by Nic Hoover
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Rookies to Target (2024 Fantasy Football)
The Optimus Fantasy team understands better than anyone that youth can drive innovation in an industry. As a recent startup brand, we feel strongly that new ideas and new people create fresh opportunities in a rapidly expanding landscape. This perspective also applies to the rookies to target from the 2024 NFL Draft Class.
These rookies stepped onto the stage in downtown Detroit this April and heard their names called for the world to listen to. Now, it is their time to show the world what they are made of. Not all rookies will meet their fanbase’s expectations in their first year, but some players will start building a resume on their path to a golden jacket during their rookie seasons.
Follow along as Optimus Fantasy’s @hoovtube provides insights into which NFL rookies you should target this summer in all fantasy football formats.
Big Impact Rookies to Target
Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS) ADP 115.2 | QB15
If you’re not familiar with devy content and don’t watch much college football, let me give you a good breakdown of the type of player Jayden Daniels is.
Daniels, a five-year starting quarterback at multiple schools (Arizona State & LSU), brings a lot of experience to this offense as a rookie.
While playing in college for an extended period may have negative implications for some prospects, like in Bo Nix’s case, longevity can also be viewed as favorable compared to other prospects without that experience. For instance, when you compare Daniels to an exceptional athlete like Anthony Richardson, former Florida standout and current Colts signal-caller, who hasn’t had the same amount of experience as a starting quarterback, you can see the value of Daniels’ extensive experience.
One thing that sets Daniels apart from a prospect like Nix is his ability to break out later in his college career.
Despite performing extraordinarily at Arizona State, he truly emerged as the leader of LSU on his way to a Heisman Trophy. Teaming up with LSU’s receiving core (Malik Nabers & Brian Thomas Jr.), Daniels’ playmaking skills and vision on the field seemed like a cheat code to their opponents last college football season.
Considering the type of player Daniels is and the current state of Washington’s roster, it could be easy to overlook him and focus on another offense.
However, much like last year with the Houston Texans, appearances can be deceptive when you finally add that franchise QB. It may be a bold statement, but given how well C.J. Stroud has performed at the NFL level, Daniels could be even better.
I firmly believe that Daniels has the potential to be as good as Stroud and make a similar impact during his rookie campaign. He has a field vision similar to Stroud and possesses a level of mobility that Stroud doesn’t have.
While Washington’s offensive line needs significant improvement to utilize the quarterback’s rushing ability fully, they will still benefit from Daniels’ playmaking skills. The ex-Tiger’s rushing ability can compensate for a subpar offensive line, whereas Sam Howell‘s playmaking ability only resulted in Washington being among the top percentile of teams allowing sacks in the 2023-24 season.
Rome Odunze (WR – CHI) ADP64 | WR32
Rome Odunze is receiving a lot of attention for the opposite reason as Daniels; there is a great deal of interest in the Bears’ offense and their playmakers headed into 2024.
This is understandable, as rookie QB Caleb Williams is walking into an unprecedented situation with a plethora of talented playmakers surrounding him, making Odunze more of a long-term asset than an immediate impact player.
The arrival of Keenan Allen, a potential future Hall of Famer, and D.J. Moore coming off a career-high season, adds to the appeal of the Bears’ offense. However, to understand its true value, it’s essential to consider the coaching style rather than just the big names associated with the offense.
Players like TE Cole Kmet hold significant value due to new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s frequent use of 12 and 13 personnel. Despite concerns that an abundance of playmakers could diminish their fantasy relevance, this is unlikely to be the case.
Similar debates are happening across the league regarding the impact of Y receivers on the fantasy relevance of X receivers. In reality, X and Y receivers bring different elements to the game. In the case of the Bears’ offense, Odunze’s potential as a future WR1 competes more with Allen than Moore. Allen, aged 31 and on a new team after a career-high in targets, is in a situation that could pave the way for Odunze to outperform his current average draft position (ADP).
