When preparing for your fantasy football drafts, knowing which players to target and others to avoid is important. The amount of information available can be overwhelming, so a great way to condense the data and determine players to draft and others to leave for your leaguemates is to use our expert consensus fantasy football rankings compared to fantasy football average draft position (ADP). In this way, you can identify players the experts are willing to reach for at ADP and others they are not drafting until much later than average. Let’s dive into a few notable second-year fantasy football players below.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Fantasy Football Second-Year Players: Draft Advice
Second-Year Quarterbacks
Stroud proved all the haters wrong quickly. I’m old enough to remember people slighting this person because of S2 scores. If you faded those and narratives around this talented, franchise-changing player, you were loving the entire 2023 season. Stroud balled out, ranking seventh in fantasy points per game. There was plenty to like about his deeper numbers surrounding his play as he ranked third in clean pocket passer rating, 11th in fantasy points per dropback, and had the sixth-lowest turnover rate. With a solidified offensive line keeping him clean and the team bringing in Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs to help the scoring barrage, Stroud is primed for a special sophomore campaign that could vault him into the top 3-5 fantasy quarterbacks in 2024.
– Derek Brown
Injuries limited Anthony Richardson to just four games in his rookie season, but that appetizer-sized portion of Richardson left fantasy managers craving an entree-sized portion in 2024. Richardson went on injured reserve in October after sustaining a grade-3 AC joint sprain in Week 5. He also missed a game after a Week 2 concussion. But in the two full games he played, Richardson was dazzling, with 21.9 fantasy points in Week 1 and 29.6 points in Week 4, good for weekly fantasy finishes of QB4 and QB2. Richardson had three TD passes and four TD runs. He averaged 0.43 fantasy points per snap. Putting that into perspective, Josh Allen, who led all QBs in fantasy scoring, averaged 0.36 fantasy points per snap. The 6-4, 244-pound Richardson has a rare combination of size and speed that makes him one of the best running QBs in the league. And based on the small 2023 sample, he may be a more advanced passer than he was billed as in the run-up to the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson’s fantasy stock is ready to soar.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Will Levis quickened the pulses of fantasy football managers when he threw four TD passes against the Falcons in his first NFL start. But after those Levis pyrotechnics in Week 8, the rookie QB couldn’t get much cooking for the rest of the season, throwing only four TD passes over his next eight starts. It’s hard to tell what to make of Levis for 2024. The book on him coming out of college was that he had the Josh Allen starter kit (rocket arm, good mobility) but was far from a finished product. The good news is that the Titans seem committed to their young quarterback. They signed free-agent WR Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million deal, giving Levis a veteran WR duo of Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins. Tennessee also signed veteran slot receiver Tyler Boyd and made investments in a leaky offensive line. Levis is probably going to encounter rough patches in his first full season as a starter, but a dramatically upgraded supporting cast gives him a fighting chance to be a pleasant fantasy surprise.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Second-Year Running Backs
The Arthur Smith experiment capsized what could have been an enormous rookie season for Robinson. He ranked ninth in snap share, third in targets, sixth in receptions, and fourth in receiving yards among running backs, but he finished as the RB17 in fantasy points per game. Robinson was the RB12 in expected fantasy points per game, but his opportunity share ranked 31st, and he was also 32nd in red zone touches with Smith’s insistence on utilizing Tyler Allgeier. If Robinson receives the bulk of the high-leverage touches under the new Falcons regime, he should crush in 2024. Last year, he ranked 23rd in explosive run rate, 17th in yards after contact per attempt, and 25th in yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). Robinson is a locked-in RB1 for 2024.
– Derek Brown
Every nerd who said the Lions were foolish for selecting Gibbs in the first round has a tiny bit of egg on their face. Gibbs finished the season as the RB8 in fantasy points per game and fantasy points per opportunity. He was a tackle-breaking blur last season, ranking 18th in yards after contact per attempt and 11th in missed tackles forced per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). After David Montgomery returned from injury, Gibbs averaged 14.1 touches and 73.1 total yards per game. Montgomery isn’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean Gibbs can’t be a top-shelf RB1 again in 2024.
