Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is behind us, we can truly set our sights on preparing for the upcoming fantasy football season.
Much will still change between now and the heart of fantasy draft season, but rosters are pretty much set. That means it’s time for our first redraft mock draft. This will be for a 1QB PPR league.
What Do Rounds 1 and 2 Of a Redraft Mock Draft Look Like?
1.01) Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
The first two rounds will be as wide receiver-heavy as ever, but that doesn’t change the fact that running back remains king.
The single most valuable asset in fantasy football remains the elite running back. In modern football, there are fewer and fewer every year. That makes the unstoppable force that is Christian McCaffrey my preference for the No. 1 overall pick.
1.02) Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
It’s only April. My feelings on the top of the first round may change over the coming months. But right now, I’m going with my WR1, which is Tyreek Hill.
DON’T BLINK 👁️
They won’t catch #Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill this time! 🐆pic.twitter.com/ZUeWCGL8lE
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 8, 2023
Although he came up 0.2 fantasy points per game short of an overall WR1 finish, that was almost entirely due to a late-season ankle sprain that limited his production. Hill was the clear WR1 and on pace for 2,000 yards.
You can’t really go wrong with anyone here, but Hill is my choice.
1.03) CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Are the Dallas Cowboys going to be able to run the ball? They may claim to want to be a running team, but the evidence shows otherwise.
CeeDee Lamb finished as the overall WR1 last season, averaging 23.7 fantasy points per game.
While he probably won’t do that again, perhaps no receiver in fantasy has a better combination of situation, talent, and opportunity than the Cowboys WR1 playing in a prolific offense with no threat to his targets.
1.04) Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
Fantasy managers mustn’t forget how incredible Breece Hall’s close to last season was. Now another year removed from his ACL tear, the only thing standing between Hall and contending for overall RB1 status is his health. Even an Aaron Rodgers injury wouldn’t derail his season.
Hall averaged 17.1 fantasy points per game last season while playing less than a full-time role for a quarter of the season with Zach Wilson and his cavalcade of misfits as his quarterback.
Health permitting, Hall is a sure thing.
1.05) Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
It speaks to Bijan Robinson’s upside that 14.5 fantasy points per game as a rookie is viewed as a disappointment.
We know the talent is there. With Arthur Smith gone and Kirk Cousins at QB, the situation and opportunity now join the talent.
It’s fair to take Robinson as high as No. 2 overall. It really comes down to positional preference.
Despite the perceived safety that comes with wide receivers, there are more of them you feel comfortable drafting. There are not many running backs. If I can secure an elite one, I will.
1.06) Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
If you want to take Ja’Marr Chase No. 1 overall, don’t let me get in your way. This is a strange year in that there are six players you can reasonably justify with the top spot.
In a down year where just about everything went wrong, Chase still averaged 16.4 fantasy points per game. With a healthy Joe Burrow, Chase is going to remind everyone why he was a consensus top-three pick last season.
1.07) Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Are we punishing Justin Jefferson too much for the downgrade from Kirk Cousins to J.J. McCarthy? After all, Jefferson would be the overall WR1 if Cousins were still around.
TOO LITTLE 😮💨
Justin Jefferson is SPECIAL!#SKOL
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 1, 2023
In the history of fantasy football, a rookie quarterback has never supported the overall fantasy WR1.
Now, to be fair, Jefferson doesn’t have to be that elite to justify a top-three selection. But will McCarthy be good enough to propel him to 20 fantasy points per game? Maybe.
It’s that uncertainty that keeps Jefferson in the middle of the first round and not at the top anymore. But that’s also what could make him a value.
1.08) Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
I wouldn’t fault anyone for taking Amon-Ra St. Brown over Jefferson. St. Brown is one of the safest picks you can make. He’s a lock for 100 receptions if he plays a full season. His only competition for targets is TE Sam LaPorta, and there’s plenty to go around in the Lions’ explosive offense.
We probably saw St. Brown’s ceiling last season at 20.7 fantasy points per game. But his floor is like 17 points per game. It’s a narrow range of outcomes at a very high number.
You can’t go wrong with St. Brown.
1.09) Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
Back-to-back Lions? Back-to-back Lions.
Jahmyr Gibbs averaged 16.1 fantasy points per game last season despite playing a quarter of the year as David Montgomery’s backup. Montgomery may still be around, which caps Gibbs’ touchdown upside, but there’s plenty of meat on the bone for both guys.
