Fantasy Football: What’s next for the biggest disappointments from the 2024 NFL rookie class?
The NFL rookie class of 2024 brought with it a wave of excitement and anticipation. From high-profile draft picks to under-the-radar players, fantasy football managers were eagerly eyeing new talent to bolster their squads. But as the season unfolded, some of the most hyped rookies failed to live up to expectations, leaving fantasy owners frustrated and wondering what went wrong.
Fantasy football is a game of unpredictability, but certain players seemed poised for breakout performances, only to struggle or fail to meet their potential. Whether it was injuries, lack of opportunity, or just a slow adjustment to the speed of the NFL, these players quickly became the biggest disappointments of the 2024 rookie class.
In this article, we will look at some of the biggest rookie disappointments from the 2024 NFL season, analyze their struggles, and discuss what their future might look like from a fantasy football perspective. Will they bounce back in 2025, or are their fantasy careers already doomed? Let’s take a deep dive into their situations and what fantasy managers should expect moving forward.
1. Brock Hardy – QB, New York Jets
The Excitement:
Brock Hardy, the highly touted quarterback out of Michigan, was expected to bring stability to the New York Jets’ quarterback room in 2024. Coming off an impressive college career, Hardy was considered a potential franchise quarterback with his big arm, mobility, and ability to make all the throws. His fantasy value was tied to the possibility of him becoming an immediate starter, leading a Jets offense that was already loaded with young talent.
The Disappointment:
Hardy’s rookie season didn’t go as planned. Despite entering camp with high expectations, the Jets’ offense never seemed to gel under his leadership. Hardy struggled with turnovers, consistency, and adapting to the speed of the NFL. His decision-making was questionable at times, and his inability to establish any rhythm in the passing game led to a series of uninspiring performances.
For fantasy football managers, Hardy was expected to provide QB2 value at the very least, with the potential for upside if he could form a connection with wide receiver Garrett Wilson and tight end C.J. Uzomah. Instead, Hardy’s struggles under center led to a lack of meaningful fantasy production. He finished the season with low yardage totals, few touchdowns, and several turnovers, leaving fantasy managers who took a chance on him with nothing to show for it.
What’s Next:
Going into 2025, Hardy’s fantasy outlook is still uncertain. The Jets are likely to continue evaluating him in the offseason, but with questions surrounding his development and his ability to lead the offense, Hardy’s fantasy value is low. Fantasy owners should be cautious with him moving forward, especially if he is in a competition for the starting role. For now, Hardy remains a player to watch, but not a priority for fantasy drafts in 2025 unless there is significant improvement.
2. Darnell McKinnon – RB, Atlanta Falcons
The Excitement:
Darnell McKinnon was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft with high hopes. Coming from a small school, McKinnon’s college tape showed incredible speed, agility, and a nose for the end zone. The Falcons, who were rebuilding their offense around running the ball, were seen as a perfect fit for McKinnon’s skillset. He was expected to form a dynamic backfield duo with second-year star Bijan Robinson and contribute as both a runner and a pass catcher.
The Disappointment:
McKinnon’s rookie season did not unfold as expected. While Robinson continued to thrive as the centerpiece of the Falcons’ offense, McKinnon struggled to carve out a significant role. Injuries played a part in his lack of production, but even when he was on the field, McKinnon found himself relegated to a secondary role. The coaching staff seemed reluctant to give him meaningful touches, and McKinnon’s fantasy production was limited as a result. He failed to find the end zone in key matchups and was often overshadowed by Robinson’s dominance.
Fantasy owners who took a chance on McKinnon as a potential handcuff to Robinson or as a change-of-pace back were disappointed to see him on the sidelines more than they would have liked. His limited usage in both the running and passing game made him a non-factor for fantasy purposes.
What’s Next:
McKinnon’s 2025 outlook is complicated. With Robinson firmly entrenched as the starter, McKinnon will need to prove himself in the offseason to earn a more significant role in the offense. The Falcons’ coaching staff may continue to prioritize a run-heavy approach, but unless McKinnon takes a major step forward in his development or secures a larger role, he will likely remain an afterthought in fantasy leagues. He may be worth keeping an eye on for potential breakout opportunities, but fantasy managers should not expect McKinnon to be a reliable contributor anytime soon.
