The 2023 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, and 259 players got drafted. However, there are still questions to be answered. How does the incoming rookie fit with their new teams? What impact will those rookies have on the rest of the roster?
These are the questions fantasy football players have to ask themselves when making decisions over the next few months, and I am here to help.
- NFL Draft Domino Effects: Tight End | Running Back
- NFL Draft Grades for Every Team
- Thor’s Draft Grades (AFC | NFC)
- NFL Draft Day 1 Winners & Losers (Day 2 | Day 3)
- Fitz’s Round 1 NFL Draft Picks: Dynasty Rookie Draft Outlook (Day 2 | Day 3)
- Latest Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft
2023 NFL Draft Domino Effects: Quarterbacks
Let’s look at the top five quarterbacks drafted this year and see what the impact is for both the player and their new NFL team.
Bryce Young (CAR) | Round 1 Pick 1
Everyone knew Carolina would take a quarterback when they traded up to the No. 1 overall pick. Young was ultimately their selection after a stellar career at Alabama. The rookie had 8,200 passing yards and 79 touchdowns over the past two years. Furthermore, he won the Heisman Trophy in 2021. Young is now the future of the Panthers and should succeed with Frank Reich on the sidelines.
Impact on the Other Quarterbacks:
The Panthers signed Andy Dalton in free agency after Sam Darnold joined the San Francisco 49ers. However, Dalton likely won’t see the field this year unless Young suffers an injury. Meanwhile, Matt Corral was a third-round pick last year. Unfortunately, he didn’t play as a rookie because of a foot injury. It’s only a matter of time until Carolina cuts or trades the former Ole Miss quarterback.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
Unfortunately, the Panthers had to send DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears in the deal to acquire the top draft pick. However, they signed Miles Sanders, Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, and Hayden Hurst in free agency. They then used their early second-round pick on Jonathan Mingo. While it’s almost an entirely new offense in Carolina, Young’s ability to make quick reads and throw the ball all over the field will benefit everyone on offense.
C.J. Stroud (HOU) | Round 1 Pick 2
Houston has spent the past two years stuck in a quarterback nightmare. Thankfully, that changes with Stroud. The Texans don’t have an elite wide receiver, but they have invested multiple draft picks over the past few years at the position. Meanwhile, Stroud will have veterans to lean on as a rookie.
Impact on the Other Quarterbacks:
Davis Mills had been the starter for the past two years. However, his roster spot is in jeopardy after the Texans drafted Stroud and signed Case Keenum in free agency. Keenum’s roster spot is guaranteed after signing a two-year deal worth $6.3 million this offseason. Hopefully Houston can get a late-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft for Mills.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
The Texans don’t have a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver on the roster. However, they have a nice blend of proven veterans and young players. Robert Woods and Dalton Schultz are the two most likely to benefit from the rookie quarterback, as they are the top veterans. Meanwhile, Nico Collins has flashed upside over the first two years of his career. Unfortunately, he has been held back by poor quarterback play. Stroud is a massive upgrade over Mills, making all the receivers better.
Anthony Richardson (IND) | Round 1 Pick 4
Richardson has more upside than any other rookie quarterback this year. Colts owner Jim Irsay says the former Gator will start as a rookie, so the only question is when. Richardson’s rushing ability is perfect for new head coach Shane Steichen’s offense. He had Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, who finished his first year in Steichen’s offense as the QB9, averaging 20.8 fantasy points per game in 2021.
Impact on the Other Quarterbacks:
The Colts have three other quarterbacks: Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger. Minshew joined this offseason because of his history with Steichen in Philadelphia. He will start until Richardson is ready. Meanwhile, Foles will likely get cut or traded in the next few months. Ehlinger costs the team next to nothing in salary cap space. His athletic ability should convince Indianapolis to keep the former Longhorn on the roster as the QB3.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
Last year, Richardson completed only 53.8% of his pass attempts at Florida, as he struggled with accuracy. However, that problem will be somewhat mitigated in Indianapolis. Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, Jelani Woods, and Mo Alie-Cox are all 6’3″ or taller with long wingspans. The biggest beneficiary is Jonathan Taylor; defenses will have to worry about Richardson’s running ability, which will keep them from doing everything possible to shut down the superstar running back.
Will Levis (TEN) | Round 2 Pick 2
While Levis slipped into the second round of the NFL Draft, the former Kentucky quarterback landed in a good spot. He won’t have to play right away with Ryan Tannehill under contract. However, his strong arm will allow the Titans to open the playbook and push the ball downfield. Meanwhile, Tennessee should take advantage of Levis’ rushing ability. With defenses focused on stopping Derrick Henry, the rookie quarterback can become dangerous in the RPO game.
Impact on the Other Quarterbacks:
Tannehill will likely be the starter in 2023, at least to begin the year, but Levis is the future. Fans and fantasy players shouldn’t be surprised if he plays as a rookie. Meanwhile, Malik Willis was a third-round pick in 2022, however the front office has reportedly given up on the second-year player. He likely ends up cut or traded before the start of the season.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
The Titans don’t have many weapons on offense. Treylon Burks and Chigoziem Okonkwo are second-year players and the only receivers with upside on the roster. Meanwhile, Henry is nearing the end of his prime after averaging over 24 touches per game over the past four years. While Tennessee used three mid- to late-round draft picks on offense, none of the rookies will make a significant impact right away. Hopefully Levis can quickly build a connection with Burks and Okonkwo.
Hendon Hooker (DET) | Round 3 Pick 5
Hooker was a projected first-round pick. Unfortunately, the torn ACL and other factors pushed the former Volunteer into the third round. However, he landed in an excellent spot. Hooker had two talented wide receivers at Tennessee (Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman) and he won’t have a shortage of weapons in Detroit.
Impact on the Other Quarterbacks:
Jared Goff had an impressive season last year, and the team feels confident in their quarterback. He has two years left on his contract, but Detroit can release the veteran next offseason and save $32 million in salary cap space. Hooker won’t see the field this season unless Goff severely struggles or gets hurt. Nate Sudfeld likely also makes the final roster unless the rookie is healthy enough to back up Goff in Week 1.
Impact on the Rest of the Offense:
Whenever Hooker sees the field, he will have a solid group of weapons. Amon-Ra St. Brown has been one of the top fantasy wide receivers since joining the NFL. Meanwhile, the rookie quarterback was one of the best deep ball passers in college football. That’s excellent news for Jameson Williams. The second-year receiver hasn’t done much in the NFL yet because of injuries, but he has big play ability that Hooker should be able to take advantage of.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.