Summer has arrived. Temperatures are climbing. Kids are out of school (much to the chagrin of their parents). Grills have been lit. S'mores have been made.

And mandatory workouts have started in the NFL.

On some level, fantasy football draft season started a while back. As soon as the dust settled on the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit, managers in dynasty formats started holding rookie drafts. But in redraft leagues, draft day is still a ways off.

There's a reason for that. The fantasy landscape can (and will) drastically change between now and the end of August. Jobs will be lost. Depth charts will get the snowglobe treatment. Unfortunately, injuries will take some players out before the regular season even starts.

While draft day may not be here yet, the itch is. Fantasy managers far and wide are already plotting world dominance in 2024. They are looking to defend titles or shake off debacles.

This is the time of year when wise fantasy managers are doing homework. They're staying abreast of news, starting their own cheat sheets and taking part in mock drafts. Even now, it's worth getting a feel for how different players and positions are being valued.

In the interest of providing valuable information—and totally not because I'd draft fantasy football teams every day—here's an early look at how fantasy drafts might play out in 2024.

Round 1

1.01: Christian McCaffrey – RB, SF

1.02: Tyreek Hill – WR, MIA

1.03: CeeDee Lamb – WR, DAL

1.04: Breece Hall – RB, NYJ

1.05: Ja'Marr Chase – WR, CIN

1.06: Bijan Robinson – RB, ATL

1.07: Justin Jefferson – WR, MIN

1.08: Amon-Ra St. Brown – WR, DET

1.09: Jonathan Taylor – RB, IND

1.10: Puka Nacua – WR, LAR

1.11: Jahmyr Gibbs – RB, DET

1.12: Saquon Barkley – RB, PHI

Moving On Down

Justin Jefferson is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL after signing a four-year, $140 million contract extension on Monday. Prior to last year, he had never amassed fewer than 1,400 receiving yards or seven touchdowns in a season. A hamstring injury limited Jefferson to only 10 games last season, but he still topped 1,000 yards.

But likely due to concerns about Minnesota's quarterback situation—Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy don't inspire a ton of confidence—Jefferson fell into the second half of Round 1 here. At that point, iffy quarterbacks or no, he'd be a hard player to pass on.

My Pick

It may be antiquated in this age of pass-heavy offenses and so many high-end wide receivers, but an argument can still be made for using your first-round pick on a running back. The number of true workhorses at the position dwindles by the season.

Jonathan Taylor's 2023 season was marred by a contract impasse and an ankle injury that cost him a sizable chunk of the regular season. But the 2021 NFL rushing leader still posted almost 900 total yards and averaged 4.4 yards per carry.

If healthy, the 25-year-old has top-five fantasy upside and has at least a chance of finishing as the No. 1 player at his position.

Round 2

2.01: Kyren Williams – RB, LAR

2.02: A.J. Brown – WR, PHI

2.03: De'Von Achane – RB, MIA

2.04: Garrett Wilson – WR, NYJ

2.05: Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR, ARI

2.06: Travis Etienne Jr. – RB, JAX

2.07: Drake London – WR, ATL

2.08: Davante Adams – WR, LV

2.09: Derrick Henry – RB, BAL

2.10: Chris Olave – WR, NO

2.11: Michael Pittman – WR, IND

2.12: Brandon Aiyuk – WR, SF

Shiny New Toy Syndrome

To be clear, this analyst is a huge fan of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. He's one of the most NFL-ready wide receivers to enter the league in recent memory. He may one day be in the conversation to be the first overall pick in fantasy drafts.

But selecting Harrison as a top-10 fantasy receiver before he ever takes a snap is drafting at ceiling, and drafting at ceiling is rarely a good idea. With players like Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders and Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints still available, Harrison was this draft's first real reach.

My Pick

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson was a major disappointment last season. The 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year surpassed 1,000 receiving yards and caught 95 passes, but he was on the fringes of low-end WR2 territory in PPR formats thanks to his measly three touchdowns.

