risky. My preference is to draft Dontayvion Wicks, who showed extreme upside and big-play capabilities. His potential ceiling is perfect for best ball. Wicks had five games with over 10 PPR points in 2023. Although he was often limited when the entire receiving corps was healthy, Wicks earned the trust of Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur. He will continue to earn high-value touches in 2024. His production could be inconsistent but is worth the risk in round 12.
Before free agency, I drafted Darnell Mooney on pure faith. After major free agency signings, I’m drafting Darnell Mooney with extreme conviction. Atlanta is the perfect landing spot for Mooney. We’re two years removed from Mooney’s WR2 season in 2021. Some fantasy managers may think Mooney’s production was a one-hit-wonder but it’s important to note his success in 2021 came with Allen Robinson running as the WR1 and several of his high-volume games were with Andy Dalton and not Justin Fields. In a situation where Mooney can operate as the WR2 for a reliable, high-volume quarterback, Mooney can succeed, particularly in best ball.
More Best Ball Draft Advice
- DBro’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
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- 2024 Best Ball Draft Beginner’s Guide
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