Check out a few of my must-have dynasty rookies that I’m targeting in rookie drafts and beyond. And you can find all of my must-have dynasty rookies in this article.
- Dynasty Trade Value Chart
- Dynasty Rookie Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Sleepers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Latest Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft
Must-Have Dynasty Rookies
Here are the players I’m targeting at the end of the first round of rookie drafts and beyond:
Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)
Richardson looks like a quarterback with only one full season of starting experience under his belt. Many passing plays have a predetermined target immediately. Richardson rarely gets to his second option; when he does, it feels a tick behind. Sometimes, he hesitates with open wide receivers pumping the ball instead of firing as if he doesn’t trust his eyes. Richardson was utilized on a ton of bootlegs to the right. This was also a favorite escape path when pressured, as he would roll out right in many cases instead of stepping up in the pocket. Richardson looks comfortable throwing on the run, moving to his right. His ball placement is strong in these play designs. Richardson has a cannon for an arm, but he’s still refining it. His ball placement can be erratic. He’ll toss a ball behind a receiver running a slant and then hit a receiver in stride for a 50-yard bomb into double coverage. The flashes of upside are brilliant. You get a glimpse of the type of game-changing quarterback Richardson can be if it all coalesces. His strong arm still needs taming. He needs to gain touch on short and intermediate throws. He has only one gear on many of these plays: a full-bore fastball. Richardson isn’t an anticipatory thrower. He’s still in the see it throw it phase of his evolution. Richardson is a sick athlete capable of highlight-reel-worthy play every snap. He’s an explosive rusher with some nice lateral agility for his size. When he’s in a rhythm, he is a special player.
If you’re an Anthony Richardson truther or just a fan of elite upside, you should be streaking in the streets after shotgunning a few cocktails with Richardson landing with Shane Steichen. Steichen’s track record with quarterbacks is proven and polished. Yes, he helped Jalen Hurts, but even before that, he assisted Justin Herbert in his rookie season and Philip Rivers before him. Richardson’s rushing upside is ridiculous. That alone gives him a top-12 floor in fantasy in his rookie season, assuming he starts in Week 1. Indy has Michael Pittman, Jonathan Taylor, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs to help make Richardson’s life easier when he drops back to pass. Look for Steichen to dial up the deep heaves as well. Over the last two seasons, Jalen Hurts finished 14th and fourth in deep ball passing rate (minimum 20 deep attempts per PFF). Last year among 148 quarterbacks with at least 20 deep attempts (per PFF), Richardson ranked 20th in PFF deep passing grade and 30th in deep passer rating. The Colts will be an explosive play factory this year. In Superflex dynasty rookie drafts, you can make an argument for Richardson over Bijan Robinson, with Richardson’s floor being 1.03. In 1QB dynasty formats, he is the QB1 of this class because of his rushing production.
A.T. Perry (WR – NO)
A.T. Perry understands leverage and route running well overall but needs to continue polishing his routes. He utilizes his size and a quick first step well on slants with a good feel versus zone. His fluid hips help him snap off routes at the top of his stem with average foot speed. His shortcomings in short-area agility show up on comebacks and curls and selling a vertical push. Perry isn’t as physical as his size or frame would lead anyone to believe. He’s not a strong YAC producer, with only 3.1 yards after the catch per reception during his collegiate career. He never ranked higher than 60th in missed tackles forced among wide receivers (minimum 50 targets). Perry does have a quick first step, though, transitioning into a runner after the reception, so while he doesn’t break tackles, he can pick up extra yards and extend plays in space. He can be pushed off his routes and have issues with physical corners that get can into his body. Perry lacks a second gear to stack corners on nine routes easily. Add in that he only secured 40% of his contested opportunities in college, and we’re left with a “prototypical X receiver” type who should be utilized in the intermediate areas of the field. Perry profiles as a chain-moving outside receiver that can beat zone and man coverage, but he shouldn’t be asked to stretch the field often on go routes. His size and skill set are more conducive to success via corner and post routes. Perry dealt with drops at Wake Forest with a 10.4% drop rate. This could be related to technique or his 39th percentile hand size. Only time will tell if NFL coaching can clean this up some or if it lingers at the next level.
I was shocked that Perry was on the board in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. The Saints made sure he didn’t sit out there any longer. Perry’s path to playing time could be easier than it appears at first glance. Chris Olave is locked into a starting role and should lead the team in targets, but after him, things get dicey quickly in the Big Easy. It’s still possible that we never see a healthy version of Michael Thomas ever again. Rashid Shaheed played well in a small sample last year, but he is also a free agent after this season. Keith Kirkwood, Tre’Quan Smith, and Bryan Edwards are his only remaining competition for snaps if Thomas can’t go. Perry could be a Week 1 starter if not crack the starting lineup at some point in 2023. Depending on how the rookie draft is unfolding, I will start considering him in the late third round with the knowledge that he likely drops into the fourth round. Stash him on your taxi squads. He could be the Saints’ latest late-round find that bursts onto the NFL scene seemingly out of nowhere.
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