Sleeper Rookies To Target
Ja’Lynn Polk (WR – NE) ADP 155.9 | WR67
This offseason’s recent changes in New England have raised uncertainties and questions about the Patriots’ future under a new regime. With Bill Belichick no longer in New England, the offense has an opportunity to develop with a new vision, which is exciting for Patriots fans and Fantasy Football managers.
With a young wide receiver room filled with players from outside of the Bill Belichick era, the opportunity is, as Russell Wilson would say, “unlimited” for any playmaker in this room. Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and DeMario Douglas could be significant assets to this rebuilding offense, while players like Kendrick Bourne or JuJu Smith-Schuster may not be with the team post-training camp.
Not only is there a new head coach running the show in New England, but they also have a strong-armed young QB in former North Carolina standout Drake Maye to build around for the foreseeable future.
I know what you’re thinking… “Hoov, the future doesn’t help me now.”
Well, if you were here, what I would tell you to your face is: “The future is now, and they’ve been showing you that.”
Polk’s second-round draft pick indicates that he will be heavily utilized in developing their franchise QB. Therefore, if the defense can create more opportunities for the offense to be on the field, it will provide more chances for Drake Maye and Polk to develop together.
Deep Round Sleeper Rookies To Target
Ray Davis(RB – BUF) ADP 182 | RB55
Is it fair to refer to someone as a “sleeper” when they are already being discussed as such by many analysts at large? It is, particularly if their ADP isn’t rising significantly due to most drafters hesitating to take a chance on them.
Ray Davis may be considered more of a “sleeper” compared to players like Polk, who I think will consistently contribute more to fantasy football teams. Despite this, he still holds considerable value given the opportunity he has been presented with in Buffalo.
Some fantasy managers may perceive Davis as being overshadowed by teammate James Cook. He has provided substantial value for fantasy teams alongside one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the NFL, Josh Allen. Nevertheless, some managers see the potential for Davis to complement Buffalo’s rushing game and enhance James Cook‘s productivity in the 2024 season.
The front office appears to be focused on reducing Allen’s rushing impact to prevent injury, making it probable that they will bring in another running back to share the workload with Cook. Davis showcased his ability to find the end zone, finishing his senior season at Kentucky with 13 rushing touchdowns. Could we be looking at Buffalo’s rendition of Alvin Kamara & Mark Ingram? The possibility is certainly there after seeing what both running backs can do.
In best ball leagues, Davis could be an intriguing option to retain, as he has the potential to score multiple touchdowns in a single game. I anticipate he will be frequently mentioned in waiver wire reports throughout the season as Cook’s RB2, similar to what we observed with Latavius Murray last season.
Dallin Holker (TE – NO) ADP678.2 | TE61
It’s going to be hard to find a deeper sleeper prediction than this one right here at ADP 678.2 on Sleeper… Dallin Holker – UDFA TE from the New Orleans Saints.
As someone who was heavily scouting Holker around the 2024 NFL Draft, I was shocked to see such a great receiving tight end not being drafted by one of these franchises. It wasn’t very reassuring to see him fall, but it was exciting to see him get signed afterward and make his way to a roster that way.
It was hard to find optimism in an undrafted player in a TE room like New Orleans. The room seems tight with guys like Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson on their roster. Unfortunately, Juwan Johnson suffered an offseason foot injury that has sidelined him during camp. Fortunately, that creates an opportunity for someone like Holker to make a name for himself.
We have seen recent undrafted players, like Rashid Shaheed, make a name within the Saints organization. This shows the organization’s willingness to put the best players out on the field regardless of draft capital. With the Saints bringing in an abundance of tight ends over the past few years, targeting veterans like Jimmy Graham to return home to NOLA, it seems appropriate that they have found their new star tight end this offseason in Holker.
Find more from Optimus NFL & Fantasy Football Analyst Hoov on X (formerly Twitter) @Hoovtube & here at Optimus Fantasy Football.
by Nic Hoover
Share
Rookies to Target (2024 Fantasy Football)
The Optimus Fantasy team understands better than anyone that youth can drive innovation in an industry. As a recent startup brand, we feel strongly that new ideas and new people create fresh opportunities in a rapidly expanding landscape. This perspective also applies to the rookies to target from the 2024 NFL Draft Class.
