Scott Engel is in his 13th year as the official Fantasy Football writer and analyst for Seahawks.com. He is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. Scott is a four-time FSWA award winner and a 13-time nominee. You can find more of his fantasy football analysis and fantasy football rankings at RotoBaller.com.
Seahawks Insiders Podcast: Fantasy Football Primer For 2024 – John Boyle and Scott Engel deliver a rapid-fire fantasy football season preview. Listen now before you draft!
Some fantasy football players obsessively prepare for their drafts. They tackle the pre-draft process as if they are operating as a fantasy version of John Schneider and Mike Macdonald in one role. Draft preparation for the intense fantasy leaguer is intensive and includes requisite exhaustive research and practices in the form of mock drafts.
Not everyone who plays fantasy football has the time to devote to heavy pre-draft planning. At this point of the preseason, it is crunch time for many fantasy players who will draft in the final days leading up to the first NFL game of 2024. As the season rapidly approaches, fantasy analysts like me often hear from people who are looking for an express rundown of players to target just before their drafts.
For those needing a quick guide to executing a solid plan with not much time remaining before drafting, we have provided a winning map here. I highlight my favorite picks in every round, based on Average Draft Position reports in Point Per Reception (PPR) formats from FantasyPros.com. Experienced players can also use the listing of preferred picks to help them make tough calls while the draft is progressing.
Our rundown of 2024 Fantasy Football Sleepers is another essential feature that fantasy players often seek out with time slipping away before the draft starts.
PRO TIPS: Well-prepared drafters don't rigidly adhere to the practice of targeting certain positions in a set order. But if you don't have much time to get ready for a draft or are participating in a league for the first time, follow this loosely recommended approach.
Draft one starting running back and wide receiver in the first two rounds, and then repeat the pattern in the third and fourth rounds. You should come out of the first two rounds with two RBs and two WRs, and then take a third WR in the fifth round if three starters are required.
Don't wait until after the sixth round to draft a starting TE, as that position is thinner than any other. If one flex player is required, aim for the best WR or RB in the seventh round, Good starting QBs are still available by the eighth round. I have mapped out 16 rounds of picks here, and in that size of league, you should load up on the best reserve RBs and WRs in rounds nine through 12, and then take a backup QB and TE. Defenses and kickers should strictly be left for the final two picks.
2024 Fantasy Football Draft Guide: Fantasy Insider Best Picks in Every Round
Round One
Tyreek Hill (Average Draft Position of No. 2 overall) – He has finished as a top 2 fantasy wide receiver in three of the past four seasons.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (ADP of 6 overall) – A very safe high statistical floor pick in the middle of the first round
Garrett Wilson (12) – I prefer to get one of the top 8 WRs in the first round, as they are the most ideal No. 1 picks at the position. Wilson may be drafted anywhere from the sixth to 10th slot in many drafts. In close calls in the first round, lean to WRs over RBs, because you have to start three in many leagues, and durability might be less of a concern.
Round Two
Jahmyr Gibbs (13) – The second-year Lions RB is an efficient dual threat who can score from anywhere on the field. He is a prime fantasy draft target at the beginning of the second round.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (16) – A special talent who might be a significantly impactful fantasy WR right away.
Derrick Henry (17) – The former Titans superstar will be playing in the best offensive environment of his career. Opposing defenses can no longer key on Henry with Baltimore, and he keeps himself in terrific shape, so don't be overly concerned about the age 30 tag.
Round Three
Nico Collins (27) – Houston brought in Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell has weekly upside. Collins, however, is a top target for C.J. Stroud, who may take another leap forward as an NFL passer in his second pro season.
Josh Jacobs (28) – The former Raider was a first-team All-Pro just two years ago. Jacobs will now be the featured back and a main TD producer for a fast-rising Green Bay offense.
Mike Evans (33) – The age of 31 doesn't quite signal the beginning of a decline for a WR just yet. I will gladly take Evans as the 15th WR off the board late in the third round.
Round Four
Joe Mixon (38) – He is a solid pick in the RB15 range, as indicated by the ADPs. Mixon should be a regular TD option to finish off scoring drives for the exciting Houston offense.
DK Metcalf (42) – The Seahawks' star WR may be on the verge of a very productive fantasy campaign. He averaged a career-high 16.9 yards per reception last year, and we saw the promise of his role in the new Ryan Grubb offense with a 21-yard TD catch in the preseason finale.
Kenneth Walker III (43) – The ADP reports mark Walker as the 17th RB off the board. He could be taken higher in some drafts. The 23-year-old Seahawks RB is a higher-end No. 2 starter target, and finishing as a fantasy RB1 is a possibility. The fourth round is the obvious one when you should aim for Metcalf and Walker, as they can outperform some preseason expectations in the Grubb-directed attack.
Trey McBride (48) – I prefer to land one of the top 5 tight ends if possible. McBride can be drafted 27 spots after Travis Kelce and 18 picks after Sam LaPorta, marking him as a pretty good value at the end of the fourth round.
Round Five
Malik Nabers (50) – Some NFL draft analysts believed the Giants rookie WR may have been the best player at his position in this year's class. He will see a lot of targets while operating as an authentic No. 1 receiving threat for "Big Blue."
Dalton Kincaid (51) – The Buffalo TE is projected to emerge as the top pass-catcher for Josh Allen.
Tee Higgins (60) – Expect a rebound season from Higgins now that he and Joe Burrow are heading into the season in better health.
Round Six
Kyle Pitts (63) – He and Evan Engram, who follows right behind Pitts in the ADP report, represent my sixth and seventh ranked TEs. If you can't land one of the top 5 players at the position, Pitts and Engram are viable alternatives, but I wouldn't wait any longer than this round to address the starting TE need. By taking one of the top 5-7 TEs, you are opting for a projected steadier play at a top-heavy fantasy position.
