Thanks to a forward-thinking trade with the Panthers last year, the Bears were able to secure the No. 1 pick and – they hope – a true franchise quarterback in Williams.
While first-round QBs are far from a sure thing, Williams is an elite prospect with an extremely high ceiling if he can live up to the hype. And unlike most rookie passers, the 22-year-old joins a Bears offense with enough firepower for him to succeed immediately.
The presence of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze (spoiler), Cole Kmet, and D’Andre Swift will ease Williams’ burden in Year 1.
His immediate fantasy impact could be similar to what C.J. Stroud did for the Texans in 2023: Low-end QB1, despite the lack of big-time rushing production.
Redraft ranking:QB14 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):Late1st-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.01
Fantasy stock up: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift Fantasy stock down: None
After flirting with several QB prospects in recent weeks, the Commanders finally made the decision to select Daniels second overall.
The 23-year-old is coming off a monster season at LSU, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,134 yards and 10 scores on the ground.
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Washington may not have the same dynamic pass-catching duo as Daniels enjoyed in his last college campaign, but his rushing skills alone make him an instant fantasy option.
If he can acclimate quickly into offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s system, Daniels’ passing accuracy (especially downfield) will put defenses into a bind as they try to game plan against his dangerous dual-threat ability.
Redraft ranking:QB16 Dynasty startup value (Superflex)::2nd-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.02-1.04
Fantasy stock up: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Zach Ertz Fantasy stock down: None
The Patriots were reportedly open to trading down, but in the end held onto the third pick to invest their future in Maye.
Unfortunately for Maye, he lands in one of the worst spots for a fantasy QB, as New England currently lacks high-end pass-catching weapons.
The 21-year-old’s also a prospect who needs to continue to develop if he’s going to emerge as a strong NFL starter. He’ll have to hope his natural playmaking ability will help him get by until he gets comfortable in the pros.
Though Maye’s an intriguing fantasy player, don’t expect to see significant production from him right away. He’s best viewed as a dynasty asset.
Redraft ranking:QB25 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):4th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.05-1.08
Fantasy stock up: Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson Fantasy stock down: Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett
The Cardinals were fortunate the three teams ahead of them needed QBs because it allowed Harrison Jr. to fall into their hands.
Receiver also happened to be one of Arizona’s biggest needs and now they have an elite prospect with a Hall of Fame father in his corner.
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Harrison Jr. was a prolific collegiate wideout who managed to produce with different quarterbacks under center during his time at Ohio State.
His talent, production profile, pedigree, and draft capital all point toward him becoming a superstar. Landing in Arizona also provides him with incredible volume, which should make him a fantasy WR2 as a rookie.
Don’t be surprised when he’s mentioned alongside Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and CeeDee Lamb in the coming years.
Redraft ranking:WR24 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):2nd-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.02-1.04
Fantasy stock up: Kyler Murray Fantasy stock down: Trey McBride
Nabers would have been the first receiver off the board in most drafts; some teams apparently had him ranked higher than Harrison Jr.
Clearly the Giants weren’t one of them.
The bad news for Nabers is he won’t have as good a quarterback as MHJ during their rookie campaigns. However, Nabers should see plenty of volume to help offset that – especially if Darren Waller retires.
New York’s been stockpiling mediocre receivers for the last few years, but now they have a potential superstar.
Nabers, who’ll turn 21 in July, has game-breaking speed, outstanding quickness, and as high a ceiling as any player at his position.
Much like Harrison Jr., Nabers should challenge for top-24 fantasy receivers stats in Year 1 and could be mentioned among the NFL’s best wideouts within a couple years.
Redraft ranking:WR28 Dynasty startup value (Superflex): 3rd-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.03-1.05
Fantasy stock up: Daniel Jones Fantasy stock down: Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons (8th)
Fantasy potential: ★★★☆☆ 2024 projection (0 starts):Backup to Kirk Cousins
In the first and biggest surprise of the opening round, the Falcons selected a rookie QB who’ll sit behind Kirk Cousins for the foreseeable future.
