Some rookies explode onto the scene every year and become instant contributors to their teams and, more importantly, their fantasy managers (Hello, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Micah Parsons). Others have more of a “Jalen Reagor” impact. Our analysts combed through the NFL rosters and identified the top rookie on every team. The results and accompanying justifications are below.

Previously, our analysts took a look at the most overrated and underrated players on each NFL team:

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AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West

Top Rookies on Each AFC East Team

AFC East

Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)

Dalton Kincaid is an intriguing fantasy option after the Buffalo Bills selected him in the first round of this year’s draft. Kincaid projects as a hybrid slot receiver in the Bills offense. Dawson Knox led all tight ends last season in passer rating generated (137.5) from the slot last season. We could very well see Kincaid being super efficient in his first season with the Bills, if he can carve out a sizable enough role in the passing game. – Erickson

Devon Achane (RB – MIA)

Achane’s 4.32 speed is his calling card, but as Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher has said, Achane is a terrific all-around football player who happens to have world-class speed. Achane averaged 23.2 touches a game for the Aggies last year, and though he’s 5-9 and 188 pounds, he routinely ran between the tackles, showing off surprising strength and exceptional contact balance. Achane should be a good fit for Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel’s wide-zone running scheme. Achane is probably ticketed for committee duty as a rookie but could still be a useful asset because of his home-run speed and pass-catching ability. – Pat Fitzmaurice

Christian Gonzalez (CB – NE)

Some draft analysts thought Christian Gonzalez was the best cornerback in the Class of 2023, and the Patriots were able to land him at No. 17 overall after trading down, which was quite a coup. The 6-1, 197-pound Gonzalez has the size to battle bigger receivers, and his sub-4.4 speed will help him stick with faster receivers. Gonzalez has reportedly made a strong impression at the Patriots’ OTA sessions and figures to be a significant contributor as a rookie. – Pat Fitzmaurice

Will McDonald IV (DE – NYJ)

My favorite longshot bet for DROY, Will McDonald IV possesses exceptional physical traits, including a 90th-percentile arm length and an impressive 98th-percentile broad jump of 132 inches. These attributes have greatly benefited him as a pure and natural edge rusher, leading to recognition as the third-highest-graded pass rusher on true pass sets by PFF in 2022. One standout statistic is McDonald’s impressive 45.8% pass rush win rate on true pass sets, the best in his draft class and second-best in the nation per PFF. McDonald’s opportunity to accumulate sacks is boosted by an improved Aaron Rodgers-led Jets team potentially playing with more leads. Additionally, the presence of interior disruptor Quinnen Williams on the defensive line will draw double teams, creating favorable one-on-one pass-rush matchups for McDonald, particularly when lining up outside the tight end. Although he may not have been fully utilized in this role during his college career, McDonald still holds an impressive record of 35 sacks, surpassing Von Miller‘s mark as the most in the Big 12 since 2005. His career sack rate of 4% also outshines that of Alabama’s and DROY betting favorite, Will Anderson Jr. – Erickson

AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West

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