The end of the regular season brings rookie campaigns across the NFL to an end. After being advertised as a class loaded with top-notch prospects, it’s time to look back in review. Did the 2023 rookie class live up to the hype in their first season?
NFL Rookie Report – Year in Review
Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates
Where do you even begin with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud? The 22-year-old threw for the 2nd most yards per game by a rookie in NFL history. Stroud played so well that you can’t even compare him to fellow rookies from the 2023 class. He’s already one of the best quarterbacks in the league, with little to no flaws in his game. The Texans turned their franchise around in one offseason, and Stroud is a big reason why.
The only reason why Stroud might not win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award is because of Puka Nacua. Nacua crushed the record for receptions and receiving yards by a rookie. It’s easy to forget that he was a 5th round pick fighting for playing time before the season began. Nowadays, he finds himself in the middle of OROY conversations.
Bijan Robinson won’t take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, but his rookie campaign was still successful. The eighth overall pick was said to be a “generational” prospect, and he lived up to the hype. Robinson finished just shy of benchmarks like 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards while sharing opportunities with Tyler Allgeier.
The Detroit Lions hit big on two offensive selections in this year’s draft. Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta burst onto the scene, quickly becoming centerpieces on one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Gibbs and LaPorta became the first pair of teammates to score double-digit touchdowns as rookies in NFL history. It won’t be surprising if either one is a candidate for OROY.
Budding Stars
Dolphins rookie De’Von Achane would’ve certainly been with the group of players above if he stayed healthy. The speedy tailback reached the endzone 11 times in 11 games and came up three yards shy of 1,000 scrimmage yards. Achane is remarkably efficient, taking an already potent offense to the next level when he’s healthy.
Minnesota hoped rookie receiver Jordan Addison would be a reliable WR2 when defenses key in on Justin Jefferson. Addison went above and beyond expectations, seamlessly filling in as WR1 for a few games. Expect Addison to flirt with 1,000 receiving yards each season from here on out.
Zay Flowers and Rashee Rice differ as players, but there are numerous similarities in their environment this season. Both receivers worked with an elite quarterback and operated as the second option in the passing game alongside a star tight end. Even production was similar, as each wound up with over 900 yards on ~80 touches. Flowers and Rice are already solid options for their offenses, with room to grow in 2024.
Another player who finished his rookie campaign with 900 yards and double-digit touchdowns is Jayden Reed. The Packers prioritize getting Reed involved and often use jet sweeps and touch passes to get him the ball. He made the most out of every opportunity and quickly became one of Jordan Love’s favorite targets.
Underwhelming Rookie Performances
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Quentin Johnston were the first wide receivers selected in this year’s class. They finished 10th and 15th in receiving yards among rookies, respectively. Smith-Njigba dealt with injuries entering the season but looked better down the stretch. Johnston’s lack of production is more concerning when considering the playing time he received after injuries to Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer. Still, both deserve another season to prove themselves before reaching any conclusions.
The Carolina Panthers are undoubtedly the biggest disaster in the NFL. Their franchise-altering move to trade up for Bryce Young completely backfired. They fired their head coach just 11 games into the season. Now they’re searching for a new general manager. In hindsight, Young had no chance to succeed this year, and it’ll take multiple years to fix this group.
Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis is one of the most entertaining quarterbacks in the NFL. Every drop back is unpredictable thanks to his reckless style. Levis looks more comfortable than other rookie quarterbacks and possesses the physical tools to make up for mental mistakes. Massive changes are underway in Tennessee, so it’ll be exciting to see Levis operate a new-look offense next season.
Main Photo: Robert Scheer – USA Today Sports
