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2024 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2 players deserve consideration at No. 1 before things get more interesting

Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) celebrates during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) celebrates during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 fantasy football season is bringing a sort of changing of the guards at the top of the draft, with Justin Jefferson taking a tumble from his No. 1 overall ADP of last season.

The biggest questions now is who should replace him as the top pick and how far he should slide with Kirk Cousins no longer throwing him the ball in Minnesota.

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The answer to the first question comes down to two players for me: Christian McCaffrey and CeeDee Lamb. Those two led all position players in fantasy points in PPR leagues last season, and I see no reason to believe either will take a step back this year. As for where Jefferson should go, he's still a first-round talent but I maybe have him lower than most in my first mock draft of the offseason.

Related: Fantasy football snake draft strategy

1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 28: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776080237 ORIG FILE ID: 1968779570
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 28: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776080237 ORIG FILE ID: 1968779570

I think McCaffrey has another big season left in him before we need to start questioning how much longer he can hold up as a lead back. Especially in this Kyle Shanahan system that features him and opens up so many opportunities for his versatility to shine through.

2. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 24: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a first down during the fourth quarter in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992486 ORIG FILE ID: 1880887994
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 24: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a first down during the fourth quarter in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992486 ORIG FILE ID: 1880887994

I seriously considered Lamb with the first pick because of the injury risk that comes with McCaffrey, so I wouldn't blame anyone who decides to go No. 1 with him. Either way, he should be THE focal point of Dallas' offense and again lead all fantasy receivers.

3. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 07: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 07: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Hill has been targeted 170 times for 119 catches and more than 1,700 yards in each of his two seasons in Miami. There's no reason to think he can't have that type of production a third year in Mike McDaniel's offense.

4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 28: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions reacts after catching a pass for a first down during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776080237 ORIG FILE ID: 1968689574

This is going to surprise some people who might have expected to see Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase as the next wide receiver off the board. But St. Brown was fantasy's WR3 last season, and his chemistry with Jared Goff makes me believe he can do it again. Especially as an intermediary threat who can rack up fast points in PPR leagues.

5. Breece Hall, New York Jets

Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

I don't think anyone stands to benefit more from Aaron Rodgers' return to the Jets than Breece Hall. Not even Garrett Wilson. Having a respectable passing game should open up so much for New York's running game. Not to mention Hall is a threat as a receiver too.

6. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Dec 10, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) catches a pass mover the middle during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) catches a pass mover the middle during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

The only reason Chase isn't higher is because Tee Higgins will eat into his target share just a little. Regardless, the fourth-year receiver is poised to have maybe his biggest year yet if Joe Burrow can stay on the field.

7. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 07: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 07, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) ?*** BESTPIX *** ORG XMIT: 775992515 ORIG FILE ID: 1915422690
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 07: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 07, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) ?*** BESTPIX *** ORG XMIT: 775992515 ORIG FILE ID: 1915422690

Still the best receiver in the NFL for my money, dropping Jefferson this low may very well end up as a massive mistake. I just can't shake the thought that the switch to Sam Darnold at quarterback negatively impacts his fantasy value.

8. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Nov 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown after a catch against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown after a catch against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson might be the fantasy RB1 if he didn't work in a timeshare with Tyler Allgeier. But even as he splits carries, he remains one of the league's most explosive backs and he'll rack up fantasy points as a ball-carrier and receiver with ease.

9. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates as he leaves the field Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Jenna Watson/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates as he leaves the field Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Jenna Watson/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK

Taylor has been impressive in his young career, but the best may still be to come for the 25-year-old. He's put up big numbers with average to below average quarterback play. Think about what he might do with a dynamic player like Anthony Richardson next to him.

10. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrates after they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneersat Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrates after they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneersat Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

No matter the weapons that surround Brown, his production has been consistent in Philly. Don't expect much of a drop-off from his 145-plus targets and 1,400-plus yards from the past two seasons.

11. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776171298 ORIG FILE ID: 2166099594
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776171298 ORIG FILE ID: 2166099594

Speaking of Philly's weapons, those are my only questions when it comes to Barkley's fantasy value. I have no doubt he'll be an incredible addition to the team, but how much will Jalen Hurts' rushing prowess eat into his touchdown share? How much will they utilize him as a receiver? These things could be the difference between a top-5 running back and top 10.

12. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Jul 27, 2024; Owings Mill , MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) after a drill during the afternoon session of training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center, Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-891784 ORIG FILE ID: 20240727_twg_gb3_033.JPG
Jul 27, 2024; Owings Mill , MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) after a drill during the afternoon session of training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center, Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-891784 ORIG FILE ID: 20240727_twg_gb3_033.JPG

The alternatives to Henry here are Puca Nakua and Garrett Wilson. Not that it matters much in a snake draft, but I'll take the running back now and grab one of the receivers with the next pick. Either way, I expect a big season for Henry in a Ravens offense that likes to pound the rock.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2024 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2 players deserve consideration at No. 1 before things get more interesting