We are midway through the 2023 NFL season. This part of the year is where we start to see some rookie wide receivers begin to rise up the depth start and command a larger target share. At this point we all are well aware of Rams stand out rookie Puka Nacua, my preseason favorites Zay Flowers of Baltimore, and Jordan Addison of the Vikings. I am going to highlight three other rookie WRs who all scored a TD week 8 and what to expect moving forward.
Rashee Rice
The wide receiver room in KC has been notching short of a mess to start the year, but the rookie from SMU is quickly becoming the favorite of the group. Scoring his third TD of the season, Rice has scored double digit fantasy points in 5 of 7 games and has earned a rise in snap count. The Chiefs have been linked to many WRs on the trade block this year, but the emergence of Rice should have the Chiefs out of the market. I am moving Rice into a WR3 grade with upside for WR2 for the remainder of the season.
Jaxson Smith-Njigba
Off to a slow start this season, which is not to be unexpected when you share targets with veterans like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Jaxon Smith-Njgiba took advantage of the opportunity given with the absence of DK on Sunday, scoring his first TD of his young career along with 4 catches and 63 yards. JSN looked like a veteran out there running fluid routes and showing dynamic play making ability. I am not quite ready to move JSN into my starting line up, but I will be paying attention to snap count with the return of DK.
Josh Downs
The arrow is pointing straight up for the Colts rookies, with three straight weeks of 6 or more targets and back to back weeks with a TD. Downs broke out week 8 with a 125 yard performance on 5 catches week 7 against a tough Browns defense. The Colts play callers are making it a point to get Downs involved drawing plays for him in both the short and deep passing game. Running out of the slot, Downs has been on the field for over 75% of Colts offensive snaps. Downs is an every week 3 with big play upside every and gets a boost with the transition from dynamic rookie QB Anthony Richardson to Gardner Minshew.
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