Over the past decade, one of the most striking trends in the National Football League has been the devaluing of the running-back position.

While the top rushers in the league have had trouble getting paid as much as their receiving and quarterbacking cohorts, they’ve still proven to be invaluable to fantasy football success.

Four of the past five years, we’ve made a ball-carrier the No. 1 rookie pick in our fantasy previews (Josh Jacobs, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Breece Hall, Bijan Robinson).

But no such luck this year. Pass catchers reign in our 2024 list, led by a talented trio that begin their NFL fantasy careers as must-starts.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals WR)

The son of a hall of famer and a future hall of famer himself? Yes, the hype around Harrison has been feverish. That’s due to his last two seasons at Ohio State (144 catches, 2,474 yards, 28 touchdowns). He’ll be the obvious No. 1 target of Arizona QB Kyler Murray, and he’s the only player on this list who could conceivably finish in the fantasy top 10 this season.

Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is tackled by Benjamin Morrison #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after a reception during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on Sept. 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

2. Malik Nabers (Giants WR)

The latest model of LSU superstar receivers, Nabers made like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase with a three-year tally of 189 catches, 3,003 yards and 21 TDs. He begins his career as the Giants’ No. 1 offensive threat. The only thing that could hold him back, and likely will hold him back, is the mediocrity of New York incumbent quarterback Daniel Jones.

Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball as Jacoby Mathews #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies defends during the first half at Tiger Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

3. Rome Odunze (Bears WR)

He helped lead Washington to the national championship game last season with 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. And now he’s in the Windy City to pair up with Caleb Williams in what could be an explosive Bears attack. The only issue for Odunze’s fantasy value is that, playing beside veterans D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, there are many mouths to feed.

Cam Lampkin #3 of the Washington State Cougars tackles Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

4. Jonathon Brooks (Panthers RB)

Brooks blossomed as a senior at Texas with 212 touches for 1,425 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite a knee injury he suffered at the end of last season, he’s still the top rookie running back of this class. He won’t be ready for the first few weeks, but he should eventually push his way past Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders into a starting role in Carolina.

Jonathon Brooks #24 of the Texas Longhorns breaks a tackle attempt by Siale Esera #54 of the Brigham Young Cougars in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Oct. 28, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

5. Brock Bowers (Raiders TE)

Georgia’s three-time All-American was one of the greatest tight ends in college football history, scoring 31 touchdowns as a Bulldog. And he will quickly rise near the top of the fairly thin crop of fantasy tight ends. Could he challenge Davante Adams for the Raiders’ receiving lead? The biggest liability for both is Vegas’ meager QB ranks (Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew).

Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

6. Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars WR)

The other standout LSU receiver, Thomas last year had 68 catches for 1,177 yards and 17 TDs. He posted a sizzling 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. If QB Trevor Lawrence doesn’t have a rebound season, he won’t be able to blame it on a pass-catching corps that also includes Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and tight end Evan Engram.

Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers catches a pass over Daedae Hill #6 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second quarter at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

7. Caleb Williams (Bears QB)

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 draft pick threw for 10,082 yards in his last three seasons at Oklahoma and Southern California. His 93-14 touchdown-to-interception ratio glitters, but he often did not in big games. But he’ll be heading an overhauled Chicago offense that, in addition to Odunze, added veterans Allen and D’Andre Swift.

Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

8. Trey Benson (Cardinals RB)

The clear No. 2 rookie running back had almost identical seasons the past two years at Oregon and Florida State. He totalled 343 touches for 2,267 yards and 24 touchdowns. He’ll be taking some of the workload from starter James Conner and will be a significant player in the ascending Arizona offense.

Running back Trey Benson #3 of the Florida State Seminoles runs the ball by safety Jalen Stroman #26 of the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of play at Doak Campbell Stadium on Oct. 07, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

9. Xavier Worthy (Chiefs WR)

Patrick Mahomes’ newest ally starred for three years at Texas, with 197 receptions for 2,755 yards and 26 TDs. But his most impressive number is the record 4.21-second time he posted in the 40 at the NFL combine. With Rashee Rice facing a possible suspension, Worthy will be high on Mahomes’ target list along with another newcomer, Marquise Brown.

Xavier Worthy #1 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

10. Jayden Daniels (Commanders QB)

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner had an off-the-charts season at LSU, completing more than 72 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards and 40 TDs. Even more impressive: only four interceptions. But he’s pretty skinny by NFL QB standards, so we’re guessing he won’t be duplicating the 10 rushing touchdowns he had last season in Baton Rouge.

Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

11. Ladd McConkey (Chargers WR)

McConkey was one of the many standouts at Georgia, where in three seasons he tallied 132 touches for 1,903 yards and 18 TDs. He lands with a rebuilding Chargers team led by new coach Jim Harbaugh. With the exits of Keenan Allen, MIke Williams, Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett, QB Justin Herbert will need McConkey to quickly emerge as a weapon.

Ladd McConkey #84 of the Georgia Bulldogs catches a 14 yard touchdown in the third quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at SoFi Stadium on Jan. 09, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

12. Keon Coleman (Bills WR)

The Bills said goodbye to Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, who combined for 152 catches last season. In comes this Florida State standout, who caught 51 passes for 660 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Seminoles. He’s the seventh rookie on this list who has at least a chance to lead his new team in receptions.

Keon Coleman #4 of the Florida State Seminoles makes the game-winning catch against Jeadyn Lukus #10 of the Clemson Tigers in overtime at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 23, 2023 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

13. Blake Corum (Rams RB)

The hero of Michigan’s 2023 national championship team had two sterling seasons with the Wolverines, rushing for 2,708 yards and 45 touchdowns in 2022-23. He scored in 26 of his last 27 games. Corum could see regular work in L.A. as he’s behind only Kyren Williams on the depth chart. Coach Sean McVay will not let this talent go to waste.

Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in overtime against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on Jan. 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

14. Ricky Pearsall (49ers WR)

Pearsall started at Arizona State and finished at Florida, where he scored six TDs and caught 65 passes for 965 last season. A very athletic addition to a 49ers receiver corps that is a bit up in the air because of the uncertain status of disgruntled Brandon Aiyuk.

Ricky Pearsall #1 of the Florida Gators catches the ball on a kickoff by the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 17, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

15. Adonai MItchell (Colts WR)

Mitchell transferred from Georgia to Texas and posted strong numbers last season (55 catches, 845 yards, 11 TDs). He could find his way into the starting lineup with the Colts, who have only one top-flight receiver in Michael Pittman Jr.

Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns catches a touchdown pass as Josh Newton #2 of the TCU Horned Frogs defends during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Nov. 11, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Other notable rookies

Jaylen Wright (Dolphins RB), MarShawn Lloyd (Packers RB), Xavier Legette (Panthers WR), Drake Maye (Patriots QB), J.J. McCarthy (Vikings QB), Bo Nix (Broncos QB), MIchael Penix Jr. (Falcons QB), Ben Sinott (Commanders TE).

Jaylen Wright #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies in the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 14, 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Coming up

August 18: Veterans that we’re not especially high on for this fantasy season.

August 25: Veterans that we’re rating higher than the experts’ consensus.

September 1: Our annual Nipsey Russell-inspired NFL Preview.

You can hear <a href=”http://www.twincities.com/author/kevin-cusick/” target=”_blank”>Kevin Cusick</a> on Wednesdays on <a href=”http://bsblog.com/podcasts” target=”_blank”>Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast</a> on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on <a href=”http://twitter.com/theloopnow’” target=”_blank”>Twitter — @theloopnow</a>. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.