Fantasy Football Draft Risers & Fallers

The 2024 NFL Draft is another milestone event of the fantasy football offseason. With the changes in NFL rosters, there are always changes in player values. Let's take a look at some of fantasy football's most notable movers and shakers following the 2024 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Football Draft Risers & Fallers

Let's take a look at some players who are trending upward after the 2024 NFL Draft and others who are trending downward.

In an upward trend

Gardner Minshew (QB – LV)

Las Vegas was one of the few teams heavily linked to drafting Michael Penix Jr. Unfortunately, the Raiders missed out on the quarterback run as all six potential first-round quarterbacks went off the board in the top 12. While Minshew still has to beat out Aidan O'Connell, he won't have to compete with a rookie for the starting role. Additionally, Las Vegas improved its receiving core by selecting Brock Bowers in the first round. Minshew has a significantly better receiver core than he did last season with the Indianapolis Colts.

Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)

The Dolphins traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Draft to select Wright in the fourth round, indicating their strong desire for the running back. Anyone who pushes him down his dynasty's rookie rankings based on landing spot is making a mistake. Raheem Mostert turns 33 in August, while De'Von Achane struggled to stay healthy last season. Wright is perfectly built for Miami's offense. While that may not happen until Week 8, expect the rookie to finish his first season with fantasy relevance.

George Pickens (WR – PIT)

Many called Pickens an offseason winner after the Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson. Instead of using an early draft pick on a wide receiver, Pittsburgh used its top two picks to upgrade its offensive line. While they selected Roman Wilson in the third round, he is the only offensive weapon the team selected this year. Pickens was a top-20 wide receiver in 2023 without Johnson, despite intercepting passes from Kenny Pickett. With Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center, he has a top-10 edge this year.

Downtrend

Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL)

Penix was the surprise first-round pick, going eighth overall for the Falcons after they signed Kirk Cousins ​​to a massive contract in free agency. He is the only first-round quarterback unlikely to see the field in 2024. Additionally, Atlanta cannot terminate Cousins' contract until after the 2025 season. Whenever Penix takes over under center, he has an impressive receiving core at his disposal. Unfortunately, fantasy players will have to carry him on their bench or taxi squad for a few years.

Josh Jacobs (RB – GB)

Green Bay released Aaron Jones after Jacobs signed a massive four-year deal in free agency. Although they re-signed AJ Dillon to a one-year deal, he poses no threat to Jacobs' workload. However, third-round rookie MarShawn Lloyd is a significant threat. Head coach Matt LaFleur has already mentioned using Lloyd in the passing game. More importantly, Green Bay will be able to get out of Jacobs' contract after the 2024 season with limited penalties. Lloyd could replace Jacobs as a rookie if the veteran struggles, and he could emerge as a star player in 2025.

Michael Mayer (TE – LV)

Unfortunately, Mayer is a double loser in the NFL Draft. The Raiders were the favorites to draft Michael Penix Jr. Instead, they missed out on the quarterback run and had to go with Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew in 2024. More importantly, Las Vegas drafted Brock Bowers with their first round pick. While Bowers and Mayer are different types of tight ends, the star rookie provides more competition for targets alongside Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Any hope that Mayer will make a breakthrough in his second year is gone.

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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. You can find more information from Mike here archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.