The NFL Draft marks the moment when dreams come true for the next talented class of football players. 224 players hear their names called and are welcomed into the NFL fraternity with a chance to make a name for themselves.
While you root for the best for all players, the reality is some will not stick in the league. Beyond this, even fewer will make their impact felt in year one.
With the bragging rights of your fantasy football leagues carrying nearly as much pressure as the on-field play, here is a look at the top rookies you may want to target in your own drafts.
Quarterbacks:
Heading into the opening week, there are at least three rookie quarterbacks set to be starting on their respective teams, with Drake Maye still awaiting word of his role with the Patriots. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix will each be starting under center from the opening week and could carry some fantasy football impact. This number would likely be four if it were not for Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy undergoing season-ending knee surgery.
Caleb Williams (CHI):
The number-one overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, there are high expectations for Caleb Williams right away. The Bears standout is currently being drafted as the 96th overall player and has an average ADP of 13.2 among quarterbacks. With a strong receiving core, a fairly complete team around him, and one of the more NFL-ready styles of play, don’t be surprised if Williams outplays this label and is an every-week quality starting quarterback in fantasy football.
Jayden Daniels (WAS):
The Washington Commanders also are hopeful to have landed their long-term signal caller by taking Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick. The LSU product has been right in the same range as Williams from a fantasy football perspective. Daniels is being drafted as the 101st overall player on average but holds a 12.8 ADP among quarterbacks. His dual-threat style of play and ability with his legs gives Daniels a high floor as a fantasy football option. While I am less bullish on Daniels being an immediate starting quality fantasy football quarterback, he absolutely is worth drafting and seeing how he does.
Bo Nix (DEN):
While Bo Nix could be worth a late-round stash, you probably don’t want to be going into the season relying on him. The 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft is going off the board with an average ADP of 23.2 among quarterbacks. This will be a year of transition for the Broncos and he is more likely to remain off a roster in most leagues.
Running Backs
After Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs both were selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, this class of running backs does not have as much hype. In total, there were 20 running backs drafted, but none look to have the inside track on receiving a primary role.
Jonathan Brooks (CAR)
Drafted as the first running back off the board in this year’s NFL Draft with the 46th overall pick, Jonathan Brooks will be in the mix for touches in the Panthers backfield. Chuba Hubbard is expected to serve as the primary starter and Miles Sanders will also be in the mix. However, Brooks very well might have had a first-round label if he had not suffered a torn ACL last year. If he is back to 100% he has a chance to carve out a role with Carolina. Currently, he is carrying an ADP of 86th overall and 32.7 among running backs. Brooks is worth taking a chance on, but shouldn’t be in your plans to be an every-week starter.
Trey Benson (ARI)
Drafted 66th overall, Trey Benson will be looking over James Conner’s shoulder for touches this season. The Florida State product is a speedy back who tallied over 1,100 yards from scrimmage his past two seasons in college. He is currently holding an ADP of 110 overall and being drafted 39th among running backs. Conner will likely have the inside track on the majority of touches but Benson will be a name to watch if there is an injury or he exceeds expectations.
Blake Corum (LAR)
In a different situation, Blake Corum could have some immediate fantasy football value. The National Champion is coming off back-to-back seasons with 1,200+ yards on the ground and made Michigan history by scoring a touchdown in 25 consecutive games. His vision and ability to break tackles were far advanced for college football and he is an enticing scheme fit within the Rams. However, Kyren Williams will serve as the primary running back within the offense and had 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last year. Corum is being drafted 115th overall and 40.3 among running backs.
Wide Receivers
There are several rookie wide receivers that you should have your eyes on this year. There were seven wide receivers drafted in the first round this year which ties 2004 for the most ever. While opportunity and quarterback play are different for each, here are the top rookie wide receivers and where they are hearing their names called in fantasy football drafts.
- Marvin Harrison Jr (ARI): ADP of 15, 9th among WRs
- Malik Nabers (NYG): ADP of 46, 24th among WRs
- Xavier Worthy (KAN): ADP of 82, 37th among WRs
- Rome Odunze (CHI): ADP of 93, 40th among WRs
- Ladd McConkey (LAC): ADP of 95, 42nd among WRs
- Keon Coleman (BUF): ADP of 106, 46th among WRs
- Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC): ADP of 116, 49th among WRs
While his high ADP can be debated, Marvin Harrison Jr is in the right spot to be the most productive rookie wide receiver. The former Ohio State standout has an NFL-ready frame and style of play, and Kyler Murray is a solid quarterback.
Malik Nabers is in the same conversation as far as talent but will have his struggles with Daniel Jones being his quarterback. Rome Odunze was the next wide receiver off the board in the NFL draft, but has a crowded wide receiver room in Chicago alongside Keenan Allen and DJ Moore.
Xavier Worthy and Keon Coleman each have a chance to establish themselves as legitimate fantasy football weapons and have high-level quarterbacks to play with.
Based on these average draft positions, Keon Coleman is the most appealing option to outperform expectations, while Nabers I am most skeptical of due to the quarterback issues and the other players that will be on the board in his range.
Tight End
Tight ends continue to grow in the importance of an offense both in NFL teams and in fantasy football. There is one rookie standout that should be targeted this season, as Brock Bowers went off the board with the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft and will find an immediate role.
Brock Bowers (LVR):
The Georgia product registered 714 or more receiving yards in all three seasons of college and 26 total touchdowns. Bowers is currently being drafted 89th overall and as the 11th tight end off the board in fantasy football drafts. While Davante Adams will dominate targets on offense and there is fair concern with the level of quarterback play from Gardner Minshew, Bowers is a talent worth betting on.
If the first wave of top tight ends goes off the board and you want to take a big swing, don’t be afraid to take a chance on Bowers.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is seanbarnard) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
