The NFL draft has passed, and you know what means! Fantasy Football is right around the corner. I’ve compiled a list of the highest value rookies coming into the NFL next season. The rankings are based on expected Fantasy impact relative to ADP (Average Draft Position). Let’s lock in!
- Caleb Williams (Bears): The O-line situation notwithstanding, this team is loaded up for Caleb Williams to put up great #s. Williams is being drafted around QB14 right now, but has Top 7 potential from a fantasy perspective.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals): Harrison is a plug n play #1 WR, and he will be immediately inserted into that role.
- Ladd McConkey (Chargers): I’m hearing Cooper Kupp #2 rumors. He’ll start from the slot, but has the talent to get moved around the formation.
- Keon Coleman (Bills): This is a gut pick. Keon Coleman moves like a #1 WR. Check the tape!
- Brian Thomas Jr (Jaguars): This has perfect fit potential. Lawrence has desperately needed a big, field-stretching WR.
- J.J. McCarthy (Vikings): McCarthy will game manage his way to being a valuable back up Fantasy Football QB. The coaching is good. The O-line is good, and the Skill position group is elite.
- Jayden Daniels (Washington): He’ll struggle to be efficient, but all running QBs present that extra fantasy value.
- Xavier Legette (Panthers): Big, athletic receiver that thrives in jump ball situations. This is a perfect fit for Bryce Young. Young is undersized with average arm strength; he needs a lob threat in Carolina.Xavier Worthy (Chiefs): Worthy is an elite athlete with production and tape to back it up. Worthy is closer to Tyreek Hill than Kadarius Toney.
- Rome Odunze (Bears): Rome is a rookie WR with a Rookie Qb; who will have to share targets with Keenan Allen, DJ Moore, and Deandre Swift. Still the talent is undeniable, so he’ll get his numbers.
- Adonai Mitchell (Colts): Adonai Mitchell has true #1 WR potential. He will push Pittman to the #2 role sooner than later.
- Malik Nabers (Giants): Nabers would be a Top 5 rookie fantasy option, BUT Daniels Jones is his QB. Enough said.
- Jonathan Brooks (Panthers): Brooks has the potential to be option #RB in this Panthers offense. He’s talented enough to take reps from Hubbard and Miles Sanders.
- Roman Wilson (Steelers): Roman Wilson could be Diontae Johnson 2.0, but I’m not sure about the fit with Russ.
- Bo Nix (Broncos): I’m not a fan of Bo Nix’s game. I’m not a fan of their skill position players, and I think Sean Payton has bitten off more than he can chew in Denver. Bo Nix projects to be a consistent 14 fantasy point type of QB. Not enough to warrant a start.
Players I’ve omitted from the list for various reasons: they weren’t on my radar, didn’t bring enough fantasy value relative to ADP (average draft position), or just find them to be overrated
Drake Maye has no targets to real targets to throw the ball too. He’ll more than likely sit for the beginning of his rookie year.
Michael Penix won’t play much as a rookie barring another Kirk Cousin injury.
Brock Bowers has Gardener Minshew as his QB, and he’s sharing targets with Tae Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Michael Mayer.
Ricky Pearsall: The 49ers don’t have enough targets to go around.
Honorable Mention
Jermaine Burton, Luke McCaffrey(49ers) Theo Johnson (Giants), Javon Baker (Patriots), Cade Stover, Bucky Irving, Ray Davis,Isaac Gurendo, Braelon Allen, Jared Wiley, Sion Vaki, Jacob Cowing, Anthony Gould (Colts)
