After following the 2023 rookie class through the most recent college season and the NFL Draft process, I’m ready to put together a few names for you to watch as you prepare for your fantasy football leagues. Based on my evaluation, landing spot, opportunity, and more, here are players to know as you get ready for fantasy football drafts. Here are my dynasty rookie draft sleepers.
- More Dynasty Articles & Advice
- Dynasty Startup Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Dynasty Rookie Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
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Dynasty Rookie Draft Sleepers
Last year, when the Texans popped Dameon Pierce in Round 4, I tweeted: “Dameon Pierce is your darkhorse Rookie of the Year candidate. He’s going to start immediately in Houston.” On Saturday, when Chicago popped Roschon Johnson in Round 4, I tweeted the exact same with Johnson/Chicago swapped in for Pierce/Houston.
Hull projects as a strong complimentary back at the next level – and might even be a little more. He will immediately be Indy’s best receiving option in the backfield, offering the ability to win lined up anywhere. And the Colts will get more from him as a runner than most are currently projecting.
RB Dalvin Cook will almost assuredly not be on the 2023 roster. In a post-Dalvin world, McBride could surprise immediately. You don’t want McBride on the field on passing downs, but he’s a natural runner who is extremely difficult to get on the ground. McBride’s 36% career forced-missed-tackle rate trails only Bijan Robinson and Javonte Williams in PFF’s nine-year history.
Tucker made a good landing-spot decision. He received a guaranteed $155,000 to sign with the Bucs. Tampa Bay was expected to select an RB in the draft but didn’t. The depth chart currently consists of Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and Patrick Laird.
Tucker’s pre-draft process was complicated after he was shut down at the NFL Combine upon being medically red-flagged for cardiac health issues. Tucker was also held out of Syracuse’s Pro Day in March. He eventually did a shortened workout for scouts on the Monday of draft week, but it wasn’t enough to get him drafted. If Tucker can stay on the field, he could be a UDFA gem – he’s one of the most explosive backs in this class.
The NFL apparently soured on Perry because of his mediocre agility. But he was an incredibly productive collegiate receiver who presents problems down the field with his 6-foot-10 wingspan and ball skills.
WR Charlie Jones was ludicrously productive last season at Purdue and should keep the good times rolling in the slot at the next level. His hands are great (3.9% career drop rate) and he has a knack for reeling in catches under duress, finishing last season tied for No. 1 in this WR class in contested catches.
I hated the reach for TE Luke Musgrave in Round 2. Especially since a strong receiving tight end that I ranked 17 spots higher on my big board was still available. That would be Tucker Kraft… who the Packers incredibly picked 36 selections later! That pick was as strong as the Musgrave one was suspect. Kraft could be the TE of note in Green Bay instead of the higher-drafted Musgrave.
Other dynasty rookie sleepers:
- Tank Dell (WR – HOU)
- Dontayvion Wicks (WR – GB)
- Puka Nacua (WR – LAR)
- Zack Kuntz (TE – NYJ)
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