NFL Week 12 Fantasy Musings; Top NFL Draft QB, RB, WR & TE Prospects

Week 13 is upon us, and prior to the NFL’s money grab expansion to 17 games, this was historically the last regular season fantasy game of…

NFL Week 12 Fantasy Musings; Top NFL Draft QB, RB, WR & TE Prospects

NFL Week 12 Fantasy Musings: Top NFL Draft Prospects for ‘24
_Episode 55 of the Fantasy Sports Collective Podcast, hosted by Jay Dubb, covers the weekly discussion on fantasy…_share.transistor.fm

Week 13 is upon us, and prior to the NFL’s money grab expansion to 17 games, this was historically the last regular season fantasy game of the year. But not now…it’s the 2nd to last…so folks still have time to make their respective move…but it’s now or never!!!!

What are the storylines this week?

Jim Harbaugh — Let’s start with the Michigan coach, who has been suspended 2x this year (3 games each instance) for different violations. He’s flirted with the NFL in each of the past two offseasons, and he’s publicly stated many times how he views the super bowl is the pinnacle of the sport. And let’s not forget, this man took over a terrible 49’ers team and immediately went to 3 straight conference championship games, winning 12+ games each year and barely lost in the super bowl his second year vs. his brother. He’s a winner, he wins everywhere he’s been as a coach, and he’s only 59 years old. So why is he not a no brainer hire for David Tepper in Carolina, Washington or LA Chargers? Well he’s a tough hang. I know this firsthand from seeing him interact with folks in my neighborhood (he lived here prior to leaving for Michigan job) and we know some folks in common. But if I’m an owner who wants a meticulous, younger Bill Belicheck type, and I’m willing to turn over the team to him and get out of his way, I just want to win, then I think he’s a very good NFL hire.

Injuries — These are rough. We had the bad news on Jonathan Taylor. The owner thinks he’ll only miss 2 to 3 games, but there is word they are thinking about IR for him as well. That’s rough. At least we know Zach Moss is a top 10 fantasy RB while Taylor is out, he’s been fantastic this year when Taylor missed time. Then we mentioned Aaron Rodgers last week. He’s officially been cleared to practice, he could legitimately be back by week 15. The challenge to this and why I’ll call BS, is the Jets will almost definitely be out of the playoff picture by then, so why risk ARod getting more injured, resulting in his career being over. I just don’t think it’s worth the risk but then again I’m an armchair pundit podcasting from my basement.

Mock Drafts — There have been a litany in mock drafts published this week. Not sure if it’s post Thanksgiving somber, slow news or what…maybe it’s the college football seasons are down to 1ish games left, so the “experts” have time to riff on who they are projecting where. But with all the hype happening, I thought it was good to highlight some of the new talent heading our way for the 2024 season. Because at first glance, there appears to be a TON of great QB, WR and TE talent coming to the NFL next year. In fact this may end up being one of the deepest QB drafts in awhile. Yes we say that a lot but there are a lot of intriguing, NFL caliber talent. And this year they all have NFL bodies and have put up impressive college resumes.

