Keon Coleman vs. Brian Thomas Jr. - Who Should I Draft in 2024 Fantasy Football?

Every year, some rookies immediately make an impact in the NFL. In 2023, fantasy managers saw C.J. Stroud, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Puka Nacua, and Sam LaPorta all break out as rookies. All five of those players also finished top-10 at their respective positions in fantasy.

Two rookies who could surprise a lot of fantasy managers this year are Buffalo Bills wideout Keon Coleman and Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. Those two young playmakers could both see big roles in Year 1.

So, is Coleman or Thomas the better pick in fantasy drafts this year? Let's dive in and find out. 

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Keon Coleman 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

After the Bills traded away Stefon Diggs and let Gabe Davis walk in free agency, they were surely in the market for a wide receiver in the draft. Buffalo eventually traded back and selected Coleman with the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

That landing spot was one of the best for Coleman, considering he's attached to Josh Allen in Year 1 and could see a big role immediately. Whether he starts the season as Buffalo's WR1 or not, there are still going to be plenty of opportunities for him in his rookie year. 

Keon Coleman going up and GETTING it 😳

Something Stefon Diggs rarely did in his time with the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills got a HUGE upgrade. pic.twitter.com/fcGxCaMiKq

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) June 13, 2024

Allen has thrown for over 4,200 yards in four straight seasons, and that shouldn't stop in 2024  -- even with a weak wide receiver core. The Bills are going to need a pass catcher to step up in the receiving game this year, so why not bet on Coleman in fantasy? He immediately steps into a dominant offense with a top-three quarterback, and his high draft capital should give fantasy managers some confidence. 

Brian Thomas Jr. 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Thomas is another player who could benefit from his situation in 2024. The Jaguars released Zay Jones and let Calvin Ridley walk in free agency, so there are going to be plenty of targets for the rookie in this Jacksonville offense.

He was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and is tied to a solid quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. Even though Christian Kirk is likely the team's WR1 this season, there's no reason why Thomas can't come in and earn that WR2 role over Davis. His draft capital suggests that it could happen. 

Trevor Lawrence 🎯 Brian Thomas Jr.
pic.twitter.com/PHdd3GP4Ob

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) May 20, 2024

Thomas was the fourth wide receiver selected in this year's draft and is coming off a season in which he totaled 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns at LSU. As a result, look for the Jaguars to really utilize him all over the field, making him a sneaky fantasy selection in the middle to late rounds. 

Who Should I Draft?

Right now, Coleman and Thomas are going pretty close to each other in fantasy drafts. The Bills wideout has a current ADP of 101.9, while the Jaguars wideout has an ADP of 93.2.

However, Coleman might be the better selection. He has the better quarterback and is in the better offense. He also has the chance to immediately step in as the team's WR1, while Thomas might have to fight for targets with Kirk, Davis, and Evan Engram in an average offense. 

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