There are several obvious answers when it comes to which rookies will have the biggest impact on the 2023 NFL season.
Three quarterbacks were selected among the first four picks and each will have the chance to prove they can be franchise saviors this fall. Another stacked class of wide receivers should only further the league’s passing revolution. A pair of players who finished their careers as the all-time sack leaders in different Power 5 conferences will sow chaos even against an upgraded class of blockers.
But this season’s debutant stars won’t be limited to first round picks. Several rookies have used offseason workouts and preseason snaps to showcase their ability to make a difference on Sundays. College stars who waited until the third day of the 2023 draft to hear their names called — or potentially not at all — will rise from that relative NFL obscurity to leave their marks on the league. We can’t say for certain who those emerging studs will be, but after months of workouts and exhibition play, we can make some educated guesses.
32 of them, to be exact. Let’s take a look at potential impact rookies for each team in the league, ranging from the obvious to the surprising.
Arizona Cardinals: LB Owen Pappoe
Pappoe was a fifth-round pick, so while he lacks the pedigree of top-10 selection Paris Johnson, he’ll have a massive opportunity to make an impact for a depleted roster. The Auburn product (91 tackles in 2022) is a multitool off-ball linebacker who has earned praise from defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and gotten the opportunity to relay plays to his unit this preseason. He’s small but he’s fast and has the change of direction capabilities to be a nuisance in coverage — particularly for a defense that needs help just about everywhere.
Atlanta Falcons: RB Bijan Robinson
Robinson isn’t just a running back, he’s a foundation. Head coach Arthur Smith is building an offense around him — or, more accurately, his ability to run, receive, and ultimately help Desmond Ridder look like the quarterback who led Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff.
Bijan Robinson making this look way too casual pic.twitter.com/VpRlk5tdH5
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 20, 2023
While his rookie season snap count could be limited by the presence of Tyler Allgeier (coming off a 1,000-yard season of his own as a rookie), there’s no denying Robinson’s place in the offense. The Falcons made him a top-10 pick for a reason.
Baltimore Ravens: WR Zay Flowers
Linebacker Trenton Simpson will have the opportunity to impress, albeit likely in a rotational role with Roquan Smith leading the charge in the middle of the field. Flowers, on the other hand, will have the chance to seize a starring role amongst a unit that’s traditionally underwhelmed.
TOUCHDOWN @ZayFlowers!!!
There's something special starting here!! 😈
Tune in on ESPN and @wbaltv11. pic.twitter.com/9NcRMIyg4k
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 22, 2023
While undersized at the position (listed at 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, which might be generous), few players boosted their draft stock this spring as high as the Boston College standout. He’s a crisp route runner with great hands and an innate ability to understand separation concepts. Odell Beckham Jr. is on the wrong side of 30 and Rashod Bateman has yet to play a healthy season in the NFL; Flowers might be Lamar Jackson’s top wideout earlier than you expect.
Buffalo Bills: OG O'Cyrus Torrence
Head coach Sean McDermott would love for first-round tight end Dalton Kincaid to make a splash as a rookie, but there’s traditionally a steep learning curve for first year tight ends and Dawson Knox may remain Josh Allen’s top option at the position. Instead, Torrence could be the biggest first-year difference maker for Buffalo’s offense.
His massive frame and position as an interior lineman will help mitigate the challenges of playing at the next level, allowing him a chance to apply his raw talent as vital part of the unit keeping Allen upright and the team’s tailbacks thriving. His preseason performance has had ups and downs, but it’s clear he’s a high-floor rookie with the capability to be so much more.
Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young
OK. Phew. Young’s preseason has been unpleasant, mostly because the offensive line in front of him has been decidedly un-Alabamaesque. Despite this, he’s shown growth through August and will be thrown into the deep end come September.
every single Bryce Young dropback pic.twitter.com/jSv6SUmSDK
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 19, 2023
He’s probably going to have a rough debut, but that’s not the point. What the Panthers are interested in is the processing, placement and feel for the game that made him one of college football’s best and most electric quarterbacks. 2023 is about presenting silver linings, and Young has proven he’s capable of being a refinery unto himself.
