What can you do for me this year? Rookies are drafted into the NFL with a large amount of buzz and excitement, but it is not an easy ride. Adjustments are needed and it is not a smooth path to professional success. Professional teams do have the ability to play the long game, to an extent, but fantasy managers do not have that same luxury. With that being said, let us take a look at some Rookie of the Year candidates for this season. Listed by position, they are in order of my preference. Remember though, the fantasy game is different as we are looking for stats not overall performance.
Rookie of the Year Candidates for 2023 Fantasy Football
Quarterback
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
It’s all about the legs here. While Richardson is a quarterback, we are after him as a Rookie of the Year candidate in fantasy football for what he can do on the ground. Clearly, we are interested in what he does through the air, but the running game is where the production is coming from.
The fact that the Colts are a rebuilding team in transition should not be a surprise. Now that Jonathan Taylor likely will not play a down for the Colts this season, their offense is even more barren. While that makes things difficult for a rookie quarterback, it will force Richardson out of the pocket.
Already named the starter, the Colts are committed to Richardson, and that is a good thing. While we do not want to put much stock into preseason performance, Richardson has not looked great to this point, but he is a rookie. Richardson is fast, athletic, and has a big arm. With that being said, he will struggle with his accuracy. From a fantasy perspective though, as long as he picks up yardage (and touchdowns) on the ground, Richardson is a viable option. As the season progresses, he should improve as a passer, but the big play potential will be there.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Young has an impressive resume from his time with Alabama, but caution should be exercised. While not official, Young should be beginning the season as the starter after a lackluster, to this point, preseason. The difference with Young is that we are looking more at the performance than the actual tools.
Size, or lack thereof, is an issue here as Young is not exactly an athletic specimen. While Young will likely be solid, there will be some good and bad moments as he progresses through the season.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Like Young, Stroud has not been officially named the starter, but it seems to be pretty set. He has started each preseason game to this point and while it has not led to a ton of production, the plan is evident.
Moving from Ohio State to the Texans, Stroud is experiencing a large downgrade in receiver talent. That is perhaps the largest factor holding him back as it will be substantial adjustment. From a size and arm perspective, Stroud appears to be from central casting. While he will have his moments, the redraft value likely is minimal overall.
Running Back
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Tell me something I don’t know, right? This is really groundbreaking analysis as Robinson is already going in the first round of drafts, but it is deserved.
Robinson brings both size and speed to the table and it is with good reason that Atlanta selected him first overall. After watching Tyler Allgeier break the 1,000-yard mark last year as a rookie, we know that the trust in rookies is there. While Allgeier does return this year, the Falcons offense will be focused on the ground game. Considering the inexperienced Desmond Ridder is starting under center, Robinson and Allgeier will both have integral roles.
What sets Robinson apart though as a Rookie of the Year candidate is the passing game. Robinson is a skilled pass catcher and the expectation is that he will be utilized heavily there. While there are the standard rookie questions, there are no true warning signs either.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Part of the allure here, right or wrong, is where the Lions drafted Gibbs in the first round. Selecting him 12th overall should speak volumes as to their thoughts of him and his projected role in 2023.
It is always interesting to evaluate running backs from Alabama, and Gibbs is no different. Based on his previous usage though, along with some other factors, it does appear that we have a pretty solid idea.
Detroit replaced Jamaal Williams with David Montgomery, and the latter figures to be heavily involved. His role will likely be on early downs, short yardage, and goal line situations. That is best suited to his skill set and also lines up well with Gibbs. Checking in at 199 pounds, Gibbs does not project as a true workhorse.
After catching 104 of 134 targets in college, Gibbs strength is in the passing game. Getting him and his 4.36 40-yard dash time in open space helps to make an impact. That was on display for Alabama as he averaged 9.1 yards per reception, and that is what the Lions are looking for.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
While Charbonnet is a better runner than Gibbs, we are looking at a similar situation here. The issue for the Seattle rookie is that, behind Kenneth Walker, he could potentially have a harder path. Should the second-year back struggle or miss time, then Charbonnet could very easily rocket up the Rookie of the Year list.
What will get the rookie on the field though is his talent in the passing game as that gives him an edge over Walker. While there is work to be done, Charbonnet could do some damage.
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
For multiple reasons, Achane is a long-shot Rookie of the Year option, but there is upside here.
It appears that Achane escaped serious damage with his preseason shoulder injury. The fact that it is not expected to linger far into the regular season certainly is a plus here. However, things are not that easy.
