Three things we learned from early OTAs that will impact your Fantasy Football drafts in 2024

2024 NFL the offseason is almost in the books with 2024 NFL Draft and free agency has decided and now we’re taking a look at the new rosters during the spring OTAs. Most teams have already completed their rookie minicamps and are now working on their full OTAs. These OTAs are typically voluntary, but there is also a mandatory minicamp before teams head to training camp. From a fantasy football From a perspective, we’re getting our first look at how players project for the 2024 season. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the early rumors surrounding OTAs, what this could mean for 2024 fantasy football season and where these players are coming off the board in our latest industry mocks.

More work coming up for Achane?

De’Von Achane has been one of the most polarizing players in the entire draft pool during our first industry mock drafts. His range of results is wide and he was designed that way. However, if he sees a huge increase in workload now that he is entering Year 2 in the Mike McDaniel system with a better understanding of the scheme, then he is being undervalued. During the start of OTAS, McDaniel hinted that the Dolphins will have more ways to get Achane the ball in 2024 due to his better understanding of the offense. The more he understands the offense, the more ways he can get the ball… I know he feels there are more opportunities… whether it’s pass routes or running schemes… that’s what this offseason has really provided for him.” , said McDaniel, according to Phinsider’s Josh Houtz. Achane fell off the board in the fourth round, ranked 39th overall, in our most recent half-point PPR industry simulation.

Achane averaged the fourth-highest fantasy points per game in half PPR scoring in 2023, despite averaging just the 42nd-most touches per game and not even finishing among the top 65 running backs when it came to snaps per game. Even a modest increase in his touches and snaps should put him in the top five at RB.

An increase in speed for Tua

The initial word on Dolphins OTAs is that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is throwing with more velocity. According to the Sun Sentinel, “McDaniel says he’s noticed that Tagovailoa has generated a little more power on the throws he’s trying to make, with the new hip contraction he’s added to his mechanics.” While Tua’s presence will be sporadic during this voluntary OTA period as he potentially seeks a new contract, McDaniel also noted that his starting quarterback has lost weight. According to Travis Wingfield, “McDaniel says Tua is doing things he did in the past, but it seems easier now.” A leaner Tua with more speed to fit into the tight window launches its new set of weapons that includes returnees: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, plus newcomers Odell Beckham Jr. well – that represents an excellent value where he is coming off the draft boards. In our latest half point PPR Industry SimulationHeath Cummings grabbed him in the 10th round at 120 overall as his QB1.

Is Shakir’s breakout season coming?

Khalil Shakir will be a modern sleeper/flight pick (your definition may be different, but the third-year receiver qualifies as both) this draft season. The former 2022 fifth-round draft pick could be one of the main beneficiaries of unoccupied targets in Buffalo. Both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis leave behind plenty of targets to catch, and Shakir’s versatility as a wide receiver could be a big factor in him having a breakout season. Some have speculated that Shakri is a slot-only receiver, but Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady doesn’t see it that way. “He’s an extremely brilliant player. His zone sense. He can play outside and inside. He’s everything you look for in a wide receiver. With his work ethic and approach, there’s no reason why he can’t establishing chemistry with Josh,” Brady said, according to Bills team reporter Jenna Cottrell. Shakir was selected 116th overall in Round 10 during our most recent mock. He will be a popular pick at this range, but could see his ADP skyrocket this summer depending on how training camp reports play out.