The 2023 rookie class has been through some serious ups and downs. The quarterbacks have been a pleasant surprise with at least two and up to four fantasy-relevant players for the future. If players were redrafting rookies today, how would it go?
The format used for this exercise is for Superflex Tight End Premium leagues.
Fantasy Football – Redrafting the 2023 Dynasty Rookies
The New Top Tier
C.J. Stroud, QB Houston Texans
Stroud is currently in consideration for the MVP at just 22 years old. Rookie records are no barrier, and he is elevating the talent around him to shatter the expectations for rookie quarterbacks in fantasy football. He’s the 1.01 and it’s not close.
Anthony Richardson, QB Indianapolis Colts
Yes, he’s hurt. But he put to rest any concerns over his accuracy and whether he could be an NFL-caliber quarterback. When he’s healthy, he’s a game-breaking fantasy player who is in a great system to grow. It will be hard to skip him in the early rounds of startup drafts this offseason.
Elite Players
Puka Nacua, WR Los Angeles Rams
Nacua’s rise to stardom is one of the most fun parts of 2023. Before Week 11, Nacua is seventh in the league in receiving yards. He’s closer to A.J. Brown than the next closest rookie receiver is to him.
Sam LaPorta, TE Detroit Lions
LaPorta is the tight end four on the season. This isn’t how tight ends are supposed to develop. He’s in the middle of one of the best fantasy seasons for a rookie tight end ever and he’s locked into a great system for years to come.
Bijan Robinson, RB Atlanta Falcons
Arthur Smith hates fun. All in all, Robinson’s season has been underwhelming given his pedigree and outlook, which is hilarious because he’s still the RB11 on the season. He’s not being used how fantasy managers had hoped, but he’s still talented enough to be useful for years to come.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Detroit Lions
This Lions draft class was a delight. Of course, David Montgomery is going to eat into his usage, but in PPR leagues Gibbs will continue to be an RB2 with serious upside. With the state of the running back position, Gibbs is a bright spot for fantasy rosters.
Dalton Kincaid, TE Buffalo Bills
Another tight end that’s breaking out early, Kincaid has seriously turned it on after the Dawson Knox injury. He’s actually outscoring LaPorta over the last month, and is fully embracing his role as the big slot receiver for Buffalo.
De’Von Achane, RB Miami Dolphins
Ladies and gentlemen, the RB1 in points per game right now, De’Von Achane. The Dolphins rushing attack is insane, and Achane is comfortably in the system for the next three seasons.
Fantasy Starters
Zay Flowers, WR Baltimore Ravens
He might not be Puka Nacua, but Flowers is having a solid rookie season. He’s on pace for 900 yards over the 17-game season and is tied to a former MVP. Wheels up for Flowers.
Jordan Addison, WR Minnesota Vikings
It needs to be noted that Kirk Cousins is out and Justin Jefferson will be eating targets for years to come. But Addison is a polished route runner in a system that airs it out like running the ball is against the rules.
Will Levis, QB Tennessee Titans
His film isn’t without flaws, but he’s shown enough to be the Titans starter moving forward. His fantasy ceiling is higher than Young’s, while their floor is the same at zero.
Bryce Young, QB Carolina Panthers
He can’t be this bad forever. As the first overall pick, Young has job security at least for 2024, and job security for a quarterback is enough to make them useful in Superflex.
Tank Dell, WR Houston Texans
This wide receiver class is the gift that keeps on giving. Sizeists look away, Nathaniel “Tank” Dell is the WR27 and has only played eight games.
Josh Downs, WR Indianapolis Colts
Big miss by the NFL and me letting Downs fall as far as he did in drafts. Downs is an exceptional separator tied to an exciting quarterback. What’s not to love?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Seattle Seahawks
Just because he’s buried on the depth chart doesn’t mean he won’t produce in the future. JSN was always going to be a slower play, so he’s probably a value these days.
Rashee Rice, WR Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of being tied to an exciting quarterback, Rice is the leading receiver outside of Travis Kelce in Kansas City. If Mahomes likes him, fantasy managers should like him, and he’s a riser among dynasty rookies.
Dynasty Rookies Worth Stashing
Tyjae Spears, RB Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry could be on the move in 2024, or at least retire in 2025. Spears is already eating into the snaps and touches in Tennessee and could continue to grow in his role.
Michael Mayer, TE Las Vegas Raiders
Tight ends don’t have to break out early to be valuable. The Raiders historically love their tight ends (Darren Waller) and Mayer can be a useful low-end starter in 2024 and beyond.
Zach Charbonnet, RB Seattle Seahawks
If he keeps eating into Walker’s work, he’s valuable. If not, he’s an elite handcuff that is a must-start anytime Walker misses time.
Michael Wilson, WR Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is back and whether it’s him or a rookie in 2024, Wilson has shown a target-earning ability that makes him a low-end flex week to week.
The Rest of the Dynasty Rookies, Ranked
Jayden Reed, WR Green Bay Packers
Luke Musgrave, TE Green Bay Packers
Quentin Johnston, WR Los Angeles Chargers
Keaton Mitchell, RB Baltimore Ravens
Demario Douglas, WR New England Patriots
Jonathan Mingo, WR Carolina Panthers
Roschon Johnson, RB Chicago Bears
Kendre Miller, RB New Orleans Saints
Jalin Hyatt, WR New York Giants
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Main Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
