NEWSLETTER
In dynasty leagues, the rookie draft is the highlight of the off-season. Since you keep all your players year after year, this is the opportunity for dynasty owners to replenish their rosters with youth and long-term upside. Dynasty leagues can be some of the most intricate and entertaining leagues.
Positional Rankings in Rookie Dynasty Rankings
Quarterback
This year’s rankings for dynasty feature three quarterbacks who are considered to be top prospects and premier picks in 2QB/Superflex leagues – Bryce Young of Alabama, CJ Stroud of Ohio State, and Will Levis of Kentucky. Any of them could be franchise-level signal callers in the NFL and all could be top picks in 2QB/Superflex leagues.
Running Back
There are some years where we have an undisputed top selection in rookie drafts and this year fits the bill with Bijan Robinson from Texas. Beyond Robinson, there are other top prospects that include Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama), Zach Evans (Mississippi), Devon Achane (Texas A&M), and Sean Tucker (Syracuse). While more top-heavy than most years, this class is very solid.
Wide Receiver
As with many recent classes, the strength of 2023 could be found within the wide receiver group. Jaxon Smith-Ngiba (Ohio State) battled injuries but could be a future WR1 in dynasty leagues. Quentin Johnston (TCU), Jordan Addison (USC), and Kayshon Boutte of LSU are all possible first-round picks in both the NFL and in dynasty drafts.
Tight End
This position is rarely a priority in rookie drafts, but this year is a little different as 2023 features the likes of Michael Mayer of Notre Dame. While this year has little depth, Mayer could be the net big thing at the position and we’ve seen top-tier players at this position be true difference-makers in fantasy leagues.
2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: The Top 10 Players to Watch
Bijan Robinson, RB TEXAS
As we stated previously, Robinson is the cream of the crop this year. He’s improved every season and this year featured 1,580 rushing yards, 19 catches, 314 receiving yards, and 20 total touchdowns. While his pass-catching ability is a question mark at the next level, Robinson will join the likes of Saquon Barkley, who was the most recent example of an undisputed top selection in rookie drafts.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB ALA
In just about any other year, Gibbs would be a solid choice as the 1.01. However, with Robinson on the board this season, Gibbs is likely going to be a solid consolation prize for anyone who misses out on the 1.01. A sure-fire top-five dynasty selection, Gibbs has the explosiveness, pass-catching ability, and overall dynamic ability to be a difference-maker in fantasy and reality. He’s a top selection in rookie drafts.
Jaxon Smith-Ngiba, WR Ohio State
Fantasy managers tend to have short memories and anyone who passes on Smith-Ngiba may be looking at his injury-riddled season last year and making a huge mistake. One only has to look back one season to remember his connection with Justin Fields that yielded a huge 95/1,606/9 season that featured a monster Rose Bowl where he had a record 15 catches for 347 yards and three scores. Smith-Ngiba likely has the highest ceiling of any receiving in this year’s class. Simply put. he’s one of the top receivers in the Nation.
Jordan Addison, WR USC
If you’re concerned about Smith-Ngiba’s injury history, Addison is a nice consolation prize. The track record for USC wide receivers has changed over the past few years and Addison looks like a day-one starter in the NFL. While the numbers he put up this year weren’t close to those he posted at Pittsburgh with Kenny Pickett the past couple of years, you can see talent oozing from him each week.
Quentin Johnston, WR TCU
The Horned Frogs had a dream season that turned into a nightmare in the National Championship games. Still, Johnston took a huge step forward this season and posted his first 1,000-yard season. While his numbers won’t pop off the screen, Johnston has the size and speed combo teams will covet at the next level. He clearly has the look of a top five dynasty rookie draft pick.
Zach Evans, RB Ole Miss
Running backs from the SEC tend to do well in the NFL and while Evans isn’t quite in the tier with Robinson and Gibbs, he’s still good enough to be a very highly coveted rookie selection. The former TCU Horned Frog’s game translated well into a tougher conference and he has fewer than 300 career carries, which means there’s a lot of tread on his tires – perfect for a dynasty rookie pick.
