As we stand on the edge of the hype cliff for incoming rookies we are taking a look out into the abyss to get a lay of the landscape as we view it from this vantage point. With the combine having started we, as well as the collective fantasy football community, will dive headfirst into the hype. Reveling in the feeling of the information as it rushes past us and our viewpoint consistently changes as we hurdle towards our 2023 season drafts.
Rankings
2023 Rookie QB Rankings
Andrew | Sam | Ben | Consensus |
---|---|---|---|
Bryce Young | Anthony Richardson | Anthony Richardson | Anthony Richardson |
Anthony Richardson | Bryce Young | Bryce Young | Bryce Young |
C.J. Stroud | C.J. Stroud | CJ Stroud | CJ Stroud |
Will Levis | Will Levis | Will Levis | Will Levis |
Tanner McKee | Stetson Bennett | Tanner McKee | Tanner McKee |
Hendon Hooker | Jaren Hall | Jaren Hall | Jaren Hall |
Jaren Hall | Hendon Hooker | Hendon Hooker | Hendon Hooker |
Max Duggan | Tanner McKee | Jake Haener | Stetson Bennett |
Jake Haener | Max Duggan | Dorian Thompson-Robinson | T-Max Duggan |
Stetson Bennett | Jake Haener | Max Duggan | T-Jake Haener |
2023 Rookie RB Rankings
Andrew | Sam | Ben | Consensus |
---|---|---|---|
Bijan Robinson | Bijan Robinson | Bijan Robinson | Bijan Robinson |
Zach Charbonnet | Zach Charbonnet | Jahmyr Gibbs | Zach Charbonnet |
Jahmyr Gibbs | Jahmyr Gibbs | Zach Charbonnet | Jahmyr Gibbs |
Zach Evans | Sean Tucker | Zach Evans | Sean Tucker |
Sean Tucker | Roschon Johnson | Tank Bigsby | Tank Bigsby |
Tank Bigsby | Tank Bigsby | Sean Tucker | Zach Evans |
Devon Achane | Kendre Miller | Kendre Miller | Kendre Miller |
Tyjae Spears | Tyjae Spears | Tyjae Spears | Tyjae Spears |
Kendre Miller | Chase Brown | Devon Achane | Devon Achane |
Israel Abanikanda | Devon Achane | Kenny McIntosh | Roschon Johnson |
Kenny McIntosh | Kenny McIntosh | Roschon Johnson | Kenny McIntosh |
Roschon Johnson | Zach Evans | Eric Gray | Israel Abanikanda |
DeWayne McBride | Israel Abanikanda | Deuce Vaughn | Chase Brown |
Deuce Vaughn | Eric Gray | DeWayne McBride | Deuce Vaughn |
Chase Brown | Deuce Vaughn | Israel Abanikanda | DeWayne McBride |
Keaton Mitchell | DeWayne McBride | Chase Brown | Eric Gray |
Eric Gray | Evan Hull | Mo Ibrahim | Mo Ibrahim |
Mo Ibrahim | Mo Ibrahim | Chris Rodriguez | Keaton Mitchell |
Chris Rodriguez | Keaton Mitchell | Evan Hull | Evan Hull |
Evan Hull | Chris Rodriguez | Keaton Mitchell | Chris Rodriguez |
2023 Rookie WR Rankings
Andrew | Sam | Ben | Consensus |
---|---|---|---|
Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Jaxon Smith-Njigba |
Jordan Addison | Jordan Addison | Jordan Addison | Jordan Addison |
Quentin Johnston | Quentin Johnston | Josh Downs | Quentin Johnston |
Zay Flowers | Josh Downs | Zay Flowers | Josh Downs |
Josh Downs | Zay Flowers | Quentin Johnston | Zay Flowers |
Kayshon Boutte | Cedric Tillman | Cedric Tillman | Cedric Tillman |
Rashee Rice | Xavier Hutchinson | Kayshon Boutte | Kayshon Boutte |
Cedric Tillman | Jalin Hyatt | Parker Washington | Rashee Rice |
Nathaniel Dell | Rashee Rice | Rashee Rice | Marvin Mims |
Marvin Mims | Kayshon Boutte | Marvin Mims | T-Jalin Hyatt |
Jalin Hyatt | Marvin Mims | Xavier Hutchinson | T-Xavier Hutchinson |
Parker Washington | Nathaniel Dell | Nathaniel Dell | Nathaniel Dell |
Rakim Jarrett | Rakim Jarrett | Jalin Hyatt | Parker Washington |
