10 Rookies to Target in the Late Rounds of 2024 Fantasy Drafts

Michael Fabiano identifies which rookies you should target in the late rounds of your fantasy football drafts in 2024.

May 10, 2024; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during rookie minicamp at the teams Tempe Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Rookies have become far more valuable in the world of fantasy football. Just last season, we saw C.J. Stroud, Puka Nacua and Sam LaPorta make huge statistical impacts. It’s not only the big names who can turn fantasy heads, either, as the likes of De’Vone Achane, Rashee Rice and Tank Dell also became assets.

I’ve already covered my top 10 overall fantasy rookies and ranked my top 50 rookies, so let’s go deeper and look at some first-year players worth a late-round look who might ultimately outplay their average draft position (ADP).

Note: ADPs based on FantasyData.

Blake Corum, RB, Rams (ADP – 116): Corum will also be a popular handcuff as a rookie, but he too will be behind an injury-prone starter. Kyren Williams missed five games a year ago, and he’s already been dealing with a bum foot. If Williams is forced to miss any time, Corum would become a potential fantasy starter in most leagues.

Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers (ADP – 153): The Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson and have Adam Thielen on the roster, so Legette will have some work to do in camp to push for consistent targets. Of course, that’s what makes him a deep sleeper. If you like young, explosive wideouts, Legette will be well worth a look late in drafts.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Colts (ADP – 168): Mitchell has a chance to open the season as the Colts' No. 2 perimeter receiver opposite Michael Pittman Jr., making him worth a late flier in fantasy redrafts. He can also line up on the inside, which gives A.D. a greater chance to see targets while starting slot man Josh Downs is out of action with an injury.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Chargers (ADP – 169): One of my favorites late-round targets, Vidal has a chance to make an immediate impact. The Chargers lack a true No. 1 running back (sorry, Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins), and Vidal fits the mold of the bruising runner new offensive coordinator Greg Roman likes to utilize in the rushing attack.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (30) wears a Guardian helmet cap during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Davis, RB, Bills (ADP – 180): I think James Cook can have a real breakout season in 2024, especially after we saw his usage increase last year once Joe Brady took over as the offensive coordinator. If Cook should suffer an unfortunate injury, however, Davis could be in line to see an increase in touches playing alongside Ty Johnson.

Ben Sinnott, TE, Commanders (ADP – 173): Sinnott was a pass-catching star in college, posting 676 yards and six touches on 76 targets in his final year at Kansas State. While the Commanders did sign veteran Zach Ertz, he’s 33 years old and has missed 17 games over the last two years due to injuries. Sinnott is a player to watch in camp.

Braelon Allen, RB, Jets (ADP - 183): Allen clearly has no chance to usurp Breece Hall as the top running back in New York, but he does have a shot to be his fantasy handcuff. If he can beat out fellow rookie Isaiah Davis for the second spot on the backfield depth chart, Allen will hold fantasy appeal in the late rounds as insurance for Hall.

Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Patriots (ADP – 186): The Patriots roster will have a lot of new faces this season, and Polk is one of the most notable. In fact, he’s projected as a starter alongside Kendrick Bourne. The rookie might now make an impact right out of the gate, but chances are good that he'll see a prominent role at some point in Year 1.

Audric Estime, RB, Broncos (ADP - 196): Reports out of Broncos camp suggest Estime has looked good and could push for a prominent depth-chart spot behind Javonte Williams. A hard-nosed, bruising back out of Notre Dame, he's well worth a late-round flier. In the best-case scenario, he could be Williams' top handcuff this season.

Luke McCaffrey, WR, Commanders (ADP - 227): The trade that sent Jahan Dotson to the Eagles has opened up the top slot role in Washington. McCaffrey is the current favorite for that role, making him worth a late look in most PPR leagues. The brother of Christian, Luke caught 71 passes in 13 games in his final collegiate season at Rice.