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Discounted Fantasy Football Rookies: Late-Round Draft Targets Include Ladd McConkey, Brian Thomas Jr., Ja'Lynn Polk, more

Ladd McConkey - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Rookie fever often sweeps through fantasy football drafts, with many managers eager to land the next big star. However, the buzz around top-tier rookies usually drives their draft cost to sky-high levels, leaving value-seeking drafters in the cold. But for savvy managers, there are plenty of opportunities to grab discounted rookies who can make a significant impact without the premium price tag. These players often slip under the radar, overshadowed by their more hyped counterparts, but they possess the talent and situation to outplay their draft position.

In this article, we'll delve into the rookies flying under the radar in 2024 fantasy drafts, offering tremendous value for those willing to take a chance. These rookies present a unique opportunity to gain a competitive edge, whether due to injury concerns, competition for touches, or being overlooked in favor of more prominent names. If you want to add some upside to your roster without breaking the bank, these are the discounted rookies to target in your fantasy football drafts.

Make sure you follow RotoBaller on X and check out RotoBaller.com for all your fantasy football needs. Let’s take a few minutes and examine all the rookies you will be able to grab in later rounds who could provide you with league-winning talent.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:

 

Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

This rookie has a unique blend of size, athleticism, and route-running ability. Standing at 6-foot-4, Thomas offers a big target for Trevor Lawrence, especially in the red zone where his height and physicality can be a mismatch for defenders.

His ability to win contested catches and create separation on deep routes makes him an ideal complement to the Jaguars' existing receiving corps, which features more polished but smaller route runners.

With Jacksonville's offense expected to take another step forward under head coach Doug Pederson, Thomas could see ample opportunities to carve out a significant role early on.

The Jaguars' passing game is poised to be one of the more prolific units in the league, with Lawrence entering his fourth year and the team adding more weapons around him. With the recent departure of star wideout Calvin Ridley, this will open up 136 targets for the young wide receiver.

Thomas could benefit from the defensive attention drawn by the likes of Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis, allowing him to thrive in single coverage situations. As a rookie, he may not be the primary option, but his upside in an ascending offense and his ability to make big plays downfield make him a tantalizing late-round flier in fantasy drafts.

Thomas' ADP is currently WR47, but for managers who want to make a splash, I have no problem with him being drafted as a top-35 wide receiver. If he can quickly earn Lawrence's trust, Thomas has the tools to become a valuable fantasy asset, especially in deeper leagues or as a bench stash with breakout potential.

 

Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers

Ladd McConkey is poised to be an intriguing fantasy football option for the Los Angeles Chargers, as the rookie from Georgia was selected in the second round and now will be catching passes from Justin Herbert. McConkey will be on the more difficult side of drafting him at his given ADP since there is no surprise that he is walking into an ideal situation for a rookie wideout.

Herbert has thrown for over 4,000 yards in all but one season since entering the league and with the departure of veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, there is no competition to become Herbert's new favorite receiving option.

With both of these stars no longer on the roster, a massive void has opened up in the Chargers receiving corps, and McConkey is well-positioned to step in and make an immediate impact.

Known for his precise route running and quickness, McConkey has the skills to become a reliable target for Herbert, especially in an offense that relies heavily on timing and precision. His ability to create separation and find soft spots in coverage could quickly make him a favorite for Herbert, especially on intermediate routes where the Chargers have traditionally excelled.

Additionally, McConkey's versatility allows him to line up both in the slot and on the outside, giving the Chargers flexibility in how they deploy him. With Allen and Williams gone, the opportunity for significant playing time and targets is there for the taking, and McConkey's college production suggests he's ready to seize that chance.

As a rookie, he may not immediately replace the volume left behind by Allen and Williams, but his potential to grow into a primary option in a high-powered offense makes him a valuable fantasy asset.

Fantasy managers looking for a middle-to-late-round steal should keep an eye on McConkey, as his role in the Chargers offense could lead to a breakout season in PPR formats.

 

Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

Brock Bowers enters his rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders as one of the most highly touted tight-end prospects in recent memory, and his fantasy football potential is immense. Known for his rare combination of size, speed, and route-running ability, Bowers is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Bowers is currently being drafted as the TE11 in most rankings, which is essentially free in any draft. With the Raiders lacking elite receiving options outside of Davante Adams, Bowers could quickly become a focal point in the passing game.

Gardner Minshew II, recently named the starting quarterback, is known for his ability to distribute the ball effectively and his affinity for targeting tight ends, making Bowers an even more enticing option. Minshew’s willingness to trust his playmakers should give Bowers plenty of opportunities to make an immediate impact.

Bowers' potential to excel in the red zone, coupled with Minshew’s efficient play, makes Bowers a strong candidate to emerge as a top fantasy tight end, even as a rookie. For fantasy managers looking to secure a difference-maker at the tight-end position, Bowers presents a high-upside option who could quickly outplay his draft position.

 

Ja'Lynn Polk, New England Patriots

Ja'Lynn Polk offers significant fantasy football upside as a rookie for the New England Patriots, especially in an offense that is looking to revitalize its passing game. Polk was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft after playing four years of collegiate football.

With the likely combination of Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye at quarterback, the Patriots are set to deploy a mix of experience and youth under center, both of whom could benefit from Polk's skill set. Polk, known for his deep-threat ability and versatility, can stretch the field and create big plays, something the Patriots have been missing in recent years.

The game script will come in handy for Polk this season as the Patriots will likely be losing in a majority of the games, forcing them to look downfield more.

Additionally, with the Patriots in need of a true outside receiver, Polk could quickly establish himself as a key contributor. The wide receiver room is dry and the No. 1 wide receiver spot is truly up for grabs.

As Brissett provides stability and Maye injects youthful energy and a strong arm, Polk’s ability to adjust to both quarterbacks’ styles will be crucial. His college production and ability to consistently win downfield matchups suggest that he could become a go-to option in critical situations, especially in an offense that may rely on big plays to stay competitive.

For fantasy managers looking for a high-upside rookie in deeper leagues, Polk’s potential to carve out a significant role in New England’s evolving offense makes him a valuable late-round target as his ADP sits at just WR69 on most rankings.



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