Xavier Hutchinson | Trey Palmer | Jayden Reed | Rakim Jarrett |
A.T. Perry | Parker Washinton | Rakim Jarrett | Trey Palmer |
Jonathan Mingo | A.T. Perry | Michael Wilson | T-Jayden Reed |
Deontay Demus | Andrei Iosivais | Trey Palmer | T-A.T. Perry |
Jayden Reed | Jonathan Mingo | Tyler Scott | Jonathan Mingo |
Dontayvion Wicks | Dontayvion wicks | Deontay Demus | Deontay Demus |
Ronnie Bell | Deontay Demus | Andrei Iosivais | Michael Wilson |
2023 Rookie TE Rankings
Andrew | Sam | Ben | Consensus |
---|---|---|---|
Dalton Kincaid | Michael Mayer | Michael Mayer | T1-Dalton Kincaid |
Luke Musgrave | Dalton Kincaid | Dalton Kincaid | T1-Michael Mayer |
Michael Mayer | Sam LaPorta | Sam LaPorta | T3-Luke Musgrave |
Darnell Washington | Tucker Kraft | Luke Musgrave | T3-Sam LaPorta |
Sam LaPorta | Luke Musgrave | Tucker Kraft | Tucker Kraft |
Tucker Kraft | Darnell Washington | Darnell Washington | Darnell Washington |
Davis Allen | Payne Durham | Will Mallory | Payne Durham |
Cameron Latu | Davis Allen | Payne Durham | Davis Allen |
Payne Durham | Cameron Latu | Zack Kuntz | Will Mallory |
Will Mallory | Will Mallory | Josh Whyle | Cameron Latu |
Who is your QB1 and why?
Andrew
Bryce Young is my QB1. A few weeks back, I challenged Twitter to “make a compelling case against Young without mentioning his size.” There were zero serious responses. His size is a legitimate cause for pause, but ultimately, Young was big enough to win the Heisman Trophy playing in the SEC, and the NFL will protect him from consistently taking big hits. This kid is easily the QB1 in this class in terms of real life quarterbacking skills, and that will lead to longevity, which equals long term value in dynasty.
Sam
Anthony Richardson is my fantasy football QB1. Running quarterbacks are a cheat code in fantasy football. The floor for Richardson is much higher than the other quarterbacks in this draft. With his combination of size, running ability, and arm strength he has all the tools to be a top five fantasy quarterback. The running ability will allow Richardson to be a successful fantasy quarterback while he develops the rest of his game.
Ben
While Bryce is unquestionably the IRL QB1 in my eyes, it’s Richardson who has a significantly higher ceiling – and arguably floor – due to his rushing potential. Further, Richardson has shown greater ability as a passer than he gets credit for, further pushing him into the throne. Even if we assume AR only gets a clipboard and tablet for a year or two – knowing we lose out on production for those years – I believe he will MORE than make up for it once he’s in the driver’s seat.
Who is your WR1 and why?
Andrew
If you would’ve asked people this time last year who the WR1 in 2023 would be, everyone would have laughed because Smith-Njigba would have been the unanimous choice after the ridiculous 2021 season he had (95/1606/9).
Well, what did Smith-Njigba really do wrong to deserve to fall down in the rankings since his electrifying sophomore campaign? Ja’Marr Chase maintained his value despite skipping his junior season entirely, so why is Smith-Njigba not given the same treatment after his injury-riddled 2022? The kid is a playmaker and a route-running technician who will constantly create separation all over the field despite not having elite measurables.
