Dynasty News, August 5, 2024

Photo: USA Today Sports

This summer, we will examine the dynasty news through the lens of the three key aspects for dynasty managers: talent, value, and opportunity.

Identifying the correct talent level is the first order of business. Understanding the appropriate level of talent determines whether it is pursuing a correct valuation and comprehension of the opportunity.

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It takes success in all three areas to be a successful dynasty manager. In today’s  “Dynasty News,” we will examine the wide receivers drafted in the first two days of this year’s NFL Draft and their relative impact on dynasty teams.

1.04 Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona

Harrison has the pedigree and expectations to build the hopes of dynasty managers. He is the lone viable wideout in Arizona and will only compete with Trey McBride for targets. The Cardinals wanted a receiver to build around, and they have it in Harrison. He is a player who has a bright future in the NFL and dynasty.

1.06 Malik Nabers, NY Giants

Nabors has been excelling in training camp and might bypass Harrison as the top-ranked rookie receiver by the time the holidays roll around. He brings a lethal combination of size, speed, and big plays after the catch. The Giants chose Nabors over a few of the first-round quarterbacks, so they are invested in him long term. Like the Cardinals, the Giants have little talent at receiver to help keep defenses honest. New York will likely have a new passer in 2025. He is a player to target before word gets out of his domination in camp. There is a legitimate chance that Nabors is a top-three-ranked dynasty receiver this time next year.

1.09 Rome Odunze, Chicago

While many may see Odunze’s rookie year as a learning opportunity behind two veterans. He undoubtedly has the most competition for targets of anyone on this list, with Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore already on the roster. However, Allen is only under contract for 2024, and his presence should be seen as aiding the development of quarterback Caleb Williams. While expectations are low this season, dynasty managers should see Odunze as a dynasty buy. This was an expensive pick for the Bears, so dynasty managers should be patient. Odunze is a bigger receiver (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) who runs great routes.

1.23 Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville

Thomas was the second LSU receiver drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Jaguars changed up their receiver room in the offseason as Calvin Ridley departed, Gabe Davis arrived via free agency, and Thomas was selected in the draft.  The team still has Christian Kirk, who is expected to lead the receivers in targets. Thomas brings a great size-speed ability but will need time to develop. He is rawer than most dynasty managers want to believe. Yes, Thomas has the potential to be a great dynasty starter for years, but it may take a couple of years for Thomas to reach his full potential. With Kirk and Davis at receiver and Evan Engram at tight end hogging targets, Thomas will not be targeted often as a rookie, especially early in the season.

1.28 Xavier Worthy, Kansas City

The Chiefs were purposeful in adding speed at the receiver position with Worthy and free-agent Marquise Brown. Worthy has been able to get deep with regularity in training camp, something that should excite dynasty managers. The concern for the speedy rookie is his size – specifically his weight – as Worthy weighs a mere 172 pounds. This draft pick was an attempt by Kansas City to replace Tyreek Hill’s impact on defenses. Worthy is a solid dynasty rookie pick, as he is paired with an elite quarterback in an elite offense. The Chiefs have Worthy, Rice, and Rashee Rice to complement tight end Travis Kelce.

1.31 Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco

Pearsall was a surprising pick for most dynasty managers. So much so that his dynasty value has not accounted for the draft capital. With the tenuous contract situations of both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, Piersall brings speculative value that one of the two will not be back with the 49ers in 2025. He is a possession, over-the-middle receiver who will add depth to the receiver room but will not make a dynasty impact until or unless either Aiyuk or Samuel is traded.

1.32 Xavier Legette, Carolina

Legette is a high-upside receiver in the Carolina offense. He is raw but can develop into a dynasty starter. Veteran Diontae Johnson (acquired via trade) and Adam Thielen will reduce the dependence on Legette. He is a huge (6-foot-3 and 227 pounds) specimen who will add an after-the-catch aspect the other two lack. Quarterback Bryce Young now has a cache of weapons, especially compared to his rookie season. Legette is a risky first-round rookie pick but has big-time upside. Dynasty managers must understand that Legette is tied to Young for the duration of his rookie contract, so an acquisition of the rookie must be seen as dependent on the quarterback and the offense as a whole. Legette only had one great collegiate season, so his NFL ability is more of a projection than that of others on this list. However, he may have the most physical ability in the group as well.