As we head into the 2023 Season, there are a number of rookies that will immediately contribute to their NFL teams. Not all of these rookies are receiving the proper amount of attention from the Dynasty community. For this article, I would like to quickly highlight a handful of rookies that have been doing extremely well in camp yet get very little play in the dynasty world. Without further ado, let us dive into these players.
Puka Nacua, WR LAR
If you have followed me at all during this offseason, you will have likely read me pushing the Rams rookie fifth-round wide receiver. The former BYU star has been making a number of splash plays in Rams camp. The injury to All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp has opened a ton of reps for the other receivers on the team. Puka Nacua has taken full advantage of these additional looks.
Don’t forget about Puka Nacuapic.twitter.com/ZPhxygegW1
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) August 7, 2023
Nacua has been catching the eye of some in the dynasty industry, but he remains criminally overlooked by the larger public. Searching the Dynasty Nerds Trade Browser, you will find Nacua still going for as little as a fourth-round rookie pick. Do yourself a favor and scoop him up before it’s too late. If you want to check out his full profile, read my full take here.
Tyler Scott, WR CHI
The Chicago Bears head into the 2023 season with a totally remade wide receiver corps. Among the new additions to the Chicago pass catchers is rookie fifth-round pick Scott. The former Cincinnati Bearcat has been turning heads at Bears training camp. Were it not for the major addition of DJ Moore and the continued development of Chase Claypool along with Darnell Mooney, you would certainly have heard more about Scott by now.
Here’s the Fields to Tyler Scott 50 yard bomb 🔥
— DeeksView (@DeeksViewOG) August 1, 2023
(Fields under heavy pressure, throwing into the wind, & Justin STILL slings the ball 55 yards in the air)
Video from @Jayinkochi Go follow him pic.twitter.com/fVHipET4DG
Scott could be a next year player, but his play in camp has earned him rumors of playing time on Sundays. With Mooney and Claypool both free agents in the upcoming offseason, there is a solid chance that Scott could have a truly meaningful role as early as next season. Keep an eye on him in the Pre-Season and scoop him up where you can. He is currently going for as little as a fourth round rookie pick.
Clayton Tune, QB ARZ
It is nearly impossible to find a rookie quarterback with a chance of playing meaningful snaps who is flying under the radar. However, that is exactly the situation that is unfolding in the desert. With franchise signal caller Kyler Murray coming back from a season-ending knee injury, the Cardinals are in need of an interim answer. Enter former Houston Cougars quarterback Tune.
Cardinals QB Clayton Tune has been impressive. #BirdGangpic.twitter.com/n76mIkXyT9
— JOSE ALVARES (@Alvaresjose11) July 31, 2023
Coaches and reporters have all reported that Tune has looked impressive for a late-round rookie. The team still has Colt McCoy on their staff, but in a season where they seemed destined to tank, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see them throw in the youngster and see how things go. The odds would be heavily stacked against him, but if Mr. Irrelevant can lock down a job in the division, perhaps Tune has a chance. At his current price, why not take a swing? Interest in him is so low that there isn’t a single trade to be found on the Dynasty Nerds Trade Browser.
Xazavian Valladay, RB HOU
The Houston Texans appear destined to be a run-heavy unit heading into 2023. The team brings back last year’s rookie darling Dameon Pierce and free agent addition Devin Singletary. However, behind these two players, there is a distinct lack of talent on the roster. Enter undrafted rookie Valladay. The former Arizona State and Wyoming star has been making headlines in camp with his play after signing one of the biggest undrafted contracts of the year.
Undrafted rookie RB Xazavian Valladay has been standing out at Texans training camp
— Drew (@IndepthTexans) August 1, 2023
Per @jharrisfootball “X” had the best run in all of camp today and has been showcasing his quick feet out of the backfield pic.twitter.com/BjEbWt5c2w
Valladay is a true speedster who offers up something that neither Pierce nor Singletary does. He should get an extensive look in the upcoming preseason. There is a very real chance that Valladay could carve out a role as the third down running back. The Texans organization has seen rushers come from nowhere before to usurp much more heralded rushers in the past. Now I don’t believe that Valladay will take the starting job, but if injuries thrust him into that role, I am a fan of his game and believe that he has an opportunity at a meaningful role either way. For as little as a fourth-round pick, I will be tuning in to see him play this preseason.
Final Thoughts
Football is back, and the Pre-Season will give us our first real glimpse as to how this year’s rookie class fits into the league. Each and every season, there are late-round players who work their way into meaningful roles and develop into key contributors for dynasty squads everywhere. These are just four of the players I will be looking to follow in the upcoming preseason. Each of them has a chance to increase their value and transform the fortunes of their NFL teams as well as your dynasty squads. Key an eye on them and enjoy. Football is back!
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