1.01 Green Burruh – RB Bijan Robinson 6’0” 220 lbs, Texas Longhorns
The most coveted prospect since Saquon Barkley back in 2018, Bijan is expected to join the IFL and immediately become a top 5 RB/WR/TE. A freakishly twitchy athlete, it’s clear as day he is an elite tackle breaker, leading college football in that category according to PFF. His 6.1 YPC is respectable and he’s noted as a quality pass catcher with 19 receptions and 16.5 yards per catch! The sky is the limit for Bijan in the NFL.
It was an incredible season for Barry, who endured one of the toughest runs to the Super Bowl in IFL history by beating #2 Washington Dan, #1 New Orleans Titus and division rival #3 Minnesota Wade. The goal for 2023? Do it again and win a ring. (Hopefully by not sneaking into the postseason by another matchup’s stat correction, but I digress.) Bijan is shaping up to be a generational talent and would form an incredible RB/WR/TE group with Christian McCaffery, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
It would arguably be the best RB/WR/TE group we’ve seen since Mark’s 2019 squad of Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette, Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara, Davante Adams and Michael Thomas. Just make sure to learn from your co-host and remember to build a defense and find a competent QB before the season is about to kickoff. (At least you’re good there!)
1.02 Tampa Bay Luke – RB Jamyr Gibbs, 5’11” 200 lbs, Alabama Crimson Tide
As it stands now, there’s a top prospect in this rookie class. Following Bijan, Jamyr Gibbs is the clear 1.02. Gibbs joined Alabama from Georgia Tech and delivered on his ample potential as a dual-threat weapon for the Crimson Tide. He kept up with Bijan’s 6.1 YPC and especially excelled as a pass catcher finishing 5th in college football with 44 receptions and 10.1 per catch. What scares me is how he can translate his running style between the tackles in the more physical NFL. His ceiling is a top 10 RB/WR/TE in the Aaron Jones mold, but I’d like to see him become more physical as a runner.
It was god damn morally reprehensible that 100-yard dash game put me in the endzone, pixels away from the 1.01 and gave it to the NFC champion. It’s arguably the 2nd most painful moment of my IFL journey. Regardless, Jamyr Gibbs is a bad bitch in his own right and is tailor-made for fantasy football. Clearly the 1.02, he’s a solid consolation prize, but not Bijan. He’ll make for a fine addition to my rebuild to pair with Kenneth Walker.
1.03 San Francisco Vic – RB Zach Charbonnet, 6’1” 220 lbs, UCLA Bruins
If you like tough, physical running backs, Zach Charbonnet is your favorite prospect in the 2023 running back class. Charbonnet took a major step forward as a runner, jumping to 7.0 YPC from 5.6 the year prior on about the same number of carries. He was the focal point of a much-improved offense at UCLA and can be found as the third-best runner on many, if not most rookie prospect boards. While there is a long way to go in the rookie scouting process, if Charbonnet goes on Day 2, he has an excellent chance to lead an NFL running back depth chart. He reminds me of Tyler Allgeier with more receiving prowess. (37 receptions in 2022.)
Vic drew the short straw in the draft lottery, but he’ll draft the best of the rest after Bijan and Gibbs. He can go in a number of directions, but his roster is desperate for a young running back. Dalvin Cook may be released as he was performing at a replacement level in 2022. Vic is (probably) not winning a ring without a decent stable of rushers. If Charbonnet is a day 2 pick, he’ll be in serious contention to land in the top 5, making Charbs an annual 300-point threat.
1.04 Detroit Nate – RB, Zach Evans, 6’0” 215 lbs, Ole Miss Rebels
One of the most polarizing prospects of the 2023 draft cycle, Zach Evans is a draft expert favorite. Somehow splitting a backfield with a 3-star freshman, Zach Evans still performed admirably when called upon, with 6.5 YPC on only 144 carries. His 12 receptions left a bit to be desired, but Evans looks like a day 2 running back on tape. There’s talk of discipline issues and like all running back prospects, his landing spot will largely determine how high he goes in our draft.
This selection could be any number of things. I think there’s a good chance a 4th running back joins the top three as a viable top-five pick. This could of course also be Quinton Johnston or an IDP, but I think Nate has gone the receiver route plenty of times with his draft picks. It may be time to switch it up, especially drafting this early. Evans could add another option with three questionable running back options in Zeke, Swift and Javonte.
