Impact rookies can mean the difference between making the playoffs or not. If you were lucky enough in 2022 to draft wide receiver Garrett Wilson, you got the NFL Rookie of the Year and the 21st-ranked wide receiver. This was with quarterback play that was average at best.
Kenneth Walker was one of the best rookie running backs and finished the season as the 17th-best RB overall.
So two of the best rookies last year were no better than a WR2 and an RB2.
Before the draft, there is all the hype and we get sucked in. We forget if they are being drafted early, they will be on a really bad team because usually, only the bad teams draft first. Bad teams usually have bad quarterbacks and bad offensive lines and in some cases really bad coaches. Just ask Trevor Lawrence.
We will try to cut through the noise and help you choose rookies that might make an impact this year for their real teams and let you know how they could affect your Fantasy team.
Impact Rookies for 2023 Fantasy Football
Rookie Quarterbacks
Bryce Young – Carolina Panthers
I can’t think of another young quarterback in the league that is in a better position to succeed than Young. He will be surrounded by coaches that know something about what it takes to be an NFL QB. He has a decent trio of receivers to throw to and a tight end that had over 400 receiving yards last year. Even though he isn’t known as a running QB, he is a smart runner and will get a few yards on the ground. He is coming off the board now as a late-round QB2 and that sounds about right. If I am in a dynasty league I am all in.
Anthony Richardson – Indianapolis Colts
Every time I look at my rankings, I keep moving Richardson up. He’s big, fast, and can throw a ball really far. Imagine Michael Vick with 4 more inches and 35 more pounds. The various rankings have him as an early QB2. If he ends up with QB1 numbers he just may win your Superflex or 2QB leagues for you.
C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans
Stroud will impact the Texans more than he will your Fantasy team. His receivers in college were Garett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. This rookie will now throw to Robert Woods and Nico Collins. He is ranked in that 25-30 range and the only way I draft him in a redraft league is if I need a third QB. He could be a great stash for your dynasty team.
Rookie Running Backs
Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
It’s been a long time since there has been this much excitement about a running back coming out of the draft. Robinson was so good the Falcons couldn’t resist drafting him even though last year they drafted a running back that ran for over 1,000 yards and got a first-place vote for Rookie of the Year. If you want Robinson on your team, you will need to get him in the first round. I am guessing I will have him ranked between RB3 and RB7 but if you have him as your RB1 I can’t argue with that. In mock drafts, I have already seen him going as early as the second pick overall.
Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions
Gibbs has big play ability. He is super quick and will bounce off players rather than run through them. Gibbs has a chance to have more TDs from outside the red zone than inside it. He is ranked RB18 and 45 overall. Looking at the backs that are ranked above him that sounds about right. It is hard getting a read on his impact because of having to split carries with David Montgomery. If anything should happen to Montgomery though his ADP will climb quickly.
Zach Charbonnet – Seattle Seahawks
Speaking of splitting carries. If you remember the days of Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny this will be Deja Vu all over again. Charbonnet is on this list because he will be getting carries from day one, we just don’t know yet what the role will be. He is being ranked as RB44 just ahead of Raheem Moster and Devin Singletary.
Rookie Wide Receivers
Jordan Addison – Minnesota Vikings
Looking for impact rookies? Jordan Addison is one of my favorites. Working with a top-ten QB, a team that passes the ball, and a superstar on the other side of the field getting most of the attention, what’s not to like? He slides into Adam Thielan’s spot which has been a pretty good spot over the last couple of years. He is currently ranked RB42 and 97th overall. You will be getting a WR4 with the upside to be a WR2.“Most Likely to Succeed in 2023: Jordan Addison to the Minnesota Vikings.” This is what Colin McTamany wrote in his draft awards article and I agree.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba’s ranking is just a couple of slots lower than Addison’s. This is mainly because of being behind Metcalf and Lockett. 70 targets will go to the TE and some more to the backs. I just don’t see where his target share will be worthwhile since Seattle has shown us they intend to run the ball more by drafting Charbonnet. This year, like Addison, he will be a WR4 but without the upside.
Quentin Johnston – San Diego Chargers
Another weapon for Herbert. In case you forgot about last year, Mike Williams played in 13 games and Keenan Allen only 10. Ranked after Smith-Njigba, I can see Quentin Johnston being a much better Fantasy pick. Draft him as a WR4 and know that as soon as one receiver gets hurt he will be a solid No. 3 and if both get hurt again he becomes an RB2.
Rookie Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid – Buffalo Bills
Last year Dawson Knox ended up with over 500 receiving yards and six TDs. Even if Kincaid cuts into some of that production, I’m not sure he has a pathway to be Fantasy-relevant this year. Drafted to be more of a third wide receiver, but the third wide receiver on this team last year didn’t show up on the fantasy radar at all. Kincaid has amazing ability and will be a force as an NFL tight end but this year he may be more of a best ball dart throw or a better pick on a dynasty team. Another player that will impact his team more than yours.
Michael Mayer – Las Vegas Raiders
The No. 1 position isn’t his yet. He will end up there. His QB is Jimmy Garoppolo who used to love throwing to Kittle. He will get his targets and even though he will be competing with Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard, he is the one to keep an eye on. Ranked as a TE3, Mayer’s ADP is now a late-round TE2. If he clicks with his QB and ends up as the starter he has a real chance to surprise and be a TE1.
Sam LaPorta – Detroit Lions
The Loins think they have their replacement for T.J. Hockenson. He has very little competition and the Lions do like to get the TEs the ball in the red zone. His ADP right now is around TE24 so he probably will be on most waiver wires. LaPorta is someone to take a chance on with a late-round selection if your bench is big enough to have a second tight end.
Impact Defensive Rookies – IDP
Will Anderson -DL- Houston Texans
After having won almost every award that a defensive player can win in college and most of them two times, he will now wreak havoc on those poor NFL linemen. Ranked inside the top 30 linemen while not playing a down yet, I will be grabbing him as my second DL. Anderson is the definition of impact rookies.
Devon Witherspoon – DB – Seattle Seahawks
Taken in the first round, this player always seems to be in the middle of things. A hard hitter that looks like he could help your team with tackles and interceptions from day one.
Jack Campbell – LB – Detroit Lions
Campbell not only won the Dick Butkus Award for college’s best linebacker but also the William V. Campbell trophy given to the “best in the county for combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership.” If you play in an IDP league I would get him as my second linebacker especially if you are in a dynasty league.
More Potential Impact Rookies:
- Brian Branch – S – Lions – Best safety drafted
- Nolan Smith – DL – Eagles – If you draft DTs this is a great pick.
- Drew Sanders – LB – Broncos – 103 tackles last year
- Zay Flowers – WR – Ravens – Huge talent with question marks in front of him.
- Devon Achane – RB – Dolphins – Has a chance to be the No. 1.
- Roschon Johnson – RB – Bears – Backfield is a bit crowded now but a great dynasty pick.
For more great rankings and analysis, make sure to check out our 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit!
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— Lisa Ann (@thereallisaann) May 6, 2023