These rookies stepped onto the stage in downtown Detroit this April and heard their names called for the world to listen to. Now, it is their time to show the world what they are made of. Not all rookies will meet their fanbase’s expectations in their first year, but some players will start building a resume on their path to a golden jacket during their rookie seasons.
Follow along as Optimus Fantasy’s @hoovtube provides insights into which NFL rookies you should target this summer in all fantasy football formats.
Big Impact Rookies to Target
Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS) ADP 115.2 | QB15
If you’re not familiar with devy content and don’t watch much college football, let me give you a good breakdown of the type of player Jayden Daniels is.
Daniels, a five-year starting quarterback at multiple schools (Arizona State & LSU), brings a lot of experience to this offense as a rookie.
While playing in college for an extended period may have negative implications for some prospects, like in Bo Nix’s case, longevity can also be viewed as favorable compared to other prospects without that experience. For instance, when you compare Daniels to an exceptional athlete like Anthony Richardson, former Florida standout and current Colts signal-caller, who hasn’t had the same amount of experience as a starting quarterback, you can see the value of Daniels’ extensive experience.
One thing that sets Daniels apart from a prospect like Nix is his ability to break out later in his college career.
Despite performing extraordinarily at Arizona State, he truly emerged as the leader of LSU on his way to a Heisman Trophy. Teaming up with LSU’s receiving core (Malik Nabers & Brian Thomas Jr.), Daniels’ playmaking skills and vision on the field seemed like a cheat code to their opponents last college football season.
Considering the type of player Daniels is and the current state of Washington’s roster, it could be easy to overlook him and focus on another offense.
However, much like last year with the Houston Texans, appearances can be deceptive when you finally add that franchise QB. It may be a bold statement, but given how well C.J. Stroud has performed at the NFL level, Daniels could be even better.
I firmly believe that Daniels has the potential to be as good as Stroud and make a similar impact during his rookie campaign. He has a field vision similar to Stroud and possesses a level of mobility that Stroud doesn’t have.
While Washington’s offensive line needs significant improvement to utilize the quarterback’s rushing ability fully, they will still benefit from Daniels’ playmaking skills. The ex-Tiger’s rushing ability can compensate for a subpar offensive line, whereas Sam Howell‘s playmaking ability only resulted in Washington being among the top percentile of teams allowing sacks in the 2023-24 season.
Rome Odunze (WR – CHI) ADP64 | WR32
Rome Odunze is receiving a lot of attention for the opposite reason as Daniels; there is a great deal of interest in the Bears’ offense and their playmakers headed into 2024.
This is understandable, as rookie QB Caleb Williams is walking into an unprecedented situation with a plethora of talented playmakers surrounding him, making Odunze more of a long-term asset than an immediate impact player.
The arrival of Keenan Allen, a potential future Hall of Famer, and D.J. Moore coming off a career-high season, adds to the appeal of the Bears’ offense. However, to understand its true value, it’s essential to consider the coaching style rather than just the big names associated with the offense.
Players like TE Cole Kmet hold significant value due to new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s frequent use of 12 and 13 personnel. Despite concerns that an abundance of playmakers could diminish their fantasy relevance, this is unlikely to be the case.
Similar debates are happening across the league regarding the impact of Y receivers on the fantasy relevance of X receivers. In reality, X and Y receivers bring different elements to the game. In the case of the Bears’ offense, Odunze’s potential as a future WR1 competes more with Allen than Moore. Allen, aged 31 and on a new team after a career-high in targets, is in a situation that could pave the way for Odunze to outperform his current average draft position (ADP).
Sleeper Rookies To Target
Ja’Lynn Polk (WR – NE) ADP 155.9 | WR67
This offseason’s recent changes in New England have raised uncertainties and questions about the Patriots’ future under a new regime. With Bill Belichick no longer in New England, the offense has an opportunity to develop with a new vision, which is exciting for Patriots fans and Fantasy Football managers.