Chicago Bears: OT Darnell Wright
Wright will be especially visible in the Chicago offense, as he’s tasked with protecting a quarterback who was sacked on a ludicrous 14.7 percent of his dropbacks last season. The first headline he made this preseason was thanks to his absurd shape — he’d lost 17 pounds preparing for the Bears’ wideout conditioning tests rather than the much softer offensive line standard. The ones that followed were thanks to his fluid movement, quick feet and edge-shadowing pocket protection.
Can we please acknowledge the beautiful pass pro by Darnell Wright here
pic.twitter.com/gDFPqh9LmC— David Miller (@millerfootball_) August 12, 2023
The Bears’ line is still a work in progress, but it looks like right tackle is set for years to come.
Cincinnati Bengals: CB DJ Turner II
There’s been significant turnover in the Cincinnati secondary. While Chidobe Awuzie’s return from a torn ACL will help smooth things over, the Bengals need their young prospects to step up in a conference loaded with great quarterbacks. Turner and Cam Taylor-Britt are a pair of recent second-round picks who can deliver. Turner allowed a passer rating under 70.0 in each of his two years as a starter at Michigan and, importantly, has proven he has the turn-and-run capabilities to track down the league’s biggest playmakers.
DJ Turner II breaks up deep ball for Ja'Marr Chase pic.twitter.com/vD5koDObwE
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) August 13, 2023
Cleveland Browns: WR Cedric Tillman
The Browns didn’t have much premium draft capital in 2023, thanks in large part to the trade that brought 2022’s 33rd-best quarterback to Cleveland despite more than 20 accusations of sexual misconduct and what the NFL itself later described as “predatory behavior.” Tillman will be a boost to Deshaun Watson’s receiving corps, which could be sneaky good this fall thanks to a deep cast of versatile playmakers. The rookie ran a limited route tree at Tennessee, but was great at it (nearly 1,500 yards, 15 touchdowns over his last 19 games) and has proven capable of silky smoothness with his reps this preseason.
The famous Cedric Tillman sluggo from all-22 view. Dude has impressive hip sink for a 6-foot-3 dude. Excited to watch him develop in a role with a way deeper route tree than he ran in college. pic.twitter.com/eSbI3C3adD
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) August 20, 2023
Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Viliami Fehoko Jr.
The preseason has been brutal for Dallas’s defensive rookies. First-round pick Mazi Smith has struggled and sixth-round linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was lost for 2023 with a torn ACL. Fehoko has provided a silver lining, albeit against backups in preseason games. He’s displayed the ability to shed blocks and should emerge as a valuable rotational pass rusher who can step into the lineup and sow havoc.
Fehoko once again creating some pressure! #Dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/bDy1H2wjQc
— Ej Savage (Boys ‘N the Zone) (@BoysNtheZone) August 20, 2023
Denver Broncos: LB Drew Sanders
Sanders can do everything; the former five star recruit had 103 tackles, 9.5 sacks, five passes defensed and three forced fumbles in his final season at Arkansas. He’s put that versatility on full display this summer, making plays out in space, as a pass rusher, in coverage, on special teams — you name it. He’ll be defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s Leatherman as a multi-tool the Broncos can slide across the lineup to infuriate AFC West offenses in 2023.
Broncos DC Vance Joseph had High praise for Rookie Drew Sanders 👀 pic.twitter.com/vFbeM1Qhsc
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) August 8, 2023
Detroit Lions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Like the Falcons’ selection of Bijan Robinson, the Lions made a statement by drafting a tailback with a top-15 pick. Gibbs will split time in the backfield with still-somehow-underrated David Montgomery, but should have a starring role thanks to his change-of-direction capabilities and the explosion that turns those quick cuts into big gains.
Jahmyr Gibbs vs New York Giants, Preseason Week 2.
All rush attempts, targets, and pass protection snaps. pic.twitter.com/wuGWAGmFdm
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) August 12, 2023
Importantly, he’s also been useful as a pass blocker, which should keep Jared Goff’s play-action passing game afloat as the veteran continues his mid-career resurgence in Detroit.
Green Bay Packers: TE Luke Musgrave
Yes, the learning curve for NFL rookie tight ends is appreciably steep. And yes, Musgrave is coming off a season in which he played 1.5 games due to injury.
