Written by Dale Walters and Adam Ireland
NAFC Fantasy Football Draft Grades: Analyzing the 2024 Picks
By Dale Walters (NAFC League Insider) and Adam Ireland (NAFC Correspondent)
The North American Football Conference (NAFC) Draft has come and gone, and it’s time to evaluate the rosters each team has assembled. From calculated risks to safe picks, the draft offered a mix of strategies that will shape the upcoming season. Let’s dive into how each team fared and assign draft grades.
California Rebels
- Notable Picks: Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Tee Higgins, James Conner
- NAFC+ Grade: B+
- ESPN Grade: C
The Rebels went with a solid, well-rounded draft, focusing on proven talent with Patrick Mahomes leading the charge. Pairing Mahomes with his former go-to receiver, Tyreek Hill, could be a league-winning combo. The depth at WR is a plus, with Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin offering reliable options. While their RB depth might be a slight concern, the selection of James Conner and a sleeper pick like Alexander Mattison provides balance. Overall, the Rebels are well-positioned for another strong season.
Austin Oilers
- Notable Picks: Ja’Marr Chase, Deebo Samuel Sr, Mark Andrews, Brock Purdy
- NAFC+ Grade: C+
- ESPN Grade: C
The Oilers aimed for high upside, snagging Ja’Marr Chase and Deebo Samuel Sr to bolster their receiving corps. Chase is a sure-fire WR1, and Samuel provides versatility. They might have reached slightly on Brock Purdy at QB, but if he delivers, the Oilers could be in for a strong season. The RB room is a bit shaky, relying on D’Andre Swift and Raheem Mostert, both of whom have durability concerns. However, the talent and potential on this roster could lead to a playoff push.
Los Angeles USMC
- Notable Picks: Lamar Jackson, Joe Mixon, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Davante Adams
- NAFC+ Grade: B+
- ESPN Grade: B
The USMC’s draft strategy was clear: secure a dynamic offense. With Lamar Jackson at QB, this team is set for big plays. Adding a mix of reliable veterans (Davante Adams) and emerging stars (Amon-Ra St. Brown) gives the USMC one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the league. Joe Mixon and Najee Harris should provide steady production at RB, and Dallas Goedert is a safe bet at TE. This is a well-rounded roster built for success.
Moscow Black Bears
- Notable Picks: Breece Hall, Isiah Pacheco, Jaylen Waddle, Christian Kirk
- NAFC+ Grade: B
- ESPN Grade: C
Moscow’s draft was filled with potential, but it could easily swing either way. Breece Hall is a boom-or-bust pick, depending on his recovery from injury, and Isiah Pacheco offers upside but isn’t a proven commodity. The WR group is solid, led by Jaylen Waddle and Calvin Ridley, who could be a steal if he returns to form. The Black Bears’ depth is decent, but they may need a few things to break right to compete at the highest level.
Montana Wombats
- Notable Picks: Bijan Robinson, Aaron Jones, Marvin Harrison Jr., Justin Herbert
- NAFC+ Grade: C
- ESPN Grade: D
The Wombats entered the draft with high hopes, but it seems like Coach Barry Smwock has a mountain to climb this season. Their draft was marred by missing picks from last year’s aggressive trades, leaving them with less capital to work with. Bijan Robinson is a solid addition, but beyond him, the Wombats are banking on aging veterans like Aaron Jones to carry the load—risky business considering his injury history. Marvin Harrison Jr. has potential, but relying on a rookie wide receiver in a high-pressure league could backfire. This roster looks thin, with glaring holes that will test Coach Smwock’s ability to manage through adversity. Playoffs may be a distant hope unless some magic happens midseason. Grade: C
Burlington Boss Hogs
- Notable Picks: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Puka Nacua, De’Von Achane
- NAFC+ Grade: A-
- ESPN Grade: A
The Boss Hogs are primed for a strong season, with Jalen Hurts leading the way. Saquon Barkley is a high-risk, high-reward pick, but if he stays healthy, he’s an elite RB1. Burlington took a gamble on rookie sensation Puka Nacua, who could provide big returns if he can sustain his early success. The TE duo of Dalton Kincaid and Luke Musgrave adds flexibility. Overall, the Boss Hogs drafted with a good mix of talent and potential.
