Written by Dale Walters & Adam Ireland
NAFC Draft Preview: What Each Team Needs to Win in 2024 + Two Round Mock Draft
With the NAFC Draft fast approaching on Saturday, August 31st, the fate of many franchises hinges on the decisions they make during this crucial draft. Let’s break down what each team needs to do to win in 2024 and who they should target in the early rounds to achieve success. Following that, we’ll dive into a two-round mock draft that forecasts the ideal selections for each squad.
1. Moscow Black Bears
What They Need:
After being a perennial contender but unable to get over the hump, the Black Bears need consistency and explosiveness at running back and wide receiver. Too much tinkering has hurt them in the past, so they need a stable top-end player.
Who They Should Draft: CeeDee Lamb
The Black Bears need an elite WR1, and there’s no better option than Lamb, who brings elite PPR upside every week.
2. Albuquerque Roadrunners
What They Need:
Albuquerque needs a workhorse running back who can take pressure off their inconsistent quarterback situation. They’ve built a solid foundation but need that bell-cow runner to elevate their offense.
Who They Should Draft: Bijan Robinson
Robinson offers the potential to be a top-five fantasy RB. His dual-threat abilities make him a perfect fit for the Roadrunners’ offense.
3. El Paso Red Devils
What They Need:
El Paso needs to inject more speed and versatility into their offense. They’ve been stagnant for too long, and a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver could be the game-changer.
Who They Should Draft: Tyreek Hill
Hill’s explosive potential could turn the Red Devils’ fortunes around. He’s a game-breaking talent that will consistently rack up points.
4. Montana Wombats
What They Need:
Montana must address its running back position after a slew of injuries derailed their 2023 campaign. A high-floor RB will bring stability to their roster.
Who They Should Draft: Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey’s dual-threat abilities as a runner and receiver would be an excellent fit for the Wombats. If he stays healthy, he can be an anchor to their offense.
5. Des Moines Metro Raiders
What They Need:
Des Moines needs a blend of upside and security. Their gamble on Cooper Kupp didn’t pan out last season, so they need a star wide receiver to fill that void.
Who They Should Draft: Justin Jefferson
Jefferson is the type of receiver who can single-handedly win games. With his elite production, he could be the WR1 that Des Moines sorely needs.
6. California Rebels
What They Need:
The Rebels are riding high after their back-to-back titles. However, they still need a quality RB2 to complement their high-powered passing game.
Who They Should Draft: Saquon Barkley
Barkley’s resurgence last year makes him a tantalizing option. His ability to carry the ball and catch passes out of the backfield would elevate the Rebels’ already dominant offense.
7. Austin Oilers
What They Need:
Austin needs a more reliable RB1 after their 2023 struggles. Adding a solid running back in the first round could provide the consistency they’ve lacked.
Who They Should Draft: Breece Hall
Hall offers high upside despite injury concerns. If healthy, he could provide Austin with the RB1 production they’ve been searching for.
8. Los Angeles USMC
What They Need:
Los Angeles needs to find another solid receiver to pair with their RB-heavy roster. Adding a PPR monster would give them balance.
Who They Should Draft: Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown is a target magnet who thrives in PPR formats. His consistency will be key for Los Angeles as they look to compete in 2024.
9. Atlantic City Aces
What They Need:
After a disastrous 1-13 season, the Aces need everything. Starting with a WR1 who can serve as a cornerstone for their rebuild is essential.
Who They Should Draft: Ja’Marr Chase
Chase’s explosive potential paired with his improving consistency would make him a great building block for Atlantic City’s rebuild.
10. Seattle Heist
What They Need:
Seattle boomed with Tyreek Hill last season, and true to form, the Heist tend to prioritize wide receivers in Round 1—90% of their first-round picks have been WRs. Given their draft history, it’s almost certain they’ll target another elite pass-catcher. While they’ve shuffled through options in past seasons, it’s time for them to lock in a true WR1 who can deliver big plays and bring consistency to their lineup. No more experimenting—just dominance.
Who They Should Draft: A.J. Brown
With the 10th overall pick, Seattle lands A.J. Brown, a physical, explosive receiver who can go off any given week. Brown brings a mix of power and speed, making him one of the top WRs in fantasy. His ability to make contested catches, combined with his yards-after-catch skills, gives Seattle a true WR1 that can change their offensive identity for the better.
11. Anchorage Commandos
What They Need:
Anchorage has a good roster, but adding a high-end RB would solidify their lineup and help them break through in the playoffs.
Who They Should Draft: Travis Etienne Jr.
Etienne’s versatility as a runner and receiver makes him an attractive option for Anchorage. He’ll add a dynamic element to their offense.
12. Burlington Boss Hogs
What They Need:
Burlington is a solid team that’s looking to make that final leap. A high-floor WR2 would help round out their offense and keep them competitive.
Who They Should Draft: Garrett Wilson
Wilson showed flashes of brilliance last season. Adding him would give the Boss Hogs another reliable pass-catcher with high upside.
Two-Round Mock Draft
Round 1
- Moscow Black Bears: CeeDee Lamb
- ABQ Roadrunners: Bijan Robinson
- El Paso Red Devils: Tyreek Hill
- Montana Wombats: Christian McCaffrey
- Des Moines Metro Raiders: Justin Jefferson
- California Rebels: Saquon Barkley
- Austin Oilers: Breece Hall
- Los Angeles USMC: Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Atlantic City Aces: Ja’Marr Chase
- Seattle Heist: A.J. Brown
- Anchorage Commandos: Travis Etienne Jr.
- Burlington Boss Hogs: Garrett Wilson
Round 2
- Burlington Boss Hogs: Jonathan Taylor
- Anchorage Commandos: Chris Olave
- Seattle Heist: Jahmyr Gibbs
- Atlantic City Aces: Deebo Samuel
- Los Angeles USMC: Davante Adams
- Austin Oilers: Derrick Henry
- California Rebels: Puka Nacua
- El Paso Red Devils: Joe Mixon
- Montana Wombats: DK Metcalf
- El Paso Red Devils: Isiah Pacheco
- ABQ Roadrunners: Kenneth Walker III
- Moscow Black Bears: Drake London
Analysis
- Ceedee Lamb to the Moscow Black Bears is a no-brainer, giving them one of the most explosive WRs in the league. Moscow needs to stop overthinking their lineups and just let Jefferson do the work.
- Bijan Robinson fits perfectly in Albuquerque, as they need a foundational piece at running back. Robinson’s versatility could turn the tide for a franchise that’s been stuck in mediocrity.
- Tyreek Hill adds speed and explosiveness to El Paso, giving them a much-needed weapon who can make a difference in any game.
- Christian McCaffrey brings his all-around talents to Montana, and if he stays healthy, he could guide the Wombats back into playoff contention.
- Justin Jefferson fills a glaring hole in Des Moines’ lineup. Chase’s ability to break big plays will help the Raiders be more than just a gambling joke this season.
Each of these picks will shape the upcoming season and could define the success or failure of their respective teams. The 2024 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in NAFC history!
