X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

2023 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft For Non-Superflex Leagues

Bijan Robinson - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Chris Gregory's Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft for Non-Superflex fantasy football leagues. A look at the rankings and in-depth analysis of this year's top rookies.

With the NFL Draft in our rearview mirror, we have finally entered the Dynasty Rookie Draft season, and startup season is just around the corner. That means many of you are actively wondering what to do with this year's rookie class. It's a fair question in need of an answer, but that answer will largely depend on the format of your leagues.

In this mock, we will address non-Superflex dynasties, meaning leagues that start only one quarterback. In such formats, the 2023 NFL Draft class may be disappointing compared to other recent classes. Specifically, this rookie class is thin at the wide receiver position in terms of both high-end talent and depth. For most, wide receiver is the meta position in fantasy, so a thin class at that position is particularly painful. However, this rookie group is deep at two of the hardest positions to fill in fantasy.

It has been years since the running back position was treated at a premium. The last in recent memory was when Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Alvin Kamara, and Joe Mixon were all elite fantasy rookies. This year isn’t on par with that in terms of elite depth, but it does have a generational talent at the top in Bijan Robinson. It also has multiple RBs and TEs available in the second and third rounds, all of whom could eventually become solid fantasy starters.

Editor's Note: Explore RotoBaller’s Dynasty Fantasy Football hub for year-round dynasty rankings, trade tips, rookie analysis, and long-term player outlooks. Dominate your league with our sleepers, stash targets, and dynasty draft advice. Click here for Dynasty rankings and strategy.

 

Round 1

Pick Player NFL Team Pos.
1 Bijan Robinson Falcons RB
2 Jahmyr Gibbs Lions RB
3 Jaxon Smith-Njigba Seahawks WR
4 Jordan Addison Vikings WR
5 Quentin Johnston Chargers WR
6 Dalton Kincaid Bills TE
7 Zay Flowers Ravens WR
8 Zach Charbonnet Seahawks RB
9 Jonathan Mingo Panthers WR
10 Devon Achane Dolphins RB
11 Anthony Richardson Colts QB
12 Kendre Miller Saints RB

WR Weakness Shows Up Early: As discussed above, this receiver group isn’t on par with the past few years. The players at the top of that tree lack both the physical upside and attractive landing spots. The depth isn’t what it has been, either. As a result, many will overdraft these receivers to fill a need. However, the top three (Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jordan Addison, and Quentin Johnston) are stuck behind an established vet. Each also carries questions about either their size, athleticism, or hands.

A First-Round Pick on Kendre Miller?!: The hype on Miller is high after his GM publicly fawned over his potential, and it helps that he could see serious snaps if Alvin Kamara is suspended. While I question whether Miller can be a true three-down back, he is only 20 years old and has landed in a fantasy-friendly spot. Miller’s breakaway film, size, and age all offer hope that he could grow into a three-down back in a matter of time. Miller will sneak into the backend of many first rounds.

Quote the Raven Nevermore?: Zay Flowers was my rookie WR2 going into this draft. Then, he was selected by a Baltimore regime that has wasted two first-round receivers in the past five years. Marquise Brown had some production in Baltimore but never returned on the investment dynasty managers made in him. Then, Rashod Bateman went to even more waste when healthy. Now we have Flowers, arguably the best amongst those options, donning purple and black.

The upside here is that the Ravens are bringing in a new offensive coordinator, Todd Monken. Maybe it was Greg Roman's supernaturally conservative play-calling that caused the struggles of past Ravens receivers? Perhaps a pass-oriented offense was even part of Lamar Jackson's demands before re-signing? If that's true and the Ravens throw the ball 35-40 times per game, Flowers is a solid value at his current price. If John Harbaugh’s crew stays conservative, Flowers is being overdrafted.

