2023 rookie mock draft? Already? It is never too early for the avid dynasty manager to start looking ahead to future draft classes to familiarize oneself with what may or may not be available with future rookie picks. With many providers allowing fantasy managers to trade picks two or three years into the future, getting to know future prospects can help give you a competitive advantage in trade talks. With that in mind, here is our first 2023 mock draft of 2022.
1.01 – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (6’0, 194 lbs)
Bobby Bishop (@ImBobbyBish)
If it were legal for the 2021 Heisman winner to declare early, he would easily be the QB1 in this class. Unfortunately, he has to wait one more year of college before he is a lucky NFL franchise’s QB of the future. Bryce Young has the accuracy and arm strength to be a very talented NFL quarterback. One key variable is landing place, but I believe Young will be successful no matter where he lands.
1.02 – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (6’0, 214 lbs)
Jared Wackerly (@JaredWackerlyFF)
It’s not very often you get to take a talented running back like Bijan Robinson in your rookie draft. I won’t call him generational, but he’s very close. Bijan can do it all. He makes people miss, breaks tackles, has fantastic speed, and catches the ball extremely well. There isn’t much not to like. He now has Quinn Ewers as his quarterback, which should only help if Ewers lives up to his billing. Bijan has the size, at 6-foot, 200 lbs., that I look for when looking at running backs that can be volume players on our fantasy teams. If I had the 1.01, I still would’ve likely taken Bijan in this Superflex draft. He’s special.
1.03 – Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU (6’0, 190 lbs)
Tristan Cook (@TristanCook_)
Boutte is my top WR in a strong class. I was tempted to go with Bigsby, who is my RB2 for 2023, but decided to go with the guy I have ranked higher overall. I would have loved it if either of the first two guys fell to me, but I am happy to get Boutte. He looked absolutely dominant before his season-ending injury. I am curious to see how he looks under Kelly, but the talent is unquestionable.
1.04 – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State (6’3, 218 lbs)
DynastyPJ (@MastaPJ)
Stroud emerged from a crowded QB room this season to lead the Buckeyes to a 10-2 record and post very respectable numbers for a freshman signal-caller. His yards per attempt and air yards per attempt were both higher than Justin Fields 2020 season, and he threw 16 more touchdowns in only three more games. There was still some question if he would be allowed to continue as the starter, but given the transfers of Quinn Ewers and Jack Miller, I think it’s almost a certainty that he will be the starting quarterback next season. Given the draft capital Fields just received, I think it’s highly likely Stroud is a top 10 pick in the 2023 draft if he continues playing at the level he did this season.
1.05 – Zach Evans, RB, Transfer Portal (5’11, 212 lbs)
Raju Byfield (@FantasyContext)
After a strong redshirt freshman season at TCU, Zach Evans has entered the transfer portal. The former five-star recruit is expected to have no shortage of suitors this offseason and is taking a visit with Ole Miss. Evans will not generate the type of well-deserved hype we see with Bijan Robinson but is the lone running back in this class with the talent and skillset to push him to be the top running back off the board and be the most productive from this class once in the NFL. One of the more exciting running backs in the country, Evans just needs opportunity and a full season of games to put him in the Day 1 mix.
1.06 – Jaxon Smith-Njiba, WR, Ohio State (6’0, 198 lbs)
Josh Adkins (@DynastyOasis)
The Buckeyes have one of the most talented WR cores in recent memories. Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave are sure-fire 2022 first-round draft picks, and former OSU transfer Jameson Williams won’t follow far behind. However, the best Buckeye WR will have to spend one more year in Columbus. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the most talented athlete of the OSU grouping and shows shades of what has made CeeDee Lamb successful in the NFL. Elusive and challenging to tackle, with the ability to play all three WR positions, it is nearly impossible for defenses to account for JSN’s skillset. Still growing as a route runner, Smith-Njigba has an unlimited ceiling.
1.07 – Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama, (5’11, 200 lbs)
Dwight Peebles (@FFPeeblesChamp)
Gibbs entered the transfer portal and ended up at Alabama. That is scary as heck. Gibbs is a complete back and possibly the best pass-catching back. He can run inside with power, his lateral agility is elite, and he is a monster in the open field. Georgia Tech never used him to his capability. Someone will, and Gibbs is right behind Bijan in this class.
1.08 – Tank Bigbsy, RB, Auburn (6’0, 208 lbs)
Jon Glosser (@Glosser13)
Tank Bigsby has all the talent to be playing on Sundays, and that is evident when you watch him play. He has rushed for over 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns in 22 games at Auburn. The former 5-star recruit has also shown flashes as a receiver with 27 receptions for 200 yards. Bigsby has been rumored to be entering the transfer portal but now appears to be staying at Auburn. Frankly, it doesn’t matter much; dynasty managers just need him to make it through one more college season before they have a chance to get him on their teams. We will be talking about Tank Bigsby much more as the 2023 Draft approaches.
1.09 – DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Clemson (6’4, 250 lbs)
Justin Hulsey (@FF_Hulsey)
Three months ago, Uiagalelei was a top-three overall devy pick, and now he is available to me with the ninth pick in a 2023 mock? He is a no-brainer towards the back end of the first round. Sure, the 2021 season was a massive disappointment for Clemson, and the DJU hype has cooled but make no mistake, he has the skill set, the physical traits, and the pedigree to be a complete quarterback prospect. We have seen him display generational arm strength, a very good touch on his passes, an excellent feel for the game, and athleticism to move well outside of the pocket. He has not satisfied the instant-gratification scouts, but he is still a top quarterback prospect. There is mild concern, but my long-term outlook on him is strong. Let’s hope he ends up on the Ben Roethlisberger side of his range of outcomes rather than the JaMarcus Russell side.
1.10 – Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland (6’0, 190 lbs)
Jon Witt (@JPW2542)
Jarrett is a former five-star recruit who excels in the slot. He is a speedy, shifty playmaker with sure hands. In 12 games this year, he caught 56 balls for five touchdowns. If Maryland can get more solid QB play next season, double-digit touchdowns are a real possibility. He profiles as a starting slot WR in the NFL.
1.11 – Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse (5’10, 210 lbs)
Sam Crampton (@DevyCramps)
One of the fastest risers in this class, Sean Tucker, has solidified himself as a top 5 2023 RB – which is saying something in this class. He has NFL size and speed and displays excellent vision and footwork in the backfield. He has managed to be one of the nation’s top producers despite playing behind a poor offensive line in recent years. Passing down ability remains a question for Sean, but he showed improvement in that department from 2020 to 2021. Another small step up in that aspect, and he will be a very well-rounded prospect.
1.12 – Jordan Addison, WR, Pittsburgh (6’0, 175 lbs)
Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd)
Getting Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison at the 1.12 in this exercise feels like good value. Addison has been simply magnificent in his first two years. Addison took it to another level in 2021 after his true freshman breakout in 2020. He’s compiled 93 receptions for 1479 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2021 as the focal point in the Panther’s offense. Addison can win many different ways despite his thin frame. Jordan Addison’s profile for the 2023 draft class will be exceptional.
2.01 – Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina (6’1, 200 lbs)
Bobby Bishop (@ImBobbyBish)
Spencer Rattler is transferring to South Carolina. This is a bold choice for Rattler, but it could pay off. If he is successful at South Carolina, there will be nothing else to attribute it to other than his talent. No one will be able to say it was the scheme or the talent around him that made him successful. Rattler has an opportunity to slip back into the QB3 conversation, with him and Uiagalelei trying to showcase that 2021 was a fluke season. If Rattler leads South Carolina to a 9-3 season and is in the Heisman conversation as a Gamecock QB, he will shoot right back up the draft boards.
2.02 – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame (6’4, 251 lbs)
Jared Wackerly (@JaredWackerlyFF)
I have no problem adding the next George Kittle a little early in a rookie draft. I know tight ends usually fall later, but I can’t pass up Mayer. He’s such a good pass catcher at the tight end position. He blocks very well and has great size at 6-foot-4, 250 lbs. He’s as sure of a thing you’ll see amongst this entire player pool. He’s dominated since he was a true freshman, and in 2021 put up 768 yards receiving. I expect him to exceed those numbers in 2022 and catapult himself into the early first round in April of 2023.
2.03 – Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma (5’11, 177 lbs)
Tristan Cook (@TristanCook_)
I realized here that I have Marvin Mims a lot higher than most other people do. I was thrilled that he dropped to me here, as I didn’t expect him to get out of the 1st round. It will be interesting to see how he fairs without Riley or if he enters the transfer portal, but I think Mims will be one of the top WRs in the 2022 class.
2.04 – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU (6’4, 201 lbs)
DynastyPJ (@MastaPJ)
This season, Johnston has been one of the more hit-or-miss players in college football, with five games under 50 receiving yards and four games with 95+ receiving yards. However, the hire of Sonny Dykes is likely going to turn this offense on its head next season and should allow him ample opportunity to showcase his receiving prowess. His size and athleticism – he was a state medalist in the high jump in high school – should have NFL teams drooling over him at the next level, and I think he has a good chance to be a first-round wide receiver in the class.
2.05 – Blake Corum, RB, Michigan (5’8, 200 lbs)
Raju Byfield (@FantasyContext)
Blake Corum shined as a sophomore despite seeing just 144 carries for the Michigan Wolverines. He averaged an electric 6.59 yards per carry and plays much bigger than his listed height of 5’8. Corum tips the scales at 200 lbs and looks like he can add more muscle without sacrificing speed and quickness. He nabbed 24 receptions despite playing in a three-man committee and has future fantasy star written all over him. Currently viewed as more of a committee back by some NFL teams, Corum should get lead back duties in 2022 and work his way into being a consensus Day 2 pick by the time the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around. He should be the biggest riser in this mock draft.
2.06 – Kendall Milton, RB, Georgia (6’1, 220 lbs)
Josh Adkins (@DynastyOasis)
Like my first pick, another player following in a line of successful NFL talents. Kendall Milton is waiting his turn behind Zamir White and James Cook for the playoff-bound Dawgs but has all the tools to be a workhorse power back at the next level. Milton runs with a good forward lean and enjoys finishing runs physically. His current contribution to the Georgia team is on kick-off returns, a signal that his speed and agility are above-average for a 220 pound RB.
2.07 – Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (5’10, 180 lbs)
Dwight Peebles (@FFPeeblesChamp)
Downs may be in for a regression with Sam Howell off to the NFL, and it may affect his draft stock. TAKE ADVANTAGE IF IT DOES! Downs will be pegged as a slot guy at the next level but has the talent to be the best slot WR in the NFL. Downs is quick as heck and can make people miss with elite moves, and his footwork is freakishly smooth. He has the speed to break long runs and has phenomenal hands. Downs is a steal here.
2.08 – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida (6’4, 236 lbs)
Jon Glosser (@Glosser13)
The sky is the limit for Anthony “A-Rich” Richardson. He has now played ten games as a freshman at Florida, accounting for 10 touchdowns. As of now, Richardson is a much better rusher than passer, but there’s time for him to develop. It remains to be seen if that will happen in 2022 under a new coaching staff. This late in the draft felt worth the risk with the upside a player like Richardson can bring to a team.
2.09 – Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (6’4, 224 lbs)
Justin Hulsey (@FF_Hulsey)
In my opinion, Van Dyke late in the second round is the steal of the draft. I like the Mario Cristobal hire for Miami, and there has been mutual interest in Joe Brady for offensive coordinator. Van Dyke is the obvious beneficiary, and I expect his stock to skyrocket next season. He makes the occasional mistake that you expect from a first-year starter, but I have been really encouraged by his development. He has good size, touch and made some mechanical adjustments that are paying off. Van Dyke finished the regular season with 2,931 yards and 25 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. From Week 4 on, he led all ACC quarterbacks in big-time throws, according to PFF. If Miami can surround him with a couple of weapons, Van Dyke and that entire offense may be a force in 2022.
2.10 – Jase McClellan, RB, Alabama (5’11, 212 lbs)
Jon Witt (@JPW2542)
Jase may struggle to get significant carries with Gibbs now in the fold, but he is talented enough to find his way on the field. He has a strong frame suitable for the position and is a good one-cut runner. It would not surprise me if he needed up in the portal at some point.
2.11 – Parker Washington, WR, Penn State (5’10, 207 lbs)
Sam Crampton (@DevyCramps)
While Washington may not have broken out in a big way yet, he has been solidly productive in both his freshman and sophomore years. Despite being listed at just 5’10”, Washington can jump with the best of them, showing some serious ability and toughness at the catch point. He can do some damage after the catch as well. Look for him to take advantage of the vacated opportunity next year with Jahan Dotson headed to the NFL.
2.12 – Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M (5’9, 185 lbs)
Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd)
Devon Achane will be an interesting 2023 running back option for dynasty managers. Achane excelled alongside Isaiah Spiller in 2021. He’s one of the fastest players in college football. There are questions about his size being only 5’9 185 pounds, but there’s no denying the talent that Achane is. With the departure of Spiller, keep a close eye on how Devon Achane performs in an expanded role in 2022.
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