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The 2023 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, and 259 players heard his name called over the three-day event. There were no surprises at the top, as Bryce Young was the first overall pick. He is now the face of the franchise for the Carolina Panthers.
However, things got crazy after that. The Houston Texans selected C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick. Then they traded up from 12th overall to the third pick with the Arizona Cardinals, giving up multiple draft picks, including a 2024 first-rounder. Houston drafted Will Anderson with their second first-round selection.
While only 10 fantasy-relevant players came off the board in the first round, 80 got drafted over the three-day event. How did the NFL Draft impact the dynasty outlook for these players? Let’s take a look at a 10-team superflex mock draft.
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Round 1 - Rookie Mock Draft
- 1.01 – Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
- 1.02 – Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)
- 1.03 – Bryce Young (QB – CAR)
- 1.04 – C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU)
- 1.05 – Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)
- 1.06 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SEA)
- 1.07 – Jordan Addison (WR – MIN)
- 1.08 – Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)
- 1.09 – Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
- 1.10 – Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)
Robinson has been the clear-cut 1.01 pick since the start of the offseason. However, landing with the Falcons only helps his draft stock. Last year Atlanta was one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL. After re-signing a couple of offensive linemen this offseason, Robinson will be running behind one of the top run-blocking units in the league. He is worthy of a top-five pick in redraft and startup dynasty leagues.
Despite being the third quarterback drafted this year, Richardson is a popular QB1 in the class and a heavy favorite to go 1.02 in most superflex leagues. While some are concerned about the former Gator’s lack of experience, Richardson has massive fantasy upside because of his rushing ability. Meanwhile, owner Jim Irsay said the rookie would start this year. The only question is will that be Week 1 or late in the season?
Round 2 - Rookie Mock Draft
- 2.01 – Will Levis (QB – TEN)
- 2.02 – Jonathan Mingo (WR – CAR)
- 2.03 – Rashee Rice (WR – KC)
- 2.04 – Devon Achane (RB – MIA
- 2.05 – Zach Charbonnet (RB – SEA)
- 2.06 – Kendre Miller (RB – NO)
- 2.07 – Michael Mayer (TE – LV)
- 2.08 – Hendon Hooker (QB – DET)
- 2.09 – Josh Downs (WR – IND)
- 2.10 – Sam LaPorta (TE – DET)
While Levis slipped into the second round of the NFL Draft, fantasy players shouldn’t care. He was two picks away from being a first-round pick. Furthermore, the Titans tried to trade back into the first round on Thursday night for the Kentucky quarterback. Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill is entering the year of his contract and won’t return in 2024. Levis comes with risk, but he’s still worth a late first-round or early second-round pick in superflex leagues, especially for contending teams that can take a chance on his upside.
Yes, the former Texas A&M star running back was a third-round pick. However, he is now the RB3 in the draft class despite being the fifth running back picked during the NFL Draft. Achane landed in an excellent spot with the Dolphins. While they re-signed veterans Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. this offseason, the rookie should be the opening-day starter.
Round 3 - Rookie Mock Draft
- 3.01 – Roschon Johnson (RB – CHI)
- 3.02 – Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)
- 3.03 – Jayden Reed (WR – GB)
- 3.04 – Marvin Mims (WR – DEN)
- 3.05 – Tank Bigsby (RB – JAC)
- 3.06 – Jalin Hyatt (WR – NYG)
- 3.07 – Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
- 3.08 – Nathaniel Dell (WR – HOU)
- 3.09 – Cedric Tillman (WR – CLE)
- 3.10 – Luke Musgrave (TE – GB)
Despite being the eighth running back drafted and a fourth-round pick, Johnson is rising in rookie rankings. The Bears have made significant changes in the backfield this offseason. David Montgomery left in free agency, and Chicago replaced him with D’Onta Foreman. While everyone thinks Khalil Herbert will be the starter, that’s not guaranteed. Johnson was somewhat held back at Texas because of Robinson. Fantasy players shouldn’t be surprised when the former Longhorn takes over the Chicago backfield.
Many thought the Bengals would use an early-round draft pick on a running back after losing Samaje Perine in free agency. Furthermore, Joe Mixon is coming off a down year and had some off-the-field issues this offseason. Yet, Cincinnati waited until the fifth round to draft Brown. However, the former Illinois running back has talent. He had over 1,000 rushing yards in 2021 and 2022, averaging 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. Brown will have some stand-alone value this year and could become one of the top handcuffs in the NFL.
Round 4 - Rookie Mock Draft
- 4.01 – Zach Evans (RB – LAR)
- 4.02 – Luke Schoonmaker (TE – DAL)
- 4.03 – Evan Hull (RB – IND)
- 4.04 – Eric Gray (RB – NYG)
- 4.05 – Brenton Strange (TE – JAC)
- 4.06 – Michael Wilson (WR – ARI)
- 4.07 – Darnell Washington (TE – PIT)
- 4.08 – Jake Haener (QB – NO)
- 4.09 – Israel Abanikanda (RB – NYJ)
- 4.10 – Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE)
Everyone has a few players they label as a “my guy” leading up to the NFL Draft. This year, one of my guys is Wilson. The former Stanford receiver struggled to stay healthy the past few years but has talent. He had the most receiving touchdowns on the team in 2022 despite missing half the season. Furthermore, he could have a significant role as a rookie. DeAndre Hopkins could get traded at some point this offseason. If the veteran gets traded, Wilson could immediately make an impact in Arizona.
Yes, Hull was a fifth-round pick. However, the former Northwestern star running back landed in an excellent situation. He is the No. 2 running back on the depth chart behind Jonathan Taylor. Furthermore, Hull can fill in if the superstar running back misses time with an injury. More importantly, the fifth-round rookie should have some stand-alone value in deeper PPR leagues. Indianapolis never filled the Nyheim Hines role in the passing game. Meanwhile, Hull had 55 receptions for 546 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season.
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