As mandatory minicamps reach a conclusion and training camps loom on the horizon, we’re entering the peak of anticipation in the fantasy football realm. As the offseason progresses, perceptions of players are bound to evolve based on various factors, including their performance in practices and their opportunities for playing time. In this article, we’ll spotlight 24 players (and more) primed to ascend fantasy football draft boards as we approach the upcoming season. From potential breakout stars to established names with newfound opportunities, these players are poised to exceed expectations and garner increased attention from fantasy football managers. Below we dive into a few notable names.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
- Erickson’s Must-Have Fantasy Football Draft Picks
Fantasy Football Draft Advice
All average draft positions referenced are best ball ADPs.
Kyle Pitts (TE -NO) – ADP 63.5 | TE6
Kyle Pitts has the same ADP as last season. Again. Pitts has the same ADP as last season. And that’s despite the clear-cut upgrade at quarterback with Kirk Cousins. And the fact that Pitts shouldn’t be hampered by his torn MCL/PCL from 2022. Given that Bijan Robinson and Drake London‘s ADPs are already super high, I’d bet the last part of this young offensive trio gets a well-deserved ADP bump with training camp highlights coming to a social media platform near you.
Remember, new OC Zac Robinson comes from the Sean McVay/Kevin O’Connell coaching tree that often concentrates its offenses around its top playmakers. T.J. Hockenson averaged nearly 11 half-PPR points per game in a similar offense the last two seasons. That would have been TE5 in points per game from 2023.
Jaleel McLaughlin (RB – DEN) – ADP 169.3 | RB54
Headlines like this tend to move ADPs.
"The top Denver RB looks like Jaleel McLaughlin…will Javonte Williams even make the team?"
– Broncos Reporter @CecilLammey pic.twitter.com/3ZXPbHpWFA
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 13, 2024
However, what might be getting lost here is that if the current regime is “down” on Javonte Williams, it would be an immediate boost for rookie Audric Estime. The fift-rounder would likely take on the majority of early-down work.
If it holds like every other Sean Payton backfield. It'll be roughly a 45/40/15 snap share for Javonte/Estime/Jaleel
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) May 24, 2024
Troy Franklin (WR – DEN) – ADP 172.8 | WR73
Courtland Sutton is looking for a new contract and the Denver Broncos haven’t budged. This might create a holdout scenario that gives more reps for the other Broncos WRs on the depth chart. According to The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider, the WR room behind Sutton is wide open.
And should Sutton be moved it would grant even more opportunities for guys like Troy Franklin or second-year WR Marvin Mims. Josh Reynolds could be the sneaky veteran that emerges from the bunch, but I’d much rather bet on some untapped potential of either Franklin or Mims.
Sean Payton – as he often does – doubled down on being part of the reason why we didn’t see more of Mims as a rookie despite the explosiveness the WR displayed early in 2023. He does know that as the head coach he decides who plays, right? Mims also did have a hamstring injury earlier last offseason.
“I’ve said this, and I’ll say it again: We were as much responsible for, I don’t want to say holding him back, but you’re trying to get snaps with [former WR] Jerry Jeudy [and] with [WR] Courtland [Sutton],” head coach Sean Payton said. “I think we’ll see a lot of growth from Year 1 to Year 2.”
A logical trade partner for Sutton is easily the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Russell Wilson and Sutton played together the last two seasons. Pittsburgh’s new wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni held that same role with the Broncos from 2018-2022.
If you are drafting now, maybe practice with George Pickens. His ADP will inevitably fall (for right or wrong) if/when the Steelers add another pass-catcher to the mix. Whether that be Sutton or one of the 49ers WRs.
Expert Must-Have Draft Picks
- Fitz’s Top Fantasy Football Draft Targets (Premium)
- Erickson’s Top Fantasy Football Draft Targets (Premium)
- DBro’s Top Fantasy Football Draft Targets (Premium)
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