1.05 New Orleans Titus – LB Trenton Simpson, 6’3” 240 lbs, Clemson Tigers
It’s a weak linebacker class and the NFL is devaluing the position like never before. That being said, Trenton Simpson leads the group in potential despite a mediocre 68.3 PFF grade in 2022. It was his first year as a starting linebacker, but he displayed an elite coverage ceiling along with his incredible athletic profile. A potential late 1st round pick, he is the model teams look for in a modern-day NFL backer.
It may make Titus sick to his stomach to go linebacker again with a top 10 pick after taking Nakobe Dean and Devin Lloyd in the 2022 draft, but it’s a good fit. Dre Greenlaw and Devin White are the only reliable linebackers heading into the offseason. (Maybe David Long too, but White may even be a stretch.) Titus’ team is absolutely stacked and he could (and should) go best player available. This may be a unique opportunity where the best player available meets team needs.
1.06 Tampa Bay Luke – TE, Michael Mayer, 6’4” 251 lbs, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
There are a number of things you look for in an elite tight-end fantasy prospect. First and foremost is receiving prowess, particularly when it comes to route running and contested catch ability. Mayer comes out of Notre Dame with a laundry list of highlight catches that stem from both these abilities. While he doesn’t possess the generational athletic profile of Kyle Pitts, he checks the college production box with 67 catches and 809 yards, along with 9 TDs. Mayer is also an elite in-line blocker, which will keep him on the field full-time. While Kincaid may have a higher ceiling, Mayer is the safest tight-end prospect. Especially at a position infamous for busts, give me Mayer all day, every day.
Who will be the one to take the dip into the tight end pool when so many have failed before this? The GM who isn’t looking for immediate results, that’s who. Mayer is the complete package and easily the highest floor of any tight end prospect. He is an all-around tight end that was NFL ready last year. If he lands in a spot like the Chargers or Bengals, it’ll be hard for many of the teams drafting 6-10 to not take a hard look at Mayer.
1.07 San Francisco Vic – WR, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 6’0” 198 lbs, Ohio State Buckeyes
Talk to a fantasy ‘expert’ and you’ll hear Jaxon Smith-Njigba is clearly the #1 receiver. Talk to an NFL ‘expert’ and JSN may not be a 1st round pick. There are hoes out there that think he’s the second coming of Jesus Christ. If you read these reports, that expert may have some Gholston in him. JSN isn’t a bad prospect by any means, but we have to respect with how the NFL views him. This draft is filled with quality slot receivers, which could lead to Jaxon sliding down draft boards. What’s very encouraging is JSN’s incredible sophomore season next to Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. You’ve also likely seen the video of both Wilson and Olave calling JSN the best athlete of the trio. I love the weight JSN comes in with and should be physical enough to not be bullied at the line of scrimmage. A good comparison is Jarvis Landry, butttttt more athletic.
The temptation of pairing JSN with Chris Olave will be very real. It was the first big building block for Vic’s rebuild and Smith-Njigba’s hype could reach a fever pitch by draft time. If Vic hits on his two top 10 picks, don’t sleep on his team to be a serious NFC West contender.
1.08 Seattle Will – EDGE, Will Anderson Jr., 6’4”, 243 lbs, Alabama Crimson Tide
We’re now heading into year two of the EDGE switch which has devalued the position a bit. The volume of quality players alone may slide elite prospect Will Anderson down to outside the top 10. Anderson checks every box you need for a future star; elite pressure rate, quality run defender, quality athlete, and even a team captain. Anderson likely ends up in Chicago or Arizona which will start him full-time from the jump. Expect an Aiden Hutchinson rookie season at a minimum and he’s a locked-in mid-1st round pick for IFL purposes.
This has Will allllll over it. His EDGE room is mega sus, with old-ass Cameron Jordan and Gregory Rousseau. Old Gregg flashed promise and combining him with Anderson could create one of the best EDGE duos in the IFL. Linebacker is also very much in play here and perhaps Jalen Carter if Will is looking for a Buckner replacement.
1.09 Chicago Ni – DT, Jalen Carter, 6’3” 310 lbs, Georgia Bulldogs
The first shocker of this IFL draft, Jalen Carter will be the highest defensive tackle ever taken in IFL history. We saw 11 defensive tackles score over 250 points and it’s clear that elite assets at the position are now incredibly valuable. Savvy GMs will see the high potential of Carter and see he can be a difference-maker. Carter is arguably the best interior defender to enter the NFL since Quinnen Williams, who just dropped a 322-point season. Carter’s pass rush ability trumps Williams and will land in a 3-tech spot for fantasy goodness.