But the dynamic pass catcher will get thrown into the fire for the league’s youngest receiving corps in large part because there are no proven options around him. His blend of speed and size gives Jordan Love a viable target up the seam or along the sideline — but his biggest usage may come as a short-range safety valve in the middle of the field for his first-year starting QB.
a couple of snaps of Packers TE Luke Musgrave (no. 88) absolutely flying – bottom of the screen on play 1 and in the #3 spot on play 2.
plus, a great catch by Jayden Reed in the first clip. pic.twitter.com/TlBTdBTcQa
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 12, 2023
Houston Texans: EDGE Will Anderson
CJ Stroud will get his reps, but the Texans sacrificed a future first-round pick — always terrifying when you’re the Texans — to ensure they could snag Anderson as well. So far that strategy has paid off, as he looks exactly like the kind of player who could have 17.5 sacks in a single season at Alabama.
Yeaaaahh Will Anderson is gonna be fun pic.twitter.com/Ds3VNl7GBl
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) August 10, 2023
Anderson has Myles Garrett-type bonafides and has been absolutely stunning this preseason. He is, unsurprisingly, the betting favorite to win defensive rookie of the year honors (+400).
Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson
The starting quarterback spot is his, and in order to instill hope he’ll have to be better than the reanimated corpses of Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan in Indianapolis. There will be growing pains. There will also be moments where he reminds people a lot of Josh Allen, which is all the Colts can hope for in year one.
Anthony Richardson is fun pic.twitter.com/IG79zOSTYQ
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 14, 2023
Jacksonville Jaguars: S Antonio Johnson
Anton Harrison will play a major role keeping Trevor Lawrence upright. Tank Bigsby looks like a powerful RB2 behind Travis Etienne. But Johnson may be the most intriguing member of the Jags’ rookie class. Questions about his mechanics and discipline dropped him from a potential Day 2 target to the fifth round, but he’s spent the preseason patrolling the field, cleaning up messes and, importantly, leaning into the hit stick and smashing guys.
He may miss the start of the season thanks to a hamstring injury. Once healthy, he could be a valuable infusion to a secondary whose pass defense ranked 30th in weighted DVOA in 2022.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice
It won’t be too difficult for Rice to work his way up the WR depth chart; his biggest competition at the moment is Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore. The SMU product has been dangerous this preseason, finding space downfield (albeit against lacking secondaries) and looking like the kind of yards-after-catch beast that Kyle Shanahan loves to utilize in San Francisco.
RASHEE RICE YAC pic.twitter.com/vRII9vPvNq
— EDDIE HIGH (@EddieHigh) August 20, 2023
Someone’s gotta step into the 100-plus targets JuJu Smith-Schuster left behind. The rookie second-round pick is a viable candidate.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Jakorian Bennett
Bennett brings elite speed and ballhawk tendencies to the pros as he’ll look to stem a tide of forgettable defensive back draft picks for the Raiders. He had 11 passes defensed in each of his final two seasons at Maryland, and breaking into the Las Vegas lineup will likely require the feasible task of outplaying some combination of Marcus Peters, David Long Jr., Duke Shelley or Brandon Facyson. He was a bit of a penalty magnet in college and will likely get picked on by NFL refs in year one, but he’ll have the chance to show off his 4.3-second 40 speed and shine on Sundays.
Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnston
The debate about Johnston’s hands seems fit to last through the preseason — and honestly it’s beginning to feel entirely too much like Ja’Marr Chase’s exhibition struggles in Cincinnati (the season can’t come fast enough). But the world knows what Johnston is capable of after watching him consistently produce at TCU despite injury. He can score from anywhere on the field and is a valuable insurance policy should Mike Williams or Keenan Allen battle injury this fall. He’s also set to capitalize on Kellen Moore’s playcalling — and what could be a breakthrough year for Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles Rams: CB Tre Tomlinson
There’s plenty of opportunity for young players to step up in the Rams’ defense; only two players who started at least 10 games for the team last season remain on the roster in 2023. Byron Young is raw, but appears to have the speed and power to develop into a useful edge rusher over time. Tomlinson, on the other hand, looks ready to contribute on a regular basis now. The reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation’s top defensive back has shined in preseason play and could force his way into the lineup despite being a sixth-round pick.
Tre makin' a play!
6️⃣ @TreTomlinson | 📺 @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/QKnA5KkSF3
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 20, 2023
Miami Dolphins: RB De'Von Achane
Achane will likely miss the start of the season due to a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason, but once healthy he’ll be the lightning to Raheem Mostert’s, uh, also lightning in Mike McDaniel’s tailback platoon. The Texas A&M star averaged better than six yards per carry in college and, hoo buddy, looks like a legit NFL home run threat.
