2023 Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update: Xavier Hutchinson

The NFL Draft is behind us, rookie drafts are taking place, and as dynasty managers, we are looking ahead to the upcoming season. In our Dynasty Rookie Post-Draft Update series, we break down all the incoming fantasy-relevant rookies, looking at their profiles and where they fit. The basis of the rookie profile involves the usage of STORM analysis, focusing on five key components: Situation, Talent, Opportunity, Risk, and Market.

SITUATION

Name: Xavier Hutchinson

Position: Wide Receiver

Pro Team: Houston Texans

College Team: Iowa State

Draft Status: Round six, Pick 205 overall.

Hutchinson found himself in a murky yet exciting situation. He will join the second overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft CJ Stroud in hopes of developing the new look roster into a formidable offense. He joins a young wide receiving corps featuring fellow 2023 rookie Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, selected in the third round, and 2022 rookie John Metchie. Metchie battled Leukemia throughout his rookie season and could not take the field. With a seemingly clean bill of health for 2023, Metchie should make for a solid trio of first-year wide receivers that could be surprisingly productive.

The Texans also have 2022 day three rookie sensation Dameon Pierce returning as the starting running back, and this is shaping up to be an exciting, young team with loads of fantasy football potential.

This landing spot can be seen as both a negative and a positive. As far as redraft leagues go, avoid the Texans at all costs. When the most experienced player on your offense is a sophomore running back selected on day three, it figures to be a bumpy year. The Texans will have their odd games of productivity, but this figures to be a challenging year as the youngsters learn the ropes.

The positive spin on this landing spot is obvious. This offense is up-and-coming and is loaded with youthful talent. All three of the top receivers on Houston are essentially rookies and have never played in an NFL game, which leaves room for someone to stake their claim on the Alpha WR position on the team. Robert Woods and Nico Collins are also still in the mix, but Collins has never flashed the ability to produce at an NFL level, and Woods is well passed his prime and should serve as nothing more than a mentor to the young trio. The job of Alpha WR in this lineup should come down to Hutchinson and Metchie. Who wins the job remains to be seen.

TALENT