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 fantasy football third-year players below.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Fantasy Football Third-Year Players: Draft Advice
Third-Year Quarterback
If there were any doubts about Brock Purdy‘s QB bona fides following his partial-season success in 2022, he dispelled them with an excellent performance in 2023. Purdy led all NFL quarterbacks in yards per attempt (9.6), passer rating (113.0) and QBR (72.8). He also led the league in touchdown rate (7.0%), although naysayers might suggest that such a high TD rate is destined for regression. Purdy has the benefit of an ideal ecosystem, with Kyle Shanahan as his playcaller and Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle as his pass catchers. After finishing QB7 in fantasy scoring in 2023, Purdy is destined to be a top-12 fantasy quarterback in 2024 drafts.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Third-Year Running Backs
Despite recuperating from an extensive knee injury, it didn’t derail Hall in his second season. He finished the season as the RB6 in fantasy points per game with 299 touches and 1,585 total yards. Hall was 12th in opportunity share and second in weighted opportunities, and in Weeks 5-18, he averaged 20.2 touches and 102.5 total yards. A huge part of his value last season came from his pass game usage, as he led all running backs in targets, receiving yards, and receptions. While some of this was part of the fallout of Zach Wilson at the helm, Hall should remain a focal point for the passing attack in 2024. He was a baller as a receiver last season, ranking third in yards per route run and fourth in expected fantasy points per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). Hall is a top-five fantasy running back in all formats.
– Derek Brown
From a top-down view, Etienne’s 2023 season looks like a smashing success as he was the RB7 in fantasy points per game, logging 325 touches with 1,484 total yards and 12 total touchdowns. If you rostered him last year, you know that his weekly performances left something to be desired down the stretch, and it was a Jekyll and Hyde type of runout. In Weeks 1-8, he averaged 22.3 touches and 106.2 total yards as the RB4 in fantasy points per game. After Week 9, he saw a big dip in his production as he averaged 16.3 touches and 70.5 total yards for the rest of the season as the RB22 in fantasy points per game. Etienne deserves to be in the RB1 conversation for 2024, but we can’t ignore these splits and the Jaguars offensive line that finished 32nd in Fantasy Points rush grade and adjusted yards before contact per attempt. Etienne could easily improve upon last year’s stats in 2024, but the Jaguars have work upfront to do this offseason.
– Derek Brown
Williams was a revelation in 2023 as he quickly kicked Cam Akers to the curb, taking over the starting job in Week 2. Williams was the RB2 in fantasy points per game, ranking fourth in red zone touches, first in snap share, and fourth in opportunity share. Among 68 qualifying backs, he ranked 25th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 27th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Despite his smaller frame, Sean McVay had no issues leaning on Williams as his bellcow. In Weeks 2-17, he averaged 22.3 touches and 117.8 total yards playing at least 72% of the snaps in ten of 11 games played. The only knock on Williams’ usage last season was his pass-game role. Despite entering the NFL as a ballyhooed passing down back, Williams only ranked 18th in target share and 58th in yards per route run (among 60 qualifying backs). Williams will need to reprise his every-down role in 2024 or see a bump in passing game usage to retain his high-end RB1 status, which is possible. Even with the addition of Blake Corum to the roster, this should remain Williams’ backfield.
– Derek Brown
Pacheco settled in a strong RB2 last season (RB14), but he could have even more upside in 2024 if the team doesn’t retain Jerick McKinnon. In the four games he played without McKinnon active, Pachecho averaged 20.2 touches and 100.7 total yards. He was Kansas City’s workhorse, as he played at least 70% of the snaps in three of those four games. The second-year back rewarded their faith in him as he was 12th in explosive run rate and 26th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Among 48 qualifying backs, he also ranked 28th in yards per route run. Pacheco had plenty of high-leverage usage last season, ranking seventh in red zone touches and third on Kansas City in red zone targets. He’s a solid RB2 who could easily run hot with touchdowns and climb into the RB1 category in 2024.
– Derek Brown
Rachaad White was Leonard Fournette 2.0 for Tampa Bay last season. An inefficient rusher whose pass game role and every down snap share vaults them to RB1 land. Last year, White was the RB10 in fantasy, ranking fourth in snap share, seventh in opportunity share, and fourth in weighted opportunities. He also ranked top-ten in carries (second), targets (ninth), and red zone touches (ninth). White didn’t do nearly as much with that volume as we’d hoped. Among 49 qualifying backs, White ranked 42nd in missed tackles forced per attempt, 40th in explosive run rate, and 45th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). While he was eighth in overall target volume among running backs, he was only 43rd in targets per route run and 18th in yards per route run. White could easily roll back into 2024 as the Bucs do it all back, but don’t be surprised if Bucky Irving helps him shoulder the load.
