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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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
AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
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