NEWSLETTER
With rookie drafts well underway, it’s time to evaluate this year’s 2023 rookie quarterback draft class and rank some of our favorite sleepers.
Some of these players may not have the draft capital you typically look for in your prized young acquisitions. But there’s a chance you could hit big with one of these players in the late rounds of rookie drafts or even by picking them up as a free agent before the season starts. After all, those who have played in dynasty leagues know well the stories of players like Arian Foster and Victor Cruz, who became post-draft studs despite not being drafted.
Let’s scour through the depth charts and find some solid dynasty rookie sleeper QBs for your upcoming rookie drafts.
Note: The players listed are not necessarily ranked in order.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Sleepers: Quarterbacks
Jake Haener, QB NO
The New Orleans Saints signed Derek Carr this off-season during free agency. However, that didn’t stop them from adding Haener in the fourth round. Formerly a member of the Washington Huskies, Haener transferred to Fresno State early in his career. The decision paid dividends as he averaged more than 26 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Routinely seen in the top five of rookie quarterback rankings, Haener likely has the highest ADP of the quarterbacks on this list. And it’s for good reason. If Carr fails to capitalize on the opportunity, he could eventually get a look with the Saints.
Stetson Bennett, QB LAR
With the intangibles he possesses, it was nearly impossible to see Bennett going undrafted. And, as such, Sean McVay and the Rams likely looked hard at him in the late third round of the NFL Draft before confidently pouncing on him when fell into the fourth.
It’s a solid landing spot for Bennett, who led Georgia to new heights over the past few seasons. He’s undersized and doesn’t have the same big arm or combination of size and speed as some of the other quarterbacks in this class. But signal-callers of this caliber always have a chance, as Bennett is a proven winner and LA will have to move on from Matthew Stafford at some point.
Malik Cunningham, QB NE
Cunningham has clearly caught the attention of Head Coach Bill Belichick after signing on as a UDFA. All things considered, he possesses an intriguing skill set for fantasy football purposes. When you look this deep at quarterback prospects, they need to have something that sets them apart, and Cunningham is one of the more interesting rookie sleepers heading into the Summer because of his ability as a rushing quarterback.
He could be a source of rushing yards (likely not passing yards early) and goal-line work as early as this season. In addition, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have failed to establish themselves as a long-term option.
Jaren Hall, QB MIN
Hall is a player who could surprise in time, as Kirk Cousins’ future with the Vikings remains in flux. When taking shots at late-round quarterbacks, situations are important and Minnesota clearly presents one of the better ones. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding this former BYU Cougar, and dynasty managers should take note that he threw for a whopping 51 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions in 2021 and 2022 combined. If Cousins moves on after this year, he could have a chance.
Dynasty Fantasy Football: 2023 NFL Draft Rookie QB Sleeper Resources
For a complete list of all the Dynasty Rankings by position, check out our sister site Dynasty League Football’s extensive resources for dynasty content and rankings:
Clayton Tune, QB ARI
Kyler Murray may be a player who struggles with injuries in his career based on his size. With Arizona looking like a team in tank mode in the short term, Tune could get a look at some point. There’s a lot of buzz around him, and he was highly productive (70 touchdowns the past two seasons) at Houston. We already know what Colt McCoy brings to the table, and Tune could push him for backup duties soon.
Aidan O’Connell, QB LV
We already know the injury issues that have plagued Jimmy Garoppolo throughout his career. With journeyman Brian Hoyer ahead of him on the depth chart, a path to playing time for O’Connell isn’t hard to imagine. He was solid at Purdue and brings a lot of experience with him. While he’s never going to set the world on fire with a ton of yards per carry, he’s a player that could surprise at some point. He’s also outside the top players ranked this year, giving you a chance to use very little draft capital on him.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB CLE
DTR Needs work as a passer, but he can run an impressive 40-yard dash and bring a skill set not unlike Deshaun Watson’s to the Browns. He looks like one of the better late-round picks this draft season. And while he may be a major project, he should certainly be kept on watch lists. Let’s face it – Watson really wasn’t that great during the 2022 season, so having someone like DTR on their taxi squad is pretty good insurance should Watson fail to regain his Pro Bowl form in the next few years.
Tanner Morgan, QB PIT
The Steelers added Kenny Pickett in last year’s rookie class with the 20th overall pick. However, there are some questions about his long-term value starting to swirl around. While he’s going to have every opportunity to prove he can be successful as a pro football quarterback, Morgan could be a decent flier for dynasty teams in super deep 2QB or superflex formats. His average draft position is in the “late-round flier” category, so he’s at least worth keeping an eye on this summer.
Fantasy Football Dynasty Rankings Explained
2023 Dynasty Rookie Quarterback Sleepers Methodology
Quarterbacks and pass catchers tend to have a much longer career arc but are more volatile week-to-week. When evaluating sleepers, it’s important to note not just the draft capital used on these players but their situations. Is there a clear path on the depth chart? Are they behind players who tend to get hurt? Are they in a system that fits their skill set? Did they drop in the draft due to character or health issues? These are all questions you need to answer when identifying your sleepers.
How to Dominate Your Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Draft with Rookie QB Sleepers
Study. Drafts are won and lost in the later rounds, not the first. It’s easy to rank the mainstream “blue chip” players and secure them early. However, dynasty rookie drafts are won in the later rounds, as you can snag productive players for a fraction of the cost.
2023 Fantasy Football Dynasty Rankings FAQ
What is the difference between Dynasty Rankings and Superflex Dynasty League Rankings?
Dynasty rankings consist of 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 traditional 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 Superflex rankings put an additional premium on the quarterback position, as the Superflex format allows for the starting of a second quarterback in the lineup. In Superflex Rankings, the players’ value as potential quarterback starters is taken into account. Whereas in traditional Dynasty Rankings, the rankings are primarily based on the players’ long-term value and contribution to a dynasty fantasy football team.
In short, quarterbacks are going to be valued more in superflex leagues, as there are fewer in the league/ They also score points on a more consistent basis, making them the premier players to have in leagues.
Why are quarterbacks and wide receivers often at the top of Dynasty Player Rankings?
Quarterbacks and wide receivers are often at the top of dynasty 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. Pass catchers are also valuable since they make big plays and score touchdowns. Again, both positions also have a longer career arc than running backs.
