Fantasy Football: Avoid These 5 Risky Draft Picks in 2024
ICARO Media Group
In the world of fantasy football, making smart draft decisions can make or break your team's success. As the 2024 season approaches, it's crucial to identify players who may not live up to expectations. Here are five players that fantasy managers should avoid in their drafts.
First on the list is Rachaad White, running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While White had a solid performance last season, finishing as the RB4 overall, there are concerns about his efficiency. Despite his impressive volume and health, White's rushing efficiency fell below average for the position. He struggled to move the chains and generate big plays, even on perfectly blocked plays.
Another player to be cautious of is Christian Kirk, wide receiver for an undisclosed team. Kirk's snap count has been decreasing for the past two years, making it unlikely that he will match his touchdown total from 2021. With diminishing playing time, Kirk's fantasy value is at risk of declining.
According to expert rankings, these five players are being drafted at least one round higher than they should be. Even if they fall slightly relative to their Average Draft Positions (ADPs), it is advisable to avoid drafting them.
For Rachaad White, though Leonard Fournette is no longer on the Buccaneers' roster, there is a new addition that could threaten his workload. The Buccaneers drafted Bucky Irving from Oregon in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, and early indications suggest that he could be the primary backup. If Irving demonstrates the efficiency he showed in college, he could potentially take over as the primary early-down back at some point in the season.
Head coach Todd Bowles recently praised Irving, highlighting his ability to make the first tackle miss, something that was lacking in the team's backfield last year. While White may still see playing time near the goal line and maintain his receiving role, there is a risk of decreased playing time for him.
A change in offensive coordinator also poses a potential challenge for White. With Liam Coen joining the Buccaneers, the focus of the offense may shift towards favoring wide receivers rather than relying heavily on running backs. This could further impact White's fantasy value.
Ultimately, volume is crucial for a running back's success in fantasy football. While White had ample opportunities last season, his lack of efficiency raises concerns about his ability to maintain that volume. While he possesses top-five potential, there's a risk that White may not retain his starting role for the Buccaneers for long.
As fantasy football managers prepare for their drafts in 2024, it's important to be cautious when considering these five players. While they may have the potential to perform, there are significant risks associated with each of them. Making informed decisions and considering alternatives is paramount to building a successful fantasy team.