But Wilson's down 2023 campaign had more to do with the dismal play of quarterback Zach Wilson than his talent as a pass-catcher. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers back at the helm of the Jets offense, Wilson could be on the cusp of the best season of his career.

Round 3

3.01: Deebo Samuel Sr. – WR, SF

3.02: Isiah Pacheco – RB, KC

3.03: Josh Allen – QB, BUF

3.04: Nico Collins – WR, HOU

3.05: Jaylen Waddle – WR, MIA

3.06: Mike Evans – WR, TB

3.07: Rachaad White – RB, TB

3.08: Josh Jacobs – RB, GB

3.09: DJ Moore – WR, CHI

3.10: DeVonta Smith – WR, PHI

3.11: Cooper Kupp – WR, LAR

3.12: Zay Flowers – WR, BAL

Quartering the Market

The third round is when some fantasy managers may start to consider drafting an elite quarterback. This draft was no exception. Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills was the first signal-caller selected with the third pick in a round where eight wideouts came off the board.

The problem with taking a quarterback this year (even one as talented as Allen) is two-fold. First, taking a quarterback this early creates a hole at another position that may not be easy to fill. Second, there's much more depth at quarterback than at running back or wide receiver. There are viable fantasy starters at the position available much later in drafts.

My Pick

DJ Moore had a productive first season with the Chicago Bears in 2023. The 27-year-old set career highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364) and touchdowns (8) on the way to a WR6 fantasy finish in PPR points.

The arrival of fellow wideouts Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze in the Windy City is cause for some concern. The Bears will also be rolling out a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams. But at the very least, Moore should still be capable of solid WR2 production in 2024.

Round 4

4.01: Jalen Hurts – QB, PHI

4.02: Malik Nabers – WR, NYG

4.03: Stefon Diggs – WR, HOU

4.04: Sam LaPorta – TE, DET

4.05: DK Metcalf – WR, SEA

4.06: Amari Cooper – WR, CLE

4.07: Tank Dell – WR, HOU

4.08: Christian Kirk – WR, JAX

4.09: George Pickens – WR, PIT

4.10: Travis Kelce – TE, KC

4.11: Alvin Kamara – RB, NO

4.12: Tee Higgins – WR, CIN

Can You Diggs It?

Over the past six seasons, Stefon Diggs has been one of the NFL's most productive wideouts. In all six seasons, Diggs eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards. He topped 100 catches five times over that span and also had at least eight touchdown catches five times.

Now with the Houston Texans, Diggs is joining a crowded receivers room that includes Nico Collins and Tank Dell. But the Texans presumably didn't trade for Diggs so he could be a secondary option in their offense, and Diggs has never been shy about clamoring for targets. He's one of a number of wide receivers who presented solid value in Round 4.

My Pick

In recent years, there was no question who the No. 1 tight end in fantasy football was. The only question was whether Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs would make it out of the first round before being selected.

Well, the times they are-a-changing.

Last season, Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. Those numbers made him fantasy football's No. 1 tight end in PPR points. There's no reason to think he won't approach those numbers (and last season's 120 targets) and once again challenge for top honors at his position in 2024.

Round 5

5.01: Lamar Jackson – QB, BAL

5.02: Keenan Allen – WR, CHI

5.03: James Cook – RB, BUF

5.04: Terry McLaurin – WR, WAS

5.05: Joe Mixon – RB, HOU

5.06: Kenneth Walker III – RB, SEA

5.07: Mark Andrews – TE, BAL

5.08: David Montgomery – RB, DET

5.09: Calvin Ridley – WR, TEN

5.10: Aaron Jones – RB, MIN

5.11: Trey McBride – TE, ARI

5.12: Marquise Brown – WR, KC

Backfield Bargains

There was a time when running backs were the unquestioned kings of fantasy football. But those times have changed.

In today's age of pass-heavy offenses and PPR scoring in most fantasy leagues, more and more wideouts are coming off the board early. The first round of this draft was split right down the middle between running backs and wide receivers.