Devon Achane actually accelerates through curvilinear movement instead of slight deceleration, which is insane. Reaches next gear WHILE redirecting his body. So rare. That’s Chris Johnson ability!
If he gets a lane, he’s GONE 😤 💨
pic.twitter.com/CDDNexWQ8b— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) August 19, 2023
Miami has been searching for a true lead tailback for years; it may have one in Achane.
Minnesota Vikings: WR Jordan Addison
This list is dotted with wide receivers because 2023 dropped yet another class of blue chip playmakers onto the NFL. Addison’s 2022 failed to capture the sheer lightning of his 2021 season at Pitt, but he remains a crisp route runner who explodes when the ball is in his orbit and turns tight coverage into touchdowns. Now he’ll get to feast in single-coverage opportunities when opposing defenses invest all their skill points in stopping Justin Jefferson (difficulty: impossible).
Can Addison win one-on-one? Hmmmmm…
Zay Flowers vs Jartavius Martin pic.twitter.com/xcQr6wKeoF
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) August 15, 2023
New England Patriots: S/LB/whatever Marte Mapu
The Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year has been a multi-tool in Bill Belichick’s depth chart, providing the opportunity to perhaps shine brighter than first-round pick Christian Gonzalez. That’s not a slight on Gonzalez; Mapu is extremely interesting as someone who can stand up in coverage and absolutely wallop guys when the ball comes his way.
If she can't set the tone like Marte Mapu she's not for me https://t.co/Aovv1LBKn3 pic.twitter.com/kJ0Y4re8uO
— Kyle (@GimRari) August 16, 2023
The question now is exactly how he’ll be used, but a hybrid linebacker and safety who loves hitting guys and has quickly picked up on the Patriots’ defensive intricacies? Yeah, Belichick’s gonna love that.
New Orleans Saints: LB Anfernee Orji
First-round pick Bryan Bresee will make a difference in 2023, even if his numbers don’t reflect that — he’s the kind of player who makes life easier for everyone around him. That should include Orji, an undrafted rookie who was a stud at Vanderbilt and has continued to be a stud this preseason.
🏆 Highest Graded PFF Defensive Rookies So Far
1️⃣ Anfernee Orji (LB #Saints)
2️⃣ Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE #Texans)
3️⃣ Markees Watts (DE #Buccaneers)
4️⃣ Jalen Carter (DT #Eagles)
5️⃣ Levi Bell (EDGE #Seahawks)Which rookie has caught your eye? 👇 pic.twitter.com/Z1f36dC4y9
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) August 20, 2023
Orji will have an opportunity to earn significant snaps next to Demario Davis and Pete Werner in the Saints’ second level. He lacks the name recognition of Bresee or Isaiah Foskey, but Orji is an instinctual playmaker who could turn heads in his first year as a pro.
New York Giants: CB Deonte Banks
Jalin Hyatt is going to have his chance to rise to the top of a flawed wideout depth chart. Banks, on the other hand, looks like he’d be capable of starting anywhere in 2023. The Maryland product came into the draft as one of its most complete cornerbacks and has backed that up in the preseason.
He’s fast enough to turn and run with deep threats and strong enough to press at the line of scrimmage or power through mesh plays. The Giants fielded 2022’s 22nd-best passing defense last season; Banks’ arrival sets the stage for improvement — and potentially another playoff berth.
Deonte Banks coverage snaps from preseason Week 2 pic.twitter.com/R7lOY9VupD
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) August 20, 2023
New York Jets: EDGE Will McDonald IV
McDonald made the most of his long Iowa State career, totalling 34 career sacks — a Big 12 record. He’s spent the preseason showcasing the fruits of that labor, putting together a strong array of lineman-beating moves highlighted by a spin that doesn’t seem like it should work, yet does.
Things you can't stop:
– Time
– Will McDonald's spin move pic.twitter.com/9TWuGBtdvt— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) August 20, 2023
He’s a high motor player with plus athleticism who now gets to join a talented defensive front. McDonald is a key part of the insurance policy should Aaron Rodgers’ play decline now that he’s in his 40s.
