Rookies matter. “They haven’t even stepped foot on a football field yet” isn’t a good enough argument. In the last ten years, a rookie RB has finished top 12 in fantasy points per game in nine out of ten seasons (Hill finished at RB13 in PPG in 2014). A rookie WR has finished top 24 seemingly every season in the same time frame. Rookie tight ends seem to take time to produce, but in a loaded class can they buck the trend? Here are the ten best rookies for fantasy football in 2023.
Ten Best Rookies for Fantasy Football in 2023
Bijan Robinson RB Atlanta Falcons
No list is complete without the consensus rookie RB1. He’s big, he’s fast, he’s got great hands, there’s nothing not to love. If this is the first time you’re seeing his name, get used to it for fantasy football in 2023 and beyond.
Jahmyr Gibbs RB Detroit Lions
Bijan might be the RB1, but Gibbs is a very effective running back in his own right. He dominates linebackers in passing situations with sub-4.4 speed and an insane change of direction ability. Gibbs will never eclipse 300 carries in a season, but he could put together 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving.
Quentin Johnston WR Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is on the shortlist of passers who could lead the league. Why not take a swing on his new weapon? Johnston brings a YAC ability that Keenan Allen and Mike Williams don’t have, and his size and speed will be a problem for defenders in 2023.
Jordan Addison WR Minnesota Vikings
Meet Kirk Cousins new WR2. Addison is a Belitnikoff winner, a first-round pick, and an extremely clean route runner for a rookie. If he inherits the Adam Thielen role Addison could sneak into the top 24 receivers in fantasy.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba was the top prospect coming into the NFL Draft. While he might be fighting with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett for targets, he is talented enough to make waves this season.
Zay Flowers WR Baltimore Ravens
Who is the real top wideout in Baltimore? All camp reports point to Zay Flowers, a jitterbug who keeps roasting defenders in training camp.
Dalton Kincaid TE Buffalo Bills
Straight from his draft profile, “In a draft class that is loaded at the tight end position, Dalton Kincaid stands out with his natural pass-catching skills and fluidity as a route-runner at his size.” Add in that he’s tied to Josh Allen, he’s a name to know.
Anthony Richardson QB Indianapolis Colts
What if there was a quarterback who was bigger and faster than Derrick Henry? What if that quarterback also could throw the ball 7o yards with ease? He’ll take some time to hone his skills, but Richardson has top-five overall upside and is going outside the top 12 in ADP. He’s easily among the best rookies for fantasy football this season.
Bryce Young QB Carolina Panthers
While Bryce Young was drafted higher than Richardson, he is likely only important as a bye week stream or a QB2 in superflex leagues. He’s magic in the pocket but shouldn’t try to run unless he wants to meet someone who weighs 80 pounds more than him with a full head of steam.
Rashee Rice WR Kansas City Chiefs
There are loads of other rookies who could have filled in the ten slot like any of the must-draft handcuffs for this season, but Rice is becoming a sneaky value this draft season. Drafters were burned by Skyy Moore last year, but Rice has a clear path to being the WR1 in one of the best offenses in the league.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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