With a young wide receiver room filled with players from outside of the Bill Belichick era, the opportunity is, as Russell Wilson would say, “unlimited” for any playmaker in this room. Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and DeMario Douglas could be significant assets to this rebuilding offense, while players like Kendrick Bourne or JuJu Smith-Schuster may not be with the team post-training camp.
Not only is there a new head coach running the show in New England, but they also have a strong-armed young QB in former North Carolina standout Drake Maye to build around for the foreseeable future.
I know what you’re thinking… “Hoov, the future doesn’t help me now.”
Well, if you were here, what I would tell you to your face is: “The future is now, and they’ve been showing you that.”
Polk’s second-round draft pick indicates that he will be heavily utilized in developing their franchise QB. Therefore, if the defense can create more opportunities for the offense to be on the field, it will provide more chances for Drake Maye and Polk to develop together.
Deep Round Sleeper Rookies To Target
Ray Davis(RB – BUF) ADP 182 | RB55
Is it fair to refer to someone as a “sleeper” when they are already being discussed as such by many analysts at large? It is, particularly if their ADP isn’t rising significantly due to most drafters hesitating to take a chance on them.
Ray Davis may be considered more of a “sleeper” compared to players like Polk, who I think will consistently contribute more to fantasy football teams. Despite this, he still holds considerable value given the opportunity he has been presented with in Buffalo.
Some fantasy managers may perceive Davis as being overshadowed by teammate James Cook. He has provided substantial value for fantasy teams alongside one of the best rushing quarterbacks in the NFL, Josh Allen. Nevertheless, some managers see the potential for Davis to complement Buffalo’s rushing game and enhance James Cook‘s productivity in the 2024 season.
The front office appears to be focused on reducing Allen’s rushing impact to prevent injury, making it probable that they will bring in another running back to share the workload with Cook. Davis showcased his ability to find the end zone, finishing his senior season at Kentucky with 13 rushing touchdowns. Could we be looking at Buffalo’s rendition of Alvin Kamara & Mark Ingram? The possibility is certainly there after seeing what both running backs can do.
In best ball leagues, Davis could be an intriguing option to retain, as he has the potential to score multiple touchdowns in a single game. I anticipate he will be frequently mentioned in waiver wire reports throughout the season as Cook’s RB2, similar to what we observed with Latavius Murray last season.
Dallin Holker (TE – NO) ADP678.2 | TE61
It’s going to be hard to find a deeper sleeper prediction than this one right here at ADP 678.2 on Sleeper… Dallin Holker – UDFA TE from the New Orleans Saints.
As someone who was heavily scouting Holker around the 2024 NFL Draft, I was shocked to see such a great receiving tight end not being drafted by one of these franchises. It wasn’t very reassuring to see him fall, but it was exciting to see him get signed afterward and make his way to a roster that way.
It was hard to find optimism in an undrafted player in a TE room like New Orleans. The room seems tight with guys like Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson on their roster. Unfortunately, Juwan Johnson suffered an offseason foot injury that has sidelined him during camp. Fortunately, that creates an opportunity for someone like Holker to make a name for himself.
We have seen recent undrafted players, like Rashid Shaheed, make a name within the Saints organization. This shows the organization’s willingness to put the best players out on the field regardless of draft capital. With the Saints bringing in an abundance of tight ends over the past few years, targeting veterans like Jimmy Graham to return home to NOLA, it seems appropriate that they have found their new star tight end this offseason in Holker.
Find more from Optimus NFL & Fantasy Football Analyst Hoov on X (formerly Twitter) @Hoovtube & here at Optimus Fantasy Football.
Believing in New York to pull off the unlikely victory in Week 1 was most definitely not my finest moment of the week, but I did also advise others to be cautious about the small likelihood of that. I can't beat myself too much over believing in the Giants, as Wan'Dale Robinson did deliver in Week 1's predictions via "Storyline, Storytime."