Cousins will be 36 in August, but he just signed a mega four-year deal with Atlanta. Penix Jr., meanwhile, saw his name gain a lot of steam in recent weeks, and he’s an older prospect who’ll turn 24 in May.
Now he’ll play the role Jordan Love did in Green Bay, learning behind a veteran until he’s ready to take over.
Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images Sport / Getty
This could lead to an excellent succession plan for the Falcons, as we’ve seen with Love, but it’s a curious move for a team that appeared ready to contend in 2024.
It also makes Penix Jr. a tough player to value, since we don’t know when he’ll see the field. While he may sneak into the late first round of dynasty rookie drafts based on this draft capital, he projects more as second-round value to me due to delayed production.
Redraft ranking:QB33 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):9th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.10-2.04
The Bears continue to build up their offense, giving new QB Caleb Williams another pass-catcher in Odunze.
While Odunze may not be on the same level as the two wideouts drafted ahead of him, he isn’t far off. The only problem will be the target competition in Chicago, as DJ Moore and Keenan Allen are both volume hogs.
For Odunze to truly break out as a rookie, it may require an injury to one of his veteran teammates.
However, even if that doesn’t happen, Odunze should be able to produce as a WR4/flex and eventually turn into one of Williams’ favorite weapons.
Redraft ranking:WR42 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):4th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.05-1.08
Fantasy stock up: Caleb Williams Fantasy stock down: Cole Kmet, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze (short term)
The Vikings resisted the temptation to make a big move up the board and saved themselves a ton of draft capital by waiting. They moved up one spot in the end to secure the QB they wanted in McCarthy.
The 21-year-old immediately becomes Minnesota’s replacement for Cousins and finds himself in an excellent fantasy-production environment.
Todd Rosenberg / Getty Images Sport / Getty
With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, T.J. Hockenson (when healthy), a good offensive line, and Kevin O’Connell calling plays, McCarthy will be dropped into one of the best situations of any QB in this class.
Given their landing spots, McCarthy has a better chance finding early success than Maye, who was drafted seven spots before him.
If McCarthy can capture some of the magic Cousins had in Minnesota’s offense, it’s possible he’s a top-20 fantasy QB as a rookie – with plenty of room to grow.
Redraft ranking:QB24 Dynasty startup value (Superflex): 4th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.05-1.08
Fantasy stock up: J.J. McCarthy, Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson Fantasy stock down: Sam Darnold
With five quarterbacks already taken, the Broncos weren’t willing to risk leaving the draft without a potential starter, which led to overpaying for Nix.
The 24-year-old has loads of experience, but his numbers and performance might have been improved by a favorable system at Oregon.
Whether he can find similar success under Sean Payton in Denver will be one of the most interesting storylines to watch in 2024 – and one that likely won’t end well for the Broncos.
While you needn’t worry about Nix in normal redraft leagues, he does have value as a late first-round dynasty rookie selection – but don’t get your hopes up.
Redraft ranking:QB30 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):8th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.09-2.01
Fantasy stock up: Bo Nix Fantasy stock down: Zach Wilson, Jarrett Stidham
Anyone hoping Raiders tight end Michael Mayer was ready for a potential sophomore breakout will need to re-evaluate Mayer’s outlook after the Raiders spent their first-round pick on an even better tight end.
There’s a case to be made that Bowers is a more versatile pass-catcher and shouldn’t be viewed exclusively a tight end. Either way, he’s joining an offense that has strong receivers in Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers but serious questions at QB.
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
It’s a less than ideal landing spot for a promising talent like Bowers and may cap his fantasy projection in the early part of his NFL career, preventing him from challenging the top players at his position.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to crack the top-12 fantasy tight ends and Bowers still has a shot to do that.
