Three underrated rookies with massive fantasy upside

With the 2023 NFL preseason officially behind us, fantasy football drafts are ramping up. While Atlanta's Bijan Robinson and Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs appear to be the best fantasy options among this year's rookie class, there are several under-the-radar talents that could be league-winners. Here are three of the most intriguing ones.

Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver (ESPN ADP: 111.3)

It's tough to consider a player who was productive in college and a first-round pick as "underrated," yet Justin Jefferson's presence has made Addison a less sought-after selection in fantasy. Obviously, Jefferson, the first pick in most fantasy drafts, will be the focal point of Minnesota’s passing attack. However, quarterback Kirk Cousins is more than capable of supporting multiple productive receivers. 

In 2018, Cousins contributed to wideouts Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen finishing inside the top 10 in PPR formats. Addison will assume Thielen's role in the offense, as the longtime Viking is now in Carolina. The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner could be just as productive as prime Thielen since Minnesota is more pass-happy under HC Kevin O'Connell, evidenced by Cousins' career-high 643 passing attempts last season. 

Addison is coming off the board as the WR42 on ESPN, which seems outrageous given that the 33-year-old Thielen finished as the WR30 last season. At his current price, Addison is a steal in drafts, and he has the type of talent that could warrant reaching to select him. 

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions tight end (ADP: 165.6)

Although rookie tight ends have historically underwhelmed in fantasy, this year's draft class is deep at the position. Buffalo's Dalton Kincaid, the 25th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, will likely be the top producer of the group, but LaPorta's talent and situation make him an appealing selection. 

During his collegiate career, LaPorta starred at Iowa, which has become the premier university for producing successful NFL tight ends, and the former Hawkeye has the chance to be one of the program's best pros. LaPorta's 153 career receptions and 1,786 receiving yards rank first and second, respectively, among tight ends in school history.

LaPorta will serve as the starting tight end in an offense that scored the fifth-most points last season and should be even more explosive after making significant upgrades this offseason. According to The Athletic's Colton Pouncy, LaPorta "might already be [quarterback] Jared Goff's second-favorite target behind [wide receiver] Amon-Ra St. Brown."

Considering that Detroit will likely play in games with some of the highest point totals each week, there's plenty of opportunity for LaPorta to have fantasy relevance as a rookie.

Jonathan Mingo, Carolina Panthers wide receiver (ADP: 169.6)

A second-round pick out of Ole Miss, Mingo could emerge as the top receiving option for No. 1 pick Bryce Young in Carolina’s overhauled offense. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder recorded 861 yards and five touchdowns while flashing his big-play potential, averaging 16.9 yards per reception. 

While Mingo didn't necessarily shine in the preseason (two receptions for 29 yards in three games), he's in a position to make an immediate impact, having been named as a starter for Carolina. Additionally, since Terrace Marshall Jr. is out for a few weeks with a back ailment and oft-injured DJ Chark is already dealing with a hamstring issue, Mingo might be leaned on early and often by Young. 

As the WR69, Mingo will likely be one of the final picks in your draft, making him a solid depth option with upside for later in the season, especially if you pair him with Young.