– Derek Brown
After Joe Brady took over as the Bills’ offensive coordinator, Cook’s season took off. In Weeks 11-18, Cook was the RB11, averaging 19.6 touches and 104.3 total yards per game. Yes, he only played more than 60% of the snaps twice during that stretch, but it didn’t matter. When he was on the field, he was being fed the rock, and his pass game usage skyrocketed. After Week 10, he was 16th in target share (11.4%) among 34 qualifying backs while also ranking 10th in TPRR, fourth in receiving yards per game, and second in YPRR. The touchdown worries and red zone usage remain concerning, especially with the addition of Ray Davis. Still, in the final seven games of the season, he did lead the running back room with a 48.1% snap rate inside the 20, but that number ranked 32nd out of 61 qualifying backs. Cook has top-12 upside, but he should best be viewed as an RB2.
– Derek Brown
Walker continues to hum along as a dependable RB2 in fantasy (RB20 last season) despite dealing with a myriad of injuries in 2023. Walker worked through a bruised shoulder, a strained oblique, a chest issue, and a tender calf last season. This didn’t stop him from averaging 17.3 touches and 82 total yards in the 14 games that he played at least 41% of the snaps. Walker remains one of the best pure rushers in the game while sitting at fourth in missed tackles forced per attempt and 26th in explosive run rate last season (minimum 50 carries per Fantasy Points Data). Zach Charbonnet will continue to be a weekly worry as he siphons off red zone and pass game work, but Walker should still lead the backfield in touches this year.
– Derek Brown
Zamir White proved capable of carrying the mail last year and should be the Raiders’ workhorse in 2024. In Weeks 15-18, he averaged 23.3 touches and 114.3 total yards as the RB12 in fantasy points per game. During this cup of coffee as the team’s starter, among 41 qualifying backs, he ranked 13th in explosive run rate, sixth in yards after contact per attempt, and 17th in success rate. With Josh Jacobs heading to Cheesehead town, White should be a volume-driven RB2 with upside for more in 2024.
– Derek Brown
Jaylen Warren was one of the most explosive and elusive backs in the NFL. This sounds like a hyperbolic statement I know, but it really isn’t. Last season, he finished third in explosive run rate, first in missed tackles forced per attempt, and second in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If these numbers don’t jump off the page, then I don’t know what else to tell you. Oh wait, he was also 12th in yards per route run and fifth in targets per route run. Warren is a stud and outperformed Najee Harris in nearly every metric. While he finished as the RB29 in fantasy points per game, that doesn’t tell the entire story. Warren was an RB2 or better in weekly scoring in 50% of his games. Warren will still have to split a backfield this season with Harris, but if you’re betting on talent (which you should be), there aren’t many better options to grab in drafts that have his type of upside if anything were to happen to Harris.
– Derek Brown
Brian Robinson’s overall stat lines don’t portray how good he was last season. Robinson was the RB14 in fantasy points per opportunity and the RB22 in fantasy points per game. He also stood out in efficiency categories, ranking 22nd in explosive run rate and 13th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). In the 12 games in which he played at least 40% of the snaps, Robinson averaged 15.5 touches and 77.9 total yards per game. He quietly displayed a three-down skillset last season, proving that he can play on passing downs, ranking fifth in yards per route run and 12th in PFF’s pass-blocking grade (minimum 20 targets and 50 pass-blocking snaps). Robinson will have to fight Austin Ekeler for passing down snaps and red zone work as he settles into the RB2/3 zone for 2024.
– Derek Brown
Jerome Ford could be the Brown’s starting tailback again this season. Nick Chubb‘s health remains up in the air. While the early returns have been encouraging for his recovery, he isn’t guaranteed to play in the early parts of the season or at all in 2024. Last season, in Weeks 3-17, when Ford was the starter, he averaged 14.9 touches and 66.6 total yards as the RB20 in fantasy. Ford played well, ranking 13th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 16th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If he is the team’s starter again this season, he should be considered an RB2 with upside. He could see even more work this season if he can hold off D’Onta Foreman on early downs and Nyheim Hines for the pass game work.