Redraft ranking:TE12 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):4th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.05-1.08
Fantasy stock up: Gardner Minshew/Aidan O’Connell Fantasy stock down: Michael Mayer
The Jaguars needed to make a move to bolster their receiving corps following the departure of Calvin Ridley in free agency, and Thomas Jr. brings the exact kind of field-stretching, big-play ability that could take the offense to another level.
His size-speed combination will catch your eye initially, but there’s much more to be unlocked in Thomas Jr.’s game.
The 21-year-old will quickly become one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets, and he has the potential to be the long-term No. 1 option in the Jags’ passing attack if his skills continue to evolve.
Thomas Jr. has a legitimate chance to outproduce Odunze during their rookie seasons given their landing spots and target competition (and potentially even during their NFL careers). Consider Thomas Jr. a WR4/flex with a ton of upside this year.
Redraft ranking:WR41 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):5th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.08-1.10
Fantasy stock up: Trevor Lawrence, Brian Thomas Jr. Fantasy stock down: Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, Zay Jones, Parker Washington
The Chiefs moved up a handful of spots to make sure they came away with another receiver for Patrick Mahomes.
With a Rashee Rice suspension looming and Travis Kelce not getting any younger, Kansas City adds another speedster to join free-agent acquisition Marquise Brown.
Considering the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in a year in which their only real outside weapon was a rookie who came on late in the season, and considering they’ll now field a quality three-receiver set, it’s scary to think what’s in store for 2024.
Worthy’s blistering 40-yard dash time and new connection with Mahomes will likely mean he’ll be overvalued in Year 1, but there’s a realistic chance he becomes a meaningful part of K.C.’s offense. I’d rather have Odunze and Thomas Jr., but Worthy’s much closer to them in value now.
Redraft ranking:WR49 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):6th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.09-1.11
Fantasy stock up: Patrick Mahomes, Xavier Worthy Fantasy stock down: Marquise Brown
This seems like an odd investment for the 49ers on the surface – unless the rumors about trading either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel are true.
For the time being, we have to evaluate Pearsall with the current roster in mind, and that doesn’t leave him much room for fantasy stats. Aiyuk, Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle leave only scraps for the rest of the Niners’ skill position players and Pearsall isn’t talented enough to overtake them without an injury.
In fact, it may take two of those four stars being hurt in order for Pearsall to attain fantasy relevance as a rookie – unless a trade occurs.
That said, this draft capital and landing spot make Pearsall a much more intriguing asset in dynasty formats and could make him worthy of an early second-round pick.
Redraft ranking:WR83 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):9th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):1.12-2.04
Fantasy stock up: Ricky Pearsall (if 49ers trade a WR) Fantasy stock down: Jauan Jennings, Ronnie Bell
In the lead-up to the draft, Legette told reporters the Panthers promised to take him if he was available at the start of the second round.
Turns out they didn’t want to wait.
Carolina moved back into the first round to lock down Legette, a strong, fast wideout with reliable hands.
The need for help at receiver was evident with Adam Thielen turning 34 this summer and Jonathan Mingo failing to make his mark as a rookie. Legette will try to earn the No. 2 role alongside Diontae Johnson in an offense that has renewed hope thanks to the arrival of head coach Dave Canales.
Even so, fantasy managers should keep their expectations in check for Legette, a one-year college wonder who has a long way to go in his development.
Redraft ranking:WR65 Dynasty startup value (Superflex):9th-round pick Dynasty rookie value (Superflex):2.01-2.04
Fantasy stock up: Bryce Young Fantasy stock down: Jonathan Mingo, Adam Thielen
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.
“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”
Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.
The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.
Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.
“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”
Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.
“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”
The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.
“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”
Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.
“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.
Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.
The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.
The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.
Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.
Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan, recovered from a broken leg suffered in training at this summer’s Copa America, is back in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.
The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., underwent surgery July 3 to repair a fractured tibia in Texas.
Canada, ranked 35th in the world, plays No. 136 Suriname on Nov. 15 in Paramaribo. The second leg of the aggregate series is four days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.
