Fantasy Football Draft Advice: Josh Jacobs, Michael Mayer, Michael Penix Jr.

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 players whose fantasy football value has changed following the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Let’s dive into a few players that are seeing more or less value based on fantasy football draft ADP following the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL)

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.

Josh Jacobs (RB – GB)

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.

Michael Mayer (TE – LV)

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.