Of course, the flip side to that changing dynamic is running backs falling farther down the board. James Cook of the Buffalo Bills, Joe Mixon of the Houston Texans and Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings are all unquestioned lead backs who lasted until the fifth round.

Maybe the "Zero RB" crowd is onto something after all.

My Pick

In retrospect, I arguably should have taken Jones here. By draft's end, my backfield wasn't as strong as I generally like, and an injury or two at the position could derail my season.

But in his lone season with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, Calvin Ridley reeled in 76 passes, topped 1,000 receiving yards and finished 18th among wide receivers in PPR points. If you believe second-year quarterback Will Levis can be a viable NFL starter, then Ridley is good value here as a fantasy WR3.

Round 6

6.01: Rome Odunze – WR, CHI

6.02: Rhamondre Stevenson – RB, NE

6.03: Jayden Reed – WR, GB

6.04: D'Andre Swift – RB, CHI

6.05: Patrick Mahomes – QB, KC

6.06: Xavier Worthy – WR, KC

6.07: Anthony Richardson – QB, IND

6.08: Zamir White – RB, LV

6.09: Jonathon Brooks – RB, CAR

6.10: Rashee Rice – WR, KC

6.11: Joe Burrow – QB, CIN

6.12: Dalton Kincaid – TE, BUF

Mahomes Is Where the Heart Is

If there's an example in this draft of why it's wise to remain patient at quarterback, it's Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. He came off the board over three full rounds after Josh Allen of the Bills.

Mahomes doesn't have the rushing ability of Allen, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens or Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. But we have seen Mahomes finish as the No. 1 quarterback in fantasy before, and his passing-game weapons in 2024 should be substantially better than what he had last season.

My Pick

D'Andre Swift had the best season of his NFL career in 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time, caught 39 passes and finished the year 20th among running backs in PPR points.

Swift is now in Chicago, where he will serve as the lead back in the Bears' overhauled offense. How Caleb Williams fares in his first season in the pros will have a major impact on all Chicago's skill-position players, but it isn't unreasonable to expect another fantasy RB2 season from Swift.

Round 7

7.01: Najee Harris – RB, PIT

7.02: Jordan Addison – WR, MIN

7.03: James Conner – RB, ARI

7.04: Kyle Pitts – TE, ATL

7.05: Chris Godwin – WR, TB

7.06: Jaylen Warren – RB, PIT

7.07: C.J. Stroud – QB, HOU

7.08: Ladd McConkey – WR, LAC

7.09: Dak Prescott – QB, DAL

7.10: Kyler Murray – QB, ARI

7.11: Zack Moss – RB, CIN

7.12: Tony Pollard – RB, TEN

RB Question Marks

We're right in the part of fantasy drafts known as "The RB Dead Zone." Bust rates for backs taken in the middle rounds tend to be significantly higher than their counterparts at wide receiver.

However, there's some appeal with some of these Round 7 backs. Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren of the Pittsburgh Steelers finished in the top 25 in PPR points among running backs in 2023. Zack Moss showed flashes in place of an injured Jonathan Taylor last season. And Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans will get another shot at being a lead back after a disappointing 2023 campaign in Dallas.

My Pick

Speaking of Dallas, the Cowboys are supposedly "all in" in 2024. However, they have a number of questions to answer on offense between a ground game now led by what's left of Ezekiel Elliott or a wideout corps that quickly thins behind superstar CeeDee Lamb.

So, what does that all mean for Dallas this season? There's going to be plenty of pressure on Dak Prescott (in a contract year, no less) to carry the Cowboys offensively. He's likely to top 4,500 passing yards, and 5,000 isn't out of the question.

