FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!
This week, rookies begin to report to NFL training camps with veterans reporting next Tuesday, which means that it is time to get ready for the season – the Fantasy Season, that is!
SNS begins a new series looking at the 2023 NFL Rookie Class. Today, SNS takes a look at some of the key training camp battles involving this year’s rookie class and how they may impact fantasy football this coming season.
Carolina QB – Bryce Young v. Andy Dalton
The battle between Bryce Young and the player that Carolina RB Miles Sanders considers a “future Hall of Famer” Andy Dalton, does not figure to be much a battle. Dalton was signed to provide a veteran backup and mentor the new franchise QB. Young, however, is as ready for the speed of the game as any rookie QB could be and seems poised to win the job by the beginning of the exhibition season. Dalton provides Carolina with one of the best backup QBs in the NFL and a veteran leader in the locker room.
Indianapolis QB - Anthony Richardson v. Gardner Minshew
The Colts have decided to get off the rent-a-QB carousel (Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan) with the drafting of Richardson, a uniquely gifted QB with rare size, arm strength, speed, and athletic ability. However, he is extremely raw with only 13 career starts in college. Gardner Minshew was brought to Indianapolis to provide a bridge QB for Indy as Richardson becomes accustomed to the speed of the game. Richardson is only draftable in dynasty formats for 2023 but his upside is huge a couple of years from now.
Houston QB – CJ Stroud v. Davis Mills
Davis Mills, the incumbent, is a young QB who has had to learn on the job but has been beaten and battered during his time as the Texans signal caller, behind a rebuilding line and a lack of supporting skill position talent. Mills is a very good athlete, is supremely tough and he won’t concede the starting spot easily. But it is only a matter of time before the former Buckeye takes over in Houston. Stroud has prototypical skills to be a franchise QB down the line.
Cincinnati RB Competition – Chase Brown chasing down Joe Mixon?
Mixon recently renegotiated his contract, ensuring his role on the 2023 Bengals team. The wear and tear, though, is beginning to show as injuries are beginning to take hold. Also, Mixon’s burst, never a strong point, has noticeably declined. Brown rushed for over 1,600 yards last season at Illinois and has the profile of a future feature back. Last year’s primary backup, Samaje Perine, signed with Denver, opening up a slot for Brown.
Seattle RB – K9, Charbonnet, & McIntosh battle it out.
Seattle has spent significant draft capital the last two seasons rebuilding the offensive line – 2022 drafting both OTs and this past April spending numerous picks on quality guard and center prospects. Few teams prioritize running the ball like the Seahawks, using two picks on RBs Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh, after using a 2022 2nd round pick on Kenneth Walker (K9), who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Third down receiving back DeeJay Dallas returns, too. The RB depth chart in Seattle is LOADED. Monitor closely but Walker and Charbonnet are both players who figure to be worth drafting this summer.
Green Bay TE – Luke Musgrave or Tucker Kraft or the field?
The Packers utilized two draft picks in April selecting TEs Musgrave and Kraft – an unusual approach but one warranted by the quality of this year’s rookie TE class. Robert Tonyan left via free agency (Chicago), opening up the starting competition in Green Bay. Incumbent TEs Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis bring NFL game experience but the starting competition will eventually boil down to a battle between the two rookies. Musgrave is an excellent athlete and creates mismatches down field. Kraft is well-rounded and a better blocker than Musgrave. Both players will get plenty of field time and both are worth monitoring as training camp open up.
Green Bay K – Anders Carlson v. Mason Crosby
The TE competition isn’t the only intrigue taking place in Green Bay this summer. Crosby is the best kicker in the Packers long and storied history but his accuracy, and most notably his leg strength, have started to decline. Carlson, whose brother is the Raiders kicker, has an incredibly strong leg capable of hitting from 55+ yards. However, he is far too inaccurate and misses too many sub-45-yard kicks at Auburn. Watch this position battle closely.
Buffalo Bills TE – Dalton Kincaid v. Dawson Knox
Kincaid was selected #28 overall in April’s draft and the Bills plan on utilizing his unique skill set as a mismatch piece in the passing game. As Josh Allen’s new toy, Kincaid likely will be used as a slot receiver or as an H-back while Knox is likely to fill the more traditional in-line TE role. Whether Kincaid is technically the starting TE or not, he will be a weapon used in Buffalo this season. Kincaid is the rare rookie TE worth drafting.
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Do you want the EDGE in fantasy football this year? Which rookies should be targeted in a traditional snake draft? How much should I bid to get Bijan Robinson in an auction draft? Bryce Young or CJ Stroud? The difference in fantasy football is often razor thin. Everyone knows Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, Justin Jefferson, and Travis Kelce. But wouldn’t it be great to know who the next Brock Purdy, Dameon Pierce, Alec Pierce, and Dalton Schultz are?
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