The seventh-overall pick presents a challenging decision for fantasy football owners: choose the last of the top-tier receivers or start the run on elite running backs. Bijan Robinson and Breece Hall are regarded as two of the top three fantasy running backs, while A.J. Brown—the final elite receiver—is likely still available.
Each of these prospects offers significant upside, but the key is determining which choice balances risk and maximizes production for your fantasy roster in 2024.
Which Players Should You Consider Picking No. 7 Overall?
WHO SHOULD BE WHICH PICK?: 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th
Bijan Robinson
It feels as though Robinson sat in fantasy football purgatory during his rookie campaign under Arthur Smith, and was never fully unleashed while splitting carries with Tyler Allgeier.
However, under a new regime and within an offense loaded with talent, it’s reasonable to expect that Kirk Cousins and the Falcons will maximize Robinson’s potential. Even while sharing snaps, he showcased elite upside, recording 976 rushing yards on 214 carries and adding 58 receptions for 487 yards.
Make no mistake, Robinson is not a boom-or-bust candidate. His ceiling is unmatched by any other running back, and his floor might still be an RB1. Is that worth the risk of drafting him with the No. 7 pick?
Breece Hall
The best predictor of future success is past performance.
Hall’s two seasons in the NFL have been marred by injuries—his own ACL tear in 2022 and the injury to Aaron Rodgers that derailed the Jets’ “promising” 2023 campaign just four plays in.
Despite the setbacks, Hall has consistently delivered when called upon, even without heavy usage. In his 24 career appearances, he has only exceeded 20 carries twice (22 against the Denver Broncos in his breakout game and 37 in the season finale against the New England Patriots).
Hall is an efficient player with an elite combination of size and speed, along with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. As last season progressed, his receiving skills were increasingly utilized, averaging seven receptions per game after the bye week. In an offense centered around an aging veteran QB, there is no better time to unleash him.
A.J. Brown
Brown is entering his third season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he has established himself as one of the league’s elite pass catchers. He has amassed over 1,400 yards in each of his two seasons in Philly.
Before the Eagles’ historic late-season collapse, Brown averaged seven receptions and 111 yards per game, including a six-game stretch where he recorded over 125 yards per contest. There is no reason for his production to decline by any significant margin.
The 2024 Eagles offense, led by new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, will be refreshed and revamped featuring a running game anchored by Saquon Barkley. Their highly skilled perimeter receivers lead to favorable matchups and minimal double coverages, too.
Defenses will be forced to play Philadelphia honestly, likely leading to another dominant season for Brown.
Who Should Go No. 7?
With the last top-tier receiver still available and two of the top three running backs on the board, you have several strong options.
While Brown is an excellent choice and likely a safe pick, he represents the back end of top-tier receivers, and a run on backs is expected soon. Before deciding, consider the entire draft landscape, how to maximize positional value, and check Pro Football Network’s consensus rankings. You either secure an elite running back now or face limited options next time you’re on the clock.
Opting for a running back allows you to lock in two elite backs in Rounds 1 and 2 while taking advantage of a strong receiver pool. Hall is a talented player with significant upside, but Robinson offers the highest floor. Robinson combines exceptional upside with minimal risk. Even if he splits carries with Allgeier and approaches 1,000 rushing yards as he did in 2023, his value remains high.
However, it’s more likely that the new leadership regime in Atlanta, coupled with improved quarterback play, will provide the offense with the spark needed to become consistently explosive.
