Prepping for your superflex dynasty rookie drafts?
Us too.
The Draft Sharks staff has studied this rookie class all offseason, and now it's time to unveil some post-draft superflex dynasty rookie rankings.
Three QBs -- Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson -- heard their names called on Night 1. Will Levis was a surprising Round 2 pick.
Where should those QBs -- and others -- go in your rookie drafts? Let's find out.
Note: This is our July update of the rankings.
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Only four other RBs have received top-10 draft capital over the last decade:
All four of those guys finished as top-15 PPR RBs as rookies -- and have gone on to have strong careers.
That speaks volumes to how excited dynasty players should be about Robinson being taken with the eighth overall pick.
At 5’11, 215 pounds, he’s built to carry a significant workload in an offense led by HC Arthur Smith. RB Tyler Allgeier is coming off a nice rookie season – but it’s clear the Falcons want Robinson to be the guy.
The Falcons ranked third in Football Outsiders’ rushing DVOA in 2022. So it's a terrific situation.
New HC Shane Steichen’s recent track record with young QBs such as Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts is fantastic.
Richardson arrives with obvious upside. He averaged 6.9 yards per rush for his college career, even with sack yardage removed. And he can throw the deep ball.
Pro Football Focus rated him 20th in deep-passing grade last season among 148 FBS QBs with at least 20 deep attempts.
Throw in the otherworldly athletic testing at 6'4, 244 pounds, and Richardson's high ceiling is easy to see.
That's why he already cracks the top 12 QBs in our dynasty superflex rankings.
The former Heisman Trophy winner was selected first overall by the Panthers. Though he’s small (5’10, 204 pounds), Young should be considered near the top of superflex rookie drafts.
We compared Young to Broncos QB Russell Wilson in the pre-draft process, given his keen sense of accuracy and ability to improvise as plays break down.
Carolina had a busy offseason, signing RB Miles Sanders, WR Adam Thielen, and WR D.J. Chark. Throw in second-round rookie WR Jonathan Mingo, and it’s looking like Young will have more than enough firepower to get this offense going.
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The downside with Stroud is that it’s unclear how much he’ll bring to the table as a runner.
He ran for just 136 total yards and 1 TD across his college career. But Stroud posted an above-average 40 time for the position and has said that he wishes he had run the ball more in college.
Of course, he didn't really need to. Stroud exploited phenomenal receiving corps to the tune of 85 TD passes vs. just 12 INTs over his final two seasons. He carries plenty of dynasty value even if he doesn't become a big runner.
The Lions took Gibbs 12th overall despite just having signed David Montgomery.
Then they quickly moved D'Andre Swift to the Eagles, leaving at least the lead backfield receiving role for the 5'9, 199-pound rookie.
But you don't draft a RB 12th overall to just be a complement. And landing behind an O-line that both Pro Football Focus and Football Outsiders rated top 9 in run blocking last year can only help the rushing.
Add the offense's upward trajectory under OC Ben Johnson and there’s no shortage of excitement for Gibbs, especially in PPR. His dynasty value is easy to see.
Get in on Jahmyr Gibbs early
The target competition in Seattle will be a tough early hurdle. But Smith-Njigba can easily fit in the slot between D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, if the Seahawks choose to run more three-WR sets.
Also working in Smith-Njigba’s favor is that Lockett turns 31 this season. It may take some patience, but Smith-Njigba holds plenty of PPR upside.
Johnston landed in a high-powered Chargers’ offense that likely upgraded at OC by bringing in Kellen Moore this offseason.
Target share could be a struggle in 2023, but L.A. threw the second most passes in the league last year. And we'd bet on this team remaining among the league's more pass-happy.
Don't bet on Johnston overtaking Mike Williams or Keenan Allen right away. But Allen is 31 and could be a cap casualty in 2024. Even Williams is signed only through 2024. He also has yet to be the kind of target magnet a younger Allen was.
In short, there's room here for Johnston. And we noted in his pre-draft profile that he needs refinement as a route runner and could stand to play up to his 6’3 frame more. So it might be good for him to open behind the vets.
Addison’s slight frame (5’11, 173 pounds) didn’t stop him from being the WR3. He could immediately step in as the second option in the Vikings’ passing game opposite WR Justin Jefferson, with K.J. Osborn as competition.
