We explore the future of the biggest letdowns from the 2024 NFL rookie class and what it means for fantasy football
Chicago: If you’re new to fantasy football, you might not know that rookies used to take time to develop. Nowadays, we expect them to shine right away. It’s like every year, there’s a new star rookie who’s supposed to change the game.
But it wasn’t always like this. There was a time when we were okay with rookies taking a few years to get going. We were a bit naive, thinking every young player would just come in and dominate.
Back then, fantasy analysts didn’t feel the same pressure to have hot takes on every rookie. It was a simpler time. Now, if a rookie doesn’t perform well right away, fans start to panic.
Take Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Arizona Cardinals. He had a decent first season with 62 catches and 885 yards, but it wasn’t the breakout everyone hoped for. Fifteen years ago, we might have been more patient with his progress.
He didn’t separate from defenders as well as expected, and his team didn’t set him up for easy catches. If he can improve his contested catches, he might be a solid pick next season, but he won’t be the first receiver off the board.
Then there’s Rome Odunze from the Chicago Bears. He didn’t have the same target volume as Harrison, sharing the field with veterans like Keenan Allen. He still managed 54 catches and a couple of 100-yard games, but it was a mixed bag.
Odunze struggled to connect with his quarterback, especially on deep throws. But with Allen likely leaving, Odunze could see more opportunities next season. Plus, the Bears just hired a new offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, who has a great track record.
And let’s not forget Caleb Williams, also from the Bears. He had a rough first year, but he’s got the skills to improve. He needs to work on his deep throws and get better protection from his offensive line.
Williams showed he can run, too, racking up nearly 500 yards on the ground. If he can fix his accuracy issues and get some help from the front office, he could be a breakout star in the making.