Free is the best! There are only so many drafted players in fantasy football, and that often leaves free fliers waiting on waivers. Not only do some of those names become early-season pickups, but often they’re worth a late-round pick based on their potential if one or two things break right. Here are my top “free” (aka 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 things going for him. First, Sean Payton drafted him and sees a fit in his system (even if Nix was the last of the first-round quarterbacks). Second, and more importantly, Nix will run, and run near the goal line. Adding 300-400 yards and 3-5 touchdowns rushing is a significant boost. Back to the concern over Nix, it comes down to heavy first-read play calls and a shorter passing game, including ample screen work with running backs. Hmm, what is a major piece of Payton’s offense? I’m not ready to “forgive” Nix’s concerns just because of his fit and rushing upside, but I’ll take a flier in fantasy.
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Sam Darnold, MIN — Speaking of quarterbacks whose passing work I don’t love… Darnold doesn’t have the threat of losing the job to J.J. McCarthy anymore, and he will have Justin Jefferson as his No. 1 option, Jordan Addison at two, Aaron Jones out of the backfield and T.J. Hockenson, when he finally get through rehab on his knee. Let’s not forget Darnold likes to call his number near the goal line too. Let’s not also forget that this offense (Kevin O’Connell) helped Nick Mullens throw for 300+ yards in three of four starts. Darnold could be a mid-to-upper QB2 this year.
RUNNING BACK
Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG — While Devin Singletary could see bellcow work with Brian Daboll, he could also struggle to produce — as he has at times — and cede touches to Tracy. A dynamic running back with the ball, Tracy is a converted wide receiver with good vision and burst. Of course, he’s also 24 years old with a long college career, but Tracy could push for an Antonio Gibson-like role, or more.
Jordan Mason, SF — Mason is finally looking comfortable in the 49ers offense, including his improved pass blocking. Elijah Mitchell has injury questions, and there is 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 RB2 conversation as the lead — if given that chance. In fact, it’s the Shanahan offense, and Isaac Guerendo would be too if two of the three got hurt.
Dylan Laube, LV — We know Antonio Pierce’s plans to be run-heavy, and while we can be excited for Zamir White’s potential for 20 touches a game, there is the possibility that White struggles in 2024. Additionally, Laube has a better receiving profile, which opens the door for touches immediately, especially since the Raiders will likely struggle overall and lean into Gardner Minshew’s passing more than Pierce would like.
Samaje Perine, KC — Has been an RB2 as the lead in the past. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has off-field struggles, and he should be the next man up behind Pacheco with some weekly work. You’d be flying to the waiver wire if Pacheco were to get hurt.
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WIDE RECEIVER
Ja’Lynn Polk, NE — I’m not a fan of anything in the Patriots offense outside of Rhamondre Stevenson as a cheap RB2… unless… Drake Maye becomes the starting quarterback. Polk has the highest ceiling, especially with what Maye did with Josh Downs, Antoine Green and Devontez Walker at UNC (big plays). Polk averaged 16.9 and 16.8 YPR, respectively, the past two years in Washington’s spread offense, and Polk has the potential to turn 100 targets into a 60-900-5 stat line, but he’d need Maye at quarterback.
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Roman Wilson, PIT — Wilson would have been on a few of my teams if not for injury. Let’s not forget that Mike Tomlin had Wilson face 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 option — currently held by Van Jefferson. Once Wilson is 100% and up to NFL speed, don’t be surprised if he’s the second-best receiving option for the Steelers.
Jermaine Burton, CIN — Burton is a great talent who would have gone higher in the draft if not for “coachability” concerns. I believe Andrei Iosivas is the No. 3 option, but Burton profiles as a potential top-two NFL option with great downfield upside. If Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins misses time, Burton will impress… as long as he has his NFL head on straight.
Jalen McMillan, TB — McMillan knows how to find and exploit space in defenses. If not for his injury last season, I believe McMillan wouldn’t have been overlooked and possibly would have held off Polk as the No. 2 receiver in Washington. McMillan — similar to receivers like Tyler Lockett — just knows where to go, and like others, if either Mike Evans or Chris Godwin got hurt, McMillan would have WR4 value or more.
Greg Dortch, ARI — It’s surprising to see Dortch so low despite so much love from the fantasy community. Talent-to-talent, I think Michael Wilson has the edge, but it’s not a huge gap, and Kyler Murray has talked up Dortch and their rapport. Look, when a quarterback likes a guy, you can’t ignore it. Dortch has a tough road behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride and the backfield, but he’s worth a flier if he’s the No. 2 wideout for Murray.
TIGHT END
Jonnu Smith, MIA — Speaking of teams looking for someone to step up, I am a fan of stashing Miami rooke Malik Washington in deeper leagues. But if you’re looking for a potential breakout tight end, Smith is on the shortlist. Smith has some of the better big-play ability for tight ends, and while there isn’t loads of value as the No. 3 pass-catcher (fourth if you include the backfield), Tua Tagovailoa did lead the league in passing yards, and Smith was TE17 in FPPG while splitting the back-half of the position with Kyle Pitts in Atlanta.
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Ben Sinnott, WAS — We were spoiled at tight end last year, but there is a rookie or two I have my eye on this year and, after Brock Bowers, Sinnott is the one to watch. The Commanders have a bunch of wideouts competing for the No. 2 and 3 roles, and Zach Ertz is way past his best days. 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)
Jake Ciely is rankings: Fantasy Football, Fantasy Baseball, candy, movies, video games, cereal... anything! Truly, Jake is a ranking prodigy. Oh, he's also the senior fantasy writer for The Athletic, an award-winning analyst and loves DuckTales. Make sure you #CheckTheLink and #BanKickers ... woo-oo! Follow Jake on Twitter @allinkid
