Now that we have the NFL Draft behind us and aren’t yet into redraft season, it’s time to fire up the dynasty mock draft machine!
Keep in mind that we will be running new versions of this consistently — the NFL never sleeps and as we gain new information, the values (both short- and long-term) of these players can swing in a significant way.
That said, I’m aware that many of you do not wait for the dust to settle before looking to scratch that drafting itch, so let’s look at what the first six rounds of a start-up dynasty draft could look like!
2024 Startup Dynasty Mock Draft | PPR SF
1.01) Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts is something of a fantasy football cheat code, and while the roster construction this season sets up differently than years past, the Eagles have no real reason to pivot off of what has worked for them up to this point.
Hurts has run four double-digit touchdowns in back-to-back-to-back seasons while completing over 65% of his passes in both seasons since the team brought in A.J. Brown. With three reliable options at his disposal through the air, Hurts’ blend of rushing floor and passing ceiling isn’t set to go anywhere soon.
Could Saquon Barkley eat into some of the rushing bottom line? Could the retirement of Jason Kelce make the Eagles second guess how they treat their short-yardage situations? It’s possible, but at this point, not something that we can project with confidence.
Until otherwise noted, you can bank on 3,500-ish passing yards with 700-ish rushing yards and 35-ish touchdowns from Hurts. The year-end numbers aren’t that much different than the others in Tier 1, but his weekly consistency has been on another level.
1.02) Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
A down statistical season for Patrick Mahomes netted him a Super Bowl title — not a bad worst-case scenario. Without the aid of a bona fide WR1, Mahomes was still able to flirt with 4,200 passing yards and maximize the talent at his disposal.
That’s the key. “Maximize the talent at his disposal.” It’s safe to say that he had as little support in 2023 as he will have for years to come, making that something of a statistical floor.
Rashee Rice‘s status is up in the air at this moment, but the team traded up for Xavier Worthy during the draft to rectify their lack of receiver depth.
Mahomes is never going to be loaded with the weaponry that a C.J. Stroud has, but he doesn’t need it. He ran for a career-high 389 yards last season and finished with an unlucky zero touchdowns. That happens. In fantasy, we want the real-life NFL teams to have the same goals as us and the Chiefs do — they ride and die with Mahomes.
Invest with the utmost confidence. Mahomes is as close to bulletproof as it gets in our game.
1.03) Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
The term “inevitable” comes to mind when discussing Josh Allen. He’s run for at least six scores in all six of his NFL seasons, topping 500 rushing yards in five of them, and has thrown for 4,200 yards in each of his past four.
The departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis create a level of uncertainty, but Allen is a talent elevator, not someone who relies on elite talent. James Cook and Dalton Kincaid are stable building blocks for this offense and should provide Allen with enough support for him to continue to churn out top-five finishes at the position with relative ease.
1.04) C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
Yep, it’s time. Already. Stroud cleared 4,100 passing yards as a rookie and wasn’t intercepted until mid-October. In the playoffs, a stage too big for most 22-year-olds, he performed well (274 yards and three scores against a stingy Cleveland defense before falling in Baltimore the next week) and showed himself ready to be considered among the best pocket passers in the sport.
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The Texans were impressed enough to push their chips in the middle of the table and acquire Diggs from the Bills. That gives Stroud access to as dangerous a trio of receivers (when healthy) as any signal caller in the league (Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell), not to mention a stable tight end (Dalton Schultz) and a running game that should add more balance this season with Joe Mixon taking over.
I’m not sure you could lay out a better situation for a Year 2 QB. His profile is that of an elite fantasy option and that is without much production on the ground. Could that develop? Could he be prime Aaron Rodgers in terms of functional mobility — but with better weapons?
1.05) Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
My top-ranked dynasty asset in standard, single-QB formats, Chase checks every box you could possibly ask for.
- Size
- Athleticism
- Role
- QB stability
He set a career-high in catches (100) a season ago; not a bad result considering that Cincinnati’s franchise QB was hobbled before being lost for the season.
In fact, I’m of the belief that the 2023 season only increased Chase’s dynasty value. In playing with limitations under center, he was forced to hone other parts of his game, traits that will suit him well as he progresses through his career.
We are all aware that this elite athlete can make uncommon plays down the field, but his ability to shake free on shorter routes was impressive and gives him a unique ceiling that is above what others at the position offer.
This Bengals’ offense is tailor-made to support the game’s most productive receiver and I think it will stay that way for the next 5-10 years. Passing on a QB in this format is difficult, but after those big four are off the board, give me the stability of this superstar.