Is it questionable that the conservative Nic will take the highest defensive tackle ever taken? A bit… However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a need and in the new era of defensive tackle scoring, the fit makes sense. This is in Carter’s range of outcomes and elite DTs are scoring the same, if not better than elite EDGEs. If Anderson can get in the top 10, prospects like Carter should start being thought of in the same realm too.
1.10 Detroit Nate – LB Drew Sanders, 6’5” 232 lbs, Arkansas Razorbacks
Similar to Simpson, Drew Sanders’ saw his first year as an inside linebacker in 2022. A former edge rusher, Sanders is lowkey in the Micah Parsons mindset and can play multiple positions as a multi-faceted defender. You don’t have to look any further than his 11 sacks in 2022. He’s a massive man and an elite athlete. It’s very likely Sanders is a top 10 IFL draft pick if he is at least a 2nd-round pick. If he can improve his instincts as a run defender, Sanders could very well be an elite IDP asset for the duration of his career. He’s a 1B to Simpson’s 1A.
Nate has some tough decisions upcoming with some RFAs. He recently placed the franchise tag on Lavonte David and it’s possible he keeps him, but I’d put it’s about 50/50 the tag sticks. That being said, it’s never a bad idea to keep the LBer room young and cheap. Sanders could end up as a big play machine in the right system. This is prime real estate for a tier 1 LBer prospect.
1.11 Minnesota Wade – WR Quentin Johnston, 6’4” 212 lbs, TCU Horned Frogs
If you’re looking for a true X receiver in the 2022 NFL draft, Quentin Johnston is the guy. He was the best player on a talented National Championship game TCU team and likely solidified himself as a 1st round pick. His 1,069 yards ranked 22nd in college football and did it on 60 receptions. As it stands, Johnston will be one of the first receivers off the board in a weak WR class, although Smith-Njigba and Addison have something to say about that. To add, there are certain things I worry about when it comes to wide receiver prospects. One of those is the ability to create separation, which is not a Quentin Johnston strength. If he lands in a quality landing spot, he can certainly find himself as a #2 or #3 RB/WR/TE on a championship IFL team.
Wade dealt Kupp for a litany of assets, one of which was the 1.11. Restocking a bit at the receiver position is warranted, as there isn’t anyone worth starting heading into 2023. It’s very possible this pick also changes hands in RFA or the trade market as Wade attempts to maximize his viability with a core of Kamara and Chubb.
1.12 Arizona Jai – WR, Jordan Addison, 6’0” 175 lbs, USC Trojans
Jordan Addison is a bit undersized, but holy fuck can this guy run a crisp route. A poor man’s Devonta Smith, Addison is an elite separator and turned Kenny Pickett into a 1st round pick two years ago at Pittsburgh. Addison took a step back production-wise at USC, but still delivered a 59-reception, 875-yard season in 11 games. Look for Addison to be a quality #2 NFL receiver and profiles as a 4-5 RB/WR/TE on a championship IFL team.
Jai is undergoing a reload of sorts, with his old core centered around Kamara, Fournette, and Stefon Diggs a distant memory. Addison could land anywhere from a fringe top 10 selection to the end of the 1st. Jai could use some more firepower on offense to complement his pillar in Breece Hall. (Any maybeeeee Cam Akers)
1.13 Dallas Brian – RB, Sean Tucker, 5’10” 205 lbs, Syracuse Orangemen
Sean Tucker on some draft boards is a top-three running back, but there are some issues with his profile. His production took a major step back in his third season, with a mediocre 5.1 YPC, ranking 108th in college football. Receiving-wise, he was a volume pass catcher, with 36 receptions, but his 7.1 YPR left much to be desired as well. (2021 saw him at a much better 6.1 YPC and 12.8 YPR) Athletically, he should test very well which could lead him into a day 2 pick. I’m particularly curious to see his 3-cone as I’m not sure he’s as shifty as needed to be a starting running back in the NFL.
Brian loves his running backs and this could be a sweet spot for the next tier to begin to fall off the board. While Brian doesn’t need one, he shouldn’t shy away with Aaron Jones, Cordarrelle Patterson and David Montgomery all likely on the way out after 2023. Tucker as a day 2 pick will be a 1st round lock and potentially a valuable selection in the late 1st.
