The Browns selected Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Flash back to 2021 and it was Tillman leading the Tennessee WR corps with 64 catches, 1,081 yards, and 12 TDs. He was off to another strong start last year with 230 yards and 1 TD in 2 games before hurting his ankle. Now, Tillman’s breakout didn’t come until his fourth college season; he’ll already be 23 when his rookie season kicks off; and he has a big transition to make coming from Tennessee’s college-style attack. So he’s not a perfect prospect. But Tillman puts a big check in the size and athleticism boxes at 6’3, 213 pounds with 4.5 speed and a 37-inch vertical. And he flashes dominant contested-catch ability and strong YAC skills on tape. The fantasy ceiling here is exciting. Landing in Cleveland puts him in a crowded WR corps. With Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Elijah Moore round, Tillman probably doesn't have a shot at rising above fourth on the 2023 depth chart. The long-term outlook remains intriguing, though. Check out Tillman's initial projections in our 2023 fantasy football WR rankings.
The Giants selected Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hyatt won the 2022 Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in college football, compiling 1,267 yards and 15 TDs on 67 receptions. That’s a huge 18.9 yards per catch. And this dude can fly. Hyatt clocked a 4.40-second 40 time at the Combine and plays even faster, routinely running by SEC CBs. He also possesses underrated ball skills and a large catch radius. Now, Tennessee’s up-tempo, spread offense regularly put Hyatt in favorable situations. He has a significant transition to make to an NFL-style offense. It’s also worth noting that Hyatt totaled just 502 receiving yards over his first 2 NFL seasons and is slenderly built at 6’0, 176 pounds. We like Hyatt’s chances of emerging as a legit big-play threat for the Giants. But he might lack the size, physicality, and route-running acumen to become the focal point of an NFL passing game. We'll see how the Giants plan to deploy him. The lackluster WR corps presents opportunity as soon as Hyatt's able to prove he's ready. Check out Hyatt's initial projection in our 2023 fantasy football WR rankings.
The Saints selected TCU RB Kendre Miller in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Miller is a tough evaluation. Over his last two seasons at TCU, he checked many of the statistical boxes fantasy managers like to see. Miller ranked first in yards per attempt (7.5), yards after contact (5.06), and PFF elusive rating (181.1) as a sophomore in 2021. Last year, Miller exploded with 1,515 scrimmage yards. Unfortunately, a right MCL sprain prevented Miller from participating in any pre-draft testing. Miller will be buried for 2023 on the Saints' depth chart if RB Alvin Kamara avoids suspension. Could New Orleans selecting Miller in Round 3 mean they expect a suspension? Perhaps. Keep Miller in mind as an end-of-draft option. And going fourth in the draft among RBs certainly helps his dynasty outlook. Check out Miller's initial spot in our 2023 fantasy football RB rankings.
The Texans selected Houston WR Tank Dell in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Dell is a fun watch: lightning-quick with explosive burst and plenty of long speed. He put up massive numbers the past 2 seasons: 1,329 yards and 12 TDs in 2021 and 1,398 yards and 17 TDs this past year. The problem? He’s 5’8 and 165 pounds. DeVonta Smith is the only sub-170-pound WR to reach 700 receiving yards since 2000. Dell can certainly be a useful weapon for the Texans. But we doubt he’ll handle enough volume to be a reliable fantasy option. Don't bet on 2023 fantasy football value either. Houston has Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and 2022 second-round pick John Metchie at the position. That's not a terrific group, which means Dell could compete for a role. But it's enough that the Texans don't need to push him.
The Lions selected Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hooker transferred from Virginia Tech to Tennessee ahead of the 2021 season. The following two years proved highly productive in HC Josh Heupel’s spread system. Across 14 games, Hooker tallied 6,080 yards, 58 TDs, and only 5 INTs. Boasting plus mobility and ample arm talent, Hooker’s negatives are rather striking. He’ll be a 25-year-old rookie. And he’s coming off a November 19 ACL tear. There’s a chance Hooker plays late in the 2023 season, but his fantasy value is most likely to kick in for 2024. Landing in Round 3 indicates the league doesn't view him as a sure future starter. Going to the Lions means Hooker will have time to move past the ACL tear and develop behind Jared Goff. We're not excited about the dynasty outlook for Hooker, but he has a spot in superflex rookie drafts. Check out Hooker's spot in our dynasty QB rankings.
