NEWSLETTER
Calling all best ball enthusiasts! April is prime time to snag rookie steals before the 2024 NFL Draft frenzy sends their ADPs skyrocketing. I’ve pinpointed some favorite rookie targets to grab before their ADP spikes post-draft.
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Rookies to Target in Best Ball Pre-NFL Draft
WR Ladd McConkey (Underdog Best Ball ADP: WR55, Overall 119.5)
Industry mocks project five WRs to dominate the first round of the 2024 Draft, with Ladd McConkey lurking just outside the top tier at WR6. But here’s the shocker: his current ADP sits a whopping 10 spots lower than the WR5 and two rounds cheaper than Adonai Mitchell (whom McConkey outperformed at UGA while both were there from 2021-2022).
McConkey dominated the National Championship Bulldogs’ receiving corps from 2021-2023, leading in receptions (119), yards (1,687), and touchdowns (14). He’s a versatile weapon, functioning as both a short-yardage and deep threat. He even adds rushing prowess to his resume with 13 attempts for 216 yards and four scores in those three seasons.
Forget comparisons to slot receivers like Welker or Edelman. McConkey boasts a wider skillset. Over his college career, he ran a surprising 70.3% of his snaps out wide, jumping to 78.7% last season (per PFF). Clocking a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash (sixth-fastest among WRs), McConkey’s film reveals rapid acceleration.
This quickness paired with his route-running expertise will be an instant asset for his future NFL team. Currently drafted at 10.12 on Underdog, expect this steal to rise to single-digit rounds depending on his landing spot.
WR Malik Nabers (Underdog Best Ball ADP: WR19, Overall 27.6)
LSU wideout Malik Nabers is someone to target this offseason in all formats. Already a consensus No. 2 rookie receiver (behind Marvin Harrison Jr.), most mocks have him landing in the top 10.
Why the hype? Nabers has the potential to be an immediate fantasy superstar. He boasts game-breaking speed, explosiveness after the catch, and elusive route-running. With three quarterbacks projected as top-three picks and Harrison Jr. likely going to the Cardinals at No. 4, there’s a real chance Nabers could be the Chargers’ prize at No. 5.
Dream scenario? Absolutely. Nabers would immediately become the Chargers’ clear top receiver with a top-five QB slinging him passes. His skillset combined with potential landing spots make him a top rookie target for many in best ball formats.
More Fantasy Content: Early Fantasy Mock l Ideal Rookie Landing Spots l
RB Trey Benson (Underdog Best Ball ADP: RB31, Overall 102.8)
While the 2024 incoming RB class might seem underwhelming, there’s always pre-draft value to be had. Fantasy managers get hyped once they see a player paired with an actual NFL team. Enter Trey Benson, currently the RB31 in early Underdog best ball drafts.
Benson is a beast with explosive athleticism. He not only clocked a 4.39 40-yard dash at a hefty 216 pounds, but he also finished 2023 as the fourth-ranked draft-eligible back in breakaway rate (54%). His pass-protection skills and receiving ability could translate to plenty of third-down snaps.
Expect his ADP to surge significantly post-draft. Grab him now while he’s a potential steal at pick 9.07.
WR Brian Thomas Jr. (Underdog Best Ball ADP: WR38, Overall 66.0)
LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. turned heads at the Combine, blazing a 4.33 40-yard dash at a massive 6’3″, 209 pounds. This breakout junior receiver thrived alongside fellow first-round prospect Malik Nabers, racking up 1,117 yards on 68 catches and a whopping 17 touchdowns. While Nabers ran most of his routes from the slot, Thomas Jr. dominated on the outside.
Draft projections place Thomas Jr. anywhere from the top 10 to the early 20s. There’s a chance he lands even higher with teams like the Jaguars, Broncos, or Cardinals potentially targeting him in a trade-back scenario. Any team investing a high pick on him clearly plans to utilize him as a major weapon from day one.
Don’t let his current ADP of WR38 on Underdog fool you. At that price point, he’s a significant steal compared to guys like Calvin Ridley and Jordan Addison, who face major question marks at quarterback and target volume. While Thomas Jr.’s situation might not be guaranteed, his upside is far greater. Landing in a pass-happy offense could turn him into a fantasy goldmine.
Photo By: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (Underdog Best Ball ADP: TE28, 208.1)
Finding rookie tight-end steals in best ball drafts isn’t just about raw talent. Sometimes, the right landing spot can propel a good prospect into fantasy relevance. That’s why Ja’Tavion Sanders is worth keeping an eye on.
Remember Sam LaPorta, the Lions rookie who defied the “fade rookie tight ends” mantra in 2023, finishing as the TE1? Fantasy managers are hoping to find the next LaPorta in 2024. While Brock Bowers seems like the favorite (currently drafted 120 spots ahead of Sanders), he comes at a premium. Sanders is the only other rookie tight end drafted within the top 250 in Underdog best ball formats.
Imagine a scenario where Sanders lands on a team like the Chargers, a team desperately needing pass-catchers. Suddenly, he could become a mid-tier TE2 option in best ball drafts. The gamble with Sanders is all about his landing spot. If he ends up in a run-heavy offense or a team with established tight ends, his value plummets. However, if he lands in a pass-happy offense with a lack of receiving options, he could become a fantasy sleeper.
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