Before the 2024 NFL Draft kicked off in the Motor City, I released an article titled How to Value Rookies Pre-Draft (2024 Fantasy Football) to provide some insight into the approach for fantasy football rookies in dynasty and pre-draft best ball fantasy football formats.
The first-year talent that has entered the league the past few seasons warrants excitement because guys are hitting the ground running for fantasy football. The list is impressive: C.J. Stroud, Zay Flowers, Sam LaPorta, Puka Nacua, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Drake London, Christian Watson, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Jonathan Taylor, Kyle Pitts, Jaylen Waddle, Najee Harris, Javonte Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Let’s look at fantasy football rookie wide receiver and tight values ahead of your fantasy football drafts.
- How to Value Fantasy Football Rookies
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
- Dynasty Startup Draft Primers
- Dynasty Mock Draft Simulator
Fantasy Football Rookies
Let’s take a look at how to value a few notable fantasy football rookies.
Ja’Tavion Sanders (CAR)
Sanders was viewed as the rookie TE2 (pre-draft ADP TE25), and his price has taken a hit (TE29). But the Panthers are a very sneaky fantasy football landing spot for a tight end – given that Dave Canales “awarded” Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton an elite role in 2023. The Bucs tight end played nearly every single snap and ran a route on 80% of the dropbacks (3rd among TEs). Look out for Sanders in a full-time receiving role for the Panthers. Sorry Tommy Tremble.
The former Texas tight end just turned 21. He broke out early in his college career at age 19 during the 2022 season, posting a 21% dominator rating with 5 TDs, 54 receptions (7th in the nation), and 613 receiving yards.
In 2023, he was still extremely efficient even with his counting stats falling amid an ankle injury and competition from two highly drafted WRs this year – Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. He recorded zero drops on 67 targets and finished 3rd in total YAC among the 2024 tight end class. He averaged over 15 yards per catch – second highest in the class (15.2) – with his downfield presence. But he wasn’t featured in the red zone.
Sanders isn’t a complete blocker—much more of a tight end receiver type—but he has enough athleticism to be a solid receiving threat at the next level. Given his youth, there’s room for Sanders to grow.
Theo Johnson (NYG)
The rumor was the Giants were searching for a pass-catching tight end in this year’s draft, with Darren Waller likely retiring. Johnson has a chance to command targets in Big Blue’s offense, which is a win in my book. Daniel Bellinger is more of a blocking tight end. And after fellow rookie Malik Nabers, HC Brian Daboll is searching for playmakers to get the ball to. The former Nittany Lion is TE38 in early best ball ADP.
Erick All (CIN)
All have injury concerns, but he also has the smash landing spot to make a LaPorta/Kincaid-level impact. The Bengals don’t have an established TE1 and they have an elite passer in Joe Burrow. Tee Higgins gets traded, and other Bengals WRs don’t work out besides Ja’Marr Chase…and bingo. All says he will be ready for training camp, so I am “ALL” about buying the dip at his TE40 ADP. When in doubt, draft a former Iowa tight end. 11-inch hands (98th percentile).
Erick All is the CLEAR TE3 of this class
The CIN LANDING SPOT is 🔥🔥🔥
2023 (min 20 tgs per PFF)
3rd in YPRR
16th in rec grade2021
10th in YPRR
30th in rec grade— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) April 27, 2024
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