– Derek Brown
Achane was part of the new wave of explosive young rushers to hit the scene last season. He finished as the RB5 in fantasy points per game. In the eight games he played at least 41% of the snaps, Achane averaged 14.2 touches and 113.8 total yards. Any fantasy gamer who falls in love with efficiency stats will love Achane. He was so damn good last year, ranking first in explosive run rate, third in missed tackles forced per attempt, and second in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If he can overtake Raheem Mostert (and hold off Jaylen Wright) as the team’s primary goal-line rusher, Achane could finish as a top-three back in 2024.
– Derek Brown
RIP Tyjae Spears RB1 szn. It was fun while it lasted, but Tony Pollard’s arrival has kiboshed that. That doesn’t mean Tyjae Spears can’t be 2021 Tony Pollard to Tony Pollard in Tennessee. Spears operated as discount De’Von Achane last season, ranking fifth in explosive run rate and 14th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). He proved that he can be a three-down explosive play monster as well, ranking seventh in target share, 10th in TPRR, and 17th in YPRR. If the Titans trot out an offense with an above-average neutral rushing rate and Spears can continue his insane efficiency, he will remain a strong RB3 who could finish as a low-end RB2 if this offense surprises people.
– Derek Brown
Zach Charbonnet played a complementary role in Seattle for most of his rookie season. Overall, he finished as the RB48 in fantasy points per game with 141 touches and 671 total yards. In the three games that he played at least 61% of the snaps, he averaged 19.7 touches and 75.3 total yards, with two top-18 running back finishes (RB18, RB13). Charbonnet did prove that he could carry the mail last year and surprised many with his top-20 rankings in explosive run rate (20th) and yards after contact per attempt (11th, per Fantasy Points Data). Charbonnet could eat into Kenneth Walker‘s work more in 2024, but he’s likely best viewed as a high-end handcuff with some stand-alone flex value.
– Derek Brown
Injuries decimated Kendre Miller‘s rookie season. He was limited to only eight games played, and he crossed the 30% snap mark only three times. Miller posted interesting/borderline impressive per-touch numbers when he got opportunities, with a 24% missed tackle rate and 3.07 yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). We’ll see how much work he can siphon off from Alvin Kamara this season, but don’t be surprised if he can eat into his work and carve out a 40-50% snap role weekly. He does have to contend with Jamaal Williams as Kamara’s understudy, so it’s not a clear path to success. Miller is still an intriguing late-round pick/RB4 for 2024.
– Derek Brown
Chase Brown remains a high-end handcuff bet for 2024 that could offer some stand-alone value if he can eat into Zach Moss’s workload. Brown was impressive on a per-touch basis last season, although the sample size is pretty limited (44 carries). Among 77 backs with at least 40 carries, Brown ranked 12th in yards after contact per attempt and 16th in missed tackles forced per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Brown is a player to get exposure with during draft season because the upside is there for him to outkick his ADP.
– Derek Brown
Fully expect me to be above consensus regarding Jaleel McLaughlin this season. Last year, he was electric with every touch he earned. Among all running backs with at least 50 rushing attempts or 20 targets, McLaughlin ranked 14th in explosive run rate, fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt, fourth in yards after contact per attempt, and fourth in yards per route run. Denver made it a point to get him involved in the passing game when he was on the field, as he also ranked first in targets per route run. McLaughlin could easily earn more opportunities this season, as Samaje Perine wasn’t amazing last season, and Javonte Williams looked like a shadow of his former self. At this juncture, I’m not worried about Audric Estime and Blake Watson stealing any of McLaughlin’s work this season. If McLaughlin earns Sean Payton’s trust, he could be an RB3/4 that vaults into steady RB2 production.
– Derek Brown
Roschon Johnson had a consistent role as a committee back in his rookie season, but he was never able to seize the backfield fully. In the three games he played at least 49% of the snaps, he did average 9.7 touches and 53.5 total yards while flashing upside in the passing game. Among 60 qualifying backs last year, he ranked 27th in yards per route run and 17th in targets per route run rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Sadly, though, Johnson’s collegiate tackle-breaking prowess didn’t translate to the NFL in year one as he finished outside the top 40 backs in explosive run rate (46th), missed tackles forced per attempt (49th), and yards after contact per attempt (42nd). Johnson is now buried as the RB3 on Chicago’s depth chart and is only a late-round best-ball target at best.