Round 8

8.01: Diontae Johnson – WR, CAR

8.02: Raheem Mostert – RB, MIA

8.03: Keon Coleman – WR, BUF

8.04: Javonte Williams – RB, DEN

8.05: DeAndre Hopkins – WR, TEN

8.06: Brian Robinson Jr. – RB, WAS

8.07: Brian Thomas Jr. – WR, JAX

8.08: Devin Singletary – RB, NYG

8.09: Courtland Sutton – WR, DEN

8.10: Nick Chubb – RB, CLE

8.11: Christian Watson – WR, GB

8.12: Jaxon Smith-Njigba – WR, SEA

The Chubb Conundrum

In a normal year, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb would be lucky to get out of Round 1. Two years ago, he rushed for a career-high 1,525 yards, and the 28-year-old has averaged a robust 5.3 yards per carry for his career, which ranks third all-time among qualifying running backs.

Of course, this isn't a usual year. Chubb is rehabbing from a multi-ligament knee injury—the same knee that he injured at Georgia.

With Chubb's status for the early part of the season in question, fantasy managers are struggling to figure out where to draft him. He'll be arguably the most-watched player as we move through the summer, and his ADP could bounce around like a Superball.

My Pick

When Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams has been able to stay on the field, he's shown flashes of an impact player. But after losing most of the 2022 season to an ACL tear, Williams averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry last year.

However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton has big-time expectations for Williams in 2024. If the 24-year-old comes close to fulfilling those expectations, he'd be a steal in Round 8.

Round 9

9.01: Tyjae Spears – RB, TEN

9.02: Ezekiel Elliott – RB, DAL

9.03: Austin Ekeler – RB, WAS

9.04: Antonio Gibson – RB, NE

9.05: Trey Benson – RB, ARI

9.06: George Kittle – TE, SF

9.07: Chase Brown – RB, CIN

9.08: Jameson Williams – WR, DET

9.09: Gus Edwards – RB, LAC

9.10: Blake Corum – RB, LAR

9.11: Tyler Lockett – WR, SEA

9.12: Brandin Cooks – WR, DAL

Run on "Maybe" Running Backs

Round 9 was dominated by the running back position. A full two-thirds of the players drafted in the round play the position. And as one might expect this late in the proceedings, there isn't anything close to a safe bet among them.

What will Tyjae Spears' role be in the Titans' new-look backfield? Can Ezekiel Elliott recapture his past form now that he's back in Dallas? Will Austin Ekeler be more than just a third-down back in Washington after a disappointing 2023 campaign?

If any of these backs hit, they could swing quite a few leagues this year.

My Pick

Gus Edwards has never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. And the odds that the sixth-year veteran will match the 13 rushing touchdowns he had with the Baltimore Ravens last year are slim to none.

But this season with the Chargers, Edwards could get an opportunity he's never had—the chance to amass 200-plus carries for an offense that will likely lean heavily on the run. Edwards has averaged 4.9 yards per carry for his career, so at least matching last year's RB25 PPR finish isn't that tall of an ask.

Round 10

10.01: Kendre Miller – RB, NO

10.02: Jordan Love – QB, GB

10.03: Evan Engram – TE, JAX

10.04: Jerry Jeudy – WR, CLE

10.05: Curtis Samuel – WR, BUF

10.06: Roschon Johnson – RB, CHI

10.07: Jerome Ford – RB, CLE

10.08: Zach Charbonnet – RB, SEA

10.09: Jakobi Meyers – WR, LV

10.10: Mike Williams – WR, NYJ

10.11: Josh Downs – WR, IND

10.12: Rico Dowdle – RB, DAL

Value Alert

In 2023, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram led all players at the position in targets (143) and receptions (114). He ranked third in receiving yards among tight ends and was second to Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions in PPR points.

However, despite those numbers and a Jacksonville wide receiver corps that isn't markedly better than it was last year, Engram is almost always being drafted outside the top five tight ends. If you aren't interested in drafting a tight end early, Engram should absolutely be on your radar.