There is also a return for veteran winger Junior Hoilett, who last played for Canada in June in a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in Marsch’s debut at the Canadian helm. The 34-year-old from Brampton, now with Scotland’s Hibernian, has 15 goals in 63 senior appearances for Canada.
Midfielder Ismael Kone, recovered from an ankle injury sustained on club duty with France’s Marseille, also returns. He missed Canada’s last three matches since the fourth-place Copa America loss to Uruguay in July.
But Canada will be without centre back Derek Cornelius, who exited Marseille’s win Sunday over Nantes on a stretcher after suffering an apparent rib injury.
The Canadian men will prepare for Suriname next week at a camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“We are looking forward to getting the group together again with the mindset that there is a trophy on the line,” Marsch said in a statement. “We want to end 2024 the right way with two excellent performances against a competitive Suriname squad and continue building on our tremendous growth this past summer.”
The quarterfinal winners advance to the Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., with the two semifinals scheduled for March 20 and the final and third-place playoff March 23, and qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Thirteen of the 23 players on the Canadian roster are 25 or younger, with 19-year-old defender Jamie Knight-Lebel, currently playing for England’s Crewe Alexandra on loan from Bristol City, the youngest.
Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies captains the side with Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston and Kamal Miller adding veteran support.
Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Theo Bair are joined in attack by Minnesota United’s Tani Oluwaseyi.
Niko Sigur, a 21-year-old midfielder with Croatia’s Hadjuk Split, continues in the squad after making his debut in the September friendly against Mexico.
Suriname made it to the Nations League quarterfinals by finishing second to Costa Rica in Group A of the Nations League, ahead of No. 104 Guatemala, No. 161 Guyana and unranked Martinique and Guadeloupe.
“A good team,” Osorio said of Suriname. “These games are always tricky and they’re not easy at all … Suriname is a (former) Dutch colony and they’ll have Dutch players playing at high levels.”
“They won’t be someone we overlook at all,” added the Toronto FC captain, who has 81 Canada caps to his credit.
Located on the northeast coast of South America between Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname was granted independence in 1975 by the Netherlands.
Canada has faced Suriname twice before, both in World Cup qualifying play, winning 4-0 in suburban Chicago in June 2021 and 2-1 in Mexico City in October 1977.
The Canadian men, along with Mexico, the United States and Panama, received a bye into the final eight of the CONCACAF Nations League.
Canada, No. 2 in the CONCACAF rankings, drew Suriname as the best-placed runner-up from League A play.
Canada lost to Jamaica in last year’s Nations League quarterfinal, ousted on the away-goals rule after the series ended in a 4-4 draw. The Canadians lost 2-0 to the U.S. in the final of the 2022-23 tournament and finished fifth in 2019-20.
Canada defeated Panama 2-1 last time out, in an Oct. 15 friendly in Toronto.
Goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau and Jonathan Sirois, defenders Joel Waterman, Laryea and Miller and Osorio took part in a pre-camp this week in Toronto for North America-based players.
Canada Roster
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Portland Timbers (MLS); Jonathan Sirois, CF Montreal (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United FC (MLS).
Defenders: Moise Bombito, OGC Nice (France); Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich (Germany); Richie Laryea, Toronto FC (MLS); Alistair Johnston, Celtic (Scotland); Jamie Knight-Lebel. Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Bristol City (England); Kamal Miller, Portland Timbers (MLS); Joel Waterman, CF Montreal (MLS).
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Tajon Buchanan, Inter Milan (Italy); Mathieu Choiniere, Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland); Stephen Eustaquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Junior Hoilett, Hibernian FC (Scotland); Ismael Kone, Olympique Marseille (France); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Jacob Shaffelburg, Nashville SC (MLS); Niko Sigur, Hadjuk Split (Croatia).
Forwards: Theo Bair, AJ Auxerre (France); Jonathan David, LOSC Lille (France); Cyle Larin, RCD Mallorca (Spain); Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United (MLS).
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