1.06) Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Since joining the Dolphins, Tyreek Hill has piled up over 3,500 receiving yards while scoring 20 times in 33 games. His chase for 2,000 yards came up a little short last season, but he was tracking in a positive direction for the first half of the season, and the fact that such a goal is even considered reasonable speaks to the upside this man has.
The yardage is great and figures to be here to stay, but I was more encouraged by the scoring. Hill found paydirt at least once in seven of eight games to open last season, adding precision to his route running that makes sustained greatness possible.
There should be zero hesitation in investing in Hill — in fact, you could argue that the production they got from the ground game in 2023 was a near-ceiling outcome, and if that regresses, the receivers could put up even more impressive numbers in Miami.
1.07) CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a storied franchise, and Lamb entered the record books in multiple ways during his fourth season (135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns).
Simply put, the man is unguardable. He has consecutive 100+ catch seasons and has seen his touchdown tally increase season season (5-6-9-12). In fact, the ‘Boys toyed around with getting him the ball by any means necessary last season, handing it to him 14 times with great success (113 yards and two scores).
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This Dallas situation checks every box — they seemingly have a QB they are comfortable with, a questionable run game, and no real target competition. Lamb is on the short list of receivers who could lead the position in fantasy points this season, next season, and for years to come.
1.08) Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
The reigning MVP has a special skill set and as the team around Jackson fills out, we should continue to see him pile up the fantasy numbers.
Zay Flowers is only going to improve with time and Isaiah Likely has the type of skill set that represents the future of the tight end position.
Derrick Henry joins the mix this season, and while he will certainly eat up touchdowns in the short term, I think his negative impact on Jackson is being overblown.
Jackson isn’t like Allen in that he relies on those short scores to drive his fantasy success, nor does he need a versatile RB behind him. The addition of Henry will make RPOs that much more potent and limit how much containment defenses can plan on putting around Jackson as a runner.
Invest with confidence, this is a special athlete in a spot to succeed.
1.09) Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
The Sun God nearly doubled his career touchdown output last season, checking the final box of a clean profile. We know St. Brown can get open with regularity out of the slot, and he was able to showcase a bit of a nose for the end zone for a Lions team that is trending in a very positive direction.
The ascension of Jahymr Gibbs has the potential to help more than hurt. Yes, the explosive running back will demand more volume as time goes on, but the offensive balance figures to position St. Brown in more favorable matchups, and we know he can exploit those.
The only ding on St. Brown is that he doesn’t have an elite QB throwing him the rock, but with a strong connection and plenty of years ahead (Jared Goff isn’t yet 30 years old, it’s easy to assume he’s older), I’d argue that there is value in stability.
1.10) Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Much like a pitcher in baseball who has a tough first month, Richardson was a liability last season. He couldn’t make it through four full quarters and ultimately saw his rookie season end before it had a chance to get going.
But, like that pitcher example, are you going to write him off just because of a poor ERA through April due to a small sample size?
Of course not.
What Richardson did in his shortened rookie season was prove that the scouting reports were right — he might be Cam Newton 2.0. The physicality is rare at the position and the team is committed.
The Colts shelled out good money to keep Michael Pittman Jr. in town and then spent the 20th pick of the second round on WR Adonai Mitchell. This offense has plenty of weapons for Richardson to use and provide elite fantasy numbers as early as this season.
Naturally, you have to give some to get some. There is inherit risk with tying your dynasty ship to a mobile QB that will be hit more often than most. It just so happens that I think there is more risk in allowing your opponents to get access to his league-winning upside at this point in a Super Flex setting.
Draft depth, but passing on this profile, is a dance I’m not willing to take part in.
1.11) Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson holds just about every record known to receiver-kind through four seasons, and while the shift under center is a bit unsettling, don’t let it result in a fall.
Dynasty fantasy football is a long-term game, and in the long term, I trust talent over everything. Kirk Cousins wasn’t going to be throwing him the ball for the majority of his career anyway, so the fact that Minnesota moved on and got who they hope is a franchise signal-caller in J.J. McCarthy this season might actually prove to be a good thing for Jefferson managers.
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Hear me out.
What if Cousins was there for another year, led them to the playoffs, and then left? What if Minnesota couldn’t find a trade partner in the draft, or the QB position wasn’t as promising in terms of high-end prospects?
With how this offseason played out, Jefferson managers should still feel plenty good about their opportunity to win the overall war (a long-term dynasty run), even if the battle of 2024 took a step backward.