3. Tyrese Allen – WR, Cleveland Browns
The Excitement:
Tyrese Allen, a highly athletic and polished wide receiver out of Ohio State, was expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL. As one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 draft, Allen’s combination of speed, route running, and hands made him a favorite among fantasy football enthusiasts. Given the Cleveland Browns’ need for a reliable receiving target opposite Amari Cooper, many expected Allen to step in and be a significant contributor from Day 1.
The Disappointment:
Unfortunately for Allen, his rookie season was underwhelming. The Browns’ passing game struggled as Deshaun Watson continued to find his rhythm in Cleveland’s offense. Despite being the focal point of the receiving corps, Allen failed to consistently produce big plays. His route running and timing with Watson weren’t up to par, and Allen often found himself battling for targets with tight end David Njoku and running back Nick Chubb. As a result, Allen’s fantasy numbers were inconsistent, and he rarely posted more than a few catches or yards in any given game.
Fantasy owners who invested in Allen expected him to deliver WR3 or flex value at the very least, but he frequently disappointed, failing to provide any significant fantasy returns. For those who drafted him in the hopes of seeing rookie-year production similar to what other top wideouts had shown in previous seasons, Allen’s slow start was frustrating.
What’s Next:
The 2025 season could be a make-or-break year for Allen. If Watson continues to develop chemistry with his weapons and the Browns’ offense becomes more dynamic, Allen could see an increase in targets and, in turn, fantasy value. However, if the Browns continue to struggle offensively, Allen may find himself buried in a crowded receiving corps. For now, he is a wait-and-see option for fantasy managers, with potential upside if he can develop into the clear No. 2 target in Cleveland’s passing game. Owners should monitor his offseason development closely before drafting him in 2025.
4. Jalen Davis – TE, Denver Broncos
The Excitement:
Jalen Davis was one of the most intriguing tight end prospects of the 2024 draft. Known for his athleticism, size, and ability to stretch the field, Davis had the potential to be a breakout player in a Denver Broncos offense that needed more playmakers. With Russell Wilson at quarterback and a need for a reliable tight end target, Davis was seen as a player who could provide both blocking and receiving value.
The Disappointment:
Davis’s rookie season was marred by inconsistency and a lack of involvement in the Broncos’ offense. Despite being touted as a potential weapon in the passing game, Davis was often used as a blocker rather than a downfield threat. Wilson frequently targeted veteran tight end Greg Dulcich, and the Broncos’ offense was largely stagnant, making it difficult for any tight end to find a rhythm. Davis’s lack of opportunity in both the run and pass game made him a major disappointment for fantasy owners who hoped to see him develop into a reliable fantasy asset.
What’s Next:
For fantasy owners, Davis’s outlook heading into 2025 is bleak. The Broncos’ offense needs to take significant steps forward, and Davis will need to prove that he can earn a larger role in the passing game to become a viable fantasy option. With Dulcich entrenched as the starting tight end and Denver continuing to prioritize other playmakers, Davis may be relegated to a depth role once again. Fantasy managers should consider him a sleeper at best, but it’s difficult to rely on Davis for consistent fantasy production moving forward.
5. Isaiah Washington – WR, Washington Commanders
The Excitement:
Isaiah Washington, a dynamic wide receiver out of LSU, entered the 2024 NFL draft as one of the top wideout prospects. Known for his speed, route running, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Washington was expected to provide a spark in the Washington Commanders’ passing attack. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson already on the roster, Washington was seen as a potential No. 3 option who could stretch the field and provide big plays.
The Disappointment:
Washington’s rookie season was lackluster at best. Despite his potential, he struggled to gain consistent separation from defenders and was often a non-factor in the passing game. Quarterback Sam Howell’s inconsistent play didn’t help matters, as Washington often found himself not even a part of the game plan. While McLaurin and Dotson remained the focal points of the offense, Washington couldn’t carve out a meaningful role. As a result, his fantasy production was minimal, and his inability to get involved made him a frustrating pick for fantasy owners who thought he could contribute as a flex or WR3 option.
What’s Next:
Washington’s fantasy outlook in 2025 hinges on the development of Howell and his role in Washington’s offense. If Howell takes a step forward and the offense becomes more efficient, Washington could still develop into a deep threat. However, as long as McLaurin and Dotson remain the primary targets, Washington’s fantasy value will remain limited. He’s a low-risk, high-reward pick for fantasy managers in deep leagues, but he’s not someone to rely on for consistent production.
