2023 Fantasy Football Rookies: Redrafting an Elite Class

The 2023 rookie class is off to an electric start. After disappointing start to the season for rookie draft pick hoarders (myself included), the class has burst onto the scene in a big way. It may have come in a way we weren’t expecting, and I have related thoughts about how misguided I think dynasty managers are about their ability to forecast draft classes. But the fantasy football rookies are now giving their managers hopes of winning titles.

Here’s how I would redraft the first round of a 2023 Superflex, PPR, tight end premium dynasty league rookie draft after seven weeks.

1.01 Bijan Robinson – RB, Atlanta Falcons

There are multiple fantasy football rookies who could have the top spot here, but Bijan Robinson was my 1.01 in rookie drafts, and he remains my 1.01. Not everyone will agree with this pick. But Robinson is the player I believe will deliver the most dynasty championships on average over the course of the next three-year window. He has commanded a lead-back workload out of the gates, and he’ll be producing league-winning numbers as the season progresses.

1.02 C.J. Stroud – QB, Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud was extremely impressive in the first half of the season. He’s the clear favorite for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Stroud is throwing the football like a seasoned vet and looks like he’s equipped with all the tools necessary to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL. If it weren’t for Bijan Robinson being such an outlier, Stroud would be the top prize among the fantasy football rookies of the 2023 class.

1.03 Anthony Richardson – QB, Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson would be the clear pick for 1.01 if it weren’t for his season-ending shoulder injury. The No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft was one of this year’s classes biggest wildcards. And before his injury, he looked like a star. Despite being out for the season, what Richardson showed in his small sample size to start his career gives him first-round startup pick insulation from now until he takes the field again next season.

1.04 Puka Nacua – WR, Los Angeles Rams

I’m not sure how many people are still doubting Puka Nacua and his ascension. But there’s very little more he could’ve done to prove himself through seven weeks than what he actually did accomplish. Being the 1.04 on this list is high praise. He gets the nod here ahead of some other very impressive fantasy football rookies with far better draft capital. But I think it would be naïve to not believe our eyes with Puka. I think he’s here to stay as a fantasy football superstar.

1.05 Bryce Young – QB, Carolina Panthers

This is a high selection for Bryce Young relative to what we’ve seen from him so far this season. But I believe he’s a true talent at the position who will live up to expectations in time. There’s some element of my overall Superflex dynasty strategy going into this pick. It’s very difficult to find access to a player of Bryce’s pedigree at his current price point. Once he breaks out, he’ll be virtually unattainable for a long time. He’s a buy for me at this point of the season.

1.06 Jordan Addison – WR, Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Addison was a great prospect. His overall profile from both an analytical and film grade perspective was extremely desirable, and he’s putting up excellent production in the NFL. He was an easy pick in fantasy football rookie drafts. In nearly any other class, he’d be near the top of this type of list. Addison was a late swap for me here over my 1.07 on this list because of how sought-after young receivers are right now in dynasty. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

1.07 Jahmyr Gibbs – RB, Detroit Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs was preseason sell for me. I was convicted that fantasy managers were out over their skis on his value, and I have the receipts to back it up. Many were touting Gibbs over the quarterbacks in the class, and some going as far to take him over Bijan Robinson. David Montgomery was an aggressive buy for me, and early returns have been rewarding with that process. But Gibbs’ talent is clear despite his situation not being ideal. He settles in for me here at the 1.07, around where he should’ve been valued all along. He’s a buy for me now if you can get him from managers who feel burned.

1.08 De’Von Achane – RB, Miami Dolphins

De’Von Achane was on his way to skyrocketing up this list before his disappointing knee injury. but the team only expects him to miss just the IR minimum of four games. He was putting up ridiculous numbers while the Miami Dolphins were on their record-setting offensive tear. Achane being as far down as the 1.08 speaks to just how outstanding this class of fantasy football rookies has been thus far in 2023.

1.09 Jaxon Smith-Njigba – WR, Seattle Seahawks

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the highly-valuable clear WR1 during rookie drafts. I’m not ready to give up on those high expectations. While Nacua and Addison have currently passed him in terms of value, he has a bright future in the league. His prospect profile paired with his slow start to the season makes him a screaming buy for me.

1.10 Zay Flowers – WR, Baltimore Ravens

Zay Flowers has been a joy to watch. He has fit in right away with the Ravens offense, jumping way up to the top of the league leaders in target share. That number has leveled off a bit, but it’s still very impressive. I listed Flowers as a sell in the offseason when I had multiple shares, but luckily didn’t find suitors. He’s a second half of the season breakout candidate for me. He’ll be a highly-coveted asset come time for the offseason.

1.11 Sam LaPorta – TE, Detroit Lions

I was selling the hype on the tight end rookie class this offseason. But it goes without saying that it’s impossible to be right every time in fantasy football. The tight end class as a whole looks fantastic, and Sam LaPorta has jumped out as the top player in the group. He looks to be a clear exception to the rule, and he’s made his investors thrilled with his play early on.

1.12 Rashee Rice – WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Rashee Rice was one of my most-drafted rookies in the offseason. He has been coming along more and more every week, and it’s only a matter of time before his play commands his offense to ditch the wide-receiver-by-committee approach. Travis Kelce is still at the top of his game, but with Rice being a 23-year-old rookie on a four-year contract attached to Patrick Mahomes, he’s an excellent long-term asset to have in dynasty. It looks like the Chiefs finally hit on a receiver in the draft.