Owners picking No. 9 overall in their fantasy football drafts will have the opportunity to select from a pool of exceptionally talented players. Based on average draft position (ADP), running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Jonathan Taylor, as well as wide receiver Garrett Wilson, are likely to be available.
While each of these players has the talent to justify a premium draft pick, only one is positioned to be a workhorse, while the other two rely heavily on uncontrollable external factors to meet their draft expectations. The ninth overall pick is far too consequential to take a flier on a boom-or-bust candidate, so it’s important to move beyond the appeal of names and thoroughly evaluate their situations.
Which Players Should You Consider Picking No. 9 Overall?
WHO SHOULD BE WHICH PICK?: 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 10th | 11th | 12th
Garrett Wilson
Wilson is an immensely talented player, and even with the Jets’ additions of Mike Williams and Malachi Corley, he remains the top option on the perimeter.
If everything goes according to plan for New York in 2024, there’s no doubt that Wilson could be one of the top fantasy performers at the wide receiver position, with a legitimate shot at finishing as the overall WR1.
Despite turmoil and inconsistency at the quarterback position, Wilson has consistently produced, recording over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. However, his weekly production has often mirrored the ups and downs of the Jets’ QB play.
A healthy Aaron Rodgers could elevate Garrett Wilson to elite status, but if the Jets’ struggles continue in 2024, Wilson may be a better option for Best Ball leagues rather than pick No. 9 in standard PPR drafts.
Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs is another rookie who lived up to the hype in 2023. Although he saw limited action early in his rookie year, he became a consistently high-volume contributor by midseason.
Gibbs possesses an Alvin Kamara-like skill set with dynamic speed, exceptional change of direction, and strong receiving capabilities. However, it’s important to note that despite his unique skill set and high fantasy potential, Gibbs shares the backfield with David Montgomery.
Montgomery outpaced Gibbs in carries and handled the majority of premium touches, including red-zone carries, totaling 11 more than Gibbs last season. While Gibbs will produce in volume, the question remains: Is it worth selecting a back who splits carries in the first round of your fantasy draft?
Jonathan Taylor
After two seasons marked by injuries and contract disputes, the Indianapolis Colts’ bell-cow RB seems to have regained his form. Taylor averaged over 17 fantasy points per game in his final eight outings and concluded the season with a standout 188-yard rushing performance against the Houston Texans.
With the addition of Anthony Richardson to the Colts’ offensive lineup and the opportunity to play behind one of the league’s top offensive lines, Taylor is poised for one of the best seasons of his career. Additionally, Indianapolis never found a replacement for Zack Moss after he left in free agency.
In Shane Steichen’s philosophy of “throw to score points, run to win,” it appears that Taylor will be shouldering all of the running. He presents a compelling option for managers looking for a low-risk, high-reward option at pick 9.
Who Should Go No. 9?
I believe A.J. Brown represents the last of the top-tier fantasy receivers. While I’m high on Wilson as a player, I have reservations about the Jets as an organization. Their lack of strong leadership and questionable decision-making makes it difficult to trust that things won’t go awry again in Florham Park, potentially diminishing Wilson’s offensive production and fantasy value.
If the Jets’ offensive line can protect Rodgers and keep him healthy throughout the season — and that’s a significant if — Wilson could have a career year. However, I’m not confident this will be the case, so selecting a running back in this slot offers greater value.
Between Taylor and Gibbs, the former provides slightly more fantasy value due to his expected heavy workload as the Colts’ primary back. Gibbs, on the other hand, shares responsibilities with Montgomery, as mentioned, which diminishes his overall value enough for me to pass at this spot.
Choosing an elite RB in the first round, especially toward the end, allows you to pair him with another high-value back in Round 2. This strategy provides the flexibility to select a receiver in the third round and either an elite quarterback or another top-tier receiver in the fourth, optimizing your roster across key positions.