– Derek Brown
Second-Year Wide Receivers
Everyone HURRY! Get it. Grab it. Got it? Good. Pop the tops on those Puka Juice 40s; it’s time to CHUG! Nacua had a rookie season for the ages, finishing as the WR6 in fantasy points per game. He set rookie records for receptions and receiving yards. Even after Cooper Kupp returned, he led the duo in target share (25.4%), air-yard share (32.7%), YPRR (2.61, and fantasy points per game (WR12). Nacua could access another level in his sophomore campaign if Matthew Stafford stays healthy and Kupp’s powers diminish just a tiny bit more. Nacua could finish as a top-three option at the position this season if everything breaks his way.
– Derek Brown
In his rookie season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba managed 63 receptions from 93 targets, totaling 628 yards and 4 touchdowns. Despite a slow start due to a wrist injury, he began to find his rhythm from Week 6 onwards, averaging 8.2 points per game. With more opportunities ahead in 2024, the 22-year-old wideout is poised as a breakout candidate for the Seahawks in what should be a pass-happier offense under new OC Ryan Grubb.
– Andrew Erickson
Rookie Zay Flowers quickly established himself as Lamar Jackson‘s go-to receiver in Baltimore, securing a 24% target share. He led the Ravens in air yards/target share, accumulating over 1,000 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in 18 games. However, his final rankings as WR29 overall and WR31 in points/game hint that he may have underperformed relative to his opportunities. When Mark Andrews was active in the lineup (Weeks 2-10) Flowers averaged 8.2 points/game with a 22% target share. When the TE missed, Flowers posted a 24% target share and 13.2 points/game (WR14).
– Andrew Erickson
Yes, Dell now has to contend with Stefon Diggs for targets, too, but we need to put respect on Dell’s name and understand that he could still fight for the team lead in targets in 2024. Last year, in the seven full games that Dell and Nico Collins played together, Dell bested him in every meaningful category. Dell led the duo in target share (22.5 vs. 22.1%), air-yard share (35.9 vs. 25.3%), weighted opportunity (59.0 vs. 50.9), and fantasy points per game (18.7 vs. 18.1). Overall last year Dell posted monster numbers in YPRR (2.40) and FD/RR (0.115) ranking 16th and 14th in these statistics. His recovery from a broken fibula will be huge, but if he is still the same guy we saw in 2023, there’s plenty of reason to invest heavily in him smashing in 2024.
– Derek Brown
Jordan Addison had a solid rookie campaign, recording 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns on a 17% target share. His consistent contributions earned him an average of 11 fantasy points per game, ranking him as WR28 overall. Despite his promising performance, his fantasy outlook for 2024 is clouded by uncertainty at the quarterback position following Kirk Cousins‘ departure. At least, the absence of T.J. Hockenson due to injury could boost Addison’s role in the offense to open the season.
– Andrew Erickson
Jayden Reed made an impact in his rookie season, as a primary slot receiver for the Packers. Despite not always playing a full-time role, he was heavily targeted, with a 25% target rate per route run and just under 2 yards per route run. Reed led all Packers wide receivers in points/game with 10.6 and ten touchdowns. He finished as a top-12 WR in 33% of his games (12th) and ranked fourth in fantasy points per snap.
– Andrew Erickson
Rashee Rice showcased promise in his rookie season with the Chiefs, tallying 105 receptions for 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns in 20 games, earning him a 19% target share. Despite an average of 10.9 fantasy points per game, he surged post-Week 6, averaging 12.1 points and ranking within the top 20. However, concerns arise due to increased competition from additions like Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy. Additionally, Rice’s legal issues stemming from a high-speed hit-and-run crash may result in a multi-game suspension, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming NFL season.
– Andrew Erickson
Josh Downs had a promising rookie season with the Colts, showcasing his skills with 68 receptions and 771 receiving yards. Despite his strong performance, Downs struggled to find the end zone, recording only two touchdowns. However, his production dipped after sustaining a knee injury, impacting his performance in the latter part of the season. Nonetheless, Downs displayed potential from Weeks 1-8, leading the Colts in yards per route run and maintaining a solid 19% target share.
– Andrew Erickson
Dontayvion Wicks made significant contributions to the Packers’ offense during Christian Watson’s absence, showcasing his big-play ability and reliability as a target. With 39 receptions for 581 yards and 5 touchdowns, Wicks demonstrated his potential to be a valuable asset in the passing game. Despite being a fifth-round rookie, he ranked among the top rookies in yards per route run, hinting at his promising future in an offense led by Jordan Love. As a deep sleeper, Wicks has the opportunity to emerge as a key playmaker in the Packers’ ascending offense.
