The modern era of the NFL is upon us and wide receivers are all the rage in 2024. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey stands as the lone exception, being the only non-receiver consistently selected in the top-five picks based on ADP.
The fifth-overall pick provides fantasy football managers with exceptional value, guaranteeing them the choice of an elite wide receiver or running back in the first round. While players like McCaffrey, Tyreek Hill, and CeeDee Lamb may already be off the board, several high-caliber options remain, including Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
A deeper look into their situations can solidify a championship foundation for your roster.
Which Players Should You Consider Picking No. 5 Overall?
WHO SHOULD BE WHICH PICK?: 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th
Justin Jefferson
Without a doubt, Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the league. Despite missing seven games and playing with four different quarterbacks, he still managed to record 68 receptions for 1,074 yards.
However, fantasy football and real football don’t always align.
Coming off an injury-plagued season and the departure of the consistently efficient Kirk Cousins, it’s difficult for me to justify selecting Jefferson with the No. 5 pick, especially when other elite options are in more favorable situations.
While he may still have a highly productive season, the risk at No.5 feels too high for me, especially after J.J. McCarthy’s injury.
Ja’Marr Chase
A healthy Joe Burrow gives fantasy football managers every reason to expect a bounce-back year from Chase. The Burrow-to-Chase connection alone justifies selecting him with a top draft pick.
With Burrow at the helm, Chase averaged 11 targets per game, translating to eight receptions and 91 yards per game (which would amount to 17 PPG). What truly sets elite fantasy football prospects apart is their ability to score touchdowns. In his three-year career, Chase has surpassed 10 touchdowns only once, recording 13 in 2021.
Selecting Chase with the fifth-overall pick requires not only confidence in his production but also faith that Joe Burrow will remain healthy throughout the 2024 season.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
At this point in the draft, premium receivers are quickly coming off the board, increasing the pressure to secure a top option. While other available receivers may have bigger names, St. Brown is a bona fide No. 1 receiver, with production that exceeds any of the remaining players on the board.
St. Brown’s fantasy value isn’t solely dependent on touchdowns, though he did record 10 in 2023. He ranked third in the league in both receptions (119) and yards (1,515). As the heart and soul of the Detroit Lions’ offense, St. Brown isn’t just aiming to repeat last season’s performance—he’s determined to exceed it. At No. 5, that’s exceptional value.
Who Should Go No. 5?
In the first four rounds of any fantasy draft, it’s crucial to secure blue-chip, high-volume contributors. The goal is to minimize risk and maximize return.
Premium receivers are coming off the board quickly in 2024, and it’s unlikely you’ll find a top-tier receiver by the time you’re back on the clock. While Jefferson and Chase are elite talents, St. Brown’s stable situation and top-tier production make him the best pick. Pro Football Network’s consensus rankings, though, favor Chase.
In Round 2, you’ll have the chance to choose between a high-volume, high-production running back such as Josh Jacobs or Derrick Henry, an elite tight end like Travis Kelce or Sam LaPorta, or a lesser-tier receiver like Davante Adams or Drake London.