The Broncos grabbed LB Drew Sanders in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Sanders bounced around a little before starring as a full-time player for Arkansas in 2022. He earned unanimous All-America recognition after racking up 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 6 passes defensed and 3 forced fumbles. According to Pro Football Focus, Sanders spent 12.8% of his defensive snaps in an edge role last season. He’s not likely to repeat that in the pros. Going to Denver lands him in a defense that already played LB Josey Jewell full time in 2022 and then re-signed LB Alex Singleton in free agency. We'll see whether Sanders can carve out an early role, but don't bet on a significant IDP impact in 2023. Don't be surprised when he falls down our IDP rookie rankings either.
The Broncos selected Oklahoma WR Marvin Mims Jr. in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mims produced from the moment he hit the field at Oklahoma. He led the Sooners with 610 receiving yards and 9 TDs as a true freshman, again led the team with 705 yards as a sophomore, and then tallied a career-best 54-1,083-6 line this past year. Mims left school with a huge 19.5 yards-per-catch average and confirmed his top-end speed with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. The 5’11, 183-pounder is a bit wiry and could stand to add some play strength. But he’s a ready-made deep threat with the potential to develop into a 3-level weapon. Denver’s current depth chart looks crowded. But trade rumors have surrounded Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. Plus, Tim Patrick is coming off an ACL tear.
The Jaguars selected Penn State TE Brenton Strange in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. At 6’4, 253 pounds, Strange posted 32-362-5 (13 games) as a senior. He tested as an impressive athlete, with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.06 (out of 10). Strange will spend 2023 behind Evan Engram, who’s set to play on the franchise tag. But there’s starting opportunity as soon as 2024.
The Cowboys selected Michigan TE Luke Schoonmaker in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Call it strong draft capital in a year loaded with TE talent. The 6’5, 251-pounder tested as a high-end athlete following a breakout 2022 (35-418-3). NFL.com's Lance Zierlein comped him to Bills TE Dawson Knox. In Dallas, Schoonmaker has a chance to absorb a good chunk of the targets left behind by Dalton Schultz. The current Texan saw 89 targets with the Cowboys in 2022.
The Chiefs selected SMU WR Rashee Rice in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Rice is coming off a huge 2022 season: 96 catches, 1,355 yards, and 10 TDs. He ranked ninth among 286 qualifying WRs in yards per route run (3.05) and seventh in Pro Football Focus receiving grade. He also led SMU in catches as a sophomore and junior. Rice isn’t a burner (4.51-second 40 time) but has the leaping ability, body control, and ball skills to win contested balls downfield. He led the FBS with 18 receptions 20+ yards downfield last year. Rice helped himself at the Combine with a 95th percentile Relative Athletic Score, highlighted by elite marks in the vertical and broad jumps at 6’1 and 204 pounds. He joins a depth chart featuring Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore. There’s room to climb into a fantasy-friendly role as soon as 2023. Longer-term, you’re chasing a potential full-time starter alongside Patrick Mahomes.
The Seahawks selected UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Charbonnet got off to a rough start to his college career at Michigan but managed to find his way high up draft boards after a pair of stellar seasons at UCLA. He doesn’t have a singular trait that sticks out and makes you say “wow,” but he checks several boxes prospective managers will love. Charbonnet has the size at 6’0, 214 pounds. His 4.53-second 40-yard speed is plenty with his frame. Plus, Charbonnet can be trusted as a short-area pass-catcher. His targets nearly doubled from 2021 to 2022 en route to finishing his senior season with 1,680 scrimmage yards, showing he’s one of the small handful of RBs in this class with three-down potential at the next level. He just won’t be placed in that role in the short-term. Charbonnet landed with a Seahawks squad already featuring Kenneth Walker, who finished as a top-20 fantasy RB as a rookie. Current projections have Charbonnet as the PPR RB50.
Michigan State WR Jayden Reed went to the Packers in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Reed broke out immediately at Western Michigan, outproducing then-junior D’Wayne Eskridge as a true freshman. Reed also quickly carved out a role after transferring to Michigan State, earning 22% of targets or more in each of his three seasons with the Spartans. Reed played inside and outside at MSU and was terrific as a college punt returner (15.3 yards per return, 3 TDs). Senior Bowl week found him working almost exclusively in the slot, which will be Reed’s most likely path to NFL receiving success. (Read more about his development and fantasy outlook in his Dynasty Fantasy Football Value report.) In Green Bay, Reed figures to compete with Romeo Doubs for the No. 2 role behind Christian Watson. The rookie won’t be a priority target in redraft, but if Jordan Love hits, Reed could quickly climb the Dynasty WR Rankings.
