Some rookies explode onto the scene every year and become instant contributors to their teams and, more importantly, their fantasy managers (Hello, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Micah Parsons). Others have more of a “Jalen Reagor” impact. Our analysts combed through the NFL rosters and identified the top rookie on every team. The results and accompanying justifications are below.
Previously, our analysts took a look at the most overrated and underrated players on each NFL team:
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AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
Top Rookies on Each AFC South Team
AFC South
| TEAM | Andrew | Derek | Pat | Worm |
| Houston Texans | C.J. Stroud | C.J. Stroud | C.J. Stroud | C.J. Stroud |
| Indianapolis Colts | Anthony Richardson | Anthony Richardson | Anthony Richardson | Josh Downs |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Tank Bigsby | Tank Bigsby | Tank Bigsby | Tank Bigsby |
| Tennessee Titans | Will Levis | Tyjae Spears | Will Levis | Tyjae Spears |
C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU)
The Texans spent the No. 2 overall pick of the draft on C.J. Stroud, who threw 85 TD passes in 25 games during his two seasons at Ohio State and artfully helmed one of the more explosive college offenses in recent memory. The 6-3, 214-pound Stroud has plenty or arm strength and pinpoint accuracy, as evidenced by a 69.3% completion percentage at OSU. Stroud is a classic pocket passer, but he’s not immobile. Expect some early growing pains, but Stroud should eventually become a quality NFL starter. – Pat Fitzmaurice
Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)
Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is my best bet to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The former Florida Gator brings an exceptional level of athleticism to the table, and with the right coaching staff, his sky-high potential can be fully realized. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him secure the Day 1 starting position, especially with Gardner Minshew as his only competition. Even if the Colts don’t have a strong W-L record, Richardson’s flashes of play compared to his rookie counterparts will put him over the top. Richardson has the most favorable landing spot in Indianapolis among all the rookie quarterbacks. Not to mention, Richardson’s extremely low pressure to sack rate (sub-10%, first in the 2023 QB Class) further highlight his off-script playmaking. – Erickson
Tank Bigsby (RB – JAC)
Yes, I know everyone is tired of me talking about Tank Bigsby because their love for Travis Etienne is strong, but Bigsby is a talented player that will factor into this backfield. Bigsby’s angry steamroller running style meshes well with Etienne’s big play speed/slasher ability. Bigsby ranked inside the top 15 in yards after contact per attempt and PFF elusive rating (minimum 100 carries per PFF) in two of his final three collegiate seasons. If Etienne misses any time, Bigsby could be the Jaguars’ workhorse back. – DBro
Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)
While Derrick Henry isn’t in danger of losing his spot as the RB1 on the depth chart, Tyjae Spears is a big play waiting to happen that should see 7-9 carries from the hop. Spears ranked fifth in yards after contact per attempt and 11th in PFF elusive rating last year (minimum 100 carries per PFF). With a thin receiver depth chart, Spears could factor into the offense more this year than anyone’s projecting, but at his floor, he should offer some lightning to Henry’s thunder. – DBro
AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
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