1.14 Washington Dan – EDGE, Tyree Wilson, 6’6” 275 lbs, Texas Tech Red Raiders
If you’ve read any mock drafts thus far, you’ve likely seen Tyree Wilson within the top 10 selections, particularly to the Seahawks at #5. Wilson is a rock-solid prospect, both from an athletic and college production standpoint. He finished with a 22.6% pass-rush win rate and routinely made Big 12 tackles look silly blocking him. I have a soft spot for college players who produce in spades and Wilson’s 52 total tackles and 8 sacks certainly fit that bill.
The hype keeps going on Tyree Wilson and Dan can take advantage of some position value decrease with what’s shaping up as another elite EDGE prospect. Outside of Nick Bosa, there is no viable long-term talent at EDGE for Dan. If he hits, Wilson may allow Dan to move on from Bosa after his salary balloons in 2023.
1.15 Arizona Jai – QB, Bryce Young, 6’0” 194 lbs, Alabama Crimson Tide
If you’ve tuned into Alabama the past two years, Bryce Young always popped off the screen. He’s far and away the best QB prospect and anyone who says otherwise is kidding themselves. Fantasy-wise, he has ample mobility and big-play ability in spades. His ‘IT’ factor is off the charts and delivers in the biggest moments. He’s tailor-made to be a franchise pillar for an NFL team. If he can stay healthy with his fragile stature, he’ll be a top 10 QB for fantasy purposes.
Quarterback is very much in play with only Sam Howell and Malik Willis rostered. Young could quickly establish himself as a startable asset with his legs and passing ability. He’s a good fit for fantasy and the late 1st first begins Young’s window to be drafted in a league like ours. (Maybe even earlier if someone loves him)
1.16 Arizona Jai – LB, Jack Campbell, 6’5” 246 lbs, Iowa Hawkeyes
There’s value in picking players with high floors. Campbell fits the bill as the first linebacker off the board that’s played the position for more than one year. Like all the backers taken in the 1st round, Campbell boasts quality size, but lacks the elite athleticism that Simpson and Sanders possess. Campbell is a tackle machine, finishing 12th in the country with 125 total tackles. He threw together a few big plays to boot. Campbell is safe and that’s the type of player you want with a mid-1st round pick.
Jai continues to draft quality options that can quickly fill in, Campbell could certainly fit that bill. Campbell is tailor-made for an early 3rd round pick and if he lands in an optimal situation, Campbell could quickly earn an opportunity. Not a soul on Jai’s LBer depth chart is worth starting at this time. (JOK and Tindall could still make it) Linebacker is HIGHLY likely to be a 1st round selection by Jai.
2.01 San Francisco Vic – RB, Devon Achane, 5’9” 185 lbs, Texas A&M Aggies
Yea, 2022 didn’t go the way Devon Achane intended. His usage increased quite a bit without 2021 4th-round pick Isaiah Spiller. His stats decreased across the board, but it was disappointing to see the twitchy Achane only average 5.6 YPC and 5.4 YPR on 36 receptions. At only 5’9” he’s likely 1A on a modern-day NFL depth chart. Combined with KR/PR yardage, Achane should be valuable in our league that emphasizes all-purpose players. The landing spot is critical more so than other running backs in this mock.
Achane’s is perfect for the type of league we have. All-purpose type of players can produce sneaky points quickly. Achane is the 3rd or 4th running back on many expert boards and if he’s a day 2 pick, this will be well within his range of outcomes. Dalvin Cook, Charbonnet, and Achane are the type of running back room that has the potential to erupt.
2.02 Tampa Bay Luke – RB, Kendre Miller, 6’0” 220 lbs, TCU Horned Frogs
It’s a damn shame we didn’t get to see Kendre Miller in the college football playoff. Especially against Georgia, TCU desperately needed him. Miller feasted for TCU, with 224 carries, 1399 yards, and 17 rushing TDs. (6.2 YPC) While he wasn’t a prolific receiver, he was passable with 16 receptions and 7.3 YPR. Miller can absolutely be a mid-first-round pick, but he needs to be a day 2 pick. How his athletic profile rounds out will likely determine his draft slot. I will add there’s a very good chance some normally day 2 running back prospects may slide into the 4th round due to this year’s depth.