The Packers selected Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Musgrave stands 6’6, 253 pounds with Mike Gesicki-like athleticism. The 22-year-old was likely on his way to a breakout 2022 before an early-season MCL tear. That wiped out his final college season, although he returned for the Senior Bowl. Musgrave is largely a bet on athletic traits, as he needs to improve both his hands and his YAC ability. He exits Oregon State with a 16.1% career drop rate and only two forced missed tackles on 47 catches. Prior to tonight, Green Bay featured a pair of uninspiring TEs in Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis. So Musgrave should step into a day-one role alongside Jordan Love. Consider this a strong landing spot for Musgrave's dynasty value.
The Panthers selected Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mingo is a bet-on-traits prospect. He spent four years at Ole Miss but never led the team in receiving yards and totaled only 12 TDs. His career 25.6% Dominator Rating (share of team receiving yards and receiving TDs) lands in the 40th percentile. But Mingo goes 6’2, 220 pounds with a 4.46-second 40 time and a 39.5-inch vertical. His Combine performance earned him a 98th percentile Relative Athletic Score. That size and athleticism pops on tape. Mingo is a smooth mover who can win deep and after the catch. He was one of 12 WRs in the nation to earn a 99.9 Pro Football Focus grade on deep targets last year – AND averaged a big 7.3 yards after the catch per reception. Mingo lands on a Panthers squad without any long-term, impact WRs. Playing alongside the highly-accurate Bryce Young only adds to Mingo’s dynasty appeal.
The Raiders selected Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mayer stepped into a starting role as a true freshman. Across three seasons, the Notre Dame TE set records for career catches (180), receiving yards (2,099), and TDs (18). Despite small, 31 5/8” arms, Mayer is a polished, contested-catch winner. The 249-pounder has also proven tough with only one missed game in three seasons. The Raiders certainly had a TE need following the trade of Darren Waller. Austin Hooper joined the club in March, but he’s not much of a barrier to Mayer capturing a three-down role. The 21-year-old could be a TE1 spot-starter this fall.
The Lions chose Iowa TE Sam LaPorta in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. That’s solid draft capital for an undersized TE. LaPorta measured 23rd percentile in height, 17th percentile in weight, and 16th percentile in arm length for the position at the Scouting Combine. But he makes up for that with top-shelf speed and athleticism for the position: 73rd percentile or higher in vertical, 40 time, 3-cone drill, broad jump, and short shuttle. LaPorta also moves like a WR on tape and dominated receiving work over the past three seasons in a poor Iowa offense. (Check out his full Dynasty Fantasy Football Value report.) Detroit entered the draft with poor TE depth, so LaPorta should factor into the offense early on. Jameson Williams’ suspension only helps boost LaPorta's early-season upside.
The Titans traded up to select Kentucky QB Will Levis in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. At Penn State, Levis sat behind QB Sean Clifford – a projected UDFA. So the Connecticut native transferred to Kentucky in 2021. That year turned up his most promising tape, both as a passer and a runner. But when Kentucky lost several key pieces to the NFL — including WR Wan'Dale Robinson — Levis’ play dipped. He also dealt with several 2022 injuries (shoulder, foot, finger), although he missed only two games. With a bodybuilder’s frame, Levis checks boxes for arm strength, toughness, and experience in a pro-style offense. Still, his game needs serious refinement — and that’s concerning at nearly 24 years old. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes, Ryan Tannehill is entering the final year of his contract, one that doesn’t call for any guaranteed money. At a minimum, Levis looks poised to compete for Tennessee’s starting job in 2024.
Here's what HC Shane Steichen had to say about QB Anthony Richardson's development shortly after the Colts took him with the fourth overall pick on Thursday night: "I think the development of players comes with more experience... I think when you play more, that's how you develop... practice reps, game reps, I think that's how you develop." That sure doesn't sound like the Colts are planning to keep the relatively inexperienced Richardson on the sidelines for long. Indianapolis does have a capable veteran in QB Gardner Minshew, who might still be the favorite to open the season under center. But we're expecting to see plenty of Richardson this year. Our initial projections have him playing 11 games.
Kentucky QB Will Levis' left toe is "problematic" for at least one team that's considered drafting him, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Levis missed two games last season with what's been reported as turf toe. He believes the toe has healed, per Mortensen, but another team believes Levis will eventually need surgery. This at least partially explains why Levis dropped out of the first round on Thursday night. We'll see where he ends up landing -- and whether this toe remains a problem. But his dynasty value has taken a big hit.
The Chiefs spent the final pick of Round 1 on Kansas State Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah. The former Wildcat posted nice numbers over the past two years, totaling 25.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks over that span. He didn't run a 40-yard dash leading up to the draft because of right foot and left hamstring issues. But Anudike-Uzomah otherwise tested well, including a 91st-percentile 3-cone drill. There's room for him to carve out an early role in Kansas City. Landing in Round 1 figures to move Anudike-Uzomah up our rookie IDP rankings.
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