The Lions selected Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hooker transferred from Virginia Tech to Tennessee ahead of the 2021 season. The following two years proved highly productive in HC Josh Heupel’s spread system. Across 14 games, Hooker tallied 6,080 yards, 58 TDs, and only 5 INTs. Boasting plus mobility and ample arm talent, Hooker’s negatives are rather striking. He’ll be a 25-year-old rookie. And he’s coming off a November 19 ACL tear. There’s a chance Hooker plays late in the 2023 season, but his fantasy value is most likely to kick in for 2024. Landing in Round 3 indicates the league doesn't view him as a sure future starter. Going to the Lions means Hooker will have time to move past the ACL tear and develop behind Jared Goff. We're not excited about the dynasty outlook for Hooker, but he has a spot in superflex rookie drafts. Check out Hooker's spot in our dynasty QB rankings.
The Broncos grabbed LB Drew Sanders in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Sanders bounced around a little before starring as a full-time player for Arkansas in 2022. He earned unanimous All-America recognition after racking up 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 6 passes defensed and 3 forced fumbles. According to Pro Football Focus, Sanders spent 12.8% of his defensive snaps in an edge role last season. He’s not likely to repeat that in the pros. Going to Denver lands him in a defense that already played LB Josey Jewell full time in 2022 and then re-signed LB Alex Singleton in free agency. We'll see whether Sanders can carve out an early role, but don't bet on a significant IDP impact in 2023. Don't be surprised when he falls down our IDP rookie rankings either.
The Broncos selected Oklahoma WR Marvin Mims Jr. in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mims produced from the moment he hit the field at Oklahoma. He led the Sooners with 610 receiving yards and 9 TDs as a true freshman, again led the team with 705 yards as a sophomore, and then tallied a career-best 54-1,083-6 line this past year. Mims left school with a huge 19.5 yards-per-catch average and confirmed his top-end speed with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. The 5’11, 183-pounder is a bit wiry and could stand to add some play strength. But he’s a ready-made deep threat with the potential to develop into a 3-level weapon. Denver’s current depth chart looks crowded. But trade rumors have surrounded Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. Plus, Tim Patrick is coming off an ACL tear.
The Jaguars selected Penn State TE Brenton Strange in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. At 6’4, 253 pounds, Strange posted 32-362-5 (13 games) as a senior. He tested as an impressive athlete, with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.06 (out of 10). Strange will spend 2023 behind Evan Engram, who’s set to play on the franchise tag. But there’s starting opportunity as soon as 2024.
The Cowboys selected Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Call it strong draft capital in a year loaded with TE talent. The 6’5, 251-pounder tested as a high-end athlete following a breakout 2022 (35-418-3). NFL.com's Lance Zierlein comped him to Bills TE Dawson Knox. In Dallas, Schoonmaker has a chance to absorb a good chunk of the targets left behind by Dalton Schultz. The current Texan saw 89 targets with the Cowboys in 2022.
The Chiefs selected SMU WR Rashee Rice in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Rice is coming off a huge 2022 season: 96 catches, 1,355 yards, and 10 TDs. He ranked ninth among 286 qualifying WRs in yards per route run (3.05) and seventh in Pro Football Focus receiving grade. He also led SMU in catches as a sophomore and junior. Rice isn’t a burner (4.51-second 40 time) but has the leaping ability, body control, and ball skills to win contested balls downfield. He led the FBS with 18 receptions 20+ yards downfield last year. Rice helped himself at the Combine with a 95th percentile Relative Athletic Score, highlighted by elite marks in the vertical and broad jumps at 6’1 and 204 pounds. He joins a depth chart featuring Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore. There’s room to climb into a fantasy-friendly role as soon as 2023. Longer-term, you’re chasing a potential full-time starter alongside Patrick Mahomes.
The Seahawks selected UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Charbonnet got off to a rough start to his college career at Michigan but managed to find his way high up draft boards after a pair of stellar seasons at UCLA. He doesn’t have a singular trait that sticks out and makes you say “wow,” but he checks several boxes prospective managers will love. Charbonnet has the size at 6’0, 214 pounds. His 4.53-second 40-yard speed is plenty with his frame. Plus, Charbonnet can be trusted as a short-area pass-catcher. His targets nearly doubled from 2021 to 2022 en route to finishing his senior season with 1,680 scrimmage yards, showing he’s one of the small handful of RBs in this class with three-down potential at the next level. He just won’t be placed in that role in the short-term. Charbonnet landed with a Seahawks squad already featuring Kenneth Walker, who finished as a top-20 fantasy RB as a rookie. Current projections have Charbonnet as the PPR RB50.
