Whether you’re playing in a dynasty fantasy football league for the first time, have an early pick in your dynasty rookie draft or have played 25 years with the same people – adding a top quarterback from Thursday’s NFL Draft could be pivotal to the success of your team.
As expected, Caleb Williams went No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, followed by Jayden Daniels to the Commanders and Drake Maye to the Patriots.
JAYDEN DANIELS TO COMMANDERS: 2024 FANTASY AND DYNASTY OUTLOOK
Daniels, a five-year collegiate starter at Arizona State and LSU, was the highest-graded quarterback at this year’s NFL scouting combine. He landed a 90 on his athleticism score and ranked second in both overall production (97) and total score (92). Daniels also filled a shelf of awards, most notably winning the Heisman Trophy for college football this past season, as well as the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Davey O’Brien Award (nation’s top QB) and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (nation’s top QB).
Daniels also had a 40:4 touchdown to interception ratio and surpassed 3,800 passing yards as well as 1,100 rushing yards. His 1,134 rushing yards led all college quarterbacks last year. The 3,812 yards he passed for helped him become the first player in FBS to ever throw for more than 12,000 yards and rush for more than 3,000. He may be what we all hoped Cam Newton would be, except a lot more accurate.
The Commanders are gaining a true pocket-passer. This may seem odd compared to how often he ran in college, but his collegiate history shows he has no issues sitting in the pocket and working through progressions. He is a platform thrower who has footwork to allow him to achieve in many situations.
Daniels is also intriguing because of the experience of progression. He can slice through coverages and secure the football. When it comes to fantasy football, turnovers matter. Having a player who can protect the ball – strictly on fantasy-speaking terms – allows for the optimal maximization of points. On the field, obviously winning the turnover battle more times than not leads to victories.
Now that Daniels has landed in Washington, he has the offensive talent around him to help him flourish.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin has at least 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons and will run alongside up-and-comers Jahan Dotson and Dyami Brown. Daniels also gets one of the best pass-catching running backs in recent memory, Austin Ekeler, who will also be playing his first season in Landover.
Not only will Daniels have Ekeler, but he has a solid run game with young star Brian Robinson Jr. Even though Daniels can run doesn’t mean he must. Andrew Wiley and Sam Cosmi are arguably the best names on the Commanders’ offensive line, something that isn’t thrilling, but assuming they can pick up some of those pieces later in an offensive line-heavy draft is relieving.
Daniels’ versatility will also be key in Washington as the Commanders let a lot of defensive players walk via no new contract or trade at the deadline last season. Defensive end and safety needs may cause Washington to be chasing points, but with the talents of Daniels, as well as the pieces around him, will put him on the path to succeed.
DRAKE MAYE TO PATRIOTS: 2024 FANTASY AND DYNASTY OUTLOOK
Maye on the other hand, seemed more distant to go to Washington. The team took Sam Howell, also from UNC, a few drafts ago and already shipped him away. Why would they go back to the same pool?
Maye’s size and arm talent is no doubt the most striking positive for teams looking for their next quarterback. I mean, isn’t an accurate, talented and efficient thrower what manning a pro team is all about? In an age where running quarterbacks are the craze, those who can get the job done with his arm are still important.
Maye can seemingly complete any throw, and if you’re looking for glitter and glamour, he is a shiny new toy that can fit deadly passes into tight windows. However, his playing style does create a chaotic scene if he gets uncomfortable. Inaccuracies and forced throws that turn into interceptions give his potential a knock. However, his drafting spot to New England can help limit those negatives and the Patriots give him a good chance to be successful in the NFL.
On paper as of Maye’s drafting, New England is underwhelming. However, the running backs of Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson will take the pressure off Maye. Wide receiver Demario Douglas if up and coming and the two and compliment each other. K.J. Osborn, who stepped up in the absence of Justin Jefferson and an Antonio Gibson injury in 2023 is a positive wild card coming to New England. Furthermore, JuJu Smith-Schuster is quietly still a Patriot, that barring injury, is a young veteran presence that can help build Maye.
Even with Gibson being a pass-catching back, New England has been known for its inflicting run game many previous seasons. The Patriots did not use a tandem properly in the Mac Jones era, creating a quick fold. Even with a new regime, that mistake won’t be made again.
JAYDEN DANIELS OR DRAKE MAYE?
Washington was painful to watch in recent memory, but it has quickly built an experienced offense since Josh Harris took over last year. New England has been on an uncharacteristic downfall since the departure of Tom Brady and has not had much of an offense.
The Patriots are still a few offensive pieces away from getting back to relevancy and it’s rumored Maye may sit behind veteran Jacoby Brissett for at least a couple of weeks. The Commanders drafted Daniels to start day one despite the presence of Marcus Mariota. Taking Daniels in dynasty drafts should benefit said players more than Maye — plus his legs will be racking up fantasy points.