Anchorage Commandos
- Notable Picks: Derrick Henry, AJ Brown, Rhamondre Stevenson, Cooper Kupp
- NAFC+ Grade: B–
- ESPN Grade: C
The Commandos drafted a power-packed lineup, banking on Derrick Henry and Rhamondre Stevenson to bulldoze through defenses. AJ Brown offers explosive potential, and if Cooper Kupp can stay healthy, Anchorage will have a top-tier WR duo. The RB depth might be a concern, with only Derrick Henry providing reliable fantasy points. Still, the Commandos’ draft positions them as a tough opponent.
Seattle Heist
- Notable Picks: Jahmyr Gibbs, Garrett Wilson, DK Metcalf, Alvin Kamara
- NAFC+ Grade: B
- ESPN Grade: C
Seattle followed their typical WR-first strategy, adding DK Metcalf and Garrett Wilson. These two provide high upside, but the RB situation might be concerning. Jahmyr Gibbs could emerge as a breakout star, and Alvin Kamara is a solid option if he can return to form. The Heist’s draft has potential, but it hinges on their RBs exceeding expectations. A decent draft that could go either way.
Des Moines Metro Raiders
- Notable Picks: Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, Josh Jacobs, Brandon Aiyuk
- NAFC+ Grade: B+
- ESPN Grade: C
The Raiders took a calculated risk by selecting Anthony Richardson as their QB1. If he hits, they’ve got a game-changer. Jonathan Taylor and Josh Jacobs provide a solid 1-2 punch at RB, and Brandon Aiyuk offers consistent WR2 production. However, the team could be in trouble if Richardson struggles early. Des Moines has the potential to be a dark horse, depending on how quickly their second-year QB adjusts to the NFL following his season-ending injury in 2023.
Albuquerque Roadrunners
- Notable Picks: Christian McCaffrey, Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Travis Kelce
- NAFC+ Grade: A+
- ESPN Grade: A
The Roadrunners came out swinging with a draft filled with elite talent. Christian McCaffrey and Josh Allen are a deadly combo, and adding Stefon Diggs and Travis Kelce makes this roster a fantasy football dream. Albuquerque’s depth at RB and WR is solid, with players like David Montgomery and Chris Olave ready to step up. This draft is a masterclass in building a powerhouse team. This could be ABQ’s year. . .finally.
Atlantic City Aces
- Notable Picks: Justin Jefferson, Travis Etienne Jr., Kenneth Walker III, Joe Burrow
- NAFC+ Grade: A-
- ESPN Grade: A
The Aces went with high-value picks across the board, starting with Justin Jefferson, who is as safe as it gets in fantasy. Travis Etienne Jr. and Kenneth Walker III provide a strong RB foundation, and Joe Burrow is a top-tier QB option. The Aces focused on securing top-end talent early and filled out their roster with dependable options. A strong draft with very few weaknesses.
El Paso Red Devils
- Notable Picks: CeeDee Lamb, Mike Evans, George Kittle, Kyren Williams
- NAFC+ Grade: B+
- ESPN Grade: A
El Paso’s draft was a bit of a mixed bag. CeeDee Lamb is a solid WR1, and Mike Evans should provide steady production, but their RB situation is questionable, relying on Kyren Williams and Rachaad White. George Kittle is a strong TE, but injuries could be a concern. The Red Devils have potential, but they might need to make some moves during the season to stay competitive. cough waiver wire cough.
Final Thoughts
The NAFC Draft saw some teams solidify themselves as championship contenders, while others took more significant risks that could either pay off handsomely or lead to a season of frustration. With the season just around the corner, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top, but one thing is for sure—the competition will be fierce.
Draft grades are just the beginning; now, it’s time for the real action to begin. Good luck to all teams!