Jefferson's presence eliminates Addison's chance to elevate to the No. 1 spot. But he's probably not built to be that in the NFL anyway.
The upside, of course, is that Jefferson will always draw primary attention from defenses. There's room for Addison to lead the rookie WRs in 2023 fantasy points. Frankly, he's our early favorite to do so.
Despite his diminutive size, Addison averaged 14.3 yards per catch through his college career and scored on 13.2% of his receptions.
The 5’9 speedster landed at No. 23 overall as the WR4, in a Ravens offense that has changed a lot this offseason.
The switch to OC Todd Monken promises more passing, though we won't know how much until the season.
The presence of WRs Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. and TE Mark Andrews in Baltimore obscures Flowers' target outlook. But Andrews is the only established target among them. So there's also immediate opportunity, as well as plenty of dynasty upside.
Here's what Bills GM Brandon Beane had to say about Kincaid: “He’s not your standard Y tight end. He's gonna be flexed out more than necessarily you would do with [TE Dawson Knox]."
Kincaid presents the downfield ability to run from the slot and even out wide. And Buffalo's offense is hungry for consistent receiving threats beyond Stefon Diggs.
This potential role fits our pre-draft analysis of Kincaid well. Dynasty managers should be excited about this pick long term.
Fortunately for Levis, he won’t have to start right away. The Titans will presumably roll with QB Ryan Tannehill for another year while Levis looks to refine his decision-making and ball-placement issues.
With his 6’4, 229-pound frame and big-time arm strength, Levis could be a steal in rookie drafts if he can work out the kinks and become the starter by 2024 (if not sooner).
Good news: Charbonnet received mid-Round 2 NFL draft capital as the RB3 off the board.
Bad news: he landed on the Seahawks' depth chart with 2022 standout RB Kenneth Walker III.
It will be a nightmare for fantasy managers to determine how Pete Carroll's staff will split the workload.
Still, it’s hard to argue against the well-rounded skill set of the former UCLA back. And he was the only Round 2 RB this year.
Walker’s presence certainly caps Charbonnet’s immediate fantasy upside. But Charbonnet would have RB1 upside if Walker misses time.
Miller landed in the middle of Round 3 as the fourth RB off the board.
There’s some inconsistency in Miller’s film, but he ticks all the college production boxes and stands out with his 5’11, 215-pound build.
He may have to wait behind Jamaal Williams (three-year contract) and Alvin Kamara, though a Kamara suspension would help the immediate opportunity and push Miller up our 2023 RB rankings.
Fortunately, Miller will only be 21 when the season starts. And his 6.7 yards per carry over three college seasons points to the upside. Miller must prove he'll add value as a pass catcher to unlock his ceiling. He says the Saints believe in his ability in the passing game.
Achane was one of five RBs who received Day 2 draft capital.
Though the Dolphins re-signed RBs Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert this offseason, Achane’s blazing 4.32-second 40 time (fastest among all RBs at this year’s Combine) and otherworldly acceleration should translate well to HC Mike McDaniel’s outside zone scheme.
Achane's 5’9, 188-pound frame raises questions about how many carries he can command. But receiving work will be the key to his value.
Achane caught 60 passes over his final two college seasons, averaging 8.5 yards per reception with 5 TDs.
Let's hope his dip to 5.4 yards per catch in 2022 doesn't portend disappointment.
Achane was a standout at Miami's May OTAs, showcasing that elite speed.
Despite concerns with his injury history, the Titans were comfortable selecting Spears with a 3rd-round draft pick as the RB5 in the class.
More details recently emerged about his knee issues, but we have to assume the Titans didn’t blindly make this selection.
With his 5’10, 201-pound stature and a great deal of pass-catching upside, Spears’ profile is almost the polar opposite of new teammate Derrick Henry. That complementary relationship may give way for Spears to be an early contributor.
Still, he may have to wait until 2024 to overtake the Tennessee backfield.
Some will be hesitant about the longevity of Spears’ career given his medical history, but RB is a short-term position in today's NFL. You should treat it that way in dynasty.
Spears looks like an upside fantasy option for however long his knee holds up.
Mims’ profile carries plenty of intrigue. He broke out in 2020, earning a Freshman All-American honor with 37 catches, 610 yards, and nine TDs.
