Top AFC West Rookies: Marvin Mims, Rashee Rice, Michael Mayer, Quentin Johnston (2023 Fantasy Football)

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:

To read the complete breakdown of every team’s best rookies from a fantasy perspective, check out our complete Top Rookies on Each NFL Team article.

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Top Rookies on Each AFC West Team

AFC West

TEAM	Andrew	Derek	Pat	Worm
Denver Broncos	Marvin Mims	Marvin Mims	Marvin Mims	Marvin Mims
Kansas City Chiefs	Rashee Rice	Rashee Rice	Felix Anudike-Uzomah	Rashee Rice
Las Vegas Raiders	Michael Mayer	Michael Mayer	Tyree Wilson	Michael Mayer
Los Angeles Chargers	Quentin Johnston	Quentin Johnston	Quentin Johnston	Quentin Johnston

Marvin Mims (WR – DEN)

Marvin Mims was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round (63rd overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, solidifying his status for me as the clear-cut No. 5 WR in the draft class behind the four 1st-rounders. As the first pick in the new Sean Payton regime, I think we see Mims hit the field sooner rather than later. At worst, Mims can fill the much-needed deep-threat role vacated by the often-injured K.J. Hamler. Watch him emerge as Russell Wilson‘s new favorite moonball target. Mims finished third in the FBS in receiving yards and fifth in targets on 20-plus air-yard throws in 2022. – Erickson

Rashee Rice (WR – KC)

Rashee Rice‘s ability to beat zone coverage could have him landing in the starting lineup for Kansas City immediately. He ranked first in PFF receiving grade against zone and third in yards per route run against the coverage type last year (minimum 20 zone targets per PFF). This was JuJu Smith-Schuster‘s role last year, but with him moving to New England, Rice should assume the throne as Kansas City’s zone beater. – DBro

Michael Mayer (TE – LV)

The Raiders receiving depth chart gets thin quickly after Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. While the Raiders might prefer to ease Michael Mayer in during his rookie season, they might not have that luxury. Mayer has quiet 100 target upside in his rookie season, which would propel him to an outlier rookie tight end season for the ages. – DBro

Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)

In a draft class heavy on smaller wide receivers, Quentin Johnston stood out as a 6-3, 208-pound outside receiver who eats up ground with his long strides and can use his big wingspan and extraordinary leaping ability to haul in balls that would be uncatchable for most receivers. If it all clicks for Johnston, he could eventually develop into a high-volume WR1 for the Chargers and for fantasy managers. But for that to happen, Johnston will have to reduce his drop rate and be more consistent with his catching technique. – Pat Fitzmaurice

To read the complete breakdown of every team’s most overrated and underrated players from a fantasy perspective, check out our complete Most Overrated Player on Each NFL Team and Most Underrated Player on Each NFL Team articles.

NFL Rookies Marvin Mims Rashee Rice Felix Anudike-Uzomah Michael Mayer Tyree Wilson Quentin Johnston K.J. Hamler Russell Wilson JuJu Smith-Schuster Davante Adams Jakobi Meyers