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The 2023 rookie class was filled with polarizing talent eager to prove they belonged. Some flourished, some crumbled, let’s take a look at those who flourished and have me excited for their futures, starting with the 2023 Rookie of the Year.
C.J Stroud (QB 11)
Houston Texans
319/499, 63.9%, 4,108 Passing Yards, 26 total TDs, 5 Int, 18.3 FPTs/G
The signal-caller out of The Ohio State University was incredible right away. Unafraid to attack NFL defenses, C.J. Stroud showed extreme poise in the pocket while avoiding rushers and making plays. Showcasing his impressive arm strength and accuracy was not the only thing we saw out of Stroud. The best quarterbacks often serve as leaders both on and off the field.
C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell up next. pic.twitter.com/o9kAGtja6P
Stroud's leadership qualities, including command of the huddle and the ability to inspire confidence in his teammates, contributed to his success. Stroud joined Tom Brady (2007) and Joe Montana (1989) as the only quarterbacks to lead the NFL in passing yards per game and pass TD-INT ratio (minimum 10 games). Brady and Montana each won NFL MVP that season.
Jordan Addison (WR23)
Minnesota Vikings
70 Catches, 911 yards, 10 Touchdowns 13FPTs/G
Jordan Addison was drafted into a near-perfect spot for him to gain experience and earn his spot on the depth chart. The Minnesota Vikings already have, arguably, the best wide receiver in the league on one side of the field, so to pair Justin Jefferson with a young player like Addison is an offense-unlocking move. The rookie out of Pitt demonstrated his strong receiving skills and his ability to create separation from defenders.
The unfortunate injury to Jefferson accelerated Addison's opportunities, but he was ready to accept the challenge. Addison tied Sam LaPorta for the most touchdowns by a rookie in 2023 and Addison is set to be a mid to high-round draft pick in fantasy drafts next year. Although the Vikings have quarterback questions, Addison looks like a reliable mid WR2.
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB10)
Detroit Lions 16.1 FPTs/G
945 Rushing yards, 316 Receiving yards, 11 Total TDs
Jahmyr Gibbs finished 4th in Rookie of the Year voting, showing everyone exactly why Dan Campbell and the rest of the front office were dancing around and celebrating in the booth when they drafted him. The kid is electric. Coming out of Georgia Tech, Gibbs’s dynamic playing style and explosiveness was on full display all year. Gibbs demonstrated agility, elusiveness, and exceptional ability in the passing game.
Pairing Gibbs with David Montgomery felt like a real thunder-and-lightning move. The duo was key to the surging Lions offense, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Gibbs was sharing touches with Montgomery most of the year before taking a slight lead down the stretch. Gibbs still managed to finish as RB10, but if things switch from a 1A-1B backfield to a 1-2 backfield, he could be looking at a top-5 finish overall in 2024.
This is a rookie making this juke move…
Watch out for Jahmyr Gibbs next year ? ? #AllGrit pic.twitter.com/L7O9U89wu1
Quentin Johnston (WR74)
Los Angeles Chargers
38 catches, 431 yards, 2 Touchdowns, 5 FPTs/G
The Chargers took a flier on the big play receiver out of TCU, Quentin Johnston, and it didn't pay off in year one. Johnston is known for his impressive athleticism and speed, as well as his ability to win jump balls in the red zone. However, the rookie year for Johnston was anything but good, as he just looked overwhelmed at times.
Johnston had some bad mental drops and could not take advantage of all the injuries on offense for the Chargers. A fresh start is set to come with Jim Harbaugh entering the frame, and Johnston has another year to prove he belongs. At best, Johnston is a late-round pick to just take a chance on and bet on the pedigree.
Dalton Kincaid (TE11)
Buffalo Bills
73 Catches 673 yards 2 Touchdowns 9.4 FPTs/G
Coming out of Utah, the 1st Round pick by the Bills, Dalton Kincaid, had a very good year first season. Kincaid combines exceptional receiving ability with speed and the versatility to play in the slot as well. Kincaid was seemingly catching everything thrown at him, finishing with 73 catches on 81 targets.
When Dawson Knox went down with an injury, Josh Allen had an immediate connection with Kincaid. If the Bills do indeed let Gabe Davis walk, Kincaid could provide them with another option in the receiving game. Kincaid is set to be a perennial top 5 TE and a key piece of the Bills offense going forward.
Sam LaPorta (TE1)
Detroit Lions
86 Catches 889 yards 10 Touchdowns 14.1 FPTs/G
Sam LaPorta had little expectations coming into the 2023 season, but anyone who believed in him reaped the rewards. Historically, rookie tight ends take a few years to develop, but not LaPorta. LaPorta came out of the gate hot and never slowed down, finishing the season averaging 14.1 PPG.
LaPorta finished as the TE1 in 2023 due to his incredible play and consistency. Ben Johnson is coming back for 2024, and there's no reason to expect a drop-off in production from LaPorta. If anything, LaPorta should only get better, considering he's set to have his first NFL off-season. Right now, LaPorta is being drafted as the TE1 on Underdog Fantasy, which should come as a surprise to no one.