Michigan State WR Jayden Reed went to the Packers in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Reed broke out immediately at Western Michigan, outproducing then-junior D’Wayne Eskridge as a true freshman. Reed also quickly carved out a role after transferring to Michigan State, earning 22% of targets or more in each of his three seasons with the Spartans. Reed played inside and outside at MSU and was terrific as a college punt returner (15.3 yards per return, 3 TDs). Senior Bowl week found him working almost exclusively in the slot, which will be Reed’s most likely path to NFL receiving success. (Read more about his development and fantasy outlook in his Dynasty Fantasy Football Value report.) In Green Bay, Reed figures to compete with Romeo Doubs for the No. 2 role behind Christian Watson. The rookie won’t be a priority target in redraft, but if Jordan Love hits, Reed could quickly climb the Dynasty WR Rankings.
The Packers selected Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Musgrave stands 6’6, 253 pounds with Mike Gesicki-like athleticism. The 22-year-old was likely on his way to a breakout 2022 before an early-season MCL tear. That wiped out his final college season, although he returned for the Senior Bowl. Musgrave is largely a bet on athletic traits, as he needs to improve both his hands and his YAC ability. He exits Oregon State with a 16.1% career drop rate and only two forced missed tackles on 47 catches. Prior to tonight, Green Bay featured a pair of uninspiring TEs in Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis. So Musgrave should step into a day-one role alongside Jordan Love. Consider this a strong landing spot for Musgrave's dynasty value.
The Panthers selected Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mingo is a bet-on-traits prospect. He spent four years at Ole Miss but never led the team in receiving yards and totaled only 12 TDs. His career 25.6% Dominator Rating (share of team receiving yards and receiving TDs) lands in the 40th percentile. But Mingo goes 6’2, 220 pounds with a 4.46-second 40 time and a 39.5-inch vertical. His Combine performance earned him a 98th percentile Relative Athletic Score. That size and athleticism pops on tape. Mingo is a smooth mover who can win deep and after the catch. He was one of 12 WRs in the nation to earn a 99.9 Pro Football Focus grade on deep targets last year – AND averaged a big 7.3 yards after the catch per reception. Mingo lands on a Panthers squad without any long-term, impact WRs. Playing alongside the highly-accurate Bryce Young only adds to Mingo’s dynasty appeal.
The Raiders selected Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mayer stepped into a starting role as a true freshman. Across three seasons, the Notre Dame TE set records for career catches (180), receiving yards (2,099), and TDs (18). Despite small, 31 5/8” arms, Mayer is a polished, contested-catch winner. The 249-pounder has also proven tough with only one missed game in three seasons. The Raiders certainly had a TE need following the trade of Darren Waller. Austin Hooper joined the club in March, but he’s not much of a barrier to Mayer capturing a three-down role. The 21-year-old could be a TE1 spot-starter this fall.
The Lions chose Iowa TE Sam LaPorta in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. That’s solid draft capital for an undersized TE. LaPorta measured 23rd percentile in height, 17th percentile in weight, and 16th percentile in arm length for the position at the Scouting Combine. But he makes up for that with top-shelf speed and athleticism for the position: 73rd percentile or higher in vertical, 40 time, 3-cone drill, broad jump, and short shuttle. LaPorta also moves like a WR on tape and dominated receiving work over the past three seasons in a poor Iowa offense. (Check out his full Dynasty Fantasy Football Value report.) Detroit entered the draft with poor TE depth, so LaPorta should factor into the offense early on. Jameson Williams’ suspension only helps boost LaPorta's early-season upside.
The Titans traded up to select Kentucky QB Will Levis in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. At Penn State, Levis sat behind QB Sean Clifford – a projected UDFA. So the Connecticut native transferred to Kentucky in 2021. That year turned up his most promising tape, both as a passer and a runner. But when Kentucky lost several key pieces to the NFL — including WR Wan'Dale Robinson — Levis’ play dipped. He also dealt with several 2022 injuries (shoulder, foot, finger), although he missed only two games. With a bodybuilder’s frame, Levis checks boxes for arm strength, toughness, and experience in a pro-style offense. Still, his game needs serious refinement — and that’s concerning at nearly 24 years old. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes, Ryan Tannehill is entering the final year of his contract, one that doesn’t call for any guaranteed money. At a minimum, Levis looks poised to compete for Tennessee’s starting job in 2024.