To say that Achane is undersized for a running back might be an understatement. It likely will limit his role as Miami has a crowded backfield, but Achane could have a very clear and specific role. There is no disputing his speed or ability in the receiving game, and the Dolphins could generate some clear PPR value.
Deuce Vaughn, Dallas Cowboys
As we progress to Vaughn, things get even smaller from a size perspective. Given the fact that Vaughn was not used until the second half in Dallas’s recent preseason game, role is a concern here. At the same time though, behind Tony Pollard, there is playing time and volume up for grabs.
It will be an uphill path, and this is a deep cut for Rookie of the Year, but Vaughn could make a PPR impact. The rookie is quick and has clear skill in that area of the game and the depth chart is thin.
Wide Receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
It is always tough with rookie receivers, but Smith-Njigba appears to be a step ahead of his competition. The broken wrist is concerning, but it doesn’t appear that his surgery will hold him back much in the regular season.
Behind DJ Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, targets might be difficult to come by, but talent always wins out. In a crowded wide receiver room at Ohio State, Smith-Njigba still managed to stand out. While others might be faster, his skill set stands out in the slot.
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
While his size and speed do stand out, Addison’s NCAA production certainly does. With the departure of Adam Thielen, there are available targets opposite Justin Jefferson, and the rookie is poised to capitalize. While Jefferson will certainly command the bulk of the targets outside, that should open things up on the opposite side of the field.
Having Kirk Cousins as a dependable veteran quarterback does help here. Based on game planning, both internal and external, there could so some weeks where Addison looks like a Rookie of the Year candidate and others where he is a dud.
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are looking to put more of an emphasis on the passing game this year. Part of that strategy led to the drafting of Flowers in the first round.
Despite not playing on the best of teams, Flowers had a strong NCAA career at Boston College. Flowers tested really well from a speed and vertical perspective, but size is not an asset. That means Flowers will likely be limited to the slot. With Odell Beckham, Rashod Bateman, and Mark Andrews, competition for targets will be in full force.
Some games will be better than others for Flowers as his role is sorted out, but the potential is here.
Marvin Mims, Denver Broncos
Mims is an interesting option for a Broncos offense looking for a do-over after 2022. Between Sean Payton as head coach and a resurgent, and skilled Russell Wilson, this is a positive situation.
In Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, Denver already has two strong receivers. However, it was the injury to Tim Patrick that caught our attention. Now, Mims can likely slide into the slot where he as the potential to do some damage.
Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
Thanks to Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City receivers are always going to attract our attention. Last year, that did not go so well for Skyy Moore as a rookie, but he is back to make up for that this year.
This year, the Chiefs have to replace JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, and drafting Rice could accomplish that. While Mahomes’ production is always there, he does spread things around aside from Travis Kelce so there is some concern. Rice had 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns last year for SMU, and he should be monitored.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
Upon an initial look at Johnston, he should be higher on the list. From a size perspective and combine performance, aside from his 4.50 time in the 40-yard dash, the rookie looks like a receiver from central casting. The fact that Justin Herbert will be Johnston’s quarterback only adds to those good feelings.
However, the lackluster 40-yard dash time does put a damper on things. While Johnston did have a strong college career, his route tree was limited and deep balls made up a lot of his production. While Herbert is strong at that aspect of the game, until he develops more, Johnston’s performance will be uneven at best.
Tight End
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
It is often most difficult for tight ends to contend for the Rookie of the Year. That is why it is a good sign that Kincaid was drafted as more of a slot receiver. In Dalton Knox, the Bills already have a solid tight end. The expectation is that they will utilize Kincaid out of the slot, but there are concerns about volume.
When we get to the red zone, those concerns are only amplified. With that being said, Kincaid does have the size and skill set to make an impact. Having Josh Allen to throw him the ball certainly helps.
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
Coming out of tight end factory, Iowa, LaPorta is generating a lot of buzz. That is for good reason, but his college production does not completely back that up. The rookie has looked impressive during Training Camp but the regular season is quite different. LaPorta will be involved in the Detroit offense, but it remains to be seen at what frequency.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Mayer did not exactly impress at the combine, and that caused a slight decrease in his draft cost and buzz. While at Notre Dame though, you cannot discount his production. Over the last two years, Mayer finished with 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns. We cannot draw a straight line to expected NFL performance, but that is a strong showing.
The trade of Darren Waller certainly provides opportunity for the rookie, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can capitalize.
Who are your favorite Rookie of the Year candidates? Drop some names in the comments below. For more great rankings and analysis, make sure to check out our 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit!
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