Hey folks! We cannot understate the importance of being in on Week 3 waiver wire players early while the FAAB price is cheapest (or free!), so you can add them to your roster. This is not just for adding them to your roster so your league mates don’t get them first but also so you […]
Bo McBrayer brings the spice with his fantasy football Week 2 advice, giving you the musings and information you need to keep your lineups hot-n-ready. Have you ever watched football for 11 consecutive hours on a leather couch? I have. My current couch is cloth, but I remember back when I was sticking and peeling […]
Week 1 always has a way of taking the wind out of our sails. Sure, it's lovely having football back. What's not wonderful is when a wide receiver goes down with an injury and has to miss time.
Puka Nacua should be heading to the injured reserve with a sprained PCL. There is no timetable for how long Nacua will be shelved. Fantasy managers are now sprinting to find a decent replacement.
In this week's WR2 Radar, I look at some of the more notable wide receiver injuries to monitor this and future weeks.
I will examine wide receivers that are readily available and that you can use to bolster your squad this week (or in the near future). Plus, find out what WR1s are pulling the wool over our eyes. Make sure to check out the Optimus Fantasy Rankings.
But fear not, folks. It’s early in the season, and there is plenty of time to fill those holes and right the ship. Here are players at every position that can help you get on your way to victory in Week 2 of fantasy football action and beyond.
Wide receivers are so nice; I had to do this twice! Welcome to Week 1, Part 2 of The WR2 Radar, where I dive into wide receivers who may not be the top option on their teams or at the top of the weekly fantasy WR rankings but have the potential to post WR1 numbers this season. Week 1 offers opportunities for these players to step into the spotlight.
Each week, I'll provide five players as look-ahead players for the next week, who could be THE waiver wire claims for the following week. But they won't be available in your league because you already have them. We haven't even played a snap of regular-season football yet, but we're already looking ahead to Week 2's players.
Note: If these players get hurt in Week 1, I cannot be held responsible, so please don't tweet me @ktompkinsii if that happens.
Which teams are at risk of facing an unexpected upset and commencing the season with a disappointing loss? Furthermore, which resilient teams are poised to learn from past setbacks and aggressively pursue their Super Bowl aspirations? The spotlight will be on a few promising rookie players aiming to showcase their talent right from the start. Will they walk into the tunnel after Week 1, leaving a significant mark on the league?
All these compelling NFL Week 1 storylines will be analyzed and dissected in our latest series, "Storyline, Storytime," which will bring you exclusive insights crafted by @hoovtube on X.
Keeping your fantasy football rosters in tip-top shape is no small task; it requires a level of almost psychotic tinkering that only a few in this world are capable of. It can drive some to madness and others to championship glory. We prefer to help you do the latter.
Should I give out bad advice, I’m not really the sentimental type. Being apologetic for failing to predict the future seems disingenuous, anyway. The fine folks at Optimus want me to contribute the stuff that spills from my eyes, ears, and nose, so this column will put just that at your fingertips. Should it aid you in a redraft or dynasty league victory, or even a DFS lineup, that’s cool beans. I aim to win in an entertaining way, so they don’t ever sack me for being boring. Bring on the rush, I’ll stand tall (or scramble) the only way I know: with pizzazz.
Last year, several wideouts surprised us by putting up WR1 numbers when they were WR2 (or WR3) on their teams. DeVonta Smith, Gabe Davis, and Tee Higgins each had four games as a top-12 WR in points per reception (PPR) scoring.
Rashid Shaheed, Jakobi Meyers, and Noah Brown all had three. Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., Jordan Addison, Joshua Palmer, and Cooper Kupp tallied two.
In my series this season, I'll examine weekly matchups to determine if an NFL WR2 can outperform a WR1 on another team. It is important to look beyond the label of "WR1." Considering factors such as matchups, injuries, and team dynamics, I'll find what No. 2 options are worth putting in your lineup.
This series is focused on helping you to learn how to play fantasy football.
In this article, we'll focus on the basics of what you need to start your own league. We will discuss how to decide what league format you want to play in, a few of the different platforms you can play on, and how to create your league settings.
First and foremost, let's discuss deciding who you will be playing with.