The Next-Gen Superstars of Fantasy Football

Welcome to the Fantasy Drop Army newsletter!

There’s nothing better than calling a rookie breakout before it happens. Today, I’m talking about a few young players and the ceilings they could reach over the course of their careers.

Today in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn:

• The rookies set to become the next fantasy stars 📈

• How to access the 2024 Draft Guide for FREE 🏆

• The latest news from around the NFL 🏈

The next Ja’Marr Chase is…

Malik Nabers of the New York Giants.

The team drafted him 6th overall after a dominating season at LSU. He hauled in 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023. But most impressively commanded a 31.9% target share - significantly higher than anyone on his new team. So, he's poised to become the number one option immediately.

Additionally, Nabers has an exceptional burst score in the 98th percentile, and he possesses strong straight-line speed. But as a deep threat, he has excelled on throws 20+ yards downfield, hauling in 19 catches for 624 yards and 9 TDs. Additionally, he averages 6.6 yards after the catch. So, in every sense, he embodies the complete package as a WR.

The Giants went 6-11 last season and they have a tough 2024 schedule. So, it's a good bet they'll have to play catch-up a lot. That should allow the rookie plenty of targets from Daniel Jones. In fact, one Giants insider recently said there's "no doubt" he'll see at least 100 targets this season.

The next Lamar Jackson is…

Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders.

He’s a first-round pick that brings elite athleticism to the NFL. He showed it over a five-year college career that ended with a Heisman Trophy-winning season. He tormented his opponents on the ground with 1,133 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, matching Jackson's level of athleticism when he entered the league.

But Daniels is more polished as a passer than Jackson was at his age. Scouts have already praised his pocket presence, calling him a good decision-maker when throwing the ball. That poise led to a 72.2% completion rate in his senior season. He also threw for 3,812 yards and had a ridiculous 40 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions.

He'll now team up with a talented WR corps, including a Pro Bowl veteran and a tight end with three Pro Bowl appearances. One of them recently called his new QB a "special talent." These experienced players will get their rookie QB up to speed quickly.

Daniels is currently splitting first-team reps with Marcus Mariota. But he's the better talent. And, by all accounts, he's been the better performer. So, it will only be a matter of time before he's named the starter.

The next Justin Jefferson is…

Rome Odunze of the Chicago Bears.

Odunze was a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft because he dominated in his last college season. He racked up over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns on 87 receptions, commanding a 24.5% target share. He was the 18th most productive college WR in yards per route run.

The rookie has a 97th percentile catch radius. He also has the strength to overpower defenders in contested catch battles. He's considered a savvy route runner too. So, he can outmaneuver man coverage and exploit weaknesses in zone defenses.

He'll have to share the spotlight with D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. But Allen recently praised him, saying Odunze is ahead of where he was in his first year. The team also has one of the easier schedules for WRs in 2024. So, even if the competition is stiff, he could see solid volume.

He's also playing with a fellow rookie at quarterback. Recent reports have suggested the two have made a connection and tormented their team's first defense at times this summer. So, the prospect of the two young players growing together is a huge source of optimism for the team's fans.

The next Travis Kelce is…

Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders.

This 6'3", 243-pound prospect was chosen in the first round of the NFL draft. So, you know the Raiders expect to feature him immediately.

Bowers boasts top-tier speed and rare explosiveness for his position. His 40-time ranks in the 96th percentile, and few peers match his ability to generate big plays. He's been a beast at racking up yards after the catch throughout college. So, every reception becomes a potential game-changer with his dynamic skill set.

Bowers never had a season with fewer than 56 receptions in college. He scored 31 touchdowns in his three-year career, including 5 on the ground. So, that versatility can help the Raiders right away.

Unfortunately, the Raiders are a bit lacking at QB and Davante Adams is a target magnet. But training camp reports on Bowers have been overwhelmingly positive. His defensive teammates consistently struggle to guard him, and he's made a handful of impressive plays. His coaching staff plans to move him around formations and use him as a slot receiver more often than his TE teammates. So, he should have ample opportunities to showcase his elite athleticism.

🚑 Bucs OG Sua Opeta Tears ACL, Out for 2024

🦵 Commanders Claim K Riley Patterson Off Waivers

🐬 Dolphins Sign WR Willie Snead for Depth

🏈 Giants Claim CB Mario Goodrich from Eagles

😢 Rams LG Jonah Jackson to Miss Preseason

✍️ Commanders Re-Sign WR Byron Pringle

🤕 Broncos OT Quinn Bailey Suffers Fractured Ankle

✅ Patriots Extend DT Davon Godchaux's Contract

🚨 Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd Back in Team Drills

💰 Patriots Offer Contract to EDGE Matthew Judon

When these rookies get going, you won’t want to miss out on the production. So, keep them on your radar as the season begins.

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