Gibbs is a splash play machine with week-winning upside. You can justify him as high as overall RB2.
1.10) Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
There will be Puka Nacua detractors out there. I am not one of them.
Obviously, Nacua wasn’t supposed to be this good. If he were, he wouldn’t have fallen to the fifth round.
After last season, I’ve seen enough. Nacua broke the all-time rookie receptions and receiving yards record.
Sure, his value is heavily tethered to Matthew Stafford. But isn’t that the case with any wide receiver and his quarterback?
Nacua has overtaken Cooper Kupp as the Rams’ WR1. I see no reason he can’t at least match his 17.6 fantasy points per game from his rookie year.
1.11) Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
Here we go again with taking a technically unproven Garrett Wilson at the 1/2 turn despite him never even coming close to posting numbers that justify this lofty selection. As always, context is key.
We know why Wilson hasn’t lived up to expectations. His quarterback play has been among the worst in the league.
This year, Rodgers will presumably stay healthy, and we can get the season from Wilson we thought we were getting last year. I am all in.
1.12) Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
If the Rams drafting Blake Corum in the third round pushes you off of Kyren Williams, then you were never really in to begin with. Drafting Williams comes with the belief that he’s earned this job.
Last season, Williams, previously viewed as a sub-replacement level back, missed a chunk of time. He easily could have come back to a lesser role. Yet, he got his full-time job back. That is what made me believe in him.
Sean McVay has always preferred to have one back. If Corum is an upgrade on the Rams’ RB2 position, he will spell Williams a bit more. But we don’t need a 90% snap share — 70% is fine. That will be enough for him to be around 20 fantasy points per game once again.
2.01) A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
I have to put A.J. Brown somewhere. But let me be clear — I have no interest in drafting him. The Eagles just do not treat Brown like an alpha.
Brown averaged 17 fantasy points per game last season. Those are clear WR1 numbers, making him worthy of a top-12ish selection. That’s also his ceiling. We are never going to see Brown post a season like Lamb, Jefferson, or ARSB.
Of course, Brown is also unlikely to completely fail. He’s too talented.
But with an improved Eagles defense and the target competition provided by DeVonta Smith, Brown just isn’t that appealing of a selection, given his lack of upside.
2.02) Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers
We are still very far away from fantasy draft season. Right now, though, I am way out of line with the consensus on Josh Jacobs. This is where I would take him.
Perhaps I am missing something, and my opinion will change over the summer. I just don’t understand what there is not to like about Jacobs.
Yes, Jacobs was inefficient last season. However, the Packers went out of their way to sign him, and the two backs behind him are A.J. Dillon and rookie Mar’Shawn Lloyd.
Currently, I am projecting Jacobs for a three-down role in a very good offense.
2.03) Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Elite RB1 Derrick Henry is not returning. Very good RB1 Derrick Henry absolutely can make an appearance in a Ravens offense that propelled Gus Edwards to 13 touchdowns last season.
Henry is going to be very touchdown-dependent. He may catch fewer than 20 balls on the season. But I think he can score 20 times.
If that happens, combined with the efficiency he will see running in a Lamar Jackson offense, Henry can be a mid-RB1 in 2024.
2.04) Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Why isn’t Michael Pittman Jr. being treated like a clear fantasy WR1? All he did last season was average 15.6 fantasy points per game while playing with a backup quarterback and scoring only four touchdowns on 156 targets.
The Colts should have a better offense this season if Anthony Richardson stays healthy. And if he goes down, elite Joe Flacco is waiting in the wings to air it out.
2.05) De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins re-signing Raheem Mostert is more concerning than them drafting Jaylen Wright. The latter is purely De’Von Achane insurance for the time being.
With that said, Achane was just fine last year playing alongside Mostert. Even with Mostert leading the league in touchdowns, Achane still managed to average 17.3 fantasy points per game. With a more consistent role this season, the only thing standing between Achane and another elite season is health.
2.06) Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Davante Adams will be 32 years old before the year is up. Fantasy managers should absolutely be asking the question as to whether this is the year Adams declines. That’s especially so in light of his diminished performance last season.
#Raiders WR Davante Adams’ route-running is FILTHY 😮💨
pic.twitter.com/h7IgXldoR8— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 17, 2023
It’s also my job to do my best to answer that question.