1.12) Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Having two of four seasons cut short due to injury is certainly less than ideal, but his playing style isn’t the type that puts him in danger of consistent injuries. Sometimes bad luck happens early in a career, it’s the world in which we live.
Don’t let misfortune lead you off the scent. Burrow has completed 68% of his NFL passes and was one of three QBs to throw for 4,000+ yards and 30+ TDs in 2021 and 2022 (the others: Allen and Mahomes).
At 27 years old, Burrow has shown us on the field what he is capable of, and he has an alpha receiver who figures to be at his side for years to come. The pieces are in place for him to return to his pre-2023 form, and you’ll want to be a part of that return to glory.
2.01) Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Watch him for two minutes and you’ll understand all of the hype around Robinson. Heck, it might not take two minutes.
As a rookie, he played for what will probably be the worst offense he’s a part of during his NFL career, and he made it work for us. Even while his usage was questioned and his coach got fired … Robinson finished the season with 1,463 total yards and eight scores.
And we were outraged.
The bar is set high for Robinson, and there is no reason to think that he can’t clear it with the Falcons changing their coaching staff and loaded with talent on the offensive side of the ball.
2.02) Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
There are varying opinions on Williams when it comes to why last season didn’t look the same as 2022, but does it matter?
We know the upside is there, and the Bears have built a kingdom for him to rule. Chicago has three receivers (DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze) who can win at various levels, a versatile running back, and a defense that isn’t afraid to give up points in bunches.
The stage is set. Remember when Burrow threw for 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns during his first fully healthy season?
Those numbers are obviously on the optimistic side, but I’m not sure they are out of the range of outcomes for this high-pedigree signal-caller as he walks into a situation built for success.
2.03) Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals
During the NFL Draft process, it seemed that the mainstream media almost got bored with Harrison’s greatness, opting to discuss if he really was the clear-cut WR1 in this class.
He was, and with the benefit of a landing spot, he should hit the ground running for fantasy managers.
The 6’4″ phenom racked up over 1,200 yards and 14 TDs in each of his final two seasons at Ohio State, and while those numbers are unlikely to transfer one-to-one to the pro game, it’s worth noting that three of the top four all-time receiving yardage seasons by a rookie receiver have come in the past four years (Puka Nacua, Chase, and Jefferson).
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The targets will be there. The talent is there. Get your popcorn ready for 2024 and well beyond!
2.04) Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
This selection is a bet on talent as much as anything. Herbert has shown glimpses of the elite pedigree (career 2.7 TD/INT rate with 277.8 passing yards per game) and versatility (3+ rushing scores in three of four seasons).
That profile would usually land in the first round, but with a new coaching staff and a gutting of his pass catchers, the present is too bleak to consider him as such.
This team is young with better days ahead, but know that the 2024 season could be a bit difficult and that if you’re planning on making this wager, you’d better have support on your roster in terms of depth at the position.
2.05) A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Critics can point to some peaks and valleys all they want, but a career-high 106 catches last season speaks for itself.
Brown has consecutive seasons with north of 1,400 receiving yards (he never reached 1,100 during three seasons with the Titans) and has established himself as the alpha target earner in one of the game’s best offenses.
His size (6’1″, 226 pounds) and youth (age 27 season) give us reason to suspect he can continue to produce at a WR1 level for years to come and that his touchdown equity is here to stay.
2.06) Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
This team was happy to select Lamb with their first pick, and getting his QB is a logical next move. As the signal-caller of “America’s Team,” Prescott can be polarizing, but as long as he is productive, do we really care?
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It was good to see the rushing rebound a little last season (242 yards), but that’s not the bet you’re making. He has cleared 4,400 passing yards with over 35 passing scores in each of his two healthy seasons and with two strong pass-catching options (Lamb and Jake Ferguson), not to mention a depleted run game and a division that is slowly becoming full of play-makers.
Prescott lacks the versatility to land him atop the QB ranks for a given season, but the floor is comforting and something that I’m very interested in should I go with a skill position in the first round of a Super Flex dynasty league.
2.07) Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
This team bet on Hill in the first round and is doubling down on that confidence by selecting his quarterback.
The whispers about Miami needing an upgrade at the QB position have proven to be just that, whispers. Hill has routinely praised his signal-caller, and while he labeled Jaylen Waddle as the future of the position in Miami, Cheetah has plenty left to offer.
Tagovailoa is the exception to the current rule that you need to produce with your legs to be a consistent fantasy contributor. Most do — but most don’t have the touch and team speed that Tagovailoa does right now and figures to have for years to come.