Quarterbacks

Caleb Williams — I am not gushing that he’s a generational can’t miss talent but I will say he reminds me of a more athletic, better arm talent Jalen Hurts. He’s dynamic with his mobility, sees the field well and can deliver the ball at all levels. There are rumors he may not come out but the expectation is he will, and wherever he lands he’ll be a day 1 starter after 3 years of high level power 5 performance and a 2022 heisman trophy to his name.
Drake Maye — This name isn’t a household one yet but he’s very good. He’s a 6’4” 230+ pounds, he’s very nimble in the pocket, he can run but he’s a classic pocket passer in the Justin Herbert type of mold. He will be a day one starter and has a ton of upside in a vertical passing scheme.
Jayden Daniels — Daniels has been spectacular this year for LSU, he’s got the height (6’4”) and demonstrates a good knowledge of pro scheme that he likely can and will start immediately. I like him better than Bryce Young or CJ Stroud from a pure talent/athletic perspective, but moving from the SEC to the NFL is a huge jump.
J.J. McCarthy — McCarthy is a bit undersized at 6’1” and sub 210 pounds but that’s not held back NFL teams in the recent years with them snapping up Kyler Murray, Bryce Young and Baker Mayfield with the number one overall pick. I’ve not been impressed by McCarthy who is highly controlled in Michigans run dominant scheme but talent evaluators say he likely is a 1st round pick. So I have him on here.
Michael Penix Jr. — The UW quarterback has a magical senior year, he’s a finalist for heisman and the southpaw looks like college Tua. However that maybe a best case comp, as he doesn’t run as well or manage the pocket, but it’s the lefty and highly accurate arm people are reacting to. Some have him in the 1st round.
Bo Nix — The former top recruit and Auburn starting quarterback has matured into an NFL level passer at the University of Oregon. A possible heisman favorite this year, Nix is a good combo of size, mobility and very good arm talent. He likely will fall out of the 1st round but I like him as a 4 year starter who has consistently led his teams to better than expected records, and could translate into a very good Kirk Cousins or Dak Prescott type NFL career.

Wide Receivers

There are 7 first round worthy selections, three likely top 12 picks in this group. And unlike this past year, several dominant WR1 types available.

Marvin Harrison Jr. — His father is a hall of famer, and his son is bigger, faster and more dynamic, not to mention college productive, than his father. He could go as high as #2 overall and won’t fall below #4.
Rome Odunze — He’s a bit under the radar in Seattle (UW) but this guy is a large target who can make plays all over the field, and has a chance to be a star. He could slip to the teens but also likely is a top 10 pick.
Malik Nabers — Nabers has been fantastic this year connecting regular and often with Jayden Daniels. He’s got the measurables and his on field performance this year has been great. Question is whether it’s Daniels or his talent. Some folks have him in the top 8, he won’t fall below selection twenty.
Keon Coleman — The Florida State transfer has been a dynamic addition this year for the Seminoles. His size and speed, not to mention performance on the field, have him being discussed as a top 10 pick, he certainly will go in the 1st round.
Xavier Worthy — As a freshman Worthy wowed the Texas Longhorn faithful, and he continues to be a dynamic deep threat and explosive weapon. Worthy though is undersized, think Devota Smith skinny, and he’s not been as good the past two years as he was as a freshman. He has another year of eligibility so there’s no guarantee he comes out. But his speed/explosiveness and productivity are too high for him to fall out of the 1st round.
Emeka Egbuka — Many preseason mock drafts had him in the top 10 but he’s fallen some with a QB transition at Ohio State. He still likely lands in the 1st round based on his talent alone.
Brian Thomas Jr. — Another LSU receiver, some will ask whether it’s Daniels or the receiving talent. Like Egbuka and Marvin Harrison, it’s a fair question, sometimes there is so much talent it raises the profile and productivity of teammates.

Tight Ends

Brock Bowers — arguably the most hyped tight end to leave for the NFL in years, Bowers won’t be selected as high as Kyle Pitts but he’s a lock for the top 10, and will definitely be a fantasy asset as a rookie.
Ja’Tavion Sanders — The Texas Longhorn is huge, has big hands and size, he will be both a solid inline blocker as well as an outlet receiver. I don’t think he ends up though as Michael Mayer, Sam LaPorta type until he’s more seasoned. He also won’t be selected until the 2nd round.

Running Backs

The Running Back position is a bit down this season. Draft position will be heavily dependent on team need and their combine performance. This is a position where a spectacular 3 cone, short shuttle and overall athletic ability can make or break a guy.

Audric Estime — Notre Dame back, Estime is good but not spectacular. He’s a 2nd rounder.
Jonathon Brooks, a Texas product, yes there is a lot of talent in Austin, he’s solid but looks more like a committe guy who goes in the 3rd round.
Blake Corum — Michigan’s top back, Corum is the most well known guy, as the primary back in the Michigan offense. He’s more of a plodder though..he could go higher due to name recognition.
TreVeyon Henderson — the Buckeyes produce quality NFL backs, but Henderson hasn’t been special. He’ll be an NFL player but unclear