– Derek Brown
Allgeier is a talented rusher, but last season, he was the thorn in the side of every Bijan Robinson drafter as Arthur Smith’s prized pupil. Allgeier surprised in his rookie season as the RB31 in fantasy, finishing with 226 touches and nearly 1,200 total yards. While Allgeier shocked people in 2023 with 37 red zone touches (24th) and 186 carries, he couldn’t carry his rookie season efficiency into last year. Last season, among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 45th in explosive run rate and 35th in missed tackles forced per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). With Smith out of town, Robinson will likely own this backfield in 2024, which leaves Allgeier as a handcuff only.
– Derek Brown
With Aaron Jones now in Minnesota, Ty Chandler will be a backup for the Vikings in 2024. In Weeks 15-18, he played at least 53% of the snaps in every game, averaging 15.3 touches and 81.8 total yards. Chandler topped 90 total yards once in that four-game span, and his per-touch efficiency was in the toilet overall. Among 49 qualifying backs, Chandler ranked 47th last season in missed tackles forced per attempt and yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Chandler had hope entering this offseason that he had hopefully done enough in 2023 to have a shot at the starter’s role, but sadly, that isn’t in the cards for next season.
– Derek Brown
Third-Year Wide Receivers
Garrett Wilson‘s 2023 season saw impressive peripheral metrics despite lackluster QB play. He tallied 95 receptions from 168 targets for 1,042 yards but only managed three touchdowns. With a 30% target share and a league-leading 46% air yards share, Wilson showcased his potential. If the Jets’ quarterback situation stabilizes in 2024, Wilson’s fantasy ceiling could soar even higher.
– Andrew Erickson
Drake London‘s 2023 usage was notable, commanding a 23% target share and 31% air yards share, but his lack of touchdowns limited his fantasy impact, finishing as the WR39 overall. Until the Falcons improve their quarterback situation, London’s fantasy value may remain capped. However, with the potential for improved QB play, London’s rising ADP suggests fantasy managers are banking on a breakout.
– Andrew Erickson
Chris Olave showcased impressive usage metrics, commanding a 25% target share and a 40% air yards share, highlighting his integral role in the Saints’ offense. Despite tallying 87 receptions for over 1,100 yards and 5 touchdowns, he’s often perceived as a fantasy WR2. With Derek Carr returning at QB, there’s hope for continued improvement, especially given their improved chemistry in the latter part of the season. Olave ranked second in catchable target rate (89%) post bye week.
– Andrew Erickson
George Pickens emerges as the primary beneficiary of the Steelers’ offense following Diontae Johnson‘s departure. Despite competition from rookie third-rounder Roman Wilson, Pickens’ consistent growth hints at a potential breakout in his third year. During the first five weeks of the 2023 season with Johnson sidelined, Pickens averaged 12.8 points per game (19th) and nearly 80 yards per game. With Russell Wilson or Justin Fields‘ vertical threat, Pickens could flourish, as seen in his WR13 performance during Johnson’s absence last season. But be wary that the run-heavy nature of an Arthur Smith offense could doom Pickens’ breakout.
– Andrew Erickson
Christian Watson‘s sophomore season was completely derailed by hamstring injuries. He missed the first three weeks of the season entirely and struggled to put together any consistent production until his last three games in the regular season when he hurt his hamstring again. He scored four TDs, while averaging 17.1 points per game. Watson has a high ceiling when healthy as both a big-play and red-zone threat, but it cannot be realized until he solves his hamstring woes. Offseason reports have been positive regarding Watson’s hamstring, providing some hope that he can put it together in Year 3 and recapture his rookie form that saw him post fringe fantasy WR1 numbers.
– Andrew Erickson
Jameson Williams has faced challenges in his first two years in the NFL, including a torn ACL in his rookie season and a slow start due to a suspension in his second year. While he has displayed flashes of big-play potential, injuries and inconsistencies have hampered his progress. Heading into his third year, Williams is expected to take on a larger role in the Lions’ offense with the WR2 position likely up for grabs. However, his limited target share and inconsistent performance in 2023 raise questions about his potential breakout. Williams may be overrated based on his draft capital, and he faces competition for targets in a crowded receiving corps in Detroit. Still, it’s noteworthy that his HC has already labeled Jamo as the team’s most improved player this offseason. Year 3 seems like it will be a career-best for the former Alabama product.
