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Rookie fever runs rampant during fantasy football drafts, as managers are excited to see what the new players in the NFL can do. However, many second-year players are pushed down draft boards after failing to make a significant impact in Year 1, and taking advantage of the discount on sophomore players can put your team over the edge.
In this article, we'll highlight five second-year sleepers for fantasy football drafts. Of course, you want to target sophomore studs like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Puka Nacua, but who are some under-the-radar Year 2 players in 2024?
Our editors have hand-picked these specific NFL players for your draft prep enjoyment. Usually only available to Premium subscribers, the outlooks below are meant to give you a taste of the in-depth analysis you receive with our industry-leading 2024 Draft Kit. Be sure to subscribe today and start reading all 300+ of our 2024 player outlooks, along with many other premium articles and tools available exclusively in our 2024 Draft Kit.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
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- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Chase Brown, Bengals - Fantasy Football Outlook
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had a relatively quiet rookie season in 2023. He missed time with a hamstring injury and only received five touches during the team's first 11 games.
Starting Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brown began to gain some steam. The Bengals coaching staff must have seen something they liked, as Brown averaged nearly nine touches and 53 scrimmage yards per game from Weeks 13-18. That would equate to roughly 150 touches and 900 scrimmage yards over a 17-game season.
That would be enough to warrant flex consideration in fantasy leagues. His final stats underwhelmed, but Brown displayed big-play ability during the year. Head Coach Zac Taylor has hinted at Brown receiving a larger role this season.
While Zack Moss was brought in as the lead back, he has never handled more than 210 touches in a season, nor has he ever been a significant pass-catching threat. There is room for Brown to carve out a role in this offense.
It's Chase scoring TDs in Cincy! Chase Brown, that is.
📺: #INDvsCIN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8S30C pic.twitter.com/2iiHGyBWOX— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
He has stand-alone value as a flex option in PPR leagues with upside for more. Brown is a great target later in drafts and is a worthwhile investment in all leagues.
- Dave Ventresca, RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks - Fantasy Football Outlook
After the Seattle Seahawks selected running back Zach Charbonnet 52nd overall in 2023, many feared the former UCLA product could usurp Kenneth Walker as Seattle's RB1. This was not the case, though – as Seattle's offense had a clear division of duties between the two backs.
While Charbonnet did out-catch and out-target his backfield running mate, it was not enough to cement him ahead of Walker in the depth chart. Some of Charbonnet's worst efficiency performances came with Walker out of the lineup due to injury (Weeks 11-13).
The door is still open for a new pattern of usage for these two in what will be a new-look Seahawks offense, but for now – Walker is still the preferred RB1, relegating Charbonnet to elite handcuff status regarding fantasy. Due to Walker's history of having trouble staying on the field, Charbonnet still presents as a player we can take a shot on, especially with his modest draft-day price.
- Alex Ciulla, RotoBaller
Luke Musgrave, Packers - Fantasy Football Outlook
If you're looking for a tight end to swoop in and push your fantasy football season over the edge, look no further than Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave. The Packers did their best to put him on the map by not drafting a tight end or signing any notable competition, which is like your boss handing you a project and saying, "It's all yours, kid."
Musgrave's rookie season in 2023 was a mixed bag. He was an inconsistent fantasy option with only 11 games played, 34 receptions for 352 yards, and one touchdown.
The 23-year-old missed six games due to six weeks with a lacerated kidney and split time at the end with Tucker Kraft. However, it's important to remember that tight ends often require time to adapt to the NFL.
As we approach the 2024 season, Musgrave is poised for a significant breakthrough. With a year of experience under his belt and no new competition, he's primed to be a key target for Jordan Love. Musgrave's unique blend of size, speed, and hands sets him apart from many in his position.
Jordan Love finds a wide open Luke Musgrave! Packers lead 41-16.
📺: #GBvsDAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Ut3BRhC2CE pic.twitter.com/zCy7tcWxQ6— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2024
Given his role in the offense and the Packers' confidence in him, Musgrave should be viewed as a high-upside TE2 with the potential to crack the TE1 ranks. If you're looking to punt on tight end and grab value later, Musgrave is your man. Snatch him up, sit back, and enjoy the show as he becomes a go-to option in the Packers' passing attack
- Danny Boily, RotoBaller
Jaleel McLaughlin, Broncos - Fantasy Football Outlook
As a rookie, Jaleel McLaughlin totaled 570 yards on just 107 touches. His efficiency metrics were off the charts. Per PlayerProfiler, he ranked 4th among running backs in true yards per carry (5.1), 6th in juke rate (25.2%), and 6th in yards created per touch (4.42). His 0.95 fantasy points per opportunity ranked 9th among running backs.
When the undrafted rookie out of Youngstown State touched the ball, he was electric. However, even in games Javonte Williams didn't play or left early, McLaughlin averaged just 11.5 opportunities on a 33% snap share.
He produced 18.7 PPR points per game in those two games, though, as he found paydirt in both games. Again, he's got the ability to put up fantasy points in a hurry, but he never played more than 28% of the snaps in games. Williams was a full-go. At just 5-foot-7, 187 lbs, McLaughlin may never be more than a change-of-pace type back.
That feels even more likely now that the Broncos took Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. At 5-foot-11, 227 lbs, Estime is built more like Javonte Williams and could be called upon to shoulder the load should anything happen to Williams.
Jaleel having a day! What a move #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/qYqvTjRvry
— Anthony Nguyen (@MileHighRonin) August 8, 2024
In that case, McLaughlin would continue as that change-of-pace back in Sean Payton's offense. However, just like in 2023, he could have some spike weeks. Because of his hyper-efficiency, he's one of those running backs you'll want to have stashed on your roster, just in case.
- Adam Koffler, RotoBaller
Dontayvion Wicks, Packers - Fantasy Football Outlook
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks flashed potential in his debut season. He passed the eye test and turned heads with his impressive route-running.
Albeit in a small sample, Wicks posted some impressive advanced metrics. He registered a 23% Targets Per Route Run (TPRR) along with a 2.31 Yards Per Route Run (YPRR) per Fantasy Points Data Suite. This is the kind of data you want to see from a rookie.
Green Bay's receiving room has many options, and it's unclear who will emerge as Jordan Love's preferred target. Wicks is the cheapest Packers receiver in drafts right now and might be the preferred play, given the uncertainty with this receiving room. He should only improve in his sophomore season, making him an interesting late-round flier in 2024.
- Dave Ventresca, RotoBaller
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