Every year in the NFL, offensive rookies play a significant role in the success or failure of a team.
Quarterbacks typically have the most effect, but running backs and wide receivers are important as well for teams to grow organically and develop in-house talent.
The 2023 season was no different, with a plethora of first-year players seizing the moment and lifting their teams in the playoffs.
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager ranked his top-five rookies for 2023 which, coincidentally, were all on playoff teams this year: Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers and Lions running back Jahymr Gibbs.
My top 5 rookies of 2023.
All happened to play for playoff teams. https://t.co/1G7YlRgkfo
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 9, 2024
This list is also, for all intents and purposes, a ranking of the top-five Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates.
Stroud is the clear leader after he took the NFL by storm under center and returned after a two-week concussion absence to lead the Texans to their first AFC South title since 2019.
Nacua, meanwhile broke a few rookie records and was crucial in the Rams’ playoff push and when Cooper Kupp missed time with different injuries.
The Lions’ rookie duo of LaPorta and Gibbs were two of the biggest offensive weapons for Jared Goff in Detroit’s pursuit of the NFC North title.
And even Flowers turned out to be the most consistent wide receiver on the Ravens, especially in the wake of tight end Mark Andrews’ season-ending ankle injury.
While LaPorta could miss the Lions’ wildcard game with a knee injury he suffered in Week 18, the other four should be huge factors in their respective games.
The post Peter Schrager Names His Top-5 NFL Rookies Of 2023 appeared first on The Cold Wire.