The 2023 NFL season is a month away and teams are gearing up to finalize their rosters and squads. As the training camp is in full swing, the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns are preparing to kick off the 2023 NFL season with the first preseason game on 3 August 2023.
These are exciting times for football fans across the world. One such team that has garnered more attention in the offseason are the New York Jets. With the blockbuster Aaron Rodgers trade and with the franchise featuring on HBO’s Hard Knocks, it’s an icing on the cake for all the football lovers.
This part of the year is important, not just for the NFL teams but also for the fantasy football managers. There’s no better time to evaluate their fantasy teams than now. They will keep a close eye on the rookies and players they want to draft on their fantasy football teams.
The 2023 Draft saw some big moves happen across boards and teams. Bryce Young went No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers. We saw the Houston Texans trade up from No. 12 to No. 3 to grab hold of Will Andreson Jr. from Alabama. Will Levis, who was the betting favorite to go in top 2 slipped to Round 2. The Eagles ran away with Georgia boys, Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the draft. These were some of the top storylines.
The NFL however, it’s a different ball game. From Justin Herbert in 2020 to Sauce Gardner in 2022, we’ve seen the impact of good rookies in fantasy football. Hence it is important to draft wisely.
Let’s look at some of the top rookies in 2023 who’ll immediately impact your fantasy team based on their teams and roster positions.
1. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson has been nothing short of impressive during the 2023 Atlanta Falcons training camp. The Longhorns RB, drafted No. 8 overall by the Falcons has shown his talents and is on his way to being a top first-round pick in the fantasy football draft.
The Falcons RB is a massive presence on the offense with his speed, power and his receiving prowess. He rushed for 3410 yards and covered 805 yards catching passes, accounting for 41 touchdowns during his time with the Longhorns. His skill sets match the modern requirements of the NFL.
Bijan Robinson lands in one of the most dynamic run blocking units with Arthur Smith’s scheme. He is arguably the best overall athlete in the 2023 draft class. Drafting him on your fantasy team will have more upside as the Falcons lean to run heavy offense.
As the football season progresses, every week presents its own challenges and surprises. This impacts the trades and waivers in fantasy football leagues to adjust the team accordingly to matchups.
Sportskeeda’s Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer helps you evaluate various trade options and help you form a winning team. This is your one stop destination.
2. Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles, Chargers
Quentin Johnston had arguably landed in a perfect spot as a rookie WR. Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers as the 21st pick, the TCU WR is one of the most exciting talents in the NFL.
Johnston will be catching balls from Justin Herbert, who has one of the strongest arms in the league. Coming off a massive year and singing a mammoth extension, Herbert is as hungry as he gets. And Johnston will perfectly fit in this setup with the future of his QB looking solid for a long period of time.
The Chargers WR is quick, strongly built, and will have a lot of key one-on-one matchups to showcase himself.
The NFL is a very unpredictable league. Matchups are the key in fantasy football. Check out NFL Standings to be aware of the team positions before making a splash trade or waiving a player.
3. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers struck the lottery when they made a massive trade up to acquire the No. 1 spot from the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. They went ahead to draft Bryce Young as their franchise QB1.
Bryce Young has been “the guy” during his playing days at University of Alabama. The knock or the concern with Bryce Young remains his size. However with his immaculate pass accuracy, he’ll thrive under HC Frank Reich.
The Panthers have provided Young the tools and weapons in the offense to succeed, with the likes of veteran WR Adam Thielen, D. J. Chark and also rookie WR Jonathan Mingo. Bryce Young is the starter for the Panthers. However he will likely go later in the fantasy football drafts and will serve as a good QB2 for most fantasy football teams.
4. C. J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans drafted C. J. Stroud as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is arguably the second best quarterback coming off the 2023 draft class. The Texans QB threw for over 8000 yards and 85 touchdowns during his time at Ohio State. He was also the nominee for the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and 2022.
As the Houston Texans look to move ahead in the post Deshaun Watson era, C. J. Stroud will be the go-to guy as the starter over David Mills. Texans haven’t provided Stroud with great offensive weapons for help. Overall, C. J. Stroud is likely to get drafted in late rounds in the fantasy football drafts.
5. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
The Lions shocked the NFL world when they drafted Jahmyr Gibbs as the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Alabama RB’s selection was first questionable until the Lions traded De’Andre Swift to the Eagles.
This saw the Lions RB’s draft stock shoot up in the fantasy football world. Coming out of college, Gibbs had rushed for 2132 yards and covered 1212 yards while catching passes enroute total of 23 touchdowns.
With the Lions signing former Bears RB David Montgomentry in free agency, Gibbs will take over the De’Andre Swift role. If Gibbs stays healthy, the Lions RB could well end up top fantasy picks alongside the likes of Bijan Robinson.
6. Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Addison has found the perfect spot for his development. The Vikings took the USC WR as the 23rd overall pick. With Adam Thielen joining the Panthers in the off-season, Addison will serve as WR2, complimenting Justin Jefferson.
Addison is a prolific route runner and his playmaking abilities will have an immediate impact on the Kirk Cousins led Vikings offense. Playing under Jefferson’s shadows will be the perfect opportunity for the Vikings RB to showcase himself. Jordan Addison will be a great draft pick in your fantasy football team.
7. Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions drafted Sam LaPorta as the 34th overall pick in the Round 2 of the 2023 NFL draft. The IOWA TE is strongly built and will have more targets taking catches from QB Jared Goff.
With Jameison Williams suspended, the Lions offense will be resting on Marvin Jones Jr. and Amon-Ra St. Brown. This will mean Jared Goff using Sam LaPorta with immediate opportunities to create plays.
Many fantasy managers have LaPorta going in the end of Round 2 and the beginning of Round 3. The Lions TE has more upside in this draft class and will be a solid pick for your fantasy football team.
8. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba comes into a very unique Seahawks setup and has impressed everyone in the training camp. Drafted as the 20th overall pick, he’ll be lurking under the veterans DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
The Ohio State WR is known for his extreme quickness and agility that he showcased during the NFL combine. Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains a top 25-dynasty WR with a real shot at developing into a top 10 WR in the NFL.
One final important note before you go ahead with drafting rookies for your fantasy football teams. It doesn’t matter if you’re a New York Jets fan or a Dallas Cowboys fan, as a team manager, it’s your job to draft without bias and without any emotions involved. The player you like may not always be the most productive and vice versa.Thus, do your research and have fun along the way.
FAQs
Should I draft Michael Mayer or Sam LaPorta?
Both are very talented TEs. LaPorta gets an immediate opportunity with the Lions while Mayer remains the TE2 for the Raiders.
Should I draft Anthony Richardson or Will Levis?
Anthony Richardson will get to be the QB1 for the Colts and will have more game time while Will Levis will be fighting for the QB1 spot with Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis.
Who is a sleeper rookie prospect I should consider while drafting?
Saints RB Kendre Miller could be a serious rookie sleeper. Although the backfield is strong, the TCU RB comes in and could play a crucial role, with the potential suspension of Alvin Kamara looming.
Can I draft Bryce Young as my QB1 in my fantasy football team?
While Bryce Young is as good as a quarterback, drafting him as the QB1 needs to be taken with caution due to concerns on his height and questions on how he’ll adapt in the NFL. He will be a great QB1 for the 2024 NFL season.
Where should I draft Bijan Robinson?
The Falcons RB has been exceptional so far. Being a running back in the current RB market, he stands out with his overall abilities. He will be a solid pick in the top 10 picks.
