The 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with fun rookies who should make immediate impacts on their new teams. Mock drafts have some fun pairings between prospects and teams, and some players just seem destined for their future teams. With that in mind, who are five rookies and their best landing spots that could make the NFL a blast in 2023 and beyond?
Five Fun Rookies and Team Pairings
Israel Abanikanda + New Orleans Saints = Explosive Touchdowns
While the rest of America is waiting on Alvin Kamara news, the New Orleans Saints could add an awesome playmaker to their squad. Izzy Abanikanda led the NCAA in touchdowns in 2022 and can return kicks as well. Worst case scenario, Abanikanda is the kick returner and insurance for Kamara or Jamaal Williams. Currently projected to go somewhere between the third and fifth rounds, he is a cheap investment that is lightning in a bottle. In the best-case scenario, he sets the NFC South ablaze with highlight runs like these.
Israel Abanikanda Draft Profile
This is now a pro-Abanikanda page until I get a reason not to be #NFLDraft2023 pic.twitter.com/HxSh72XCLi
— FF Mike Kash (@FFMikeKash) April 4, 2023
The Baltimore Ravens Add Some Speed
Rumor has it there is a player who ran a 4.4 40-yard dash and it was a disappointment. As the Baltimore Ravens shift their offense from a run-first team to a scheme from the 21st century, they need a deep threat. Enter, Jalin Hyatt. He will blow the doors off of any defense and can unlock this offense whether it is Lamar Jackson or his mini-me Tyler Huntley. Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews can help move the chains, but Hyatt can catch two passes a game for over a hundred yards.
Certified fast guy pic.twitter.com/uYyHQWgvYU
— FF Mike Kash (@FFMikeKash) April 4, 2023
Carolina Panthers Help Their Quarterback
While the rest of the draft is filled with tiny slot receivers, there are two or three bigger receivers available in the second or third round. Jonathan Mingo is enormous at 6′-2″ and 220 pounds. For some comparison, Nolan Smith is projected to play linebacker or the edge at the next level. Smith is about 15 pounds heavier, but that’s the only difference. The Panthers have a clear need, and not a lot of picks high enough for the top-tier prospects. Accordingly, if Mingo is there as their third-round pick, the Carolina Panthers can run this card in. As a result, their offense and their team will be way more fun in 2o23.
Also fast, but big. Panthers need a WR 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/a3XpgAYLaa
— FF Mike Kash (@FFMikeKash) April 4, 2023
Pittsburgh Finalizes Their Identity
Whether it is at 17 or 32, the Pittsburgh Steelers are certainly intrigued by an offensive lineman. Dawand Jones is an absolute freakazoid of a prospect and just feels like a Steeler. His massive size makes pass blocking almost simple, and his aggression in the run game leads to the hilarious Michael Oher’ing of smaller defenders. When it is December, in Pittsburgh, and they are up by four and have the ball, it’s Jones time. Pickett can just turn around, hand the ball to Najee Harris, and enjoy lanes big enough for 18-wheelers. Here we go Pittsburgh.
I’ve shown you fast. Now look at big! pic.twitter.com/71xGojHg4D
— FF Mike Kash (@FFMikeKash) April 4, 2023
Darren Sproles 2.0
The draft comparisons between Deuce Vaughn and Darren Sproles are obviously easy. Markedly small prospects, elite change of direction skills, and even the same Alma Mater. Why not take this one step further with a pairing to the Los Angeles Chargers? His pass-catching chops could be utilized perfectly alongside Justin Herbert, and he would be among the top of the list for 2023 fun rookies. They have a need at running back with Austin Ekeler requesting a trade, and no other real options on their roster. The Isaiah Spiller experiment has failed, but Deuce Vaughn is approximately seven times the athlete Spiller is (I did the math don’t worry).
Now small guy season
pic.twitter.com/Ma5Y1nfMrl— FF Mike Kash (@FFMikeKash) April 4, 2023