My Pick

To this point in his career, Jerry Jeudy has been a disappointment. As he heads into his fifth NFL season, the 2020 No. 15 overall pick has yet to catch 70 passes in a season or post 1,000 receiving yards. The Denver Broncos all but gave the 25-year-old to the Cleveland Browns, flipping him for two Day 3 picks.

That's the thing, though—Jeudy just turned 25 in April. Two years ago, he posted a 67/972/6 line that put him 22nd in PPR points among receivers. He's absolutely worth a dice-roll in the double-digit rounds.

Rounds 11-13

11.01: Romeo Doubs – WR, GB

11.02: Jake Ferguson – TE, DAL

11.03: Chuba Hubbard – RB, CAR

11.04: Brock Purdy – QB, SF

11.05: Jayden Daniels – QB, WAS

11.06: Khalil Shakir – WR, BUF

11.07: Xavier Legette – WR, CAR

11.08: Rashid Shaheed – WR, NO

11.09: Jahan Dotson – WR, WAS

11.10: Baltimore Ravens D/ST

11.11: Joshua Palmer – WR, LAC

11.12: San Francisco 49ers D/ST

12.01: Adonai Mitchell – WR, IND

12.02: Dallas Cowboys D/ST

12.03: Marshawn Lloyd – RB, GB

12.04: Adam Thielen – WR, CAR

12.05: Dontayvion Wicks – WR, GB

12.06: Gabe Davis – WR, BUF

12.07: Ty Chandler – RB, MIN

12:08: David Njoku – TE, CLE

12.09: Brock Bowers – TE, LV

12.10: Cleveland Browns D/ST

12.11: New York Jets D/ST

12.12: Tyler Allgeier – RB, ATL

13.01: Dallas Goedert – TE, PHI

13.02: J.K. Dobbins – RB, LAC

13.03: Quentin Johnston – WR, LAC

13.04: Demario Douglas – WR, NE

13.05: Miami Dolphins D/ST

13.06: Dalton Schultz – TE, HOU

13.07: Ricky Pearsall – WR, SF

13.08: T.J. Hockenson – TE, MIN

13.09: Tua Tagovailoa – QB, MIA

13.10: Cole Kmet – TE, CHI

13.11: Caleb Williams – QB, CHI

13.12: Luke Musgrave – TE, GB

Sleeper Alert

This deep in the draft, you're essentially tossing darts if you're drafting a wide receiver or running back. But if you hit the bulls-eye with one of those darts, it can propel a fantasy team deep into the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Chargers' wide receivers are one big question mark in 2024 after they parted ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. But while rookie Ladd McConkey was the first one drafted here and Quentin Johnston was the No. 21 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Joshua Palmer is the most proven player on the team at the position.

If Palmer stays healthy, he'll easily outperform this draft slot.

My Picks

In all honesty, after drafting Washington Commanders wideout Jahan Dotson last year much earlier than this and then watching the third-year pro mostly do nothing, I regretted that pick as soon as I made it. That happens in drafts.

Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers is another story.

Yes, Thielen isn't getting any younger. He isn't likely to catch 100 passes again in 2024. But Thielen has something that newcomers Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette do not in Carolina—a rapport with Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.

That Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been relegated to late-round lottery ticket status is a testimonial to the depth at quarterback in fantasy football. But playing on a Dolphins team loaded with skill-position talent, Tagovailoa is an excellent QB2 or platoon option at the very least.