Although he may be relatively old, Adams showed exactly zero signs of decline last season. I believe his down year can be attributed fully to poor quarterback play and horrendous coaching from one of the worst head coaches in NFL history.
Gardner Minshew may not be the guy to lead the Raiders to the playoffs, but if he can propel Pittman to a near-WR1 season, he can get Adams back around 18 fantasy points per game.
2.07) Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor is more similar to Henry than fantasy managers would care to admit. I mean that in the sense that he relies on rushing yards and touchdowns.
Even so, given my belief in Richardson and the Colts’ offense, there should be plenty to go around.
There’s definitely some concern that Richardson will take enough of them to knock Taylor’s fantasy value a bit. But we’re already past the point of the draft where you feel extremely comfortable about your pick.
Taylor is fine right here.
2.08) Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
The difference between Taylor and Saquon Barkley is the latter has far more pressing concerns regarding touchdowns.
We know Barkley is a monster near the goal line, but we also know the Eagles are running the Tush Push whenever they get to the 1-yard line.
At the same time, Barkley should also enjoy efficient running, and the Eagles’ improved defense should help them see a more positive game script, allowing them to lean on Barkley in the second half of games.
Even with Hurts taking 10+ rushing scores, Barkley should be able to get to 10-12 anyway. He is a safe pick, even if he lacks the elite RB1 upside he had as a rookie.
2.09) Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals
Shattering the all-time record for the earliest rookie wide receiver ADP, Marvin Harrison Jr., having yet to play an NFL snap, is going to go in the second round. You can write that in ink.
It seems like straight lunacy to take a rookie over so many established guys, but I’m all in.
Harrison could not have landed in a better spot. He gets to play with Kyler Murray as the clear WR1 with absolutely no target competition outside of TE Trey McBride.
Harrison could very well see a near-30% target share as a rookie. He is a generational talent and a true can’t-miss prospect.
Jefferson averaged 17.1 fantasy points per game as a rookie playing alongside Adam Thielen. Chase averaged 17.9 fantasy points per game as a rookie playing alongside Tee Higgins. Harrison finds himself in an even more advantageous position.
A 20-point-per-game season is not out of the realm of possibilities.
2.10) Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
This is where Josh Allen should go. He’s not just a sure thing — he’s an elite sure thing. Allen has averaged between 24.2 and 25.4 fantasy points per game each of the past four seasons.
My concern with taking a QB here is I think we may see the return of the late-round QB strategy this season. There are so many talented QBs in good situations available in the QB8-14 range.
With that said, they won’t all hit. You need to get the right one, or you’re going to be in trouble.
We know Allen will hit, which is why he’s going so early in fantasy drafts.
2.11) Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Here we have yet another example of paying a premium for a breakout before it happens.
Drake London has posted middling WR4 seasons each of his first two years in the league. He also had some of the worst coaching and quarterback play a receiver could have.
If you don’t believe in London’s talent, then you’re not getting him in any leagues this year. I believe in the guy who commanded a 29.4% target share as a rookie.
With Kyle Pitts as his only real competition for targets, London merely needs a 25% target share in an offense that not only will throw the ball more this year, but will have far better QB play with Kirk Cousins under center.
A top-five finish is well within London’s range of outcomes.
2.12) Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
This is a tricky one for me. I love Chris Olave. I believe he should’ve been a WR1 last year. But the problems that kept him from doing so remain.
I am choosing to believe Derek Carr missing Olave on a bunch of deep targets is largely variance. The team should be better this year. He should be better. And if just a couple of those connected, Olave would’ve finished around WR15 instead of WR20.
At worst, what he did last year should be his floor.
2024 Redraft Mock Draft | Rounds 3-6
3.01) Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
3.02) Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
3.03) Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
3.04) D.J. Moore, WR, Chicago Bears
3.05) Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
3.06) Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3.07) Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3.08) Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
3.09) Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
3.10) Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
3.11) Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
3.12) Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
4.01) Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
4.02) Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
4.03) Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns
4.04) Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
4.05) Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
4.06) Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals
4.07) D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
4.08) DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
4.09) Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
4.10) Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans
4.11) James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
4.12) Keenan Allen, WR, Chicago Bears
5.01) Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
5.02) Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
5.03) Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
5.04) Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
5.05) C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
5.06) Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
5.07) Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
5.08) Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
5.09) Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
5.10) Stefon Diggs, WR, Houston Texans
5.11) Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings
5.12) Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks