Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 8 RBs in the First Round of a 2023 Mock

Coming immediately after the NFL Draft, one of the popular pieces on many football sites is a mock draft looking a year down the road. Which hot prospect quarterback will rise to the top to be the first overall pick the next year? 

So why not do that exercise, but for fantasy football? Today, I’m looking a year down the road for a three-round mock fantasy draft for the 2023 season. That’s right, we’re hitting fast forward. This year’s rookies are now entering year two, the veterans are all a year older, a current class of rookies getting ready for their first training camp, and you and your buddies are getting ready to draft your fantasy rosters.

Who are the top names and how will these new faces affect the fantasy landscape? Let’s find out.

Round 1 

1. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts (Age at the start of the 2023 season: 25)

Jonathan Taylor led all running backs in PPR points in 2020 with over 370. He’s the favorite to lead again in 2021, with a new quarterback at the helm in Matt Ryan who can help open up the box a little more. With his combination of power and speed, he has shown he can handle over 300 touches in a season. He is the focal point of the offense and should continue to be for the immediate future. 

2. D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions (Age: 25) 

Through D’Andre Swift’s first two years in the league, we have seen flashes of his immense upside. The downside is that he has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries, only playing in 26 games over two years. This offseason the Lions addressed many needs on the offensive side of the ball. With this improvement, there should now be more opportunities for Swift to face lighter boxes and score more touchdowns. He’s a receiving threat as well, with 62 receptions in 2020-21, and we can expect that to continue, especially if the Lions (as expected) wade into the quarterback market in 2023. 

3. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (Age: 24) 

As a 2021 rookie, Ja’Marr Chase finished in the top five at his position with over 300 PPR points. Not too bad for a rookie who “can’t catch.” 2022 should bring much of the same as the connection between him and Joe Burrow grows further. His ability to win at the catch point and his YAC abilities make him a gamebreaker on every play. This translates to fantasy success and is very sustainable for a player of his caliber. 

4. Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos (Age: 23) 

As a rookie, Javonte Williams showed plenty of promise, as he had 694 yards after contact and 63 forced missed tackles. With an improved offense due to an addition of Russell Wilson at quarterback, 2022 should be even greater for the budding star. After this season we can hope that the thorn in his fantasy side, Melvin Gordon (30 next April) is gone. That would allow Williams to handle the majority of the touches and even possibly become a workhorse back for the Broncos. 

5. Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (Age: 25) 

Storming into the league in 2021, Najee Harris finished as the RB3 in PPR. He saw over 400 touch opportunities (carries and targets). Heading into 2021 with a rookie quarterback (or Mitchell Trubisky) at the helm, we should expect a similar workload. He will be what makes this offense go, they will feed him the rock and then pass off the hard play action. Harris is locked in as a top-12 option. 

6. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets (Age: 22)

Drafted in the second round by the Jets, Breece Hall appears set to be their lead back. After three years of high-end production at Iowa State, his physical traits he should translate to the NFL easily. In a much-improved offense this season, he should find a ton of success as a rookie. This will only improve in year two as the Jets improve and he gains more experience. 

7. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings (Age: 24) 

Ever since stepping foot into the NFL, Justin Jefferson has been a menace to opposing defenses. In his first two seasons, he has 3,016 yards receiving along with 17 touchdowns. Adam Thielen will be 33 years old by the start of 2023 and quite possibly no longer on the roster, clearing the way for Jefferson to take on even more work. 

8. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers (Age: 26)

After a few season battling injuries, Christian McCaffrey’s ADP has begun to drop already in 2022. It is clear his days at the top of the fantasy leaderboard are behind him. If he can stay healthy though, he has proven that he is still a top fantasy running back. In 2021, he was fifth in PPR points per game, and that’s with three games of under 30 snaps because of injury. This upside value should keep him in the top 10 at least a bit longer. 

9. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons (Age: 23) 

A 1,000-yard season as a rookie tight end is nothing to overlook. With his generational talent, Kyle Pitts has staked his claim as the top fantasy tight end not only for dynasty but redraft as well. In year two he should only improve, especially considering his lack of touchdown luck as a rookie.

10. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (Age: 25) 

After a 2021 season full of injuries for A.J. Brown, the Titans decided to ship this star receiver off to Philadelphia for the 18th pick in the draft. In 2022, he will come in and take over the lead role in this offense and quickly become Hurts favorite target. If healthy, he should have no trouble finishing as a top-five fantasy option at his position. That would drive his value up boards in 2023, and rightfully so as he will be in year two of the offense and much more in sync with Jalen Hurts or whoever the Eagles go with a year down the road.

11. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens (Age: 24) 

After J.K. Dobbins tore his ACL in 2020, many are anticipating a down year in 2022 for a player who averaged 6 yards per carry as a rookie, breaking 800 yards on only a 30% snap share. In 2022 though, he will once again show us just how much of a pure runner he is, and break into the top 12 this season. As a part of one of the most prolific rushing offenses in the league, he should see a ton of touches. In 2022 he will start to take much more command of the backfield and control a majority of the touches. 

12. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (Age: 27)

Austin Ekeler is a touch riskier of a pick late in the first round now that he is on the other side of the running back age cliff. However, 2021 was the first 200-carry season of his career, and it’s easy to forecast another in 2022 — there is plenty of life in those legs. As the lead back of one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, he has as high a ceiling as any of these top backs. Add in his 80-100 targets and you have a weekly starter in any scoring format. 

Round 2

13. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys (Age: 24)

This past season, it was clear that the shift from Amari Cooper to CeeDee Lamb was happening, and that was further cemented with Cooper dealt to Cleveland. That means the door is wide open for Lamb to explode. As the primary target in this Cowboys high-powered attack, he has WR1 upside every week, possibly even overall WR1 upside. 

14. Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers (Age: 27)

Deebo Samuel put himself into the top dynasty wide receiver conversation in 2021, finishing as the WR2 with 262 PPR points. It looks like he’ll be staying in San Francisco in 2022, which means he will likely continue to be used as a Swiss Army knife. This should lead to another top-12 finish for him, cementing himself in the top fantasy wide receiver landscape. 

15. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (Age: 21) 

A 2023 rookie! After what will be three highly productive years at Texas, it’s easy to see the Falcons using a high second-rounder on this stud running back. His combination of power, speed and receiving ability make him a three-down weapon for the offense. He will fit perfectly into that Derrick Henry role for Arthur Smith, leading to a large workload and huge fantasy success.

16. Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (Age: 26) 

Nearing the age cliff for running backs will cause Joe Mixon to slip this far down the board. However, he showed in 2021 that in a good offense he is a fantasy-point machine. Finishing as the RB3 with 245 PPR points with an improved line, expecting the same result in 2022 and 2023 feels safe. 

17. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams (Age: 29) 

After his standout season in 2021 where he finished as the WR1 with 294 PPR points, we should see a similar outcome for Cooper Kupp in 2022. Robert Woods and Odell Beckham have moved on, with Allen Robinson in as the new WR2. Even though Kupp will be nearing age 30, that production can’t be ignored.

18. Kenneth Walker, RB, Seattle Seahawks (Age: 22) 

As a rookie, Kenneth Walker should split work with Chris Carson (if healthy) and Rashaad Penny. This could help keep his value down a year from now, but with Carson and Penny both potentially moving on, Walker should be in line for an expanded role in 2023. With this we can expect him to finish in the top 12 at the position in 2023. 

19. Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams (Age: 23) 

By 2023, Cam Akers will be two years removed from his Achilles injury, which means we should see more of the Akers we loved prior to the injury. As Darrell Henderson hits the open market, Akers will now get a much larger role in Sean McVay’s offense. With this expanded role, he will carry great upside and will become a value in the middle of the second round.

20. DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks (Age: 25) 

In three seasons with Russell Wilson at the helm, DK Metcalf produced 3,170 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. Metcalf will likely see inferior quarterback play in 2022, which may lead to a dip in his value, but if you expect the Seahawks to be hot and heavy in the quarterback market in 2023, Metcalf should rise back toward the top of the rankings. 

21. Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders (Age: 30) 

In what will be Davante Adams’ second season in Las Vegas, we can expect a ton of production again in 2023, especially in an offense that will need to keep up with the pass-heavy AFC West. Even though he will be a 30-year-old wide receiver, his style of play should still be plenty productive in PPR leagues. 

22. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints (Age: 27) 

Here’s another player losing value due to the age cliff, although as the primary weapon in the offense Alvin Kamara still holds tons of value. In 2022 he will be leaned on heavily in the passing game and ground game leading to a highly productive year. This will not keep the fear of the age cliff out of people’s minds, making him a great value late in the second. 

23. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins (Age: 29) 

Even though he is inching closer to 30, Tyreek Hill‘s speed is still a factor in his game. With this speed he is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, even in a less potent offense in Miami. Having to deal with a similar player in Jaylen Waddle, we could see Hill’s production dip some. However, the upside is too great to let him slip any further down your draft board. 

24. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (Age: 24) 

Tee Higgins is no second fiddle to Ja’Marr Chase, he is a true top-tier talent at his position. Being paired with Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor’s heavy passing offense makes him very fantasy viable in his own right. 2023 will be no different — finishing as a top-20 wide receiver should be expected at minimum. 

