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Five NFL Fantasy Football Rookies to Watch

Five NFL Fantasy Football Rookies to Watch

Now that the NFL combine is over, fans are getting more anxious about the upcoming draft, which comes quickly. But, it’s not only the spectators who are eager for it to begin. Fantasy football players are very much anticipating this event, which is somewhat worrying for some, as they are indecisive about their picks.

If you are one of those fans, then you shouldn’t worry as we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will reveal the top 5 rookies that you need to keep a closer look at when picking your fantasy football team. Our list includes the following player:

  • Bijan Robinson (RB), Texas
  • Quentin Johnston (WR), TCU
  • Jahmyr Gibbs (RB), Alabama
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR), Ohio State
  • Michael Mayer (TE), Notre Dame

Bijan Robinson (RB), Texas

We start off with Bijan Robinson, who is easily one of the most perspective rookies in the NFL. He possesses speed, size, and skill sets that level up with the pros. His rushing efficiency was incredible, as he’s fourth in this class with a 4.1 YAC.

In 31 games, Robinson is first when it comes to forced missed tackles with a rate of 3.0. You should also know that he is a very skillful receiver, with a career line record of 60-805-8. 

He is the class-best YPT (9.8) and YPR (13.4). Bijan Robinson is among the youngest players in his group, which makes him the top pick for fantasy football games. As things are shaping up at the moment, Robinson is more than ready for the RB1 role in season-long formats. 

Quentin Johnston (WR), TCU

Next up, we have Quentin Johnston from TCU. He is a very fast and big receiver who has much to offer. Jonhston is one of the main targets in the team with a 24% share, despite his struggles with drops. 

However, he is also very effective after the catch, as he features the best score in this class (career 8.4 RAC). All of that in 32 collegiate games,  Johnstone features one of the biggest wingspans, broad, and vertical jumps at the combine.

With an 87% perimeter at TCU, his apple/upside as a vertical/boundary makes him a pro receiver. He is definitely one of the rookie receivers that you should keep a closer look at.

Jahmyr Gibbs (RB), Alabama

Third on this list is Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama, who is another highly prospective receiver. Some may think that his size and skill sets aren’t on point. However, no one can deny his agility and speed (4.36 40-yard dash), as well as his ability to make a difference in the passing game.

During his 31 collegiate games, he manages to achieve some pretty decent YAC, elusiveness, and tackle-breaking numbers. But, it is worth mentioning that Gibbs has numerous negative runs, reaching a class-high 24%. 

With a receiving line of 104-1, 217-8, it’s fair to say that he made up for his errors. Jahmyr Gibbs is also one of the youngest backs in the class, but he can also play as a kick returner.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR), Ohio State

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is another receiver that has a bright career ahead of him. He broke out with a receiving line of 95-1, 606-9 in 2021. During this season he made out 23% of the target share.

Unfortunately, several injuries limited his playing time and scores in 2022 to just five catches in three games. He is an exceptionally quick player that posted a short shuttle at the combine and the best three-cone drill. 

With an 81% slot at OSU, it is fair to say that he can do significant damage as a possession slot receiver. His collegiate efficiency features a 12.6 YPT, 3.40 YPRR, and an 81% catch rate.

Michael Mayer (TE), Notre Dame

Last but not least, we have to include a TE, as that is a crucial position for every fantasy football team. The TE player to keep an eye on is Michael Mayer, who in his 36 collegiate games handled a class-high 25% target share. In this percentage, we’ve included the massive 35% share from 2022.

Despite his somewhat average size and physical ability, Mayer does have the skill sets to contribute heavily as an every-down player and a blocker in the pros.

He leads the TE class in collegiate catches (180), targets (260), and yards (2,099). Also, his 2.57 YPRR during the 2022 season was the best in this class.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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