We’re rapidly moving toward the start of the 2024 NFL Season. We’ve seen two-thirds of the pre-season frame, and we’re less than ten days from final roster cuts. During the last month, players’ value has fluctuated. In the next two installments, I’ll be looking at the stock of players that has risen and fallen during Training Camp and the pre-season. Today, it’s two players per position whose stock has risen. Let’s dive in!
Quarterbacks
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
About: Nix was the sixth of six first-round quarterbacks selected in the draft. Heading into the pre-season, he was officially listed as third on the depth chart, though that seemed misleading. Nix came in second in the Broncos’ first pre-season game and impressed. He was even more impressive as a starter on Sunday night. So far, he’s 23-for-30 for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Nix looks like the best quarterback on the roster and a player that perfectly fits Sean Payton’s system. If you snagged him in rookie drafts, it’s looking good.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
About: Second chances are hard to come by in the NFL, much less third chances. But that’s what Darnold has in front of him this season for the Vikings. First-round selection J.J. McCarthy is out for the year. That leaves Darnold, on a one-year deal, with a chance to start and possibly re-boot his career the way Baker Mayfield did in Tampa Bay last season. If Darnold is still on your waiver wire, jump on him. After all, you want a quarterback who is throwing to Justin Jefferson each week.
Running Backs
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
About: Tucker went undrafted in 2023 but was intriguing because of where he landed with the Buccaneers. Still, we didn’t see much in his rookie year. But he’s still intriguing, thanks to that landing spot. The Buccaneers have Rachaad White leading the backfield and added Bucky Irving in the draft and Chase Edmonds in free agency. But it’s been Tucker tearing it up in the pre-season. He has 100 yards on 14 carries and caught three passes. It’s still a path to meaningful touches, but let’s just say I’m back in on stashing him heading into the season.
Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles
About: The Eagles saw D’Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, and Boston Scott depart this off-season. But the team did add Saquon Barkley, a workhorse back that figures to sit atop the depth chart. Shipley came in as a Fourth-Round selection, but he’s shown promise this off-season. He’s carried 12 times for 38 yards and caught five passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. It might not sound like much, but he’s outproduced Kenneth Gainwell, his primary competition for touches behind Barkley. Shipley likely went in your rookie drafts, but if he didn’t, I’d be making sure he was rostered in my league.
Wide Receivers
Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings
About: The Vikings’ wide receiver group is wide open beyond the top. Justin Jefferson is a clear WR1, and Jordan Addison is a strong WR2. But what about the rest? Well, Nailor is making a strong case for himself. He has four receptions for 94 yards. With Addison banged up, there could be an even greater opportunity to produce. I’m making sure Nailor is a player rostered heading into the season.
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
About: Tucker is a young player who’s working himself into a strong position. Though the Raiders added veterans this off-season, Tucker established himself as a third receiver and deep threat. When Michael Gallup retired, that gave him an even bigger boost. He’s caught five passes for 139 yards in two pre-season games. He’s averaging more than 20 yards per reception, which could make him a nice boom/bust option during the season or a great target in Best Ball.
Tight Ends
Ben Sinnott, Washington Commanders
About: Brock Bowers had plenty of hype heading into the draft and went in the first round. But right behind in the second round was Sinnott, a young weapon for a re-building Commanders team. The team has veteran Zach Ertz, but Sinnott looks like he’s already ready to shine. He already has four receptions for 67 yards and could be poised to have a quietly productive season as a rookie. We’ve seen a few young tight ends explode in year one over the past few seasons, so Sinnott is one I’m keeping an eye on heading into the season.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers
About: Sanders was another young tight end taken to an intriguing situation. Word was that he was down on the depth chart, but with Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble injured, Sanders has gotten more of a shot. He’s made the most of it. Sanders is possibly the most talented TE on the roster and is in a good situation with a young, growing offense. He could have more of a role in year one than previously expected.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