This pick is all about value. Miller has the size and shiftiness that could turn into a workhorse back. It feels like he’s just as likely to turn into an early day 3 pick, who backs up a long-term starter. Focusing on building that offense is critical at this point in my rebuild and with the depth at the running back position in this draft, another dip into the ’23 pool is a wise route to go.
2.03 Tampa Bay Luke – TE, Dalton Kincaid, 6’4” 242 lbs, Utah Utes
You probably won’t see many fantasy mock drafts with Dalton Kincaid in the 1st round, but that may change as we get closer to the NFL draft. There’s talk Kincaid is the #1 tight end on many NFL boards and it’s possible he’s is selected before the aforementioned Michael Mayer. Kincaid is a superb receiver and route runner for his size and reeled in 70 receptions, 890 yards, and 8 TDs in 2022. This is the type of tight end that can succeed as a fantasy contributor. He’ll be a hot topic of conversation leading up to the IFL draft.
I love tight ends, it’s just a matter of what happens with Mayer and Kincaid. Both are quality prospects, but these type of prospects takes time to develop. Rarely do elite tight-end prospects hit early, and it’ll take patience to wait on a prospect to be startable. With the time window in mind, prospects like Kindcaid (and Mayer) may need to be pushed back. Mayer’s selection at the 1.06 begins the tight end selection window, and the 2.03 with Kincaid likely is the end of the draft window for both prospects.
2.04 San Francisco Vic – S, Brian Branch, 6’0 193 lbs, Alabama Crimson Tide
2023 hosts a very good safety class and Brian Branch leads the way as an elite run and coverage profile. In the Antoine Winfield Jr. mold, Branch is a jack-of-all-trades safety, who will play all over the field. His run defense hopefully keeps him near the line of scrimmage, particularly as a slot cornerback. His 3 sacks and 2 INTs in 2022 showcase a big play specialist as well. He’s likely a top-15 NFL draft pick.
Vic turns his attention to safety with what could end up as the S1. In the hybrid slot corner role, I’m very curious to see how his team chooses to utilize his skillset. With next to no one as a startable option, Vic will be giving safety a hard look with his 5 2nds.
2.05 New Orleans Titus – WR Zay Flowers, 5’10” 172 lbs, Boston College Eagles
Zay Flowers has a wide range of outcomes in the NFL draft. Many draft experts tout Flowers as ‘their guy’ and it’s not hard to see why. His big play ability in addition to separate is unique, even in a class filled with receivers similar to his abilities. Flowers is very likely to be slept on due to his size, but he somehow put together a 1,000-yard, 12-TD season in a pathetic Boston College offense. A likely day 2 pick, if Flowers enters a half-decent passing attack, he could be a fantasy factor early on.
Snagging one of the shiftiest receivers in the class in the middle of the 2nd is an excellent option for Titus’ dominant roster. Receiver may need some reloading after 2023 if he elects to let Hill and/or Higgins go. Flowers could become a PPR monster and become a back-end starter for Titus.
2.06 Arizona Jai – LB Daiyan Henley, 6’2” 232, Washington State Cougars
Henley is another modern-day linebacker that excels in space and was a former offensive player. Henley is a bit on the older side, but he’s what you want from a fantasy prospect as a tackle monster in college. He needs to improve his instincts in both coverage and run defense perspective, but he could break out a be a multi-year starter in the right defense that allows him to make plays in the open field.
Jai double dips at linebacker, further working on a weak position. Jai put an onus on this draft class to restock the cupboard and selections like Henley is exactly what he’ll be looking for to maximize upside. He may be a late day 2 pick, but look for a quick opportunity to start for the 6th-year college pro.
2.07 Chicago Ni – WR, Jalin Hyatt, 6’1” 180 lbs, Tennessee Volunteers
Do you know who won the Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver in college football? That would be Jalin Hyatt, who delivered an absurd season in the SEC. Across college football, he finished 5th in receiving yards with 1267, 2nd in TDs with 15 on only 67 receptions. His production in a win against Alabama was absurd with 6 receptions, 207 yards, and 5 TDs. His route-running ability may pigeonhole him as a deep-threat specialist, but Hyatt has the ceiling to develop into one of the best receivers in the NFL.
This just feels too low for Hyatt, who is frequently selected in the middle of the first round of mock drafts. However, that didn’t stop Jahan Doctson from falling into our 2nd round. Hyatt is an imperfect prospect, but with proper draft capital, he’s a quality selection for a savvy value searcher like Nic.
2.08 San Francisco Vic – RB, Tyjae Spears, 5’11” 195 lbs, Tulane Green Wave
After the hype Tyjae Spears has received over the past few weeks, it’s looking like he is firmly in the day 2 conversation. If he does jump into day 2 of the NFL draft, he won’t make it past the IFL’s 1st round. Spears is incredibly shifty and is elite by any statistical metric. He averaged the 8th highest YPC in college football at 6.9 and a very respectable 11.6 YPR on 22 receptions. Spears is the epitome of a rookie IFL draft selection that could be fantasy viable as a rookie. The landing spot will be key.
This is a slide from the AFC’s mock and it is predicated by Spears sliding into day 3 or into a tough situation for opportunity. With a third running back from this class, it would be clear as day that Vic is a massive fan of these running backs, particularly those that can impact the game in multiple phases.
2.09 Washington Dan – DT Bryan Bresee, 6’5” 300 lbs, Clemson Tigers
Former #1 overall recruit Bryan Bresee didn’t light the college football landscape on fire as anticipated, but it was largely due to a litany of injuries. As we’ve seen with prospects in recent years, (Jalen Phillips comes to mind) that is not a death knell to a quality NFL future. Bresee was recovering from a 2021 torn ACL and missed several games in 2022 due to a kidney infection. His freshman year was oddly his most productive, but the upside he possesses will keep him in the NFL 1st round draft and the IFL 2nd round conversation.
The potential of losing Christian Wilkins to a $25 million contract looms large and if Dan lets Wilkins go, a massive hole will be left on his roster. Bresee has an elite pedigree as a former #1 overall recruit. Like Rashan Gary at Michigan, he wasn’t able to put it all together through injuries and ineffectiveness. Shaping up as a late-round 1st, Dan at the very least provides insurance for his franchise pillar.
2.10 Tampa Bay Luke – QB, Will Levis, 6’3” 232 lbs, Kentucky Wildcats
I’ve read a lot of questions about Levis coming into the draft and I wanted to dive into what was so different from his 2021 versus 2022. The answer appears to be volume. He didn’t have as many passing opportunities, playing in two fewer games, but statistically, he was similar in passer rating, accuracy, and yards per attempt. As it stands it seems like he’s a top-10 pick and perhaps even the #2 QB off the board. He has a dual-threat ability and is perfect for modern-day fantasy. If he lands in a quality landing spot (like Atlanta) that can provide him with quality weapons, he’ll be an IFL 2nd rounder.
Levis checks all the boxes for a fantasy QB and I have no one sitting on my depth chart. Quarterback is thoroughly in play to become the head of the new era of my fantasy team.
2.11 Tampa Bay Luke – S, Antonio Johnson, 6’3” 195 lbs, Texas A&M Aggies
You may not have heard of Antonio Johnson yet, but you will. This Kyle Hamilton clone has elite length and big play ability showcased by 3 forced fumbles and a 1-sack campaign in 2022. A&M was trash as a team, but Johnson still showcased elite run defense and coverage ability. He’ll likely be utilized like the aforementioned Hamilton and could be a top-16 safety in short order. He’s a 1a/1b with Branch. The landing spot should determine who is picked first.
It feels like these types of safeties are becoming more in vogue. Johnson can shape into a long-term starter on my squad next to quality players like Kerby Joseph and Darrick Forrest.
2.12 San Francisco Vic – DT, (maybe EDGE) Keion White, 6’5” 286 lbs, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
There’s a bit of uncertainty about White’s role, who could turn into the type of player that moves all over the defensive line. He’s receiving 1st round buzz more often than not and it’s looking like we’re going to see him blow up the combine. A former tight end, he needs to develop a bit more, but it’s an age-old draft technique to draft athletic marvels to develop them into stars. White is a bit old at 24, but he’s shaping up to be an underrated asset.
Vic does have Devonte Wyatt, but it’s possible he never develops into more than just a run stuffer. White has the goods to be a quality 3-down lineman and has the upside to turn into a top 8 DT.
2.13 San Francisco Vic – QB, Anthony Richardson, 6’4” 232 lbs, Florida Gators
You will hear literally everything when it comes to Anthony Richardson’s draft profile. In draft experts I trust, they don’t believe Richardson is too far off from being a starting caliber QB. He’s more accurate than given credit for, a quality processor of defenses, has a cannon for an arm, and is an elite runner. That type of ceiling should lock him into the 2nd round of our draft.
