We’re pushing past the midway point of the college football season, and the 2024 NFL Draft class is starting to take shape. Week 7 featured impressive performances from big names you may already know and sleeper prospects that may end up making a big impact on your 2024 fantasy football rookie drafts. Understanding the value of these playmakers will help you stay ahead of your league-mates.
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2024 NFL Draft Dynasty Risers
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
It’s hard to designate the preseason consensus wide receiver as a riser. Marvin Harrison Jr. (6-4, 205), though, continues to see his fantasy football value rise.
Harrison pulled in 11 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown against Penn State, accounting for 57% of Kyle McCord’s passing yards.
Harrison now has five games with at least 100 receiving yards and three games with at least 160. His production and traits put him on track to be a top-five overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. I would take him with the second pick in my 2024 rookie drafts, regardless of format.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
J.J. McCarthy (6-3, 202) put together another strong performance against Michigan State, completing 77% of his passing attempts for 287 yards and four touchdowns. He has now completed 78% of his 169 passes for 1,799 yards and 18 touchdowns, with just one interception on the season.
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McCarthy is locked in as my QB3, and I can see some NFL teams having him even higher on their boards. He has the best mechanical foundation in the class, displays great decision-making, and can throw accurately on the run. He’s not the flashiest playmaker, but McCarthy is commanding an offense that is averaging 49.5 points per game over the last month.
Cade Stover, TE Ohio State
Ohio State may be a wide receiver factory, but it’s senior tight end Cade Stover (6-4, 251) who is the second-most productive target in the Buckeyes offense.
Stover totaled 70 yards and four receptions against a tough Penn State defense. On the season, he has 27 receptions for 429 yards and three touchdowns — averaging 15.9 yards/reception.
Stover was a projected Day 2 NFL Draft selection heading into the season based on his blocking ability. The impressive display of pass-catching and athleticism we are seeing gives him a chance to be a top-50 selection. He will be a known mid-round target in 2024 rookie drafts, with the chance to be a popular riser after draft weekend.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Xavier Worthy (6-1, 172) is an explosive boundary wideout who can be a game-changer at the next level. Worthy pulled in six receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown against Houston, making it his third impressive performance in a row.
Worthy had eight receptions for 108 yards against Oklahoma in Week 6 and seven receptions for 93 yards against Kansas the week prior. The lead Longhorns wideout has 40 receptions for 545 yards and four touchdowns on the season.
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Worthy could be a key piece in Texas’ attempt to keep their explosive offense alive without starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Expect Maalik Murphy to lock in on Worthy near the line of scrimmage to take advantage of his athleticism and look for him into the deep third to lean into his handwork and ability to separate.
Worthy is a borderline top-50 NFL Draft selection who will stand out amongst his peers, even in a strong WR class. He should settle into an early second-round rookie draft ADP, and you may be able to get him at a value if his stock drops as a result of limited production without Ewers.
Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
The Tulane Green Wave have quietly worked their way into a 6-1 record and top 25 ranking. Quarterback Michael Pratt (6-3, 220) is a big reason why.
Pratt completed 71% of his attempts for 194 yards and three touchdowns against North Texas this past week and added 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. He has now completed 71% of his 113 passing attempts on the season for 1,121 yards and 12 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Through his five games, he has 191 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Pratt is an athletic QB who displays poise under pressure and good decision-making. He’s a gritty playmaker who takes command of the offense, which has led to a variety of impressive performances across his Tulane career.
Pratt projects as a Day 3 NFL Draft selection but is a name to watch. If he gets the chance to lead an NFL offense, I have no doubt he will make an impact.