Rookies are often overlooked in fantasy football, especially in redraft leagues. Learning which five rookie wide receivers to stash on your bench instead of veterans who have peaked is just another way to help you finish at the top of your league.
Five Rookie Wide Receivers to Draft in 2024 Fantasy Football
Brian Thomas Jr – Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas is great value for the middle rounds in fantasy football drafts. Those who favor the PPR style are going to love Thomas. Thomas slots in as the WR1 for the Jags after Trevor Lawrence’s top target from a year ago, Calvin Ridley, signed with the Tennessee Titans. Thomas will instantly become the go-to guy for Trevor Lawrence, especially when the other big-name receivers in the room are Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. Brian Thomas Jr. provides great value as a WR1.
Keon Coleman – Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman is one of the players everyone should be circling on their draft boards right now. Much like Brian Thomas Jr, Coleman is filling the shoes of a high-profile veteran who left in the offseason (Stefon Diggs). Coleman immediately slots into the Bills’ lineup as a WR1 leaping over Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir. Josh Allen knows Coleman is his most talented target, and the veteran quarterback will improve their chemistry. Coleman is a must-draft in all leagues.
Ladd McConkey – Los Angeles Chargers
Ladd McConkey has big shoes to fill after the Chargers traded Keenan Allen in the offseason to clear salary cap space. Los Angeles though, doesn’t have much in the way of receivers. Joshua Palmer had his 2023 season derailed by injuries, and Quentin Johnston couldn’t catch a cold even if he wanted to. The writing is on the wall for Ladd McConkey to immediately get WR2 targets from Justin Herbert with there being a lot of potential to slide into the WR1 role.
Rome Odunze – Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze may seem like an obvious choice to include here, but he needs to be mentioned. He’s further down on the list because of the talent in the Bears receiving room. DJ Moore and Keenan Allen are both talented receivers, but it all depends on who develops the best chemistry with Caleb Williams. Moore and Allen could also take the pressure away and allow Odunze to gain separation downfield or be left one-on-one. Odunze is a solid choice to have on your bench especially if Keenan Allen’s track record of injuries continues.
Roman Wilson – Pittsburgh Steelers
Roman Wilson is going to make an impact on the Steelers’ offense right away. While he’s more of a slot receiver, he has the potential to possibly thrive on the outside. Arthur Smith loves to use motion in his offense, an aspect that allows Wilson to thrive. Defenses are going to focus on containing George Pickens, especially with Diontae Johnson not on the other side. Roman Wilson is a comfortable WR2 who can be a flex option or WR3 in a deeper league (if the Steelers trade for Aiyuk, Wilson’s value drops significantly).
Getting ahold of these five rookie wide receivers will help win your leagues moving forward. Stash these players on your bench and wait for them to break out!