Mims has proven explosive, durable, and productive in two years since. He’s a bit undersized at 5’11, 183 pounds, but he more than makes up for it with high-end athleticism.
At the Combine, Mims posted 89th-percentile or better finishes in 40 time, vertical, and broad jump.
It might seem like the 21-year-old landed on a depth chart with little room for change. Just remember that trade rumors have followed Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton this offseason. Plus, this is the first draft under new HC Sean Payton.
By 2024, Mims could be the clear-cut WR2.
In one of the bigger surprises of this year's draft, the Panthers selected Mingo with the eighth pick of Round 2 as the WR5.
The college production was lackluster. But Mingo’s 6’2 frame and high-end athleticism make him an attractive rookie pick. Arriving at the same time as QB Bryce Young should also solidify his QB situation for at least a while.
WRs Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark currently stand in Mingo's way on the depth chart. But it’s not difficult to imagine the 22-year-old overtaking those veterans by the end of 2023.
Just make sure you treat that as a potential outcome rather than inevitable.
A Round 2 pick, Reed came off the board a bit earlier than expected.
Was he a reach? Nah.
Reed broke out as a 2018 freshman at Western Michigan (56-797-8). After transferring to Michigan State, he showed an ability to separate and make difficult catches.
While modestly sized at 5’11, 187 pounds, the 23-year-old brings plenty of speed (4.45). He should factor into Green Bay’s slot plans right away. Just be aware that the Packers also added a pair of TEs — Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft — with clear receiving skill sets.
The SMU wideout surprised many by being WR7 off the board.
Landing in Kansas City automatically makes every player more attractive to fantasy drafters. But Rice will have to compete with Kadarius Toney and 2022 second-rounder Skyy Moore for target share.
That means both opportunity and challenge.
Rice brings a fine prospect profile, though he didn't excel by any metrics. As a senior, he was terrific after the catch and on deep balls. His body control could also make Rice a key end-zone target.
GM Brett Veach suggested in May that his team views Rice as a potential replacement for JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Jags GM Trent Baalke has taken a RB in each draft he’s overseen. That streak stayed alive in Round 3 with the selection of Bigsby, a highly recruited high school prospect and a freshman-year breakout at Auburn (138-834-5).
Bigsby dealt with poor O-line play at Auburn, so we may see him reach another level in the pros. He turns just 22 in August.
It’d be an upset if he doesn’t win the No. 2 job alongside Travis Etienne in 2023. Etienne can be kept under team control for three more seasons.
Johnson only started playing RB in 2019 and never led his college backfield. So going at the top of Round 4 as the eighth RB represented pretty good draft capital.
He lands in a Chicago backfield with no established starter, leaving room for Johnson to compete for the immediate touch lead vs. Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman.
Johnson brings enviable size and displayed his passing-game value as a blocker and receiver. Even with Bijan Robinson around, Johnson caught 33 balls over the past three years.
He leads Bears RBs in our dynasty rankings already. Johnson sits second among them in our 2023 RB rankings but could easily finish on top.
Mocked by some as a Round 1 pick, Hyatt dropped to the third instead.
Sure, you can poke holes in his game. He had just one season of big-time college production, although it was Biletnikoff Award-quality (67-1,267-15). Hyatt’s also knocked as a pure, straight-line speedster who benefited from Tennessee’s unique spread offense.
We see untapped potential as a route-runner, though. And the Giants need downfield playmakers alongside a cast of OK role players.
Considered a Round 1 lock, Mayer surprisingly slid to Round 2.
He’s not the flashiest prospect, but he’s arguably the most NFL-ready TE in this class. A three-year starter, Mayer showed pro-quality play strength, route running, and durability en route to a record-breaking career at Notre Dame.
The Raiders provide a clear path for Mayer to see a sizable early-season role. Veterans Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard joined in free agency, but only on cheap, one-year deals.
By 2024, Mayer could be a weekly fantasy TE1.
LaPorta brings just-OK size at 6’3, 246 pounds. But he plays bigger, and he’s lauded for his competitiveness.
That certainly showed up after the catch on tape. Per Pro Football Focus, LaPorta ranked second among FBS TEs with 20 missed tackles forced.
LaPorta’s profile — essentially as a hulked up WR — is exactly the type we want to target. As a bonus: Detroit lacks a clear-cut Week 1 starting TE, so LaPorta could quickly factor into the offense.
