We’re pushing into the part of your fantasy football season where forecasting your 2024 rookie draft picks might sound more appealing than setting this week’s lineup. College Football Week 9 featured impressive performances from future first-round fantasy football picks and key mid-round targets you’ll want on your radar. Understanding the value of these playmakers will help you stay ahead of your league-mates.
2024 NFL Draft Dynasty Risers
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson (5-10, 212) had a breakout game against Wisconsin, his first game back since suffering an injury during their Sept. 23 game against Notre Dame. He ran the ball 24 times for 162 yards and found the end zone.
Henderson also contributed to the passing game by catching four passes for 45 yards. This is, by far, his best performance in over a year against a respected Wisconsin defense.
Henderson still has a chance to be the first running back off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has five-star pedigree, track-star speed, and early college production.
His health is what has been holding him back. Henderson was limited last season with a foot injury and missed over a month of time this year with an undisclosed injury.
If he is the first running back selected, Henderson will be locked into a mid-late, first-round ADP in 2024 rookie drafts.
Tez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Devontez Walker (6-3, 200) has exploded over the past four games for the Tar Heels. Walker transferred to North Carolina from Kent State this offseason after scoring 11 touchdowns and racking up 921 yards on 58 receptions for the Golden Flashes last season.
He originally had his transfer waiver denied but won an appeal that allowed him to play, meaning he only has four games worth of production so far this season.
Walker caught three balls for 76 yards against Georgia Tech this past weekend. His best performance came against Virginia last week when he pulled in 11 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown.
MORE: Dynasty Rookie WR Rankings Week 9
In total, Walker has 26 receptions for 397 yards and four touchdowns in his four games. He looks explosive and sure-handed and has become a target magnet.
We now should consider Walker a legitimate top-100 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Hype will continue to build around him as North Carolina finishes their season with prime-time games against Clemson and Duke, with a likely ACC Championship Game to follow.
Walker could end up a valuable second-round fantasy football rookie draft target.
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (6-4, 220) is playing his way into the 2024 NFL Draft conversation. Beck wasn’t the flashiest preseason draft target, but he is performing at a high level in a Bulldogs offense that is throwing the ball more than we expected with less dangerous weapons than we’re used to.
Beck threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns while completing 68% of his passes in a 43-20 win against Florida. He is now 8-0 as a starter.
Georgia has suffered a myriad of RB injuries this season. Their balanced run game has taken a lot of pressure off the QB position over the last decade. Beck, though, seems unphased.
He has completed 73% of his 263 passing attempts for 2,462 yards and 14 touchdowns, to just four interceptions. He is displaying good mechanics and decision-making and has prototypical NFL size.
Beck currently projects as a Day 3 selection but will see his draft value continue to ascend as the Bulldogs inevitably chart their course through the College Football Playoff. He’s a late-round Superflex rookie draft target for now, with plenty of upside to come.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
Senior running back Jonathon Brooks (6-0, 207) put together another strong performance for the Longhorns against BYU, one they needed with star quarterback Quinn Ewers out. Brooks had 138 total yards and a touchdown on 20 touches against the Cougars. His vision, second-level speed, and lower body strength set a tone for Texas’ offense.
MORE: Dynasty Fantasy Football Week 9 Report
Brooks now has 923 yards and seven touchdowns on 144 carries this season. He’s on a path to be invited to — and featured — in the 2024 Senior Bowl. If he performs well there and in Indianapolis, he will gain NFL Draft and fantasy football momentum.
Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool (6-6, 230) garnered a lot of draft buzz last offseason before deciding to return for a final campaign with the Tigers. He combines pro-ready blocking ability with the athleticism and pass-catching prowess that should catch the eye of fantasy managers.
Briningstool has put together two big weeks for a Clemson offense that is otherwise struggling for offensive production. He had eight receptions for 83 yards against NC State this past weekend, and he caught five balls for 126 yards and two touchdowns the week prior against Miami.
I currently project Briningstool to be a late Day 2 NFL Draft selection. That draft capital, along with his traits, puts him in the TE3-4 range in a shallow tight end class.
It’s not always flashy to discuss mid-round TE targets, but Briningstool has the upside to make an impact in the NFL and your fantasy football rosters.