2.08) Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
What’s not to like? Murray turns just 27 years of age this summer, and the team made it clear during the NFL Draft that they are all-in on trying to give him the support he needs.
Trey McBride excelled last season, so when you add a potentially generational WR prospect in Harrison on the perimeter and maybe the best back in this draft class in Trey Benson, it’s OK to get excited.
We know the rushing floor is solid (11 scores in 2020, 5.8 yards per carry for his career), and Murray has shown enough proof of concept as a passer to think that a QB1 overall finish at some point over the next five seasons is within his range of outcomes.
2.09) Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
On an offense that struggled to move the ball, Hall finished his sophomore campaign with nearly 1,600 yards and nine scores. If that is the floor, he is the exception to the “avoid running backs early” mantra in dynasty.
I expect his touch total to decline a bit (299 last season), but with Aaron Rodgers under center, the value of each touch projects to improve and should more than offset the dip in volume.
It might look a little different, but I’m expecting a similar year-end stat line that he posted last season, not only for 2024, but for the foreseeable future.
2.10) Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
I’d argue that based on raw talent, Wilson deserves to be even higher up this list, but the cloudy future long-term at the QB position drags him down a few spots.
Davante Adams scored 12 times in his first true season atop the WR hierarchy in Green Bay under Rodgers.
I’m not guaranteeing that Wilson gets there (more a product of possible decline from Rodgers than anything Wilson has done wrong), but him at least doubling his career TD count of seven feels like a good bet with room for league-winning upside in 2024.
2.11) Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
What is there to say after Nacua broke a handful of records during his rookie season?
A repeat performance would demand he be drafted higher than this, and while a healthy Cooper Kupp entering the season figures to impact Nacua’s bottom line, his ability to shake free in a hurry is only going to improve now that he has a full season of NFL reps under his belt.
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I’ll happily bet the “under” on his catch (105), target (160), and yardage (1,486) totals from last season, but in no way does that mean that he won’t be a reliable source of PPR production this year and for many to come.
2.12) DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
This team elected to complete their Eagles stack with the speedy 25-year-old. Consistency week-over-week has been a bit of a concern, but you can’t argue with Smith’s profile: over 80 catches and 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons with a reliable role in one of the game’s best offenses.
His big-play ability makes a single target capable of deciding your matchup, and with a franchise QB already under center, it stands to reason that his best football is yet to come, with 2024 potentially being his most valuable fantasy season yet.
2024 Dynasty Mock Draft Rounds 3-6
3.01) Jordan Love, QB, GB
3.02) Rashee Rice, WR, KC
3.03) Jahymr Gibbs, RB, DET
3.04) Michael Pittman Jr., WR, IND
3.05) Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAX
3.06) Chris Olave, WR, NO
3.07) Drake London, WR, ATL
3.08) Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND
3.09) Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA
3.10) Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF
3.11) DJ Moore, WR, CHI
3.12) Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF
4.01) Brock Purdy, QB, SF
4.02) Travis Etienne, RB, JAX
4.03) Sam LaPorta, TE, DET
4.04) Kyren Williams, RB, LAR
4.05) Nico Collins, WR, HOU
4.06) De’Von Achane, RB, MIA
4.07) Saquon Barkley, RB, PHI
4.08) Trey McBride, TE, ARI
4.09) Tank Dell, WR, HOU
4.10) Tee Higgins, WR, CIN
4.11) Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA
4.12) Jayden Reed, WR, GB
5.01) Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS
5.02) George Pickens, WR, PIT
5.03) Dalton Kincaid, TE, BUF
5.04) DK Metcalf, WR, SEA
5.05) Rome Odunze, WR, CHI
5.06) Deshaun Watson, QB, CLE
5.07) Malik Nabers, WR, NYG
5.08) Davante Adams, WR, LV
5.09) Jared Goff, QB, DET
5.10) Javonte Williams, RB, DEN
5.11) Kyle Pitts, TE, ATL
5.12) Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA
6.01) Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX
6.02) J.J. McCarthy, QB, MIN
6.03) Jordan Addison, WR, MIN
6.04) Amari Cooper, WR, CLE
6.05) Mark Andrews, TE, BAL
6.06) Isiah Pacheco, RB, KC
6.07) James Cook, RB, BUF
6.08) Josh Jacobs, RB, GB
6.09) D’Andre Swift, RB, CHI
6.10) Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS
6.11) Xavier Worthy, WR, KC
6.12) Brock Bowers, TE, LV