NFL Rookie-Team Pairings for Fantasy Football 2023

NFL rookies are always a tough projection for fantasy value, and even tougher before we know where the rookies are going. With NFL Draft season in full swing, it's time for us to dream about which rookies will bring the most in fantasy this season. Which teams should fantasy managers want potential first-round skill position players to pair up with to maximize their rookie year?

Bijan Robinson — Eagles

The best running back in the draft with the best offensive line in football is a match made in heaven. Robinson will be an impact player on any team from day one, but running behind Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and Landon Dickerson will create a clear runway to elite fantasy value. Currently, the Eagles running back room includes the oft-injured Rashaad Penny, and rotational backs Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the Eagles haven't picked a first round running back since the 80s.

Michael Mayer — Cowboys

In 2021, Dalton Schultz was the Tight End #3 in Fantasy Football. Peyton Hendershot and Jake Ferfuson routinely looked like solid tight ends. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys make it a habit of getting the most of their tight ends, and there is a lot to get out of Mr. Mayer. Michael Mayer is the Notre Dame all-time receptions leader and caught over 2,000 receiving yards in his three years of college. Plus, his elite blocking should allow the Cowboys to keep him on the field.

Zay Flowers — Texans

Okay, I know, a player's best landing spot being the Texans for fantasy value? As crazy as it sounds, Zay Flowers would be a perfect compliment to whomever is the Texan's new quarterback. Despite his size, Flowers may just be the best receiver in the draft with his combination of elite route running and contested catch ability. The Texans have filled out their receiver depth with Robert Woods, Noah Brown, and John Meetchie, but they need a true number one who can win outside. Put Flowers on the Texans and he will immediately see a significant target share.

Dalton Kincaid — Chiefs

Dalton Kincaid might be small for a tight end, but he is solid blocker for his size and the only tight end in Mayer's class as a pass catcher. With a subpar receiver core, the Chiefs love to use their 13 personnel sets to create explosive plays for one of their tight ends downfield. It was one of the most successful personnel groupings in the league last year, despite the non-Travis Kelce tight ends being Jody Fortson and Blake Bell. Swapping Dalton Kincaid into that group should allow for him to consistently win downfield.

Quentin Johnston — Chargers

The Chargers desperately need both speed and young receivers to add to their core, and Johnston check both boxes. Johnston's run after the catch ability would be maximized both by the attention Mike Williams and Keenan Allen receive, along with Herbert's rocket arm. Expect offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to attack vertically much more frequently than Joe Lombardi did with Chargers, which should open up a lot more YAC opportunities for Johnston.

Jaxon Smith Njigba — Patriots

Am I living in the past with this one? Maybe. The Patriots revolutionized the slot receiver position first in Wes Welker, and then in Julien Edelman. The next step could be Jaxon Smith Njigba, who is expected to primarily operate out of the slot at the NFL level. Players such as Cooper Kupp and CeeDee Lamb have shown in recent seasons that players can produce extreme fantasy value out of the slot. Expect JSN to be next, as the Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline recently ranked Njigba higher than any of his former players in the NFL.