It’s been a wild ride for Vic who is doing his best to turn around a squad that needed an influx of youth. Quarterback is a desperate need, but it may not be a situation that can be filled with this year’s class with where he’s selecting. Richardson will require patience and he’ll likely sit for a year. If Vic wants to wait a year on Richardson, he’s an optimal late round selection.
2.14 New Orleans Titus – QB, CJ Stroud, 6’3” 215 lbs, Ohio State Buckeyes
Stroud projects as an elite pocket passer who was one of the best QBs in the country from start to finish. If it wasn’t already the case, his game against Georgia in 2022 proved he has what it takes to succeed against NFL talent. Stroud may not have the ceiling of the other three QBs taken before him, but Stroud’s floor is much higher than everyone sans Young.
Titus takes the 4th QB in this draft and it’s another future play pick. Tua and Herbert are both up for a new contract at the end of 2023. Go and take a quick look at Titus’ roster. There are no holes! Looking at holes that pop up in 2023 is likely the way he’ll be going with his selection. (Or just drafting with a value-based strategy)
2.15 Arizona Jai – EDGE, Myles Murphy, 6’5” 275 lbs, Clemson Tigers
Myles Murphy is an athletic marvel, who may be a bit raw. How the NFL views him is a bit up for debate, but he’s almost always mocked as a top-16 pick. What Murphy needs to do is develop additional pass-rushing moves to combine with his elite athletic traits. That’s a tale as old as time for a variety of young NFL pass rushers. Give him 1-2 years and he could be the next Rashan Gary.
Another fit for Jai’s squad he’d have to be ecstatic to land a top half 1st round pick in the back half of the 2nd round. With only Bradley Chubb scoring over 200 points at EDGE, Jai has to be looking at many upgrades at the position. There’s some potential for Joe Tryon or Sam Williams to continue to develop, but Murphy’s upside trumps them both.
2.16 Carolina Nils – S, JL Skinner, 6’4” 220 lbs, Boise State Broncos
I love a good box safety and Skinner is this year’s Jaquon Brisker. We’ve seen players like him come into the NFL and succeed in a high-volume role near the line of scrimmage. Something always track is big play ability. Skinner delivered 4 INTs last season and amassed 2 INTs and two forced fumbles in ’21. Skinner is a bit skinny for 6’4” but can certainly develop into his frame. He’s another excellent safety prospect in a deep class.
Nils picks his ass with safeties, but the value of a safety that can provide instant production is too good to pass up. Skinner may not be the most hyped prospect going into the draft, but he could be placed in a situation optimal for fantasy. Next to Poyer, it could make an intimidating duo for Nils.
2.17 New York DJ – TE Darnell Washington, 6’7” 270 lbs, Georgia Bulldogs
Darnell Washington may as well have a mountain named after him. The man is a massive human being and I’m fascinated to see how the NFL values him. Very well an NFL 1st round pick, Washington may end up being a value for our rookie draft due to being overshadowed by tight end teammate Brock Bowers and other prospects Mayer and Kincaid. Washington was no slouch as a receiver, with 28 receptions, 454 yards and 16.2 YPR. As a blocker, his real-life value truly shines through. Look for Washington to be a 2nd-round NFL draft pick and if he enters a situation where he can start right away, a mid-2nd round IFL pick is likely.
Love DJ’s opportunity to take an elite flyer in a deep class after winning the toilet bowl. Washington slid a bit in comparison to his 2.08 selection in the AFC. With Kelce likely exciting stage right after 2023 for DJ, Washington could slide into a back-end starting role after a promising rookie season.
Other notable names: RB Tank Bigsby, RB Deuce Vaughn, RB Chase Brown, WR Josh Downs, WR Marvin Mims, TE Luke Musgrave, TE Sam LaPorta, DT Calijah Kancey, EDGE Nolan Smith, EDGE BJ Ojulari, EDGE Will McDonald IV, LB Henry To’oTo’o, LB Ventrell Miller, S Jammie Robinson, P Ethan Evans (All-American from the University of Wingate)
Conclusion: This is a deep class with a metric fuckton of uncertainty, particularly at the running back position. I particularly struggled to slot running backs, with players like Kendre Miller, Sean Tucker, and Devon Achane all being potential IFL 1st round picks. I’m curious to see how this draft shakes out. If a running back is a day 2 pick, are they automatically a 1st round pick? If so, we may see close to half the 1st round with rookie running backs.