Sam
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is my WR1. In 2022 the two best rookie wide receivers, Garret Wilson and Chris Olave, came out of Ohio State. They both played with Jaxon in 2021 and Smith-Njigba outplayed both of them. Wilson and Olave have both said he is better than they are.
Jaxon’s route running is elite. Despite the expectation that he lacks elite speed Smith-Njigba gets separation and has great hands. Receivers who are great route runners, utilize leverage, and understand how to find soft spots in the defense have shown to be the best in the league. Jefferson and Kupp have been the top fantasy receivers over the last three years and neither is blessed with elite speed. Smith-Njigba is in the mold of these two and I expect for him to step in the league and be a threat from day one.
Ben
Jaxon Smith-Njigba showed highly advanced route running against NFL-level competition as a 19 year old. Yes, he effectively took a year off, but that doesn’t diminish the ability he’s already shown to possess. He should have no problem creating separation at the next level, and will assuredly look to produce immediately.
Which player do you feel you are higher than consensus on, and why?
Andrew
Probably Zach Evans who has seen his stock take a bit of a dip after freshman Quinshon Judkins established himself as Ole Miss’ lead back this past season. This comes after Evans transferred away from TCU who was happy with RB Kendre Miller as their workhorse.
I still love the talent. Despite “losing” the “starting” role, Evans still averaged nearly seven yards per carry for his career, which spanned 290 carries. Lack of workload is a positive thing for his long term future in my opinion. The pedigree is still there (Evans is a former five-star recruit), and if he does well at his workouts, I think an NFL team will still invest highly. He brings the skill set of a heavy-volume, early-down workhorse in the mold of Josh Jacobs or Kenneth Walker.
Sam
Roschon Johnson. In any other situation Johnson would have been the lead back. Unfortunately for him a generational talent in Bijan Robinson was also on the Longhorns. Despite playing second fiddle Roschon still put up solid numbers when called upon.
Johnson is a big bodied back who has the ability to run between the tackles and catch the ball. He has the skill set to be a three down back at the next level. I expect to see Johnson move up draft boards after the combine.
Ben
I have liked Eric Gray’s ability between the 20s since I started watching him last year. He’s a great runner who has a bit of everything you like to see, only lacking the power you hope for with guys his size. I don’t expect he’ll be drafted to be a workhorse on day 1, but I do think he’ll get some quality touches wherever he lands and earn the right for more opportunities in/after ’23/’24.
Which player do you feel like you are lower than consensus on, and why?
Andrew
I think people are way higher on Michael Mayer than I am for fantasy. I think people are blurring the line between real life football and fantasy there. Mayer is a much better real-life player due to his well-rounded game as an in-line tight end, but I think Dalton Kincaid or Luke Musgrave represent higher ceilings as strictly pass-catchers in the right offense.
Sam
Zach Evans is a guy who has been set up for success all throughout his college career and done nothing but disappoint. The results are that he was beat out at both TCU and Ole Miss by supposedly inferior competition. I don’t believe he can win a job at the NFL level based on athletic ability alone when he couldn’t do it in college.
He has shown flashes of ability but that is one of the issues. He lacks consistency and did not get enough opportunities to perform because there were other players better than him at the position on both TCU and Ole Miss. Evans took a backseat to Kendre Miller at TCU and ultimately transferred because of it but somehow Evans is going higher in fantasy drafts. Make it make sense.
Ben
I’m going to pass on Jalin Hyatt early and often in fantasy drafts. He’s got speed and solid hands, but other than that he leaves a lot to be desired in my eyes. Considering how much of his production came from ultra-wide split stacked formations – when combined with only middling route running and almost no ability to release against press – I don’t have faith he will produce.
Which player do you feel like could move up or down the most in your rankings based on their combine performance this week?
Andrew
Both Will Levis and Anthony Richardson will likely help themselves during workouts because both of their draft stocks will hinge more on their arm talent and athleticism than the other quarterbacks.
