2023 Pre-Combine Rookie Rankings

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

What do your rankings look like? Got anyone we missed? Let us know in the comment box below!

If you like our work and would like to support us, there are many ways you can help! The easiest is simply to spread the word. Follow us on Twitter and share this article and our site and content on social media, with your leagues, and with your friends. You’ll find a button to “Share This Post” below.

If you would like to contribute financially, first-and-foremost thank you, we’ve configured a PayPal button below to make financial support possible. Any support is greatly appreciated, and helps us to continue providing you with high quality content and utilities. Again, thank you.

During the season, we release Weekly Player Rankings, suggested Waiver Targets, and more. Be sure to check out all of our In-Season Content weekly!

We’re always releasing more Off-Season Content, including: Scouting Reports on the top college prospects year round, Player Research during draft season, and more!

Looking to learn more? Check out all of our Knowledge Base content where you’ll find everything from Information for Beginners, to more in-depth information and Fantasy Strategies!

Looking for utilities to assist your teams? Take a look at our Trade Calculator, Trade Architect, Team Evaluator, or League Analyzer! Want to know how we come up with our player values? Take a look at the Utilities page.

Our featured photo is brought to you by Sean Gardner / Getty Images.