Brad Repplinger // TCR
Hello everyone and welcome to the third and final installment of this dynasty fantasy football rookie ranking series. After covering the top 24 prospects last week, I will dive into players 25-36, or the third round of most rookie drafts. The 2023 NFL Draft class didn’t turn out how some fantasy managers hoped, nevertheless, there are still some very exciting players available who could be fantasy contributors. As always, check back with TWSN daily for more fantasy football and NFL content.
Dynasty Fantasy Football Superflex Rookie Rankings (1-12)
Dynasty Fantasy Football Superflex Rookie Rankings (13-24)
- Josh Downs – Wide Receiver – Indianapolis Colts
Josh Downs was one of my favorite receivers in the pre-draft process because he plays much bigger than his size. At just 5’9, he is still the best contested catcher in the class. Downs was very productive in college and should have a long NFL career. However, for fantasy purposes, there could have been much better landing spots. Anthony Richardson has a long way to go as a passer, and his target share will likely be inconsistent.
- Luke Musgrave – Tight End – Green Bay Packers
Despite not having a lot of college production, Luke Musgrave has a ton of upside. Injuries and the Oregon State offense ultimately prevented him from making an impact at the collegiate level. Regardless, Musgrave has been fully cleared medically and was a standout at the NFL Combine. His athleticism and natural route running ability make him an attractive fantasy option as well. There are some glaring holes in his game though that drive his fantasy value. These include issues catching the football and only two career forced missed tackles.
- Cedric Tillman – Wide Receiver – Cleveland Browns
Unlike many in this class, Cedric Tillman has prototype size and athleticism for the NFL. He was also the top target for Hendon Hooker in 2021 before struggling with injuries. Nonetheless, health and a lack of top-end speed led him to be a third round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Cleveland wide receiver room is crowded too, but he is still tied to Deshaun Watson for his rookie contract. Elijah Moore and Donovan Peoples-Jones will provide competition for targets, but this is as clear a path as any to snaps in two wide receiver sets.
- Jalin Hyatt – Wide Receiver – New York Giants
Jalin Hyatt was the beneficiary of an injured Cedric Tillman and was the best Tennessee wide receiver in 2022. There were even rumors of him being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, however, he fell to the Giants at 73rd overall. Hyatt is a burner and a deep threat, but doesn’t stand out in many other areas. His speed will open up the Giants’ offense, but being a regular fantasy contributor isn’t likely. New York also possesses a lot of slot wide receivers already, so it will be interesting to see where he plays in the offense.
- Chase Brown – Running Back – Cincinnati Bengals
Chase Brown is a very intriguing player coming off a very productive career at Illinois. The fifth round draft capital was expected, however, playing in the Bengals’ offense is what is getting fantasy managers excited. Brown is a terrific athlete and had a very productive NFL Combine as well. Furthermore, he boasts solid size and is coming off of having a workhorse role in the Illinois offense. Brown is likely just another rotation piece, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on him given the status of Joe Mixon. He could still be cut and was out snapped by Samaje Perine in two of three playoff games.
- Nathaniel “Tank” Dell – Wide Receiver – Houston Texans
Tank Dell is one of the most unique players in the 2023 NFL Draft class standing only 5’8, 165 pounds. Despite being a Senior Bowl standout, he fell in fantasy football rankings due to a 4.49 40-yard dash time. Not bad in itself, but very poor when considering his slighter frame. Dell is highly skilled though and is fantastic at creating space from defenders even without possessing elite speed. He didn’t need it at the Senior Bowl either, repeatedly making plays on opposing cornerbacks during open practices. New quarterback CJ Stroud was rumored to have wanted him in Houston too, and now the two will pair together for the long haul.
- Israel Abanikanda – Running Back – New York Jets
One of the biggest post NFL Draft fallers, Israel Abanikanda, was drafted in the fifth round by the New York Jets. I had hoped he would be drafted on day two, so being drafted on day three in an offense with Breece Hall is disappointing. Abanikanda was one of the best pure rushers in college football last year as well, with over 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has ideal size and athleticism, too, and is a home run threat anytime he touches the ball. Decision-making and a lack of receiving ability clearly drove him down draft boards, though. Nonetheless, Hall will be coming back from an ACL injury and Abanikanda would have flex upside in any games he misses.
- Michael Wilson – Wide Receiver – Arizona Cardinals
Michael Wilson might be the most unlucky player in this draft class. He has suffered season ending injuries three seasons in a row including Jones fracture surgeries in 2020 and 2021. Nonetheless, there is a lot to like about Wilson who excels against man coverage and had a 76th-percentile breakout age. Additionally, he’s very versatile and was great as a freshman, which wound up being his only healthy season. Staying healthy and refining his route running will be huge for Wilson in becoming fantasy relevant.
- Luke Schoonmaker – Tight End – Dallas Cowboys
To be honest, Luke Schoonmaker wasn’t someone I was terribly familiar with before the NFL Draft. I expected him to be a day three tight end, and not someone to consider in most rookie drafts. The Cowboys shockingly selected him in round two though, which has me rethinking my evaluation. Schoonmaker has strong size and has all the tools to be a solid route runner at the NFL level. He isn’t very prolific after the catch or strong at the contested catch point though. Nonetheless, Dak Prescott elevated Dalton Schultz’s fantasy production, who didn’t project to be a fantasy difference maker either.
- Kayshon Boutte – Wide Receiver – New England Patriots
After a terrific freshman season at LSU where some analysts had him as the WR1, Kayshon Boutte fell to No. 187 overall in the sixth round. Despite possessing a lot of natural ability and a stellar breakout age, there will be mental hurdles. Off the field issues and a lackluster approach to route running in 2022 have caused him to fall down draft boards. His disastrous NFL Combine performance didn’t do him any favors either. Regardless, Boutte is much more talented than some of the receivers drafted ahead of him and was a steal at that price tag.
- Eric Gray – Running Back – New York Giants
Eric Gray struggled to gain traction at Tennessee, but is coming off an outstanding final season at Oklahoma. He accumulated 1,593 scrimmage yards on a 10.8% target share. He is an effective route runner too, with good vision at the line of scrimmage. While he isn’t a strong athlete, he will have an opportunity to be the No. 2 running back in New York behind Saquon Barkley right away. Given Barkley’s workload and injury history, Gray will be a great handcuff option for fantasy managers right away.
- Deuce Vaughn – Running Back – Dallas Cowboys
It isn’t very often there is a player coming off a 1,900 all-purpose yard season available at the end of the third round. However, Deuce Vaughn is another outlier in this class at only 5’5, 179 pounds. He is literally the shortest player ever to be measured at the combine. Darren Sproles isn’t even an accurate comparison, as he is significantly bigger as well. Vaughn is still incredibly skilled though and is productive in the run and pass game. His size will make it hard for him to succeed at the NFL level, but he’s too fun a player to let fall any further.
For more fantasy football content, check out the links below!
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