Fantasy Football: 6 Rookies Capable Of Winning Leagues In 2023

June 14, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) works through footwork drills Wednesday, June 14, 2023, during mandatory minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports
June 14, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) works through footwork drills Wednesday, June 14, 2023, during mandatory minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2023; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) shown on the field during rookie camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2023; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) shown on the field during rookie camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons

Surprise, surprise. Bijan Robinson is the name you’ve likely heard the most — and for good reason. He is the next in line to be a franchise cornerstone at running back. The 21-year-old ball carrier is the best prospect in years, showcasing elite vision, patience, and elusiveness throughout his time in Austin.

The Longhorn alum is built like a prototypical running back, so goal-line touches will frequently go his way. Robinson is also an adept pass catcher out of the backfield. He runs an expansive route tree and should log several snaps from the slot as the Falcons transition to a position-less brand of offense.

Tyler Allgeier will eat into Robinson’s usage some, but head coach Arthur Smith loves to run the football, so there is reason to believe his scheme can support multiple fantasy football starters. The Atlanta offensive line is quietly one of the best in the league, and second-year signal-caller Desmond Ridder will lean heavily on this unit — and the run game — as he eases into his first starting campaign in the league.

Robinson carries a much richer draft price, as he typically comes off the board somewhere in Round 1. Still, as expensive as that sounds for a player without a single career NFL touch, Bijan is well worth it. Don’t overthink it; be early on this year’s fantasy football breakout star.