Rounds 14-16

14.01: Justin Tucker – K, BAL

14.02: Jaylen Wright – RB, MIA

14.03: Ray Davis – RB, BUF

14.04: Pat Freiermuth – TE, PIT

14.05: Buffalo Bills D/ST

14.06: Justin Herbert – QB, LAC

14.07: Brandon Aubrey – K, DAL

14.08: Trevor Lawrence – QB, JAX

14.09: Jaleel McLaughlin – RB, DEN

14.10: Khalil Herbert – RB, CHI

14.11: Jared Goff – QB, DET

14.12: Darnell Mooney – WR, ATL

15.01: Kansas City Chiefs D/ST

15.02: Alexander Mattison – RB, LV

15.03: Michael Mayer – TE, LV

15.04: Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST

15.05: Kimani Vidal – RB, LAC

15.06: Kirk Cousins – QB, ATL

15.07: Philadelphia Eagles D/ST

15.08: Dameon Pierce – RB, HOU

15.09: New Orleans Saints D/ST

15.10: Matthew Stafford – QB, LAR

15.11: Harrison Butker – K, KC

15.12: Keaton Mitchell – RB, BAL

16.01: Hunter Henry – TE, NE

16.02: Jermaine Burton – WR, CIN

16.03: Jason Sanders – K, MIA

16.04: Ka'imi Fairbairn – K, HOU

16.05: Tyler Bass – K, BUF

16.06: Matt Gay – K, IND

16.07: Houston Texans D/ST

16.08: Bucky Irving – RB, TB

16.09: Jake Elliott – K, PHI

16.10: Younghoe Koo – K, ATL

16.11: Jake Moody – K, SF

16.12: Evan McPherson – K, CIN

Don't Be That Drafter

In fairness, the fact that the first kicker drafted here didn't happen until Round 14 shows a level of restraint you don't usually see in fantasy drafts. Most of the time, Justin Tucker of the Ravens will be drafted in Round 11 or 12.

But rules are rules, and one of the biggest in fantasy football is to never draft a kicker before the last round. The difference in scoring between the top kicker and the 12th kicker is negligible—and Tucker wasn't the No. 1 fantasy kicker last season anyway.

My Picks

With all due respect to my last three draft picks, yawn. Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has some fantasy appeal, but he should make exactly one start for my team. The Saints are an annually decent fantasy defense that draws the Carolina Panthers at home in Week 1.

Houston's Ka'imi Fairbairn was fourth among kickers last year in fantasy points per game and the Texans appear loaded offensively in 2024.

Not the worst way to round out a roster.

My Team

Quarterbacks: Dak Prescott, DAL (7.09); Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (14.04)

Running Backs: Jonathan Taylor, IND (1.09); D'Andre Swift, CHI (6.04); Javonte Williams, DEN (8.04); Gus Edwards, LAC (9.09)

Wide Receivers: Garrett Wilson, NYJ (2.04); D.J. Moore, CHI (3.09); Calvin Ridley, TEN (5.09); Jerry Jeudy, CLE (10.04); Jahan Dotson, WAS (11.09); Adam Thielen, CAR (12.04)

Tight Ends: Sam LaPorta, DET (4.04); Pat Freiermuth, PIT (14.04)

Defense: New Orleans Saints (15.09)

Kicker: Ka'imi Fairbairn, HOU (16.04)\

If you're into fantasy football terminology, this would be called a "Hero RB" or "Anchor RB" build—after taking Taylor, the position was left alone significantly longer than I usually would. I'm admittedly old-school. And this running back corps makes me a little nervous. Depth isn't great, questions abound—it could be a problem.

But there's a lesson in that—a big part of consistent success in fantasy football is the willingness to pivot. To vacate your comfort zone. To abandon that great plan you had heading into the draft because the rest of the league didn't cooperate.

Go where the value is.

To be brutally honest, I should have waited longer at quarterback, too. I expect more statistically from Prescott than many this season, but there were backs or receivers I should have targeted there (Zack Moss of the Bengals stands out, because again—running backs). I could have been just fine waiting a few more rounds under center. Lesson learned.

Is it the best team on paper? Nope. Also isn't the worst. Stay active in-season and avoid being decimated by injuries (fingers crossed) and it's a playoff-caliber roster.

That's all you want. Too many fantasy managers go into the draft trying to be perfect. Forget that. Forget the championship. Goal No. 1 is to build a competitive team. Goal No. 2 is the playoffs. And so on.

Thankfully, right now we still have a while to figure out how to accomplish those goals.

Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Tell him how bad his team is on X at @IDPSharks.