With the 2024 fantasy football season just around the corner, both players and front offices are getting ready for their drafts. Key takeaways on players, breakout candidates, and smart picks can make or break success on a team to a great degree. Among the notable performers, tight end Trey McBride and running back Jonathan Taylor have captured attention, while other players are gaining traction in the draft landscape.
Trey McBride has instantly rated as one of the Arizona Cardinals’ most valuable offseasons assets. Since stepping into the starting tight end role after Zach Ertz’s injury in 2023, McBride has been a world beater. He’s averaging 9.0 targets per game and scoring a stellar 15.4 fantasy points per game. Despite his high performance, McBride faced unfortunate touchdown luck last season, finishing with only three total touchdowns despite an expected total of 7.9.
Jonathan Taylor is still a clear top choice among running backs. He finished seventh in fantasy points per game last year. Ever since, he has quietly been calling the shots as the unquestioned lead dog for the Indianapolis Colts these past three campaigns. His ability to consistently execute will make him a popular player in future drafts.
Player Evaluations and Round Selections
The draft landscape has changed as these managers are really starting to consider all of their options. And it was a balanced class as James Conner was the 5th Round selection. This choice underscores his cost as an appealing option for deepening running back depth. So too were high-ceiling wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Keon Coleman, though both made compelling options in Round 11.
Colston Loveland is a popular late-round lottery ticket among the draft community. He’s been highly efficient too, commanding an impressive 37% of Michigan’s targets a season ago. This performance should put him in the conversation to be a breakout player this year. With the upcoming challenge of manager roster construction facing all contestants, optimal draftees at the pivotal tight end position might be the difference makers.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is another who’s high on a lot of radars this draft season. The Houston native, celebrated for his pitchability, is considered too good to fall down the draft board. Expect managers to raise his pick higher to fortify their receiving corps.
“When I’m making my selections, I often ask myself a question: ‘Am I drafting this player at his ceiling?’” – Mike Clay
Quarterback and Receiver Insights
That all starts with the quarterbacks, who are the most important piece of any fantasy football roster. Just look at what Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels did last season — nothing but greatness! All of them finished in the top six for fantasy points per game. With their repeatable efforts, they are two of the most trustworthy selections that any fantasy manager can make.
Outside of the quarterback position, wide receivers remain the most valuable assets. Both DK Metcalf and Xavier Worthy have become popular targets on draft day. It’s little surprise, therefore, that their blazing speed and playmaking ability might take any team’s offense from mediocre to dynamic.
In the mid-rounds, these managers will be forced to make difficult decisions between guys such as Jakobi Meyers and Matthew Golden. Both of these athletes were available in Round 8. As teams try to fill out their rosters during the offseason, these players come with anomalies that make for compelling value-pick choices.
Strategic Drafting Considerations
That kind of strategic drafting is incredibly important when building a successful fantasy football team. Managers have to weigh many factors before making their picks, from the rarity of position to the upside of players.
Mike Clay warns against reaching for players, and even more so for defense/special teams (D/ST). Yet every time, he cautions managers, more history reaffirms that most top-scoring D/STs will fail to come close to that production the next year.
“History has taught us over and over and over again, we should never reach on D/STs.” – Mike Clay
Clay also recommends that managers pursue high-upside stashes rather than waste early-round picks on defensive units or kickers. This balance creates opportunities for prudent managers to establish strength across the most critical positions while still leaving enough flexibility for savvy moves in the later rounds.
“If I instead have Will Shipley rostered when Barkley goes down, I have a potential RB2.” – Mike Clay
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