In this position-by-position series, we'll look at rookies that should be on your radar before you begin your fantasy draft. It's important to understand that sometimes patience is required when selecting someone brand new to the league, but we want to be actively targeting players with a path to meaningful playing time. After a slow start to the season, Christian Watson was the WR9 after Week 8, while Garrett Wilson was the WR19 over that span. Brock Purdy didn't take over as a starter in San Francisco until Week 13 but was the QB12 to finish out the season - ahead of Justin Herbert and Deshaun Watson. If you had the good fortune of relying on Tyler Allgeier during your playoff run last year, he averaged 18.3 points, good enough for the RB8 spot. Teams have invested draft capital into their rookies, and eventually, they'll want to see if they have what it takes on Sundays.
Certainly, not every rookie mentioned below is worthy of being selected in your draft, but the aim here is to give you an edge over your leaguemates so you'll be ready to pounce before the rest of the league has had a chance to pick them up.
Quick links to all positions: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End
This article will focus on the quarterback position, where there will likely be three rookies starting for their respective teams in Week 1.
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
There are probably multiple people in your league bemoaning the fact that Richardson was taken so highly in the NFL Draft. They're sure that he will prove to be a bust because they watched him play for the Florida Gators in 2022 and came away unimpressed.
Ignore them.
Truthfully, it doesn't matter what kind of quarterback anyone believes he is. Richardson is custom-made for major fantasy production, and we need to be chasing players with a high ceiling. Justin Fields emerged last season as an elite fantasy starter by averaging more points than any other quarterback in the league from Weeks 7-15. He did this despite having arguably the worst receiving corps in the league because he was running the ball at an insanely efficient level. Richardson not only has a better group of pass catchers but also had the best athletic showing at the NFL Draft Combine of any quarterback in history. At 6-foot-4 and 244 lbs, he ran a 4.43 forty-yard dash and vertical jumped more than 40 inches.
He flashed some special arm talent this preseason and has already been named the team's starter by new Colts head coach Shane Steichen. There are bound to be some bumps in the road early on, but Steichen came over from Philadelphia, where he helped establish Jalen Hurts as a top fantasy quarterback. Richardson's ability to run the ball makes him a safe bet to put up points as he continues to improve as a passer.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
The top pick in this year's NFL Draft has all the makings of a great quarterback despite being wildly undersized. He played the position at a masterful level during his final season at the University of Alabama. He has all of the intangibles that a quarterback is supposed to have: poise, toughness, confidence, intelligence. So much so that new Panthers head coach Frank Reich is rolling with him as his starter.
Despite my faith that he can overcome his small stature to succeed at this level, I don't view him as draftable this season unless you're playing in a superflex format. He's not a major threat to run the ball and doesn't have elite weaponry surrounding him. The team brought in veterans Adam Thielen, Hayden Hurst, and D.J. Chark, but their best seasons are likely already behind them. He could be viable as a fill-in starter once bye weeks begin.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Similar to Young, Stroud has earned the starting job but still has plenty to prove. He's not going to make anyone pay with his legs, but he's a highly accurate passer who does a great job setting up his team for success. The Texans brought in tight end Dalton Schultz, and the two have spent a lot of time together this offseason, making sure they're on the same page. Third-year wideout Nico Collins provides another big target. Without that rushing floor, he's unlikely to put up big fantasy points this season, but it's important to keep an eye on how he performs and be ready to add him from the waiver wire in a pinch.
Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
Levis was a polarizing prospect coming out of the University of Kentucky. He's a strong-armed quarterback who was never able to put it all together despite some hype heading into his senior season. Similar to Richardson, scouts raved about the tools he possessed, and the Titans took their shot on him at the top of the second round. Based on their preseason usage, Levis hasn't been able to overcome last year's underwhelming rookie Malik Willis in training camp. It would take a lot for him to be a factor for the Titans this season.
Aidan O'Connell, Las Vegas Raiders
O'Connell turns 25 years old within the next two weeks, so he's not a typical unpolished rookie. He's played a lot of meaningful football and could surprise people if something were to happen to Jimmy Garoppolo. He managed to complete 41 of his 58 preseason pass attempts (71%) while throwing zero interceptions.
Clayton Tune, Arizona Cardinals
Tune is in an ambiguous situation in Arizona. The team is in a full rebuild, and it would seem unwise for them to bring Kyler Murray back if their season is going nowhere. His only current barrier to playing time is the newly acquired veteran Joshua Dobbs. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Cardinals give the rookie a shot at some point, but he's unlikely to make much of a fantasy impact.
Hendon Hooker, Detroit Lions
Hooker is unlikely to play this season after tearing his ACL last November.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Cleveland Browns
The former UCLA standout has done enough in training camp to secure backup duties ahead of Kellen Mond.
Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears
The Bears surprised many by releasing presumed backup P.J. Walker this week. Bagent, out of Division II Shepherd University, will reportedly be taking over as the team's number two quarterback.