Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Hello everyone and welcome to the second edition of this 1QB Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Mock Draft series. After covering players one through 12 earlier this week, I will be analyzing another 12 prospects today. Running backs will be the theme as there aren’t very many wide receiver prospects left capable of being consistent fantasy starters. Nonetheless, players like Marvin Mims Jr., and Cedric Tillman are exciting options at the end of the second round and will be covered today.
- Zach Evans – Running Back – Ole Miss
Zach Evans is coming off a strong junior season at Ole Miss, where he accumulated over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns. Much has been made of the fact that he transferred away from TCU and Kendre Miller; however, it should be noted he appeared to take the lead role in 2021 before suffering an injury. Evans is a skilled playmaker capable of shouldering a sizable workload at the next level as well. Pass catching isn’t a strong suit of his, so his upside is more of that of an RB3 or Flex option.
- Roschon Johnson – Running Back – Texas
Roschon Johnson spent his career playing behind Bijan Robinson, so his lack of collegiate production shouldn’t be considered a red flag. While he isn’t a premier athlete, Johnson is nothing but dependable on the field. He is smart, has solid vision, is tough to tackle, and is a strong pass-blocker too. Johnson isn’t remarkable in any way, but these kinds of traits will get him on the field at the NFL level.
- Anthony Richardson – Quarterback – Florida
While Anthony Richardson wasn’t my top-ranked quarterback in my superflex rankings, he is in 1QB formats. This is because he is the one signal-caller in this class with the potential to be a perennial top-10 fantasy quarterback due to his rushing upside. While a sub 55-percent completion percentage in college is concerning, this was his first year as a starter. Furthermore, Richardson was the most athletic quarterback to ever test at the NFL Combine, and has all the tools to be a top five fantasy quarterback. That may be a long shot, but the risk is more than worth it with an early second round rookie pick.
- Tank Bigsby – Running Back – Auburn
Tank Bigsby was expected to be one of the first running backs selected in the draft, but he never took that next step forward after a fantastic freshman season. This wasn’t all his fault though, as he suffered through poor offensive line and quarterback play. Regardless, Bigsby is one of the best pure rushers in this draft class and has the size to be a strong first/second down option. Despite modest receiving production in college, this doesn’t project to be a skill set of his in the NFL, though.
- Dalton Kincaid – Tight End – Utah
Dalton Kincaid is an excellent route runner and the most advanced receiving tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft class. If you are looking for a player who could be the next great fantasy tight end, look no further. His frame will mean Kincaid will never be a great blocker though, and he will need to acclimate to NFL defenders too. Nonetheless, he is a solid athlete and could very well hear his name called in the first round of this month’s draft.
- Michael Mayer – Tight End – Notre Dame
Michael Mayer has long been considered the top tight end prospect in this draft class, and certainly has the safest fantasy floor. He fits a traditional tight end mold with a physical style of play and strong blocking skills. He’s a solid route runner too, but is more of a chain-mover as opposed to a threat downfield. His athletic ability will limit his overall upside, but he should have a long and productive career.
- Marvin Mims Jr. – Wide Receiver – Oklahoma
There appears to be a consensus top six wide receivers among the 2023 rookie draft class, and each was ranked in the top 12 of the first edition of this series. After that, there doesn’t appear to be a consensus, but my favorite is Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. He is a great athlete, excels against man coverage, and posted a 96th-percentile breakout age in college. Mims is very versatile as well and can line up inside or outside, which should help him fit into any offense.
- Tyjae Spears – Running Back – Tulane
Tyjae Spears was a big riser during Senior Bowl Week, flashing impressive playmaking ability and speed through drills. He also had a great ending to his collegiate career, finishing with eight straight 100-yard rushing performances. His 46 career receptions are solid as well, but he isn’t a particularly skilled pass catcher for a player his size. If he is to achieve the fantasy potential that some analysts hope for, he will need to improve in this area.
- Kayshon Boutte – Wide Receiver – LSU
After an outstanding freshman season at LSU, Kayshon Boutte appeared primed to be a premier prospect in the 2023 draft. An inconsistent 2022 campaign and lackluster testing at the NFL Combine has reduced his draft stock, and he’s no longer a lock to be a day two pick. Nonetheless, Boutte has a strong frame and is dangerous with the ball in his hand. He’ll need to work on his route running, but he is one of the few wide receivers available with enough upside to be a consistent fantasy starter.
- Sean Tucker – Running Back – Syracuse
Sean Tucker is another faller this offseason after an undisclosed medical procedure has kept him from participating in any athletic testing. We have seen this tank prospect’s draft stock in the past, and a lot of his fantasy value will be dependent on that. Regardless, he has very good vision at the line of scrimmage and shows terrific burst when he sees an opening. If Tucker were to receive top 75 draft capital he could shoot up into the first round of rookie drafts.
- Deuce Vaughn – Running Back – Kansas State
Deuce Vaughn is one of the most productive collegiate running backs in this year’s draft and is electric on tape. There is only one reason that he is available this late in the draft, and that is his size. At just over 5’5 he is the shortest player in NFL Combine history and weighs 179 pounds. This makes him an extreme outlier, as there isn’t a player in recent memory who has had consistent fantasy success anywhere near his size. Nonetheless, if anyone could overcome these limitations it’s Vaughn who had over 1,900 scrimmage yards in 2022.
- Cedric Tillman – Wide Receiver – Tennessee
Unlike most of the receivers in this class, Cedric Tillman boasts prototypical size and is a terrific athlete. He appeared primed to be the lead receiver for the Volunteers in 2022, but he was limited by ankle injuries which opened the door for Jalin Hyatt. Tillman is a big play threat and excels in contested catch situations. While he is an experienced prospect after five collegiate seasons, he is still just 22 years of age.
