5 Must-Draft Rookies for 2024 Fantasy Football

5) RB Jonathon Brooks - Carolina Panthers

Carolina's Jonathon Brooks offers intriguing upside if you choose to employ the zero RB strategy. Brooks was the first rusher off the board in April, selected by the Panthers in the second round (46th overall). Although he is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last November, Brooks remains on track for the start of training camp. With free agent bust Miles Sanders's roster spot reportedly in jeopardy, Brooks should push Chuba Hubbard for lead-back duties. At worst, his pass-catching chops make him a solid bet in PPR leagues.

2) WR Malik Nabers - New York Giants

LSU's all-time leader in receiving yards, Malik Nabers, brings much-needed explosiveness to a New York Giants offense desperate for playmakers. While the play of QB Daniel Jones is a concern, Nabers's elite separation skills and versatility could make him a standout. With Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley departing for division rival Philadelphia Eagles, Nabers can potentially be the focal point of head coach Brian Daboll's offensive attack.

Download the SportsGrid App

Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

3) TE Brock Bowers - Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas spent a second-round pick on Michael Mayer in 2023, but that didn't stop the organization from drafting fellow tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th overall pick. Bowers was dynamic during his time at Georgia, racking up 2,538 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns over three seasons. Bowers's versatility and unique skill set should earn him plenty of targets despite Mayer's presence. At one of fantasy's most challenging positions, the 21-year-old's upside is worth the investment.

4) WR Keon Coleman - Buffalo Bills

Any time you're catching passes from Josh Allen, you belong on the fantasy radar. That's especially true for second-rounder Keon Coleman, who has a chance to emerge as Buffalo's No. 1 wideout in the wake of Stefon Diggs' departure. Standing 6'4" and weighing 215 pounds, Coleman offers a double-digit touchdown upside and could be an appealing value option (current ADP of 78.8).

5) RB Jonathon Brooks - Carolina Panthers

Carolina's Jonathon Brooks offers intriguing upside if you choose to employ the zero RB strategy. Brooks was the first rusher off the board in April, selected by the Panthers in the second round (46th overall). Although he is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last November, Brooks remains on track for the start of training camp. With free agent bust Miles Sanders's roster spot reportedly in jeopardy, Brooks should push Chuba Hubbard for lead-back duties. At worst, his pass-catching chops make him a solid bet in PPR leagues.