 

Round 2

Pick Player NFL Team Pos.
13 Bryce Young Panthers QB
14 Roschon Johnson Bears RB
15 Tyjae Spears Titans RB
16 Rashee Rice Chiefs WR
17 Marvin Mims Broncos WR
18 Tank Bigsby Jaguars RB
19 Josh Downs Colts WR
20 Cedric Tillman Browns WR
21 Sam LaPorta Lions TE
22 C.J. Stroud Texans QB
23 Chase Brown Bengals RB
24 Tank Dell Texans WR

Rice Will Rise: As mentioned above, this class is thinner at wide receiver than usual. Therefore, fantasy managers will force picks at the position. I expect Rashee Rice to be pushed higher than his inconsistent film demands. Remember that recent Chiefs receivers Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman have been dynasty darlings thanks to their home in KC, and they’ve disappointed. Rice is worth a second-round lottery ticket, but he will likely be taken in the first half of non-SF drafts instead of the second half where he belongs.

Two Backs Stand Out in the Second: If this mock didn’t factor in where you should expect most fantasy managers to go, Chase Brown would be near the top of this round for me. Fantasy managers are not as enamored with Brown as I am, though. His age and fumbling issues are concerns, as is the presence of Joe Mixon. However, the Bengals have multiple reasons to move on from Mixon soon, which could open a key role on a great offense for Brown. Even if Mixon stays in Cincy, the rookie should maintain value in Samaje Perine’s old role.

Roschon Johnson is another good value pick in this range, though he’s likely to be taken much earlier than Brown. The Texas product is a sturdy runner and easily the most effective pass blocker among Chicago's running backs. While I love Khalil Herbert’s explosiveness, the Bears invested a fourth-round pick in Johnson for a reason. The second round of this mock is filled with risk and capped upside, but Johnson is the best long-term bet in this Bears backfield right now.

 

Round 3

Pick Player NFL Team Pos.
25 Michael Mayer Raiders TE
26 Jalin Hyatt Giants WR
27 Israel Abanikanda Jets RB
28 Jayden Reed Packers WR
29 Michael Wilson Cardinals WR
30 Zach Evans Rams RB
31 Eric Gray Giants RB
32 Luke Schoonmaker Cowboys TE
33 Will Levis Titans QB
34 Luke Musgrave Packers TE
35 Kayshon Boutte Patriots WR
36 Darnell Washington Steelers TE

Insurance Backs Dominate the Third: Expect the third round of most non-Superflex drafts to involve a lot of managers chasing their insurance backs, or “handcuffs.” Players like Israel Abanikanda and Zach Evans should have far more value to you if you already have Breece Hall and Cam Akers, for example. Similarly, Eric Gray’s fantasy value is tied mainly to Saquon Barkley’s health and contract. Backup running backs with the potential to contribute during an injury should fly off the board in this round.

Lottery Ticket Receivers: Kayshon Boutte was projected to be a first-round pick last autumn, but it all fell apart for him. His season was incredibly disappointing, and his testing numbers were even worse. Why he chose to stand on his horrendous Combine numbers is beyond reason. That said, Boutte’s film from two years ago was exciting, and the Patriots need receivers. If Boutte makes this team, he should get a chance to win a fundamental role. That wasn’t the case with many other teams who could’ve selected him.

Meanwhile, DeAndre Hopkins and Michael Wilson’s health are the only things standing in the way of him becoming the Cardinals’ best possession receiver. Hopkins is aging and could still be traded this offseason, though. That means Wilson could earn a role in this offense early. I’m not saying he is Michael Thomas, but the Stanford product’s measurables and testing numbers are nearly identical to Thomas’ when he came out of Ohio State.

 

Round 4

Pick Player NFL Team Pos.
37 DeWayne McBride Vikings RB
38 Tucker Kraft Packers TE
39 Tyler Scott Bears WR
40 Hendon Hooker Lions QB
41 Deuce Vaughn Cowboys RB
42 Sean Tucker Buccaneers RB
43 A.T. Perry Saints WR
44 Chris Rodriguez Commanders RB
45 Xavier Hutchinson Texans WR
46 Rakim Jarrett Buccaneers WR
47 Parker Washington Jaguars WR
48 Dontayvion Wicks Packers WR

Depth Moves: The fourth round could be littered with productive RB4-style players this year. Deuce Vaughn is severely undersized but the most talented backup Tony Pollard currently has. Meanwhile, Sean Tucker and DeWayne McBride are both underrated backs who could secure the primary backup role with their teams if the offseason goes well for them. A.T. Perry is another intriguing name in this range, with the size and speed to become New Orleans’ WR2 once Michael Thomas is gone.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF