Film, analytics, perceived intangibles. At this point in the year, many are looking at rookies through those lenses. However, two critical lenses are incomplete, and maybe the most important: landing spot and draft capital. On December 23rd, ProFootballNetwork released a seven-round mock draft. I will use this mock to simulate draft capital and landing spots in my Superflex tight-end premium dynasty rookie mock draft.
2024 Mock Draft
Players
Here is a list of the fantasy-relevant players who went round one or two and their landing spots:
- Caleb Williams, USC, Bears, 1.01
- Drake Maye, North Carolina, Patriots, 1.02
- Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State, Cardinals, 1.03
- Jayden Daniels, LSU, Commanders, 1.04
- Malik Nabers, LSU, Giants, 1.06
- Brock Bowers, Georgia, Chargers, 1.08
- Rome Odunze, Washington, Bills, 1.18
- Bo Nix, Oregon, Vikings, 1.20
- Keon Coleman, FSU, Colts, 1.22
- Adonai Mitchell, Texas, Jaguars, 1.23
- Brian Thomas Jr, LSU, Chiefs, 1.25
- Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, Cowboys, 1.30
- Xavier Legette, South Carolina, Panthers, 2.33
- JJ McCarthy, Michigan, Giants, 2.37
- TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State, Packers, 2.38
- Michael Penix Jr, Washington, Raiders, 2.43
- Troy Franklin, Oregon, Saints, 2.45
- Trey Benson, FSU, Texans, 2.50
- Xavier Worthy, Texas, Browns, 2.57
- Ladd McConkey, Georgia, Eagles, 2.59
- Will Shipley, Clemson, Ravens, 2.64
Round One
Caleb Williams, QB, Bears
For the last two years, Caleb Williams has been touted as a generational prospect. He has been among the most talented quarterback prospects at the position. The Bears will likely clean house and have a new coaching staff to build a system around Williams’s skill set. If the current coaching staff is still around, it should make fantasy managers nervous; as they attempted to make Fields a pocket passer and play within structure. Williams is best out of structure and is the furthest thing from a pocket passer.
Drake Maye, QB, Patriots
Drake Maye is a high-floor prospect with exceptional arm talent. He can play within a system that asks him to be a pocket passer or one that asks him to move around more. So if Belichick and company are still in New England, he will be a player that should slide into that scheme with ease.
Marvin Harrsion Jr, WR, Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr is a generational wide receiver talent. He will fit great with the Cardinals, who are yearning for a true alpha receiver. Marquise Brown might leave the team through free agency, or he could stay and MHJ could be a nice complement to the offense. I expect Harrison and Kyler Murray to click instantly.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants
The Giants have one of the worst receiving corps in the league. Malik Nabers will bring his high-level skillset, and the Giants will build their receiver group around him. Nabers would be the best receiver in most NFL draft classes, so getting him at the sixth pick in the NFL draft (per PFN’s mock draft) is a steal for the Giants.
Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders
This may end the Commanders long search for their franchise QB. Jayden Daniels is the most athletic QB in this class and has some translatable skills. He has a good arm; the big flaw is the processing. Before next season, Ron Rivera should be out as the head coach. I get nervous for Daniels if Bienemy is the head coach, however, as his current offensive system is challenges young quarterback to process a lot of information.
Brock Bowers, TE, Chargers
In the past, tight-end has not been used as a primary receiving option, so with the firing of Brandon Staley, that usage will most likely increase. Currently, Justin Herbert is one of the most talented quarterbacks. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams aging, Bowers should be a cornerstone of the offense. He will fit well and, with Herbert, could be one of the best duos in the league.
Rome Odunze, WR, Bills
Rome Odunze could fit well in this offense, especially with Gabe Davis being a free agent this offseason. The two have somewhat similar skill sets. Davis is more of a downfield 50-50 ball receiver, whereas Odunze can play that role and win in the short and intermediate areas. Odunze may become what the Bills hoped Davis would be.
Brian Thomas Jr, WR, Chiefs
The Chiefs have looked high and low for their future WR1. Enter Brian Thomas, a vertical threat with excellent ball skills. Thomas is a bit raw but could have an impact early with the Chiefs.
Troy Franklin, WR, Saints
If Troy Franklin goes this low, he may be the steal of the draft. Franklin can win at all three levels due to his elite speed and separation ability. I wouldn’t say I like the fit very much, as he has similar traits to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. It will be hard for the Saints staff to find different roles for these three.
Bo Nix, QB, Vikings
Drafting Bo Nix in the first round will likely end the Kirk Cousins era. A lot of quarterbacks fit well into this Vikings offense. Nix will be throwing the ball as he did at Oregon; but I wonder if it caps the ceiling of Vikings’ receiving weapons due to Nix’s poor downfield ball placement.
Keon Coleman, WR, Colts
Keon Coleman is a high-ceiling prospect with excellent ball skills. However, I question his fit with the team, especially with Alec Pierce. They have similar skill sets, as they both can go vertical. I see little difference, which may make it hard for both to see the field consistently.
Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers
Most will draw similarities to DK Metcalf when looking at Xavier Legette. The Panthers receiver room is wide open. The biggest thing they need is speed and size. Luckily for them, Legette brings both. He would fit very well into this offense.