Aside from the quarterbacks, I like WR Kayshon Boutte. I think he will put together a “Don’t forget about me” type of performance at his workouts. If he stands out at the combine and/or his pro day workout, I believe his hype will grow because people will be reminded that he was once one of the highest ranked wideouts in his class for his immense talent.
Conversely, I think all of the “speed” guys (RBs Sean Tucker, Devon Achane, Deuce Vaughn and WR Quentin Johnston) need to meet or exceed expectations in the 40 to maintain their draft stock. If any of them run disappointing times — fair or unfair — their stock will tumble further than other prospects for the same infraction.
Sam
Anthony Richardson has a huge opportunity to show out at the combine and push to be the first player off the board. His height and weight are not under question. Where he could greatly improve his stock is in the athletic testing portion.
Bryce Young could fall to the third or fourth quarterback drafted if he measures under 5’ 10” tall and under 200 pounds. Historically teams have shied away from quarterbacks that small.
Jahmyr Gibbs and Devon Achane have questions on their respective size. It would go a long way for both if they weigh in above the 200 pound mark.
Zach Charbonnet could see a boost in his stock if he runs anything in the 4.5s or lower in the 40-yard-dash. He is a big back but their are some questions on his athleticism.
Ben
Andrew and Sam covered most of it already. I can only add a few more to the list.
Tyler Scott is just one of many Day 2/Day3-type WRs who could push themselves into a bigger payday with a strong showing. Jayden Reed, Trey Palmer, and Andrei Iosivas are a few others to look out for.
Who is lesser known player who you are excited to see workout this week? What has you interested?
Andrew
I like Kenny McIntosh out of Georgia. He is a skilled pass catcher in a big package (6-1, 210). If he can put up good times and look good catching passes, I think he helps himself. He reminds me of Rachaad White from last year.
Sam
Andrei Iosivas played at Princeton and is an athletic freak. His measurements and measurables could have him flying up draft boards. He is expected to measure at 6’ 3” and 200 pounds.
Andrei is an All-American track star who currently holds the collegiate record in the 60-meter-dash for the heptathlon. He also finished 4th at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the heptathlon. A 40 time in the 4.2s is expected, as well as a vertical near 40 inches.
Iosivas has a rare blend of size, speed, and athleticism. I fully expect some teams to fall in love with his profile. A team spending a late second round or early third round pick on him would not shock me. When you start to hear his name all over during the combine now you know why.
Ben
Zack Kuntz from Old Dominion (formerly of Penn State) was a 5-star recruit who currently stands 6’8″+, and in the 250lb range. He’s got a massive wingspan, solid hands, and legitimate athletic ability. He could certainly earn himself some money with a solid workout, even in this really high quality TE draft class. Once teams see his size and athletic ability, he could become a coaches dream project prospect.
Additional Information
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Your typical know-nothing wannabe who never played American football growing up, Andrew grew up playing the REAL football, dreaming of being the next Ronaldo (the Brazilian one).
One fateful day in 1998, Andrew was introduced to one, Randy Moss, who would almost singlehandedly vault American football to the forefront of a young twelve-year-old’s flimsy attention span.
Twenty-some years later, Andrew, now a father, coach and rabid Tottenham supporter, still loves both footballs.
A fantasy football degenerate with an extreme love for the game. The only position Sam has ever played in any form of competitive football is armchair quarterback.
An affinity for football and watching games together was a part of growing up for him and his three brothers. 30 plus years as a Vikings fan has made him a glutton for punishment and a believer that he can do something his hometown team can’t, put together a championship roster.
Now 22 years into his fantasy football general manager career he is here to offer insight, advice, and the same hope for championships that he desperately clutches to for his Purple People Eaters.
That guy who wraps up the #1 seed by week 13, dominates the points scored column, and gets blown out by the #8 seed in the first round of playoffs…annually. That’s Ben.
He’s also the guy who constructs a trade calculator for fun, and builds a fantasy football website when he wants to share his thoughts with the world.
As a Vikings fan and a poor golfer, Ben lives in a perpetual state of frustration. In his fun-time he’s a husband and proud father of two.