For this Dynasty Rookie Rankings update, I wanted to identify some players who could have ROI by their second or third seasons. These players might be overlooked for a handful of reasons, but do not sleep on these four players. Let’s review their pathway for playing time as we forecast their futures.
Be sure to check out Razzball Football’s updated rankings:Top 150|QB|RB|WR|TE|DEF
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Quarterback
- Player:Spencer Rattler
- Team:New Orleans Saints
- Dynasty Rookie Rank:Overall 35 | QB6
Yes, Derek Carr is the starter for NOLA after his four-year, $150 million contract in 2023. What is interesting about Carr’s deal is that his 2023 and 2024 base salaries are only guaranteed. If he doesn’t perform well, the Saints could opt to release him with dead money as early as 2025. He only has an injury guarantee on his contract for the 2025 season.
Carr was good but not great in 2023 and will be 33 this upcoming season. Based on reporting from New Orleans, Rattler had a great rookie camp and will compete with Carr for playing time this season. Rattler has the potential to be a diamond in the rough in superflex formats with a third round price tag.
Running Back
- Player:Marshawn Lloyd
- Team:Green Bay Packers
- Dynasty Rookie Rank:Overall 22 | RB4
Green Bay surprised everyone by signing Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million contract during free agency. What’s most important in the Jacobs’ deal is that the first year is only guaranteed as the Packers have team options for the following three seasons. The Packers could part ways as early as 2025.
Should Jacobs 2023 decline continue into 2024, Lloyd could be in line for a large workload in Green Bay by 2025. Don’t forget former Packers’ RB, Aaron Jones, had finishes of RB2 (’19), RB5 (’20), RB12 (’21) & RB9 (’22) under HC Matt LaFleur. Don’t overlook this rookie RB as he enters an exciting and explosive offense with Jordan Love.
Wide Receiver
- Player: Troy Franklin
- Team:Denver Broncos
- Dynasty Rookie Rank:Overall 23 | WR12
Jerry Jeudy was shipped off to Cleveland prior to the 2024 draft. He leaves a void of 97 targets with 54 receptions for 758 yards, which all ranked second among WRs in Denver. Troy Franklin enters a WR room that features only Marvin Mims and Josh Reynolds to compete to replace Jeudy’s production. Sean Payton has produced a 1,000 yard WR nine times and two 1,000 yard WRs three times in 17 seasons as a head coach. Payton has shown a knack in developing WRs and Franklin should benefit from it.
Franklin is currently the fourth WR on the depth chart but he offers a big-play ability with the potential to take the WR1 reigns from Sutton. Don’t forget he has the advantage of having built-in chemistry with Broncos future starting QB Bo Nix. I foresee a path for Franklin to be the next 1,000 yard WR under Payton and WR2 status by his third season.
Tight End
- Player: Ja’Tavion Sanders
- Team:Carolina Panthers
- Dynasty Rookie Rank:Overall 45 | TE4
The Panthers offense was inept last season but that should change under new HC Dave Canales. Canales rejuvenated Baker Mayfield’s career in Tampa Bay and is looking to replicate success with Bryce Young.
Sanders said he wants to be the next Greg Olsen for Carolina. He will get every opportunity with little TE competition.
According to Caneles, Sanders will line up all over the field, including the slot, to create mismatches with his size and speed. Young has his best pass catching group to date and Sanders will benefit. I suggest patience with Sanders in order to reap the benefits, who could enter TE1 status by his second or third season.
| Download Table as CSV | |||
| Note: Filters and sorting in the table below apply to the output | |||
| # | Name | Team | Pos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | CHI | QB | |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | ARI | WR | |
| Jayden Daniels | WAS | QB | |
| J.J. McCarthy | MIN | QB | |
| Malik Nabers | NYG | WR | |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | JAX | WR | |
| Rome Odunze | CHI | WR | |
| Drake Maye | QB | NE | |
| Xaiver Worthy | KC | WR | |
| Jonathan Brooks | CAR | RB | |
| Brock Bowers | LV | TE | |
| Keon Coleman | BUF | WR | |
| Bo Nix | DEN | QB | |
| Lad McConkey | LAC | WR | |
| Ricky Pearsall | SF | WR | |
| Trey Benson | ARI | RB | |
| Adonai Mitchell | IND | WR | |
| Xavier Legette | CAR | WR | |
| Blake Corum | LAR | RB | |
| Jermaine Burton | CIN | WR | |
| Michael Penix Jr. | ATL | QB | |
| Marshawn Lloyd | GB | RB | |
| Troy Franklin | DEN | WR | |
| Malachi Corley | NYJ | WR | |
| Bucky Irving | TB | RB | |
| Javon Baker | NE | WR | |
| Ben Sinnott | WAS | TE | |
| Ja’Lynn Polk | NE | WR | |
| Luke McCaffrey | WAS | WR | |
| Jaylen Wright | MIA | RB | |
| Roman WIlson | PIT | WR | |
| Kimani Vidal | LAC | RB | |
| Ray Davis | BUF | RB | |
| Jalen McMillan | TB | WR | |
| Spencer Rattler | NO | QB | |
| Theo Johnson | NYG | TE | |
| Audric Estime | DEN | RB | |
| Isaac Guerendo | SF | RB | |
| Devontez Walker | BAL | WR | |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG | RB | |
| Malik Washington | MIA | WR | |
| Brenden Rice | LAC | WR | |
| Braelon Allen | NYJ | RB | |
| Will Shipley | PHI | RB | |
| Ja’Tavion Sanders | CAR | TE | |
| Dylan Laube | LV | RB | |
| Cade Stover | HOU | TE | |
| Rasheen Ali | BAL | RB | |
| Johnny Wilson | PHI | WR | |
| Ryan Flournoy | DAL | WR |
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