Okay, we've come down from the high from a crazy Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Friday's Day 2 edition was a bit more tame but it did not come without some surprises.
There are still many quality names still on the board for teams to go get for the final 4 rounds set to begin today, Saturday 4/27 at Noon EST. Those specific players can't be named fallers quite yet but they bring up a few more question marks as to why they've slipped so far during the selection process.
Teams moved up and teams moved down in order to go get their guy or stock up on some young talent later on. I'll give you my take on a few more risers and fallers in the aftermath of Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft.
RISERS
Ben Sinnott, Commanders TE
I'm gonna sound like Chris Berman for a minute: "I don't like this pick... I love this pick." Sinnott how elite of an athlete he was at the NFL Combine in February where he out-jumped everyone in the broad jump and vertical jumps in his 6' 4" frame. He lands in a spot in Washington that let long-time TE Logan Thomas go and signed veteran Zach Ertz. Ertz has the starting job at the moment but his age (33) is catching up with him as he went down in Week 7 last year and never returned despite being signed by the Detroit Lions during their playoff run. Ertz hasn't finished a full season each of the past two years. Tight ends normally will break out during their 2nd year rather than their 1st year and Sinnott has the chance to learn from one of the best tight ends of this generation. Sinnott's short-term value rises and his long-term value skyrockets.
Ladd McConkey, Chargers WR
For a team hurting for weapons, the Chargers finally had a nice one fall to them at the start of the 2nd round in Georgia's McConkey. For a team with many question marks in their receivers room like Quentin Johnston's ability and Josh Palmer's availability, McConkey has the opportunity to maximize his immediate value. Despite coming into an offense where many believe new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman will lead a run-first offense, McConkey will still get to catch passes from Justin Herbert who lost his long-time weapons in the offseason. If he can establish immediate chemistry with his new QB before his incumbent counterparts can, he can be a real game changer. McConkey was a fringe Round 1/beginning of Round 2 player in SuperFlex dynasty formats and an end of Round 1 selection in standard dynasty formats, his landing spot likely rises him up a couple spots in both formats.
FALLERS
Several Running Backs Drafted on Day 2
I'll just group a few of these together as they all share a similar trait: several Day 2 running backs were drafted to teams that already have an established starter. Trey Benson got drafted to Arizona (James Conner is the incumbent), Blake Corum got drafted to the LA Rams (Kyren Williams), and MaShawn Lloyd to the Packers (Josh Jacobs). What I will say about their situation is the fact that more and more teams are moving towards a two-RB approach. If you look at teams like Detroit, Atlanta and Miami as teams effectively using this format. It limits the fantasy upside of a specific player to be a "bell cow back" but keeps them healthier over the course of a season. This is not the end of these rookie running backs but you can tamper expectations based on who they have around them.
Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers WR
I like McMillan as a prospect out of Washington, but the landing spot is quite crowded. Mike Evans remains the Alpha receiver and Chris Godwin was re-signed along with his running mate. They remain the top two options and controlled a healthy percentage of target share from QB Baker Mayfield. 2nd year WR Trey Palmer also looks to remain a factor which makes McMillan a battle away for just becoming a WR3 for the Bucs. McMillan's upside is limited immediately but Mike Evans won't be around forever so there's potential down the road.
Other Risers:
Keon Coleman, Bills WR
Ja'Lynn Polk, Patriots WR
AD Mitchell, Colts WR
Malachi Corley, Jets WR
Jermaine Burton, Bengals WR
Roman Wilson, Steelers WR
Other Fallers:
Jonathon Brooks, Panthers RB
Tip Reiman, Cardinals TE
Luke McCaffrey, Commanders WR
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