Offensive Firepower: Powerhouse Contenders for the 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year Crown
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions (5th)
Running backs find jumping from college to the NFL simpler than all other skill positions.
Regarding rushing last season, rookies Dameon Pierce, Travis Etienne, and Kenneth Walker all placed in the top 14. He was chosen by the Lions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and played collegiate football at Georgia Tech and for one season at Alabama.
There is no reason to doubt that Gibbs won’t have an early effect in Detroit, even though the decision to draft him at No. 12 overall in April shocked many. Last season, the former Alabama star averaged seven yards per touch for 1,370 yards. His dual-threat prowess (44 receptions in 2022) will further boost Gibbs’ reputation as a pass-catcher for Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff.
Gibbs, who was strong and had a small body, added some weight during his senior year in high school. His output increased double between his junior and senior years, elevating him to the top of the running back class for the 2020 cycle. He can play with high levels of burst and agility, run with a natural rhythm, and swiftly accelerate and decelerate. The former Yellow Jacket uses his vision to position blocks and possesses a high level of direction shift, allowing him to perform a variety of cuts without slowing down.
In the broad field, Gibbs appears to have above-average to average speed and a fluid stride. He can dash past arm tackles at the second level and enjoys contact. Gibbs is one of the top running back prospects in the 2020 cycle because of his wide and well-developed skill set and outstanding output. As a receiver in high school, the Rookie didn’t have many looks, so he will need to keep developing his top-end speed and making strides in the throw game. The Lions rookie is expected to be a Power Five starter with the potential to go high in the NFL Draft.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts (4th)
Anthony Richardson, who the Colts selected with the No. 4 overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft, impressed everyone early on in the Colts’ offseason program. Unfortunately, more recent evidence suggests that Richardson’s performance has fluctuated. Jim Irsay, the Colts owner, recently discussed their quarterback dilemma before training camp.
Should he receive an early call, Richardson is well-positioned to succeed thanks to an offensive-minded head coach and some strong skill-position players surrounding him. He would then rank among our top NFL Rookie of the Year nominees. With veteran Gardner Minshew vying for the starting quarterback position, it’s all about seizing that chance.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (3rd)
When it comes to running backs, Robinson was regarded as a talent of a generation before the 2023 NFL Draft. Atlanta chose the former Texas star at No. 8, defying a strong trend. Robinson, Bijan. Some believe the former Texas standout is the finest overall prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. NFL personnel are drooling over Robinson’s outstanding body and incredible talent, which, combined with his propensity to break away for a score on nearly every play, make him a desirable prospect.
Bijan Robinson’s 2022 statistics: He made 20 TDs, 6.8 yards per touch, and 1,894 total yards.
Robinson possesses a unique blend of speed and strength. He now poses a serious threat both within the hashes and outside on the perimeter. Although he wasn’t frequently employed in that capacity with the Longhorns, he showed some ball-catching talent during the pre-draft process.
Years ago, when the NFL was different, Robinson would have been considered a lock to be selected first in any draft. His position is running back. In the current NFL, there are enough of them, with stories and evidence pointing in this way almost constantly.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans (2nd)
Reports from a club over the offseason often need to be taken with a grain of salt. But there’s something more we’re hearing out of Houston as we head into training camp.
During OTAs earlier in the spring, DeMeco Ryan, the Texans’ rookie head coach, told reporters Stroud’s performance was “very eye-opening.” The Houston Texans selected C.J. Stroud with the second overall choice because they saw him as the quarterback who could represent their organization. Even though there are many obstacles to overcome, Stroud already leaves a positive first impression.
Davis Mills and the No. 2 selection in this year’s NFL Draft are vying for the QB1 position. It is improbable that there will be much of a rivalry, though. Recall that Houston benched Mills the previous year. With the team currently in a rebuild, there is no justification for playing him.
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers (1rst)
Young was regarded as the undisputed No. 1 quarterback in the months before the 2023 draft. After Carolina got the first selection in a sensational deal with the Chicago Bears, there wasn’t much controversy around it. The selection was supposed to be the past Heisman Trophy winner with justification.
On Friday, the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers completed one of the most significant deals in modern NFL history. As the Bears try to rebuild around star quarterback Justin Fields, Chicago has traded the selection originally intended for No. 1 overall to the Panthers in exchange for a sizable sum.
This blockbuster’s elements are eye-opening. The basis of the 2023 NFL Draft, as we now know it, was upended by these two NFC rivals, sparking much discussion over the following weeks. The Chicago Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have succeeded. The Chicago Bears have agreed to a blockbuster transaction after weeks of speculation that the organization will trade down from the first choice in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Chicago has traded the first pick to the Carolina Panthers for a deal that includes future first-round selections, additional money, and the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The bombshell transaction involving the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, which upends the structure of the 2023 NFL Draft, has some preliminary facts.
- Chicago Bears get: 9th pick and 2nd-round pick in 2023, 1st-round pick in 2024, 2nd-round pick in 2025, D.J. Moore
- Carolina Panthers get 1st pick.
- Bryce Young stats (Alabama): 66% completion, 8,356 passing yards, 87 total TD, 12 INT
Young is well-positioned to succeed since he will play in a pro-style offense against top-tier SEC defenses. Wide receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark are among the new skill position targets for the youngster signed by Carolina. Given his early success, we anticipate that Young will be the leading candidate for NFL Rookie of the Year throughout the 2023 season.