Michael Mayer, TE ND
Dynasty managers have had their eye on Meyer for a long time and it’s finally his year to move up to the NFL. At 6’4” and 265 pounds, he certainly has the size to be a factor in the NFL. When you combine his athleticism and pass-catching ability, he could truly be elite. While tight ends are hard to project, some are thinking this could be the next Travis Kelce in the NFL. Check, please.
Devon Achane, RB Texas A&M
Another SEC running back. Another top-ten rookie pick. Achane has improved every year and capped off his Junior season with 1,102 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The only real knock on Achane is his size. You would expect a running back who stands at 5’9” and 185 pounds to be a better pass catcher, but his 65 career catches indicate there’s still work to do on that front.
Josh Downs, WR UNC
If you’re looking for production, here’s your guy. Mack Brown used Downs as much as possible the past two seasons as he posted a total of 195 catches, 2,364 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns over that span. While not considered an elite-level prospect in the mold of Smith-Ngiba or Addison, Downs looks like a solid rookie draft pick toward the end of round one.
Sean Tucker, RB SYR
Syracuse hasn’t produced a ton of noteworthy rookies in the past few years, but Tucker could certainly change that. A two-year starter, Tucker has the looks of a three-down back in the NFL. While he doesn’t necessarily dominate in any one area, it’s also hard to find many holes in his game. Tucker is the type of prospect who could move up the draft boards should he be taken by an RB-needy team who doesn’t have a very impressive depth chart.
Dynasty Rookie Rankings Methodology Explained
It’s important to understand the relative shelf life of different positions when it comes to evaluating players. However, in rookie drafts, it’s not nearly as important as you should be able to get at least six or seven seasons from virtually any player you draft, regardless of position. Still, running backs are always going to be the riskiest picks as they tend to have shorter careers.
Also, when evaluating running backs, it’s essential to pay close attention to their workload in college, as it can be an indicator of how they’ll be used in the NFL. A high volume of touches in college can lead to more wear and tear on the body and potentially shorten a running back’s career. On the other hand, a running back with a lighter workload may have a fresher body and a longer career.
Another critical aspect of dynasty rookie rankings is the player’s NFL landing spot. It’s crucial to understand which teams have a need for the position, as well as the team’s offensive scheme and its willingness to utilize the running back in the passing game. A running back joining an established offense with a clear path to a significant role is going to have a higher ranking than a running back joining a crowded backfield with an uncertain role.
Dynasty Rookie Rankings Resources
For a complete list of all the Dynasty Rookie Rankings per position, check out our sister site Dynasty League Football’s extensive resources;
Dynasty Rookie Rankings FAQ
What is the difference between Dynasty Rookie Rankings and Superflex Rookie Rankings?
Dynasty rookie rankings are a list of the top players who are expected to make an impact in the NFL for the upcoming season and for future seasons. These rankings are crucial for fantasy football players in dynasty leagues as they help determine the best players to add to their roster for long-term success.
The main difference between the two is that Superflex Rookie Rankings include an additional aspect for the players’ fantasy football value, as the Superflex format allows for the starting of a second quarterback in the lineup. In Superflex Rookie Rankings, the players’ value as potential quarterback starters is taken into account, whereas in Dynasty Rookie Rankings, the rankings are primarily based on the players’ overall long-term value and contribution to a dynasty fantasy football team.
Why are quarterbacks and wide receivers often at the top of Dynasty Rookie Rankings?
Quarterbacks and wide receivers are often at the top of dynasty rookie rankings because they are key positions in fantasy football. Quarterbacks are the most valuable players on the field as they control the offense and have the ability to rack up points through passing touchdowns. Wide receivers are also valuable as they can make big plays and score touchdowns.
How important are dynasty rookie rankings in building a successful fantasy football team?
Dynasty rookie rankings are very important in building a successful fantasy football team. By focusing on the top rookie players, you’ll be able to build a strong foundation of young talent that will bring you long-term success. This is especially important in dynasty leagues, where you’re looking to build a team for the future, not just the current season.
