The values of this rookie class will change with every performance on Sundays. Last week, we took a deep dive into the quarterbacks. This week, I believe some skill position players need love and hate. Let’s dive in and talk about who has been a boom or a bust since the start of preseason football.
Trey Benson (RB – ARI)
I’m writing about Trey Benson because of his bounce-back performance in week two of the preseason. Week one left A LOT to be desired. Week 1, we saw Trey Benson gain 21 rushing yards on eight touches for a 2.6 YPC. Yes, this is well below average. I like to call it pedestrian. Benson just looked indecisive behind the line of scrimmage. He did not see the hole open, chose the wrong lane to run through, and looked slow overall. He was bottled up all game long. Jumping ahead to Week 2, we saw a different Trey Benson. He gained 43 rushing yards on nine carries for a 4.8 YPC. Now that’s what we want to see. Benson looked decisive and confident and ran with the speed and strength we all saw at Florida State. He is still the running back two for me in this rookie class. Acquire Trey Benson in all your leagues. The sky’s the limit when he takes over this Cardinals backfield.
Malik Nabers (WR – NYG)
There wasn’t much to report on Malik Nabers after Week 1 of the preseason. He played one series and wasn’t targeted at all in that game. Week 2, he did his thing against the Houston Texans. He is one of the best receivers after the catch we’ve seen come out of college in quite some time. The best part is not only was that on display, but his crisp fluid route running, ball tracking ability, separation skills, and body control were also on display. It’s so easy to tell you how great Malik Nabers can be, but what is his ceiling in 2024 with Daniel Jones at quarterback? My answer is 2022 Garrett Wilson. Plain and simple, Malik Nabers is an elite talent, a future dynasty wide receiver one, and a player that you should be acquiring everywhere. Malik Nabers is HIM!
Xavier Worthy (WR – KC)
I know target competition in Kansas City will be rough for Worthy early on. Travis Kelce has led this team in targets nine out of the last ten years, and I don’t see that changing in 2024. Rashee Rice burst onto the scene last year and was a wide receiver one option from Week 10 on. The Chiefs also brought in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, but I’m here to tell you Xavier Worthy has a chance to be special in this offense. It’s noteworthy that Patrick Mahomes‘s average depth of target has dropped every year since Tyreek Hill was traded at the beginning of 2022. The Chiefs’ wide receiver unit has also been in the bottom five in the league in drops. With a breakout in college as a true freshman, one of the fastest 40 times we have ever seen at the NFL combine, and the ability to stretch the field, Worthy fits right in. I can’t wait to see his long-term projection in this offense, he’s my wide receiver four in this rookie class right now. We could look back in a few years, and that could be a steal.
Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – JAX)
When I started scouting Brian Thomas Jr, the first word that came to mind was project. This kid did not begin playing football until his sophomore year in high school. He did not break out in college until his junior year at LSU, but when he broke out, he BROKE OUT. Leading all the FBS in touchdown catches with 17, averaging over 17 yards per catch, and having over 2.00 yards per route run against man and zone coverage. His NFL combine showing was incredible. There’s no way a 6’5-inch, 200-pound receiver should run a 4.38 forty-yard dash. Enter the Jacksonville Jaguars offense with the departure of Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones leaves 200 vacated targets. Trevor Lawrence also throws one of the prettiest deep balls in the NFL today. Brian Thomas Jr already has one catch of 40-plus yards in the preseason due to limited playing time. Practice patience with Brian Thomas Jr. The Jaguars have elite pass-catching options (i.e., Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, Travis Etienne, and Gabe Davis). I won’t be surprised if Brian Thomas Jr emerges as the top wide receiver for the Jaguars as early as 2025. Going as wide receiver 35 in dynasty, he’s relatively cheap to own. BUY NOW.
Keon Coleman (WR – BUF)
Keon Coleman was a player I was not excited about coming into the 2024 NFL rookie draft. A player that relied too much on his size, strength, and positioning to make a play on the ball. He’s not fast for a wide receiver (4.61 forty time), he doesn’t create separation well, and his route tree is limited. The draft capital and landing spot boosted his overall value. I know there have been some clips that stand out from training camp. Let’s look at some training camp numbers. Keon Coleman has run 32 routes in two preseason games so far. This led to six targets and two receptions for twenty yards. He is also 0/3 in end-zone targets. It hasn’t been the prettiest start for Keon Coleman. Trade Keon Coleman, while his name holds more value than his actual play. Proceed with caution.
This will wrap up another weekly dynasty rookie stock market article. These will be coming out weekly throughout the whole 2024 NFL season. If you have any questions, give me a follow on Twitter/X @FFChalmers. My DMs are always open. #DFFArmy #AlwaysBeBuilding