– Andrew Erickson
Demario Douglas emerged as a surprise contributor for the Patriots in 2023, showcasing his playmaking ability despite failing to find the end zone. Leading the team with 561 receiving yards without a touchdown, he demonstrated consistent involvement in the passing game with an 18% target share. From Week 7 onwards, Douglas maintained a significant role, posting a 21% target share and earning praise for his performance. However, the Patriots’ decision to draft two wide receivers this year introduces competition, potentially impacting Douglas’s role in the offense moving forward.
– Andrew Erickson
The highlight of Week 18? Rookie Michael Wilson. Six targets (21% target share) and 6 receptions for 95 yards. 68 air yards and 40% air yards share. The rookie posted a very under-the-radar campaign as a highly involved Cardinals WR. He ran a route on 80% of the dropbacks (35th among all WRs) which locks him into a full-time role in this offense next season, as long as he can fend off Zay Jones. Wilson also finished his season on a high note, averaging 15.5 points per game after his last two contests with Marquise Brown out.
– Andrew Erickson
Second-Year Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta was a revelation as a rookie, catching 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns to finish as the overall TE1. What can LaPorta do for an encore in Year 2? It might be hard for Sammy Ballgame to improve upon or even equal his 2023 touchdown total, but it’s reasonable to think he could improve upon his average of 52.3 receiving yards per game and his 7.4 yards per target. LaPorta’s age-22 season was a triumph, and he could be one of the top tight ends in the league — and in fantasy football — for years to come. Based on the splash he made at such a tender age, there’s a strong case to be made that LaPorta should be the first TE selected in 2024 fantasy drafts.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
The first tight end selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Dalton Kincaid had an uneven but promising rookie year, finishing with 73 catches for 673 yards and two touchdowns, good for a TE11 finish in PPR scoring. Kincaid was especially productive over a five-game midseason stretch when fellow Bills TE Dawson Knox was out with a wrist injury. With Knox on the shelf, Kincaid averaged 7.4 targets, 6.2 catches and 56.2 receiving yards per game. He also scored both of his touchdowns over that span. In games that Knox played, Kincaid averaged 4.9 targets, 3.8 catches and 35.6 receiving yards per game. Kincaid has considerable talent and plays with one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in Josh Allen. The Bills traded away WR Stefon Diggs and let WR Gabe Davis walk in free agency. They added WR Keon Coleman in the second round of the draft, but with Buffalo having so many vacated targets, Kincaid is poised to play an enhanced role in the Bills’ passing game, making him one of the more desirable tight ends for fantasy.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Michael Mayer had a somewhat disappointing rookie season for the Raiders, with 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. He seemed like a candidate for a second-year breakout, but then the Raiders spent their first-round draft pick on mega-talented University of Georgia TE Brock Bowers, seemingly kneecapping Mayer’s 2024 fantasy value. Mayer was wildly productive in college, with more than 800 receiving yards in his final two seasons at Notre Dame. Mayer averaged only 2.9 targets a game in 2023, and it’s hard to imagine his weekly target counts significantly increasing when he has to share targets with Bowers and superstar WR Davante Adams.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Rangy and athletic, Luke Musgrave has the tools to become one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the league. A second-round draft pick out of Oregon State, Musgrave produced modest rookie-year numbers: 34 catches for 352 yards and one touchdown. But Musgrave missed six games with a lacerated kidney and was averaging a respectable 7.3 PPR fantasy points per game before he got hurt. Musgrave gets to play with QB Jordan Love, a rising star. One concern, however, is that the Packers spent a third-round draft pick on another tight end last year, Tucker Kraft, who also had some impressive flashes as a rookie. Musgrave profiles as a midrange TE2 for 2024 fantasy drafts, but he could come on fast.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Other Fantasy Football Second-Year Players
- Bryce Young (QB – CAR)
- Aidan O’Connell (QB – LV)
- Keaton Mitchell (RB – BAL)
- Marvin Mims Jr. (WR – DEN)
- Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
- Jonathan Mingo (WR – CAR)
- Tucker Kraft (TE – GB)
Fantasy Football Draft Rankings
Check out the consensus 2024 fantasy football draft rankings from our experts.
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