Top NFC South Rookies: Bijan Robinson, Bryce Young, Kendre Miller, Calijah Kancey (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 NFC South Team

NFC South

TEAM	Andrew	Derek	Pat	Worm
Atlanta Falcons	Bijan Robinson	Bijan Robinson	Bijan Robinson	Bijan Robinson
Carolina Panthers	Jonathan Mingo	Bryce Young	Bryce Young	Bryce Young
New Orleans Saints	Kendre Miller	Kendre Miller	Bryan Bresee	Kendre Miller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Calijah Kancey	Calijah Kancey	Calijah Kancey	Calijah Kancey

Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)

In Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense last season, Tyler Allgeier, a former 5th-round pick, finished as PFF’s highest-graded rookie RB and ranked 6th in rushing EPA. Allgeier averaged nearly 18 carries and 96 rushing yards per game from Week 13 onward in 2022. Given Bijan Robinson‘s superior talent and size compared to Allgeier, the first-year rusher is primed to be a three-down back for the Falcons. Considering the offense ranked first in early down run rate last season, Robinson has the potential to eclipse 300 carries and 1,500 rushing yards, making him a top-3-ranked running back in season-long formats. – Erickson

Bryce Young (QB – CAR)

The Carolina Panthers have seemingly found their franchise quarterback. Bryce Young‘s ability to buy time in the pocket and make off-script plays can lead to some highlight reel footage in his rookie season. Young’s surrounding skill talent isn’t amazing, but it should allow him to run the offense functionally. If Young is truly a quarterback who can elevate the players around him in Year 1, he could push for Offensive Rookie of the Year. – DBro

Kendre Miller (RB – NO)

Standing at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds (identical to Bijan Robinson), the highly productive TCU running back possesses the ideal size at the NFL level. He showcased his efficiency and explosiveness on a per-play basis, leading the FBS in yards after contact per attempt in 2021 and finishing fourth in career yards per play among his RB draft class. And despite not testing due to recovering from a knee injury, the New Orleans Saints selected Miller in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Given the presence of Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams on the depth chart, he may not have an immediate opportunity to start. But Miller’s explosive running style and big-play ability make him an exciting stash across deeper formats as a high-upside running back. The Saints also benefit from the league’s easiest schedule, putting Miller in a spot to face soft matchups when he finally earns opportunities. – Erickson

Calijah Kancey (DT – TB)

The Buccaneers are hoping Calijah Kancey can be an Aaron Donald-type unicorn — an undersized defensive tackle with quickness that makes him difficult to block. Kancey doesn’t have Donald’s power, but his extraordinary burst helped him rack up 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss in his final two seasons at the University of Pittsburgh. Kancey’s lethal first step could help him become one of the most dangerous inside pass rushers in the league. – 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.