It sure seems like every year brings more venom and animosity among those of us who dedicate ourselves to this fantasy football thing. The loudest and earliest are supposedly preferred, but I’m not so sure. Thoughtful fantasy football analysis exists in abundance, yet sometimes credence to those who provide it is trampled in the name of impressions. Sorry, everyone. You’re wrong (sometimes). Every fantasy football rookie prospect has his gaggle of “stans” and an even nastier tar pit of detractors. Even the “can’t-miss” dynasty rookie draft targets have a murder of cawing clickbait artists ready to strut at the first sign of trouble.
There’s no need to get nasty. The odds of another Puka Nacua blasting onto the scene from the end of your dynasty rookie draft to break all the records are slim to none. That’s more than okay. It doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t some stellar players waiting to seriously obliterate their average draft position (ADP) in value during their rookie season. Whether you’re a person who prefers delving into analytics or is more of a tape junkie like me, hitch your wagons to a couple of deep shots and dig your heels in. Don’t fret if he flops. Alternately, try to remain dignified if he is a success.
The dynasty junkies I associate with have long since finished many dynasty rookie drafts, ranging from three to five rounds. From these firsthand accounts, I have identified a few players who I believe will end up as outstanding values. All of them are available in the third round or later in dynasty rookie drafts. These are their stories.
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Dynasty Rookie Draft Targets: Late-Round Picks
Here are six late-round dynasty rookie draft targets to have on your radar.
Audric Estime (RB – DEN)
I don’t give a hoot about relative athletic scores. I trust my eyes and experience watching football. Audric Estime was fantastic as a three-down workhorse for Notre Dame. He plays with intelligence and displays incredible bursts on the field for his size. Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton bogglingly isn’t in love with Javonte Williams. Jaleel McLaughlin is more of a receiving satellite. Estime possesses more than enough thumping power to operate as Denver’s goal line back early on in 2024. He is a capable pass protector and receiver, as well. Let’s hope we get to see Sean Payton’s Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara tandem in the form of Estime and Williams. That would work really well.
Jermaine Burton (WR – CIN)
If not for some well-documented “maturity concerns” with Jermaine Burton at Alabama, he would have gone much earlier in the NFL Draft. The talent is there. Perimeter route running technicians don’t grow on trees and certainly don’t slip to Day 2 of the draft to a team with an elite player manning the X on the other side of the field. The Bengals have Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on a franchise tender. Burton will have an opportunity to earn reps and gain Joe Burrow‘s trust in camp. There haven’t been very many Reception Perception darlings who flopped in the NFL. I highly doubt Burton will fall into that category.
Javon Baker (WR – NE)
Alabama doesn’t keep all of its blue-chip recruits, especially not during the transfer portal era. Javon Baker was a four-star Saban recruit who never found the field. He proceeded to flourish at UCF and averaged 24 yards per reception in 2023. Despite not being a burner, he is a DB-stacking machine on vertical routes and a load to bring down after the catch with his size and strength. He doesn’t have the polish that fellow Patriots selection Ja’Lynn Polk has. It is still widely believed Baker has greater breakout potential.
Jalen McMillan (WR – TB)
Not many WRs who are available late in the draft have as much potential to earn a Week 1 starting role as Jalen McMillan in Tampa Bay. Mike Evans is locked in at X, while it has been reported that Chris Godwin will return to the slot. Trey Palmer is more of a slot receiver himself. If you read between the lines, the Godwin move is a bit of an indictment on Palmer’s struggles as a rookie last season. McMillan was outstanding at Washington and earned a strong target share despite competing for looks with Rome Odunze and Polk. He was a savvy pick by the Bucs, who have been a pleasant surprise with Baker Mayfield at the reins.
Kimani Vidal (RB – LAC)
Seemingly, every year brings a small school RB from the obscure depths to produce in fantasy football. The position itself yields more opportunities for advancement through attrition. While I like guys like Isaiah Davis from South Dakota State, he landed in a messy Jets backfield with Breece Hall and fellow rookie pick Braelon Allen. Kimani Vidal makes the leap from Troy University to the Los Angeles Chargers. It is an extremely fortuitous landing spot for the stocky, 215-pound playmaker.
The Chargers figure to seriously establish the running game with an island of misfit toys. Isaiah Spiller is leftover from the previous regime, while former Ravens’ JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards each have injury histories longer than a CVS receipt. Vidal might land on the practice squad early on, but he has a lot of Austin Ekeler to his game. You might recall a certain undrafted RB from Western Colorado dazzling during the preseason to launch himself into fantasy lore. Vidal is putting out that vibe.
Jordan Travis (QB – NYJ)
With how far from grace Jordan Travis has fallen, you’d think he had his leg chopped off and soldered at the end of his Florida State career. I am aware of the severity of his knee injury. It was gruesome to watch. Before that fateful day, Travis was destined for a Thursday night hug from Roger Goodell as a first-round pick. He has the physical traits and the makeup to be an NFL starter. His decision-making and poise were the standout characteristics I noted last season when he lifted the Seminoles to an undefeated season. Why do you think the team was snubbed from the College Football Playoff? Losing Travis was utterly devastating to their chances to hang with the big boys. He is right up there with Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, if not for needing more time to get his legs back underneath him.
More Dynasty Draft Advice
- Fitz’s Dynasty Draft Primers
Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice
- DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
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