Dynasty Player Spotlight: C.J. Stroud

4:08pm EST 11/20/23

Stroud has been one of fantasy's biggest breakout stars in 2023. Should dynasty managers "buy high" on the QB? C.H. Herms explores why the answer is yes.

Anthony Richardson Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

8:05am EDT 7/4/23

Anthony Richardson's dynasty fantasy football value includes a wide range of outcomes. Here's why you should chase the ceiling ...

Hendon Hooker Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

1:25am EDT 7/3/23

At age 25, Hendon Hooker's dynasty value in Detroit makes for a tricky assessment. Let's see what clues we can find inside his marathon college career.

Best Rookie Quarterbacks (QB) 2023 Fantasy

By Kevin English | Updated on Tue, 18 Jul 2023 . 6:51 AM EDT

It’s one thing to learn about the best 2023 rookie QBs.

It’s another to evaluate them vs. a loaded group of proven fantasy QBs.

After all, it won’t be easy for any rookie to become a high-end fantasy asset – even in the dynasty rankings.

Consider this sample of current QB talent:

Patrick Mahomes

Josh Allen

Jalen Hurts

Joe Burrow

Lamar Jackson

Deshaun Watson

Justin Fields

Trevor Lawrence

The wild part? Each guy is younger than 28.

So, can the best rookie QBs in the 2023 class compete with the veterans?

Bryce Young, Panthers

Junior
5’10, 204

Prospect Model Score: 8.81 (out of 10)

Bryce Young showed he can make plays outside of structure at Alabama. He looks like the consensus leader among best rookie quarterbacks in 2023.

The Panthers are going all-in on Young.

Watch a few Alabama games, and it's easy to see why.

Young majors in accuracy, decision-making, pocket presence, and off-script playmaking. He’s a productive, two-year starter with a 23-4 record. And despite a slim frame, he’s missed only one game in his career (right shoulder sprain).

We're loving the fit with new HC (and QB guru) Frank Reich.

Get the full picture of Young's dynasty outlook.

C.J. Stroud, Texans

Redshirt Sophomore
6’3, 214

Prospect Model Score: 8.30 (out of 10)

One of C.J. Stroud's best qualities is his deep ball, which consistently showed up on tape. Those put him among the best rookie quarterbacks of 2023.

If we’re talking about relative safety, tier one of the QB ranks ends after Stroud.

He’s another two-year starter with clean tape and excellent production (8,123 career passing yards; 85 TDs). Stroud saved his best work for New Year’s Eve, showing off a new level of athleticism and escapability vs. Georgia.

The ceiling might not extend into the top 8 among QB long term. Still, Stroud has all the hallmarks of a useful fantasy QB. The question is how quickly Houston's young talent can develop into difference-makers.

For everything you need to know about Stroud’s dynasty outlook, view his in-depth profile.

Anthony Richardson, Colts

Redshirt Sophomore
6’4, 244

Prospect Model Score: 8.06 (out of 10)

Anthony Richardson's fantasy value isn't just about his rushing. Over time, he could develop into a dynamic dual-threat QB. He arrives, though, as one of the best rookie QBs this year.

If you're looking for sky-high upside, you've come to the right place.

Think about it: There’s never been a signal caller with his size and athletic profile.

Nobody’s doubting his NFL rushing upside.

Sure, you can knock his passing. The accuracy proved spotty. And he forced balls at times.

Frankly, that’s not too surprising. Richardson is a single-season starter, only 21 years old.

With the right coaching – and perhaps a patient approach – Richardson could quickly climb the dynasty QB rankings. And we believe the match with the Colts -- and former Eagles OC Shane Steichen -- is a perfect one.

See more of what makes Anthony Richardson a truly unique dynasty prospect.

Will Levis, Titans

Senior
6’4, 229

Prospect Model Score: 7.86 (out of 10)

Will Levis' arm strength looks the best in this QB class. But can he consistently harness it in the NFL? That's the million dollar question. We'll see whether he winds up proving he was one of this year's best rookie QBs.

Levis appealed to old-school evaluators. He’s tall, well-built, and his arm strength looks strongest in this class.

But there are clear red flags. Last season, Levis played through foot, shoulder, and finger injuries. His tape declined from a promising 2021, with pocket presence, ball placement, and decision-making each at fault.

A 100% Levis may thrive with a year or two of NFL seasoning. But keep in mind he's 24 and didn’t break out until his redshirt junior season.

It's not a major surprise he dropped to Tennessee in Round 2. But the landing spot at least affords a shot at starting late in 2023 or in 2024.

Learn more about why Will Levis is a boom-or-bust prospect.

Hendon Hooker, Lions

Senior
6’3, 217

Prospect Model Score: 8.28 (out of 10)

Hendon Hooker broke out in HC Josh Heupel's vertical, spread-based offense. But can he thrive in the NFL outside of a favorable environment? His draft position will help determine how high Hooker belongs among the best rookie quarterbacks (QBs).

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport thought Hooker would make it into Round 1.

Instead, he fell to Detroit in Round 3. Why?

1. An advanced age — 25.

2. A late breakout at Tennessee.

3. A November ACL tear.

Just don't call him an automatic bust following a productive run in Knoxville.

Hooker showed adequate arm talent and outstanding mobility. Plus, like everyone else in the top 5, he’s lauded for his high character and leadership qualities.

We’ll see if he can adjust away from Tennessee’s QB-friendly scheme. But the tools are present for Hooker to earn a starting job by Year 2 or 3.

Get the full picture of Hendon Hooker’s dynasty projection.

Learn How to Never Rebuild in Dynasty

We've got you covered, from the dynasty startup draft to the dynasty rookie draft to dynasty trades:

Kevin English, Senior Analyst

Kevin brings 15 years of experience as a fantasy analyst and mid-stakes competitor across various formats (redraft, best ball, dynasty, DFS). His work has been featured on The Mercury News, Rotoworld, and FantasyPros.