Free is best! There are only a limited number of drafted players in fantasy football, and that often leaves free flyers waiting on waivers. Some of these names not only become early season picks, but are often worth a late draft selection due to their potential if one or two things go right. Here are my top “free” (i.e. undrafted) fantasy football players (pick 181+) for 2024.
QUARTERBACK
Bo Nix, DEN — While I’m not a huge fan of his passing profile, Nix has two big advantages. First, Sean Payton drafted him and sees him as a good fit in his system (even though Nix was the last of the first-round quarterbacks). Second, and more importantly, Nix will run, and he will run near the goal line. 300-400 yards and 3-5 touchdowns added in the running game is a significant improvement. Back to the concerns about Nix: It comes down to a lot of first-read play calls and a shorter passing game, including plenty of screen work with running backs. Hmm, what’s a key part of Payton’s offense? I’m not willing to “forgive” Nix’s concerns just because of his fitness and running potential, but I’ll give it a try in fantasy fashion.
Sam Darnold, MIN — Speaking of quarterbacks whose passing game I don’t like… Darnold no longer has to worry about losing his job to JJ McCarthy, and he’ll have Justin Jefferson as his first option, Jordan Addison at second, Aaron Jones out of the backfield, and TJ Hockenson when he’s finally done rehabbing his knee. Let’s not forget that Darnold also likes to call his number near the goal line. And let’s not forget that this offense (Kevin O’Connell) has helped Nick Mullens throw for over 300 yards in three of four starts. Darnold could be a middling-to-upper QB2 this year.
Run back
Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG — While Devin Singletary could see Bellcow working with Brian Daboll, he could also struggle to get results — as he has at times — and leave the ball to Tracy. Tracy is a dynamic running back with the ball and a converted wide receiver with good vision and toughness. Of course, he’s also 24 years old and has had a long college career, but Tracy could push for an Antonio Gibson-like role or more.
Jordan Mason, SF — Mason is finally comfortable in the 49ers offense, thanks in part to his improved pass blocking. Elijah Mitchell has struggled with injuries, and there’s no guarantee Mitchell will be the backup plan behind Christian McCaffrey in 2024. Even if Mitchell starts as that option, he rarely lasts more than a few games, and Mason would be in the conversation for the RB2 frontrunner — if he got that chance. In fact, it’s the Shanahan offense, and Isaac Guerendo would be too if two of the three got injured.
Dylan Laube, LV – We know Antonio Pierce plans to run a lot, and while we can get excited about Zamir White’s potential to get 20 touches per game, there’s a chance White could struggle in 2024. Additionally, Laube has a better passing game, which will give him more touches right away, especially since the Raiders will likely struggle overall and rely on Gardner Minshew’s passing more than Pierce would like.
Carson Steele, KC — Aside from the preseason, there has been talk of Steele and Deneric Prince battling for the backup role behind Isiah Pacheco. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has off-the-field issues, and if Steele (or Prince) is the next man up behind Pacheco, they would be placed on the waivers list if Pacheco were to get injured.
WIDE RECEIVER
Ja’Lynn Polk, NE — I’m not a fan of anything on the Patriots offense other than Rhamondre Stevenson as a cheap RB2… unless… Drake Maye becomes starting quarterback. Polk has the highest potential, especially after what Maye did with Josh Downs, Antoine Green and Devontez Walker at UNC (big plays). Polk averaged 16.9 and 16.8 YPR in Washington’s spread offense the last two years, respectively, and has the potential to go 60-900-5 from 100 targets, but he would need Maye at quarterback.
Roman Wilson, PIT — Wilson would have been on some of my teams if he hadn’t gotten injured. Let’s not forget that Mike Tomlin matched Wilson up against Quinyon Mitchell in Senior Bowl practice because 1.) Wilson was beating everyone else and 2.) Tomlin wanted to test him. Then Tomlin drafted Wilson and the Steelers are still struggling to find a No. 2 pick – currently Van Jefferson holds it. Once Wilson is 100% and at NFL level, don’t be surprised if he’s the Steelers’ second-best option.
Jermaine Burton, CIN — Burton is a big-time talent who would have been listed higher in the draft if it weren’t for concerns about his “coachability.” I believe Andrei Iosivas is No. 3, but Burton has the profile of a potential top-2 NFL option with great potential downside. If Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins are out, Burton will impress… as long as he keeps his NFL head on straight.
Jalen McMillan, TB — McMillan knows how to find space on defense and exploit it. Had he not been injured last season, I don’t think McMillan would have been overlooked and might have kept Polk at bay as Washington’s No. 2 receiver. McMillan — much like receivers like Tyler Lockett — just knows where to go, and like others, if Mike Evans or Chris Godwin were to get injured, McMillan would have WR4 value or more.
Greg Dortch, ARI — It’s surprising that Dortch is rated so poorly despite the love he gets from the fantasy community. I think Michael Wilson has the edge compared to the other talent, but the gap isn’t huge, and Kyler Murray has spoken highly of Dortch and their good rapport. When a quarterback likes a guy, you can’t ignore that. Dortch has a tough road behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and the backfield, but if he’s the No. 2 wide receiver for Murray, he’s worth a shot.
TIGHT END
Jonnu Smith, MIA — Speaking of teams looking for someone who can step up, I’m a fan of stashing Miami rookie Malik Washington in deeper leagues. But if you’re looking for a potential breakout tight end, Smith is on the short list. Smith has some of the better big-play skills for tight ends, and while he’s not worth much as a third pass catcher (fourth if you include the backfield), Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards, and Smith was TE17 in FPPG while sharing the back half of the position with Kyle Pitts in Atlanta.
Ben Sinnott, WHAT — Last year we got spoiled at tight end, but this year I’m keeping an eye on one or two rookies, and after Brock Bowers, Sinnott is the one to watch. The Commanders have a ton of wideouts competing for the No. 2 and 3 positions, and Zach Ertz is way past his prime. Sinnott has great hands and good speed and has the potential to be the Commanders version of Jake Ferguson.
(Top photo of Jermaine Burton: Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
