The 2024 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror. Dynasty rookie drafts are underway. Some players left the NFL Draft with their fantasy value heading in the right direction. Unfortunately, other players saw their fantasy value take a significant hit. Let’s look at six players whose fantasy football value is trending up or down following the NFL Draft.
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Trending Up & Down Post NFL Draft
Let’s dive into a few players that are trending up following the 2024 NFL Draft and others that are trending down.
Trending Up
Las Vegas was one of a few teams heavily linked to drafting Michael Penix Jr. Unfortunately, the Raiders missed out on the quarterback run, as all six potential first-round quarterbacks went off the board in the top 12. While Minshew still needs to beat out Aidan O’Connell, he won’t have to compete with a rookie for the starting role. Furthermore, Las Vegas improved its receiving core by drafting Brock Bowers with their first-round pick. Minshew has a significantly better receiving core than he did with the Indianapolis Colts last season.
The Dolphins traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Draft to select Wright in the fourth round, showing their significant desire for the running back. Anyone who pushes him down in their dynasty rookie rankings because of the landing spot is making a mistake. Raheem Mostert turns 33 in August, while De’Von Achane struggled to stay healthy last season. Wright is built perfectly for Miami’s offense. While it might not happen until Week 8, expect the rookie to finish his first season fantasy relevant.
Many called Pickens an offseason winner after the Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson. Instead of using an early draft pick on a wide receiver, Pittsburgh spent their top two selections to improve their offensive line. While they spent a third-round pick on Roman Wilson, he is the only offensive weapon the team drafted this year. Pickens was a top-20 wide receiver without Johnson in 2023 despite catching passes from Kenny Pickett. He has top-10 upside this year with Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center.
Trending Down
Penix was the surprise pick of the first round, going eighth overall to the Falcons after they signed Kirk Cousins to a massive contract in free agency. He is the only first-round quarterback unlikely to see the field in 2024. Furthermore, Atlanta can’t get out of Cousins’ contract until after the 2025 season. Whenever Penix takes over under center, he will have an impressive receiving core at his disposal. Unfortunately, fantasy players must carry him on their bench or taxi squad for a few years.
Green Bay released Aaron Jones after signing Jacobs to a massive four-year contract in free agency. While they re-signed A.J. Dillon to a one-year deal, he isn’t a threat to Jacobs’ featured workload. However, third-round rookie MarShawn Lloyd is a significant threat. Head coach Matt LaFleur has already mentioned using Lloyd in the passing game. More importantly, Green Bay can get out of Jacobs’ contract after the 2024 season with limited penalties. Lloyd could replace Jacobs as a rookie if the veteran struggles and he could become the featured guy in 2025.
Unfortunately, Mayer is a double loser coming out of the NFL Draft. The Raiders were favorites to draft Michael Penix Jr. Instead, they missed the quarterback run, forcing them to roll with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew in 2024. More importantly, Las Vegas drafted Brock Bowers with their first-round pick. While Bowers and Mayer are different types of tight ends, the star rookie creates more competition for targets alongside Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Any hope of Mayer having a sophomore-year breakout is gone.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.