Round 3 

25. DJ Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers (Age: 26) 

Coming off what I expect will be his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, DJ Moore is a great value here. Someday this offense will be quarterbacked by someone not named Sam Darnold, and with that should come the very elusive touchdowns. The end zone is the only thing keeping Moore out of the top-tier discussion, but he could start getting there in 2023. 

26. Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Commanders (Age: 24) 

There is a lot of talk about how the Commanders are trying to supplement the run game, instead of handing the reins over to Antonio Gibson. However, even as a committee back Gibson finished with over 1,000 yards in 2021. He also finished as the RB10 in PPR scoring. In 2022 we will see him continue to grow and help cement his claim as the lead back in Washington. 

27. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Arizona Cardinals (Age: 21) 

After a few productive years at Georgia Tech, Jahmyr Gibbs has transferred to Alabama where his true talent will shine in 2022. This talent will catch the Cardinals’ eye, as they will draft him to replace James Conner. In 2023 they may split work, but Gibbs’ receiving ability will make him fantasy viable in year one, along with only being a Conner injury away from a workhorse role. 

28. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins (Age: 24) 

Now as a second option to Tyreek Hill in 2022, we could see a slight dip in Waddle’s production. This will help create this tremendous value we see here in the third round. Hill will be 29 years old, so the shift to a more Waddle-centric offense could easily emerge in 2023, creating tons of fantasy value on what looks to be a highly explosive Dolphins offense led by Tua Tagovailoa. 

29. Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills (Age: 29) 

In what will be fourth year in the high-octane Bills offense in 2023, Stefon Diggs should still be the focal point. Even after a slight shift to a little more even style of game by the Bills, Diggs still will see a ton of volume. He and Josh Allen are on the same page every play. Father Time will be drawing nearer, but Diggs should have plenty in the tank for 2023. 

30. Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (Age: 26) 

There have been some rumors this offseason that Diontae Johnson might not re-sign in Pittsburgh, but his comfort there and their need for weapons around Kenny Pickett should lead to a deal. That would be great news for both, as Johnson is the top target in the offense. This makes him a huge producer in PPR leagues.

31. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns (Age: 27) 

Nick Chubb shapes up as the lead back in a more-potent-than-ever Browns offense now led by Deshaun Watson. With Kareem Hunt heading to free agency after 2022, Chubb could have the workhorse role to himself for 2023, giving him even more touchdown opportunity. 

32. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets (Age: 22) 

As a rookie, Garrett Wilson will fight for targets with Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Braxton Berrios and others. However, in year two we will see him emerge as the guy in the passing game due to his separation skills. With an improved offense led by Zach Wilson, there will be plenty of opportunity for the Ohio State product to put up high-end fantasy points. 

33. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Age: 27) 

By the start of 2023, Chris Godwin will have had more than a full year to work back from his torn ACL and should be back to his old form. The possible retirement of Tom Brady could keep Godwin’s perceived value down, but he should be productive no matter who is throwing him the football.

34. Michael Pittman, WR, Indianapolis Colts (Age: 25) 

After an emergence in 2021, Michael Pittman is firmly planted in the top-20 discussion. As the main target in the Colts offense, he will continue to feast off the play action created from the power run game. Matt Ryan will be an improvement on Carson Wentz and help unlock Pittman’s true ceiling.

35. Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans (Age: 23) 

In 2022 as a rookie, Treylon Burks will step into A.J. Brown‘s shoes to the best of his abilities. But he’s not Brown, and his load of raw talent could mean he’s not ready to be a top-tier receiver as a rookie. By year two, though, he should be ready to unlock his true potential, possibly reaching top-12 status by season’s end. 

36. Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens (Age: 27) 

Like fine wine, tight ends get better with age. This is the case for Mark Andrews. In an offense that will continue with its shift to a more pass-heavy offense in 2022, we will see Andrews continue his ascension to the top. As the main target in the red zone, Andrews’ touchdown upside is huge, while his constant involvement in the passing game gives him a safe floor. 

The Rosters

Quarterbacks 

With this mock set up for a one-quarterback league, I don’t expect any quarterbacks in the first three rounds. But let’s look at the position anyway. Here is how I expect the top five quarterbacks to shake out for fantasy in 2023: 

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
2. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers 
3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs 
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens 
5. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns 

There’s no huge surprises in this list — all of these guys are at the top of their respective games and command some of the most potent offenses in the league. Quarterback has less year-to-year turnover than any other position, so these guys should still be the top of the heap a year from now.