It takes more than just killer rankings.
Tillman profiles as your prototypical outside WR, with long arms and a 6’3, 213-pound frame. He used it well at Tennessee, where he broke out in 2021 (64-1,081-12).
An ankle injury (and subsequent surgery) ruined his 2022. Back healthy, he’ll compete for snaps behind Amari Cooper in year one.
Long-term, he has the traits to become Deshaun Watson’s WR2. Note: Cooper is under contract for two more seasons.
Downs provides an excellent blend of explosiveness and multi-year production. From 2021-2022, the 5’9, 174-pounder rolled up 195 catches, 2,364 yards, and 19 TDs.
Sure, Downs’ size might prove limiting long-term. He played primarily in the slot at North Carolina, and that’ll likely remain his home in the pros.
Indy’s depth chart looks friendly for instant opportunity, though. And there’s clearly a high ceiling in top-five pick Anthony Richardson.
Musgrave barely played last year due to a torn MCL. He racked up 11 catches, 169 yards, and one TD through two games and appeared headed for a massive breakout at Oregon State.
In reality, we’re looking at a guy with only 47 catches across four seasons. He owns nine career drops to only two TDs.
But with Musgrave, you’re banking on rare athletic traits. At 6’6, 253 pounds, he posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.78.
We initially loved the landing spot in Green Bay. Then came the selection of another TE — Tucker Kraft — whose presence adds risk to Musgrave’s outlook.
Musgrave got off to a strong start in minicamp, though, drawing praise from both beat writers and teammates, including QB Jordan Love.
Hooker lasted until Round 3 of the NFL Draft. Call it a surprise, but we knew about his negatives coming in:
Fortunately, all reports on his knee have been positive. When healthy, he showed plenty of arm talent and sneaky-good mobility.
In a best-case scenario, Hooker takes over for Jared Goff come 2024.
Wilson plays the game like an established veteran, and he brings NFL-ready size at nearly 6’2, 213 pounds.
Durability is the concern here. He missed 16 games at Stanford due to several injuries, including two Jones (foot) fractures.
He dominated at the Senior Bowl in January. And if healthy, it’s possible the Cardinals uncovered a long-term starter.
The Round 3 pick should work his way onto the field this season and might have a shot at starting right away after the Cardinals released WR DeAndre Hopkins.
Dell will always have to answer questions about his size (5’8, 165 pounds). Admittedly, he’s unlikely to develop into a high-volume fantasy asset.
But man — his tape was a thrill to watch. Dell wins with impressive short-area quickness and elusiveness. He even won downfield at Houston, where he combined for 199-2,727-29 over the past two seasons. In fact, he led the FBS in receiving yards and TDs last fall.
The Texans afford an opportunity to see the field in year one, with a current top-3 of Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and John Metchie.
Abanikanda profiled as one of the top big-play backs in this class. He ran a 4.44-second forty, and his 10-yard split nearly matched Devon Achane’s (1.50 vs. 1.49).
A Round 5 selection, Abanikanda also scored three TDs of 65+ yards in a monster 2022 (239-1,431-20).
With New York, he profiles as a potential short-term handcuff behind Breece Hall. The rookie could supply 2023 value early on if Hall's ACL rehab hits a snag.
Brown ranked second in the nation last year with 328 carries. The fifth-year senior held up physically while hitting 100 yards in 10 of 12 appearances. He also made major strides as a pass-catcher, even securing a career-high 27 receptions.
Brown then showed out at the Combine with a near-perfect 9.79 Relative Athletic Score (RAS).
In March, Samaje Perine signed with the Broncos. So Brown, a Round 5 pick, has a legit chance to work up to the No. 2 role behind Joe Mixon.
In a surprise development, Scott slipped to Round 4 behind WR teammate Tre Tucker.
The Bear lit up the field at Cincinnati, tallying 16.6 yards per catch. He also averaged a whopping 44.6 yards on 14 career TDs.
Scott's immediate target competition isn't ideal, with Chicago rostering D.J. Moore, Chase Claypool, and Darnell Mooney. But the 5’10, 177-pounder has the rare speed to develop into a home run threat.
Jones, nearly 25, broke out as a sixth-year senior at Purdue (110-1,361-12). In fact, he led all of FBS in receptions.
