Trusting rookies in your fantasy football lineups can be a risky proposition. The hype is always there on draft day, but for so many youngsters, the transition from college to the pros can be a daunting task. For every Puka Nacua or Alvin Kamara, there are countless disappointments like Kevin White and Kerryon Johnson. 

But when Brian Thomas Jr. lit up a decent, yet deteriorating, Jets secondary Sunday for 105 yards and two touchdowns, we were forced to turn our attention to the top rookies from 2024 and figure out who is going to be worth drafting, or possibly keeping, for next season. 

Thomas is an easy place to start, as he leads all rookie receivers in fantasy points this season. Even on a bad team with an underperforming Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, Thomas managed to shine bright. And to show how special he has been, he didn’t miss a beat when the Jaguars had to switch to Mac Jones. One would have to assume the team will fix some of its offensive issues for next year, making Thomas a top pick at his position. 

The list of standout rookie receivers we will be watching next season also includes Malik Nabers and Ladd McConkey. Both are in the top 15 for fantasy points among all receivers, and both will be featured in their offenses next season. Rome Odunze and Xavier Worthy might draw some attention as well, but their draft cost in 2025 should be significantly cheaper than the other three. 

At the running back position, heads will likely turn for Bucky Irving, maybe some for Tyrone Tracy Jr., too. But the rest of this season’s RB class was relegated to backup duty with limited opportunities. Ray Davis, Blake Corum and Trey Benson might eventually get their turn, but for those drafting next season, the group will land in the middle rounds, at best. 

Where we might see fantasy managers start reaching for sophomore hopefuls next year is at quarterback. Jayden Daniels has had an amazing rookie season, Bo Nix is giving him a run for his money for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Caleb Williams has shown week-to-week growth potential that will have some people drafting them within the top 10 QBs. None will approach the ADP of quarterbacks like Josh Allen or Jalen Hurts, but maybe somewhere around Joe Burrow seems likely. 

We also have some people already asking if Brock Bowers will be a first-round pick next year. If elite tight ends are your thing, he’s probably at the top of your list. It is tough to put your trust into any tight end with a first-round pick after what we witnessed this past season, but someone will bite. As talented as Bowers is, be careful it’s not you. 

As the season winds down, we’ll see more and more from the rookie class of 2024. Many are auditioning for roles next year, and we could see a few surprises down the stretch. Just remember, draft day value is important, and there will be a new class of shiny, new fantasy toys in 2025. Rookies are fun, but not all of them pan out. 

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Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football news and advice.