Here's what HC Shane Steichen had to say about QB Anthony Richardson's development shortly after the Colts took him with the fourth overall pick on Thursday night: "I think the development of players comes with more experience... I think when you play more, that's how you develop... practice reps, game reps, I think that's how you develop." That sure doesn't sound like the Colts are planning to keep the relatively inexperienced Richardson on the sidelines for long. Indianapolis does have a capable veteran in QB Gardner Minshew, who might still be the favorite to open the season under center. But we're expecting to see plenty of Richardson this year. Our initial projections have him playing 11 games.
Kentucky QB Will Levis' left toe is "problematic" for at least one team that's considered drafting him, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Levis missed two games last season with what's been reported as turf toe. He believes the toe has healed, per Mortensen, but another team believes Levis will eventually need surgery. This at least partially explains why Levis dropped out of the first round on Thursday night. We'll see where he ends up landing -- and whether this toe remains a problem. But his dynasty value has taken a big hit.
The Chiefs spent the final pick of Round 1 on Kansas State Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah. The former Wildcat posted nice numbers over the past two years, totaling 25.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks over that span. He didn't run a 40-yard dash leading up to the draft because of right foot and left hamstring issues. But Anudike-Uzomah otherwise tested well, including a 91st-percentile 3-cone drill. There's room for him to carve out an early role in Kansas City. Landing in Round 1 figures to move Anudike-Uzomah up our rookie IDP rankings.
The Eagles took Edge Nolan Smith in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith opened eyes with tremendous testing at the Scouting Combine. He delivered a 4.39-second 40 time, third fastest ever among edge players. Smith also posted a 95th-percentile broad jump and 98th-percentile vertical. But he’s also tiny for the position: 2nd-percentile weight and 15th-percentile height. More importantly, we don’t love Smith’s college production. He tallied just 15.0 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks total over the past two years. Smith did lose seven games to injury in his senior season, when he was on track for bigger numbers. We'll see how soon he can work into a prominent role in a loaded front seven. See where Smith sat in our pre-draft IDP rookie rankings.
The Bengals chose Edge Myles Murphy 28th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Murphy had a strange progression through three years at Clemson. He led the team with 12.0 tackles for loss as a true freshman in 2020 and then led the Tigers again in 2021. Murphy ranked just third on the team in total pressures as a junior, though. He presents some position versatility along the line and tested well at Clemson’s pro day. Murphy sat inside the top 10 of our pre-draft IDP rookie rankings. He goes to a Cincinnati defense that doesn't have an immediate edge need. Don't be surprised if Murphy sees limited rookie-year time.
The Bills selected Utah TE Dalton Kincaid with the 25th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Kincaid is an older prospect at 23 but broke out early at San Diego. Across his first two seasons, he recorded 68 catches, 1,209 yards, and 19 TDs. He transferred to Utah ahead of year three and saved his best work for last fall (70-890-8). Most impressively, he caught all 16 of his targets for 234 yards and one score in a mid-season win over USC. There’s no real flaw in his on-field game. Kincaid wins with advanced route running, reliable hands, and strong YAC ability. He didn’t test in the pre-draft process due to a “tiny” back fracture, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. But he was given a clean bill of health by Dr. Robert Watkins earlier in April. You have to love the fit with Josh Allen, and it’s easy to see Kincaid overtaking Dawson Knox as soon as this season. Just note: Knox’s contract makes it hard for the Bills to move on from him until 2025. The rookie projects as a top-20 fantasy TE.
The Vikings selected USC WR Jordan Addison with the 23rd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. broke out as an 18-year-old true freshman at Pittsburgh and then exploded for 1,593 yards and 17 TDs on 100 catches as a sophomore, winning the 2021 Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in college football. Addison transferred to USC last offseason to play with HC Lincoln Riley and QB Caleb Williams. His stat line wasn’t as spectacular as the previous year, but he still averaged a strong 5.4 catches, 79.5 yards, and 0.73 TDs per game, leading the Trojans in all three categories. Addison’s tape shows a refined route runner and explosive mover who can win at all levels of the field. The concern? He’s just 5’11 and 173 pounds. That weight lands him in the third percentile among WRs invited to the Combine since 1999 and would make him a bit of an outlier if he develops into a high-end fantasy producer. Over the past ten seasons, there have only been four WRs under 180 pounds to top 1,000 receiving yards (DeSean Jackson, John Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Darnell Mooney). Addison projects as an instant starter alongside Justin Jefferson. The rookie should absorb the 107 targets left behind by Adam Thielen.
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