Zamir White (67) – in his first full season as a regular starter, this power back with deceptive quickness is a quality RB2 target.
Kyler Murray (71) – In some drafts, Murray is one of the top 10 QBs who will drop to the seventh or eighth round. You don't have to jump for an elite QB in the earlier rounds when good starters will still be available after the fifth round.
Round Seven
Terry McLaurin (73) – A good value here with Jayden Daniels expected to boost the Washington passing game.
Calvin Ridley (77) – Should be quite productive after a full comeback season in 2023.
Javonte Williams (81) – One of my favorite RB value targets. The drumbeat for a strong 2024 campaign from Williams has grown louder in the preseason.
Round Eight
Brian Robinson Jr. (88) – This is a satisfactory RB3 pick for respectable fantasy output, as Robinson leads the Washington backfield as a ball carrier.
Devin Singletary (92) – He is a certain projected No. 1 RB for his team. Singletary often drops to the ninth or 10th round, where you just cannot resist taking a clear NFL starter at RB.
Round Nine
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (98) – The second-year Seahawk drew the increased favor of fantasy players with a strong outing in the preseason finale. He may be picked earlier than this round in some late preseason fantasy drafts.
Ladd McConkey (101) – This Chargers rookie might quickly emerge as a dependable pass-catcher for Justin Herbert.
Round 10
Gus Edwards (110) – The former Raven may be a heavily utilized RB for the Chargers. Los Angeles is expected to lean on their running game as an offensive engine.
Jameson Willians (118) – I am looking for a breakout season from Williams as he seizes the opportunity to sew up the No. 2 WR job in Detroit.
Round 11
Khalil Shakir (131) – If the Buffalo WR is still available by this round, take the shot on him to potentially be a more frequent playmaker for the Bills.
Round 12
Jerry Jeudy (141) – The new Browns WR will have a chance to wrap up the No. 2 job, and he is a possible bargain pick by this round.
Round 13
Mike Williams (147) – in his first year with the Jets, Williams will be able to supply some spike weeks when healthy.
Round 14
Jaylen Wright (163) – If the first-year Dolphins RB is pressed into starting duty at any point, he can be a nifty upside play.
Rounds 15 and 16
This is where you get the kicker and defense. Remember not to draft defenses based on overall rankings. The Jets might be the only unit that can be started almost every week throughout the season. Instead, look for the teams with the most friendly early-season matchups, as most fantasy players stream defenses throughout the year.
The Seahawks defense is a prime target for Weeks 1 and 2, with opening matchups against the Broncos and Patriots. The defensive line and secondary are deep, and the unit might come out of the gate with two good fantasy performances.
Check out the Seahawks initial 53-man roster heading into the 2024 season.
This is a 2024 photo of Tyrel Dodson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0)
This is a 2024 photo of Rayshawn Jenkins of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2)
This is a 2023 photo of Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4)
This is a 2023 photo of Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5)
This is a 2024 photo of Sam Howell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6)
This is a 2023 photo of Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7)
This is a 2024 photo of Coby Bryant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8)
This is a 2024 photo of Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9)
This is a 2023 photo of Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10)
This is a 2024 photo of Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11)
This is a 2024 photo of DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14)
This is a 2024 photo of Tyler Lockett of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16)
This is a 2024 photo of Jerome Baker of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker (17)
This is a 2024 photo of Jake Bobo of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks rookie receiver Jake Bobo makes his first touchdown catch on a pass from Geno Smith in the fourth quarter.
This is a 2024 photo of Julian Love of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20)
This is a 2023 photo of Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21)
This is a 2024 photo of Tre Brown of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22)
This is a 2024 photo of KíVon Wallace of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks strong safety K'Von Wallace (24)
This is a 2024 photo of Kenny McIntosh of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25)
This is a 2024 photo of Zach Charbonnet of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26)
This is a 2024 photo of Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27)
This is a 2024 photo of Nehemiah Pritchett of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28)
This is a 2024 photo of Dee Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Williams (33)
This is a 2024 photo of Brady Russell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38)
This is a 2024 photo of Chris Stoll of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41)
This is a 2024 photo of Drake Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42)
This is a 2024 photo of Tyrice Knight of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48)
This is a 2024 photo of Trevis Gipson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Trevis Gipson (50) runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
This is a 2024 photo of Olu Oluwatini of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51)
This is a 2024 photo of Boye Mafe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53)
This is a 2023 photo of Dre'Mont Jones of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (55)
This is a 2024 photo of Connor Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2024 photo of Derick Hall of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58)
This is a 2024 photo of Jalen Sundell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks offensive lineman Jalen Sundell (61)
This is a 2024 photo of Sataoa Laumea of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63)
This is a 2024 photo of Christian Haynes of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64)
This is a 2024 photo of Michael Jerrell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65)
This is a 2024 photo of Charles Cross of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2024 photo of Laken Tomlinson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70)
This is a 2024 photo of George Fant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74)
This is a 2024 photo of Anthony Bradford of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75)
This is a 2024 photo of Stone Forsythe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78)
This is a 2024 photo of Laviska Shenault Jr of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81)
This is a 2024 photo of Dareke Young of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83)
This is a 2024 photo of Pharaoh Brown of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86)
This is a 2022 photo of Noah Fant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 6, 2022 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87)
This is a 2024 photo of AJ Barner of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88)
This is a 2024 photo of Jarran Reed of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90)
This is a 2024 photo of Byron Murphy II of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91)
This is a 2024 photo of Mike Morris of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94)
This is a 2024 photo of Myles Adams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95)
This is a 2024 photo of Johnathan Hankins of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97)
This is a 2024 photo of Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99)
