Fantasy football is all about finding value. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time player, drafting the right rookies can make or break your season. Rookies bring excitement, potential, and sometimes, incredible value. But they also come with risk. Not all rookies live up to the hype, and some take time to develop. In this guide, we’ll break down the top rookies to target in your 2023 fantasy football draft. We’ll focus on their skills, team situations, and potential for immediate impact. Let’s dive in!
Why Draft Rookies in Fantasy Football?
Rookies can be game-changers in fantasy football. They often come at a lower cost in drafts but can provide elite production if they hit. Think of players like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, or Saquon Barkley, who exploded onto the scene as rookies and became league winners. However, not every rookie will have that kind of impact. The key is to identify which rookies are in the best situations to succeed right away.
When evaluating rookies, consider:
Talent: How good is the player?
Opportunity: Will they get playing time?
Team Situation: Is the team good? Is there a clear role for the rookie?
Draft Capital: Where were they drafted? Higher draft picks usually get more chances.
Now, let’s look at the top rookies to target in 2023.
Quarterbacks (QB)
Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
Bryce Young was the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s a smart, accurate quarterback with excellent poise. The Panthers have built a solid offense around him, including veteran wide receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark, and rookie Jonathan Mingo. Young’s ability to extend plays and make quick decisions makes him a strong candidate for fantasy relevance.
Why Draft Him? Young is the clear starter and will have plenty of opportunities to throw the ball. He’s also mobile, which adds value with rushing yards and touchdowns.
Risk: Rookie quarterbacks can struggle with turnovers and consistency. The Panthers’ offensive line is also a question mark.
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
C.J. Stroud was the second overall pick and is known for his accuracy and arm strength. The Texans have surrounded him with young talent, including wide receiver Nico Collins and rookie Tank Dell. Stroud’s ability to throw deep balls and make quick reads makes him an intriguing fantasy option.
Why Draft Him? Stroud will start from Day 1 and has the tools to succeed. The Texans will likely be playing from behind often, meaning Stroud will have to throw a lot.
Risk: The Texans’ offense is still developing, and Stroud may face growing pains as a rookie.
Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)
Anthony Richardson is the most athletic quarterback in this class. He’s a dual-threat player with a cannon for an arm and elite rushing ability. The Colts plan to use his mobility to create big plays, both through the air and on the ground.
Why Draft Him? Richardson’s rushing upside gives him a high floor in fantasy. Even if he struggles as a passer, his legs can make him a top-12 QB.
Risk: Richardson is raw as a passer and may take time to develop. His accuracy and decision-making are concerns.
Running Backs (RB)
Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)
Bijan Robinson is the most hyped rookie running back since Saquon Barkley. He’s a complete back with elite vision, power, and receiving skills. The Falcons drafted him 8th overall, showing their commitment to making him the centerpiece of their offense.
Why Draft Him? Robinson will be the workhorse back in a run-heavy offense. He’s a three-down player who can catch passes and score touchdowns. He has top-5 RB potential.
Risk: The Falcons have other capable backs (Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson), but Robinson’s talent should keep him on the field.
Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)
Jahmyr Gibbs is a dynamic playmaker with elite speed and receiving ability. The Lions drafted him 12th overall, and he’s expected to share the backfield with David Montgomery. However, Gibbs’ versatility makes him a fantasy star in the making.
Why Draft Him? Gibbs will be used as a receiver out of the backfield and could see 5-7 targets per game. His big-play ability gives him immense upside.
Risk: Montgomery will handle early-down work, which could limit Gibbs’ touchdown opportunities.
Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks)
Zach Charbonnet is a powerful runner with good vision and receiving skills. He landed in a great situation with the Seahawks, who have a strong offensive line and a balanced offense.
Why Draft Him? Charbonnet will compete with Kenneth Walker III for touches, but his ability to catch passes and score in the red zone makes him a valuable flex option.
Risk: Walker is the starter, so Charbonnet’s role may be limited early in the season.
Wide Receivers (WR)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the most polished receiver in this class. He’s a route-running technician with great hands and the ability to create separation. The Seahawks drafted him to be their slot receiver, complementing DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Why Draft Him? Smith-Njigba will see plenty of targets in a pass-heavy offense. He’s a safe bet for 70+ catches as a rookie.
Risk: Metcalf and Lockett will command targets, which could limit Smith-Njigba’s ceiling.
Jordan Addison (Minnesota Vikings)
Jordan Addison is a smooth route-runner with excellent hands. He joins a Vikings offense that loves to throw the ball, and he’ll play alongside Justin Jefferson, one of the best receivers in the league.
Why Draft Him? Addison will benefit from single coverage with Jefferson drawing double teams. He’s a great option in PPR leagues.
Risk: The Vikings have other weapons (T.J. Hockenson, K.J. Osborn), so Addison’s target share may be inconsistent.
Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers)
Quentin Johnston is a big, physical receiver with elite athleticism. He joins a Chargers offense led by Justin Herbert, one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.
Why Draft Him? Johnston will be the Chargers’ primary deep threat and could see plenty of red-zone targets. His big-play ability gives him high upside.
Risk: Keenan Allen and Mike Williams will dominate targets, which could limit Johnston’s opportunities.
Tight Ends (TE)
Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills)
Dalton Kincaid is a pass-catching tight end with great hands and route-running ability. The Bills drafted him in the first round, showing their commitment to adding another weapon for Josh Allen.
Why Draft Him? Kincaid will be used as a move tight end and could see 5-7 targets per game. He’s a great option in PPR leagues.
Risk: Dawson Knox is still on the roster, which could limit Kin
Michael Mayer (Las Vegas Raiders)
caid’s snaps early in the season.
Michael Mayer is a traditional tight end with excellent blocking and receiving skills. He joins a Raiders offense that needs a reliable target in the middle of the field.
Why Draft Him? Mayer will be the Raiders’ primary tight end and could see plenty of red-zone targets. He’s a safe bet for 50+ catches as a rookie.
Risk: The Raiders’ offense is inconsistent, which could limit Mayer’s upside.
Sleepers to Watch
Tank Dell (WR, Houston Texans): A speedy slot receiver who could develop into C.J. Stroud’s favorite target.
Roschon Johnson (RB, Chicago Bears): A powerful runner who could earn a larger role as the season progresses.
Luke Musgrave (TE, Green Bay Packers): A athletic tight end who could become Jordan Love’s safety valve.
Final Tips for Drafting Rookies
Don’t Reach: Rookies are exciting, but don’t overpay. Draft them at their average draft position (ADP) or later.
Target Opportunity: Look for rookies in good situations with clear paths to playing time.
Be Patient: Some rookies take time to develop. Don’t give up on them too early.
Rookies can be the difference between winning and losing in fantasy football. By targeting the right players, you can build a championship-caliber team. Good luck in your draft!
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