The former walk-on received decent draft capital in Round 4. With sticky hands and a crafty game, there’s a path to becoming Joe Burrow’s long-term slot.
Note: Tyler Boyd is set to hit free agency next March.
Nacua is a polished route runner with plus size at 6’2, 201 pounds.
While he struggled with injuries as a collegian, the 22-year-old managed to lead BYU in receiving in consecutive seasons.
The Rams’ depth chart looks wide open behind Cooper Kupp. We’d just bet against Nacua developing into more than a long-term WR3.
You can knock Schoonmaker for his lack of college production. After all, he didn’t break out until 2022 as a fifth-year senior (35-418-3).
Poor college production isn’t a killer at TE, though. And it’s certainly encouraging that he earned Round 2 draft capital.
While he’s not a dynamic athlete, Schoonmaker looks like a pro-ready, plug-and-play option for a Cowboys unit absent Dalton Schultz.
A well-rounded athlete at 6’5, 254 pounds, Kraft broke out in 2021 (65-780-6). 2022 turned up an ankle injury that required surgery — and six missed games.
Overall, he dominated a lower level of competition at South Dakota State. But we’re not doubting his ability to excel on an NFL field.
The main question comes down to volume — especially after the Packers added TE Luke Musgrave one round earlier. Green Bay also selected WR Jayden Reed in Round 2.
38. Darnell Washington, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
39. Zach Evans, RB, Los Angeles Rams
40. Eric Gray, RB, New York Giants
41. Evan Hull, RB, Indianapolis Colts
42. Deuce Vaughn, RB, Dallas Cowboys
43. DeWayne McBride, RB, Minnesota Vikings
44. Jake Haener, QB, New Orleans Saints
45. Stetson Bennett, QB, Los Angeles Rams
46. Sean Tucker, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
47. AT Perry, WR, New Orleans Saints
48. Trey Palmer, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
49. Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots
50. Justin Shorter, WR, Buffalo Bills
51. Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Houston Texans
52. Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
53. Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
54. Clayton Tune, QB, Arizona Cardinals
55. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, Cleveland Browns
56. Aidan O'Connell, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
57. Jaren Hall, QB, Minnesota Vikings
58. Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
59. Chris Rodriguez, RB, Washington Commanders
60. Derius Davis, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
1. Anthony Richardson, Colts
2. Bryce Young, Panthers
3. C.J. Stroud, Texans
4. Will Levis, Titans
5. Hendon Hooker, Lions
6. Jake Haener, Saints
7. Stetson Bennett, Rams
8. Clayton Tune, Cardinals
9. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Browns
10. Aidan O'Connell, Raiders
1. Bijan Robinson, Falcons
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions
3. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
4. Kendre Miller, Saints
5. Devon Achane, Dolphins
6. Tyjae Spears, Titans
7. Tank Bigsby, Jaguars
8. Roschon Johnson, Bears
9. Israel Abanikanda, Jets
10. Chase Brown, Bengals
11. Zach Evans, Rams
12. Eric Gray, Giants
13. Evan Hull, Colts
14. DeWayne McBride, Vikings
15. Deuce Vaughn, Cowboys
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks
2. Quentin Johnston, Chargers
3. Jordan Addison, Vikings
4. Zay Flowers, Ravens
5. Marvin Mims, Broncos
6. Jonathan Mingo, Panthers
7. Jayden Reed, Packers
8. Rashee Rice, Chiefs
9. Jalin Hyatt, Giants
10. Cedric Tillman, Browns
11. Josh Downs, Colts
12. Michael Wilson, Cardinals
13. Tank Dell, Texans
14. Tyler Scott, Bears
15. Charlie Jones, Bengals
16. Puka Nacua, Rams
17. AT Perry, Saints
18. Trey Palmer, Buccaneers
19. Kayshon Boutte, Patriots
20. Justin Shorter, Bills
1. Dalton Kincaid, Bills
2. Michael Mayer, Raiders
3. Sam LaPorta, Lions
4. Luke Musgrave, Packers
5. Luke Schoonmaker, Cowboys
6. Tucker Kraft, Packers
7. Darnell Washington, Steelers
8. Brenton Strange, Jaguars
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Matt, Jared, and Herms got together to break down the biggest rookie risers and fallers post-NFL Draft.