These NFL rookies will make an instant fantasy impact
Plus, updated 2023 Dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Hey all!
I just updated our Dynasty rankings following the 2023 NFL draft, so I wanted to get those out to you today. I also published some great analyses from one of our newest writers, Saleh Awwad, on the NFL rookies set to make a big fantasy impact from day one.
I am also happy to announce that I will be publishing our 2023 re-draft fantasy rankings next week, and will send those out to you all then. Until then, hope all is well with you, and thanks so much for being a subscriber!
Best — Justin
3 NFL rookies set to make a big fantasy impact
From 5th Down Fantasy’s Saleh Awwad…
While many players in the 2023 NFL draft class will likely become significant fantasy football contributors at some point, these are the ones who will produce from the start.
Anthony Richardson (Florida), Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
After all the rumors and speculation surrounding the Colts on who they might take, Anthony Richardson was always the guy they wanted — with owner Jim Irsay even saying that Richardson would have been who they went with if they had the 1st overall pick.
The quarterback out of Florida will have to put in the work and prove that he’s ready in order to win the job over Gardner Minshew and start in week one. Richardson will be the best fantasy QB in this draft and has the tools to be one of the top fantasy QBs in all of the league one day. Richardson ran the third fastest 40 time for a quarterback in the history of the combine, he clocked in at a 4.43 while being listed as 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds. Seeing what new Colts’ head coach Shane Steichen has done with both Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert over the past couple of seasons, I expect Richardson to immediately be an every-week QB1 once he’s on the field.
Bijan Robinson (Texas), Running Back, Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta now has their franchise running back in former Texas Longhorn Bijan Robinson. The Texas back had almost 1900 yards from scrimmage along with 20 total touchdowns in his final season with the team. Being the first RB to be taken in the top 10 of the NFL draft since Saquon Barkley in 2018, Robinson has a lot to prove at the next level.
This is the best possible destination for Robinson in terms of fantasy football and having immediate production. The Falcons ran the football more than anyone else in the league in 2022, with almost 33 carries a game as a team. This will not change as Coach Arthur Smith has always been known to run the football as much as possible. Atlanta was one of the top offensive lines in 2022 and they have only improved this with the 2nd round draft pick of Syracuse Guard Matthew Bergeron. The team also has the easiest schedule for the upcoming season, meaning a positive game script for Robinson and the run game.
There is some competition in the backfield as Tyler Allegier ran for over 1000 yards as a rookie. But with using draft capital as high as the 8th overall pick on an RB, there will be no hesitation to make Robinson the workhorse of the team immediately. Robinson is in a perfect situation and should be a first-round pick in all fantasy leagues, with a real chance to finish as a top-5 fantasy RB as a rookie.
Jordan Addison (USC), Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
The knock on Jordan Addison has been his size as he weighed in at just 173 pounds at 5-foot-11. Watching his tape, this size means virtually nothing as he can still dominate the game like any other receiver in this class. Being very similar to Devonta Smith, he can make an immediate impact just like the Eagles receiver has.
The year before transferring to USC, Addison put up 100 catches for 1649 total yards and 18 TDs at Pitt. This incredible season resulted in him winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award for being the most outstanding wide receiver in all of college football that year. Addison can play on the inside and outside and has great agility and acceleration as well as route running that will translate to the next level.
I expect Addison to come in and almost immediately play ahead of K.J. Osborn. The Vikings have shown to not trust Osborn as a number two receiver and that is the role Addison will fill. While he still will be behind Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in terms of targets in his rookie season, Jordan Addison will be a weekly WR3/flex and will only get better as the season progresses.
Read more: 6 NFL rookies set to make an immediate fantasy impact
2023 dynasty player rankings (Updated)
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