2024 Fantasy Football Rookie Drafts - Should I Draft J.J. McCarthy or Bo Nix?

The quarterbacks came flying off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft, and that should be no different in Superflex dynasty formats. One decision most fantasy managers might have to make on draft day is whether to take former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy or former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix.

McCarthy was drafted 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings after they traded up one spot to select him, while the Denver Broncos took Nix with the 12th overall pick. Not only were both quarterbacks selected early in the draft, but both should also be in line to start in Year 1.

So, should you draft McCarthy or Nix in rookie drafts? Let's dive in.

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J.J. McCarthy Fantasy Football Outlook

One of the biggest concerns with McCarthy heading into the 2024 NFL Draft was his lack of numbers in college. The 6-foot-3 quarterback only threw for 2,719 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2022 and 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2023. Michigan just didn't rely on him a ton in the passing game, as they were a run-first team.

"Justin Jefferson is a part of the J.J. McCarthy development plan."

—@Hawk believes the Vikings need to sign Justin Jefferson quicker than J.J. McCarthy ✍️ pic.twitter.com/vZ0TXTxOtd

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 30, 2024

However, McCarthy certainly has the talent to succeed in the NFL. He has a high football IQ and a strong arm, both of which are key in today's game. The young quarterback also gets drafted to a great situation in Minnesota, where he'll throw passes to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.

Bo Nix Fantasy Football Outlook

Before the 2023 college season began, there were some questions about where Nix would go in the upcoming draft. Nonetheless, after a spectacular senior campaign, the Oregon product lifted his draft stock and was selected 12th overall by the Broncos. He threw for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and three interceptions while finishing third in the Heisman voting last season.

“The comp I got on Bo Nix from two different offensive coordinators was, 'He reminds me a lot of Derek Carr — from the footwork, to the mechanics, to the throwing motion. I just see a lot of Derek Carr in him.'"

— @JamesPalmerTV had fascinating insight on Bo Nix 👇👀 pic.twitter.com/NLo0PzIQSa

— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) April 30, 2024

With the Broncos trading away Russell Wilson this offseason, there's a strong chance that Nix will be the team's starting quarterback in Week 1. He will just have to beat out Zach Wilson -- whom the team traded for in April -- and Jarrett Stidham in training camp.

Should I Draft McCarthy or Nix?

In Superflex formats, both McCarthy and Nix should be going somewhere in the first round. However, if both quarterbacks are on the board when you're on the clock, the Vikings quarterback is the better selection in rookie drafts. He'll have the better weapons around him for many years and the bigger upside in fantasy, given his situation and talent.

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