Late-Round Fantasy Football Picks: Hits and Misses for 2024

As the 2024 fantasy football season progresses, players selected in the late rounds of rookie drafts are starting to reveal their true potential. Some have emerged as valuable assets while others have disappointed. Notably, Oronde Gadsden II has become a standout tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers, while Jaydon Blue has struggled to make an impact with the Dallas Cowboys. Assessing these late-round selections helps fantasy general managers (GMs) navigate their rosters more effectively and maximize their chances of success.

Oronde Gadsden II: A Rising Star

Drafted in the fifth round, Gadsden has quickly established himself as a key player in the Chargers’ offense. He is projected to finish as a top-10 tight end this season, outperforming established names like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews. Since Week 6, Gadsden has achieved a PFF receiving grade of 76.8, ranking him among the top tight ends in the league. With 322 receiving yards in that timeframe, he leads all tight ends, showcasing his ability to become a reliable target for quarterback Justin Herbert.

Gadsden’s emergence coincides with an increased opportunity in the red zone, where he ranks 11th in target rate at 23.9% . His performance makes him a must-start option in fantasy leagues and a valuable asset in dynasty formats.

Jaydon Blue: A Disappointing Outcome

In contrast, expectations for Jaydon Blue have not materialized. Selected in the fifth round, Blue was anticipated to take charge of the Cowboys’ backfield, especially with doubts surrounding the effectiveness of teammates Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Instead, Blue has recorded just 22 carries, averaging a disappointing 3.0 yards per carry and accumulating only eight fantasy points this season.

With limited production and a fumble on his record, Blue’s situation has become dire. He has failed to demonstrate the performance expected from a late-round pick, leading many fantasy GMs to reconsider their investment in him.

Jalen Royals: A Missed Opportunity

Another player who has not lived up to expectations is Jalen Royals of the Kansas City Chiefs. After a promising college career, Royals was drafted in the fifth round but has yet to secure a target this season. Injuries hampered his preseason preparation, and despite being in a favorable position within a high-powered offense, he has not capitalized on the opportunity.

The Chiefs’ offense has faced challenges, with top receiver Rashee Rice unavailable for some time. Despite this, Royals remains without any contributions, leaving dynasty owners hopeful yet frustrated. His status as a non-cutable asset may keep him on rosters, but he is currently a source of disappointment.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Conflicting Signals

The situation for Jacory Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders presents a mix of optimism and concern. After being selected in the seventh round, Croskey-Merritt was initially praised for his exceptional speed and performance in training camp. He recorded an impressive PFF run grade of 90.1 in the early part of the season, ranking as one of the top rushers.

However, since Week 5, his performance has declined significantly, dropping to a 55.6 rushing grade. His average has plummeted to 3.0 yards per carry, and he has yet to find the end zone, resulting in him slipping to the RB48 rank. Despite this downturn, early-season success suggests he may still have potential to rebound, but the path ahead remains uncertain.

Elic Ayomanor: A Glimmer of Hope

On a brighter note, Elic Ayomanor of the Tennessee Titans has shown signs of promise in a dismal season for his team. Drafted in the fourth round, Ayomanor has emerged as a leading target, recording 51 targets and 323 receiving yards thus far. His two touchdowns indicate he has earned the trust of rookie quarterback Cam Ward.

While Ayomanor’s statistics may not seem impressive at first glance, he leads his team in key receiving categories. As the Titans focus on developing their young talent, Ayomanor could evolve into a more significant fantasy asset moving forward.

As the season continues, these late-round draft picks illustrate the unpredictable nature of fantasy football. Their performances can shift the balance for teams, turning a struggling roster into a competitive one—or vice versa. Fantasy GMs must carefully assess these players as they strategize for the remainder of the season.