– Andrew Erickson
Romeo Doubs showcased improvement in his 2nd season, becoming a consistent target in their passing game. With 69 receptions on 105 targets for 908 yards and 9 touchdowns, he proved to be a valuable asset, particularly in the red zone. However, Doubs fell short of maximizing his potential within the offense, scoring fewer points than his expected output, creating doubt about his 2024 ceiling. Despite this, his performance solidified him as a reliable WR4 option in fantasy leagues.
– Andrew Erickson
Rashid Shaheed enjoyed a solid 2nd season, as a boom-or-bust option. He totaled over 1,000 air yards on just 75 targets (14% target share). Shaheed excelled in making big plays, as seen in his 31 catches of over 20 yards (14th). He scored 132.6 fantasy points, averaging 8.3 points per game. Shaheed was ranked 49th among wide receivers in points per game.
– Andrew Erickson
Khalil Shakir concluded his second season on a high note, shining in the absence of Gabe Davis with impressive performances. Over the last three games, he caught 16 of 17 targets for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing his reliability and big-play ability. Shakir topped the NFL in catch rate (88%) and generated the highest passer rating (141.5), while leading the Bills in receiving EPA and ranking 16th overall in the league. Despite earning a larger role in the offense for 2024, he faces competition for targets from second-round rookie Keon Coleman and veteran slot WR Curtis Samuel.
– Andrew Erickson
Jahan Dotson‘s 2023 season was disappointing after a promising rookie campaign, characterized by inefficiency in a pass-heavy Commanders offense. However, Curtis Samuel‘s departure to the Bills opens up opportunities for Dotson to rebound in Year 3. Despite his struggles, Dotson showed flashes of potential in games where Samuel was absent or limited, posting strong numbers. With the Commanders’ passing game relying heavily on volume over efficiency, Dotson, along with teammate Terry McLaurin, will depend on improved quarterback play from Jayden Daniels to elevate their fantasy value. Dotson’s red-zone involvement in 2023 signals his potential for increased scoring opportunities with better quarterback performance.
– Andrew Erickson
Third-Year Tight Ends
Trey McBride had an impressive second-year breakout in 2023, finishing with 81 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns, good for a TE7 fantasy finish in PPR scoring. McBride’s 2023 season got off to a slow start. He had two or fewer catches in each of his first five games, and after seven weeks he was TE30 in PPR fantasy scoring. Then, Cardinals TE Zach Ertz went on IR with a quad injury, and McBride caught fire in an expanded role. From Week 8 on, McBride was TE3 in PPR scoring, averaging 6.6 catches and 65.5 receiving yards per game. McBride became the go-to receiver for an Arizona offense thin on talent at the WR position. The Cardinals took WR Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick of the NFL Draft, but the talented McBride figures to be the No. 2 target in the Arizona offense and a high-end fantasy tight end for years to come.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
One of the best fantasy values at the TE position in 2023, Ferguson had an average draft position of TE25 in PPR leagues, according to FantasyPros ADP data, but finished TE9 in PPR scoring. A fourth-round draft pick out of Wisconsin in 2022, Ferguson emerged as a dependable target for QB Dak Prescott, finishing with 71 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns. There might not be much more room for statistical improvement out of Ferguson, but he should once again be a prominent part of the Dallas passing attack in 2024.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
A trendy sleeper choice a year ago, Chigoziem Okonkwo turned in a mildly disappointing season in 2023, but he’s an intriguing post-hype sleeper candidate for 2024. After a promising rookie season in which he had 32 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns, Okonkwo boosted his reception and yardage totals in 2023, with 54 catches for 528 yards. But Okonkwo scored only one touchdown last season, and he went from 14.1 yards per catch and 2.61 yards per route run in 2022 to 9.6 yards per catch and 1.31 yards per route run in 2023. If young Titans QB Will Levis endures growing pains, Okonkwo’s breakout chances could suffer. On the other hand, the Titans don’t have a great deal of firepower at the WR position, which boosts Okonkwo’s target outlook. Consider Okonkwo a midrange TE2 for 2024 fantasy drafts.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Other Fantasy Football Third-Year Players
- Sam Howell (QB – SEA)
- Dameon Pierce (RB – HOU)
- Treylon Burks (WR – TEN)
- Skyy Moore (WR – KC)
- Isaiah Likely (TE – BAL)
- Cade Otton (TE – TB)
- Jelani Woods (TE – IND)
- Greg Dulcich (TE – DEN)
- Jeremy Ruckert (TE – NYJ)
Fantasy Football Draft Rankings
Check out the consensus 2024 fantasy football draft rankings from our experts.
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