Philadelphia Eagles: S Sydney Brown
Look, Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith will probably be very good. But Brown has some Brian Dawkins in his game despite falling to the third round, thanks in part to his lack of height (5’9). He is a human Roman candle, accelerating rapidly toward his target with nothing but the promise of chaos trailing behind. He’s capable in coverage, but he’s going to draw eyeballs coming downhill with quickness and thoroughly thumping some poor ball-carrier.
Sydney Brown 🇨🇦🚀#eagles pic.twitter.com/Ej9jUI77bf
— Chief Oskee (@ChiefOskee) August 18, 2023
Pittsburgh Steelers: NT Keeanu Benton
Benton is just one of two Wisconsin alumni who could make a difference in their debut season in Pittsburgh — Nick Herbig looks like a problem from the second level.
Nick Herbig (@nickherbig_) with the cross chop/club. Look at that bend/body control though. Pass rush is an art! #passrush #steelers pic.twitter.com/GWXu8pKi6e
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) August 20, 2023
But Benton has been arguably more impressive this preseason and is playing a position of greater need for a defense in need of a young playmaker up front. He’s massive, explosive and capable of making NFL offensive linemen look like JV heroes.
Keeanu Benton is a grown ass man pic.twitter.com/L6OzY5FVFp
— JP Acosta (Pug Dederson Stan Acct) (@acosta32_jp) August 12, 2023
San Francisco 49ers: S Ji'ayir Brown
The Niners only had two selections in the top 100 picks and one of those was a kicker. While Jake Moody could have a major impact on the team’s quest to repeat as NFC West champions, Brown may be more vital to that effort.
The former Nittany Lion can cover, but his value this preseason has been as a mechanically and fundamentally strong tackler who gets to the ball in a hurry and stems potential disaster plays. He may not start in 2023, but he looks like a viable rotation piece in the secondary who can eventually take over Tashaun Gipson’s role in the lineup.
Ji'Ayir Brown doesn't make the tackle on this play but the closing speed and the pursuit angle here are perfection.
Also Jalen Graham, pretty easily disengaging from the center at the second level. Strong stuff. pic.twitter.com/lKbzeWakOS
— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) August 15, 2023
Seattle Seahawks: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seahawks may hope this honor will belong to cornerback Devon Witherspoon — not only could he punch up their secondary, but Smith-Njigba having a muted impact could be the result of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett once again emerging as one of the NFL’s top wideout tandems. But JSN might make his presence felt even if Metcalf and Lockett remain at their peaks. The man who put together a full season’s worth of production over the final five games of Ohio State’s 2021 season is healthy and ready to once again ruin opposing secondaries.
A JSN BEAUT! 🤩
📺 #DALvsSEA on KING 5 pic.twitter.com/D3lPWaAZ4f
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 20, 2023
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OG Cody Mauch
Mauch’s preseason performance in the run game has been ugly, which is certainly not what the league’s worst rushing offense wanted to see (3.4 yards per carry in 2022). But the former North Dakota State tackle has been effective as a pass blocker and has improved noticeably as August has worn on, fulfilling his high ceiling scouting report and giving the Bucs hope for the future. Which, with a team quarterbacked by Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask, is about as much as you can hope for this fall.
Positive note for the #Bucs, Cody Mauch has been an absolute menace in the trenches. Just drove back defender and extended block. Looked like he was trying to take the man back to the sideline. Effort every play is evident.
— Brianna Dix (@briannadixNFL) August 20, 2023
Tennessee Titans: RB Tyjae Spears
Derrick Henry has got to slow down at some point. When he does, Spears will be ready to take those reins.
TYJAE SPEARS HAS ARRIVED pic.twitter.com/lHAio2qDTz
— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) August 20, 2023
Spears was glorious in college, averaging just under seven yards per carry in a career where defenses knew he was getting the ball and still couldn’t stop him. Henry has led the league in carries in three of the last four seasons; Spears’ arrival ensures he won’t have to in his age 29 season.
Washington Commanders: CB Emmanuel Forbes
Forbes has had highs and lows this summer, which sounds about right for a player with a lofty ceiling and a low floor. The wiry cornerback is capable of lockdown coverage and ballhawk skills that paint him as Trevon Diggs or Marcus Peters 2.0 with more pick-sixes. He’s also had his share of misses, but his aggression is going to earn fans in Washington (and a few choice cuss words when his high risk, high reward jumps fail to pan out).
