Mike Fanelli | Tue, Feb 21st 2023, 7:11am EST

Dynasty Startup Mock Draft: 12-Team, Superflex (2023 Fantasy Football)

While the NFL is in offseason mode, fantasy football players never have an offseason. The 2023 NFL Draft is still a few months away. However, it’s never a bad time for a dynasty startup mock draft.

The league configuration for this mock draft is 12 teams and half-point PPR scoring. I drafted from the third slot in a snake draft. The league’s starting lineup is one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, two regular flex spots, and one Superflex, with six bench spots and no kicker or team defense.

Expert Consensus 2023 Dynasty Superflex Rookie Draft Rankings: Top-50

Dynasty Startup Mock Draft

Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles

Round 1

1.01 – Patrick Mahomes (QB – KC)
1.02 – Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
1.03 – Josh Allen (QB – BUF)
1.04 – Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)
1.05 – Lamar Jackson (QB – BAL)
1.06 – Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI)
1.07 – Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)
1.08 – Justin Fields (QB – CHI)
1.09 – Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
1.10 – Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC)
1.11 – CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL)
1.12 – Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)

With this mock draft having a Superflex spot, my goal was to grab a quarterback in the first round. After watching Jefferson go with the 1.02 pick, I happily grabbed Allen at the 1.03 spot. The superstar quarterback would have been the 1.01 pick a year ago. Allen has been the overall QB1 or QB2 for three straight years. Furthermore, he has accounted for 42 or more total touchdowns in all three seasons.

Round 2

2.01 – Bijan Robinson (RB – Texas)
2.02 – Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF)
2.03 – Dak Prescott (QB – DAL)
2.04 – A.J. Brown (WR – PHI)
2.05 – Kyler Murray (QB – ARI)
2.06 – Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE)
2.07 – Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)
2.08 – Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
2.09 – Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)
2.10 – Kenneth Walker (RB – SEA)
2.11 – Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET)
2.12 – Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)

Hoping Robinson would make it to my second-round pick was a pipe dream. Yet, I was only two picks away from grabbing Hall. Nothing is more frustrating than watching your target get drafted a pick or two before you’re on the clock. Before suffering a torn ACL, the New York running back was the RB6, averaging 15.1 fantasy points per game. However, Walker is an excellent consolation option. The former Michigan State star was outstanding once Rashaad Penny suffered a season-ending injury. From Week 6 on, Walker was the RB6, averaging 14.9 fantasy points per game. He should only get better with an entire offseason to prepare as the undisputed starter.

Round 3

3.01 – Austin Ekeler (RB – LAC)
3.02 – Bryce Young (QB – Alabama)
3.03 – Travis Etienne (RB – JAC)
3.04 – Stefon Diggs (WR – BUF)
3.05 – Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)
3.06 – Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA)
3.07 – Travis Kelce (TE – KC)
3.08 – Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
3.09 – Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)
3.10 – Cooper Kupp (WR – LAR)
3.11 – Davante Adams (WR – LV)
3.12 – Chris Olave (WR – NO)

Four selections between my picks and three of my targets went off the board. However, Etienne is one of my favorite younger running backs to draft. The former first-round pick missed his rookie year because of a foot injury. Then he had a limited role at the start of the 2022 season with James Robinson on the roster. Yet, Etienne picked up his play starting in Week 5. From that game through the end of the season, the former Clemson star was the RB15, averaging 12.4 fantasy points per game. More importantly, he averaged 15.3 fantasy points per contest during the fantasy playoffs.

Round 4

4.01 – C.J. Stroud (QB – Ohio State)
4.02 – Mark Andrews (TE – Ohio State)
4.03 – Josh Jacobs (RB – LV)
4.04 – DK Metcalf (WR – SEA)
4.05 – Nick Chubb (RB – CLE)
4.06 – DeVonta Smith (WR – PHI)
4.07 – Drake London (WR – ATL)
4.08 – D’Andre Swift (RB – DET)
4.09 – Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)
4.10 – Trey Lance (QB – SF)
4.11 – Najee Harris (RB – PIT)
4.12 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – Ohio State)

Whenever taking part in a Superflex draft, I always come away with two quarterbacks by the end of the fourth round. While Lance has barely played in his first two years in the NFL, I’m still a believer. The former first-round started two games as a rookie and played the entire second half of the Week 4 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. In those 2.5 games, he averaged 18 fantasy points per game. However, adjusting for only playing 10 quarters of football instead of 12, Lance would have averaged 21.6 fantasy points per game in those three contests. Short of Tom Brady coming out of retirement again, Lance will be the Week 1 starter for the 49ers.

Round 5

5.01 – T.J. Hockenson (TE – MIN)
5.02 – Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – Alabama)
5.03 – Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
5.04 – Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)
5.05 – Chris Godwin (WR – TB)
5.06 – Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)
5.07 – Dameon Pierce (RB – HOU)
5.08 – Derrick Henry (RB – TEN)
5.09 – Jameson Williams (WR – DET)
5.10 – Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)
5.11 – Deebo Samuel (WR – SF)
5.12 – Will Levis (QB – Kentucky)

I planned on drafting wide receivers or a tight end with this pick. However, I couldn’t pass up the chance to draft Stevenson. The New England star is one of my favorite running backs in the NFL. More importantly, he was the RB11 last year, averaging 12.6 fantasy points per game. Stevenson had the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career in 2022. Furthermore, the star running back led the team with 69 receptions. With Damien Harris likely on his way out the door this offseason, Stevenson could be a top-15 pick three months from now.

Round 6

6.01 – J.K. Dobbins (RB – BAL)
6.02 – Christian Watson (WR – GB)
6.03 – DJ Moore (WR – CAR)
6.04 – George Pickens (WR – PIT)
6.05 – Treylon Burks (WR – TEN)
6.06 – Terry McLaurin (WR – WAS)
6.07 – Dalvin Cook (RB – MIN)
6.08 – Kirk Cousin (QB – MIN)
6.09 – Russell Wilson (QB – DEN)
6.10 – Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)
6.11 – George Kittle (TE – SF)
6.12 – Kenny Pickett (QB – PIT)

With nine wide receivers getting drafted before I went back on the clock, Goedert became my pick. Despite missing five games last season, the veteran ended the year as the TE12, averaging 9.5 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Goedert was the TE5 on a points-per-game basis. More importantly, he averaged 1.7 fantasy points per target in 2022. While the Philadelphia Eagles have two excellent wide receivers, Goedert might be the best value, given the draft capital cost.

Round 7

7.01 – Zach Charbonnet (RB – UCLA)
7.02 – Quentin Johnston (WR – TCU)
7.03 – Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
7.04 – Jerry Jeudy (WR – DEN)
7.05 – Jordan Addison (WR – USC)
7.06 – DeAndre Hopkins (WR – ARI)
7.07 – Marquise Brown (WR – ARI)
7.08 – Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)
7.09 – Jared Goff (QB – DET)
7.10 – Rachaad White (RB – TB)
7.11 – Christian Kirk (WR – JAC)
7.12 – Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)

Finally, I added a wide receiver to the team in the seventh round. You can wait to draft a wide receiver is the depth of the position. Aiyuk was the WR15 in 2022, averaging 11.1 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he had career highs in receptions (78), targets (114), receiving yards (1,015), and touchdowns (eight). More importantly, the third-year star averaged 2.31 yards per separation last year, the third-most in the NFL among wide receivers. Whether he’s back with the 49ers or gets traded this offseason, Aiyuk is a No. 1 caliber wide receiver.

Round 8

8.01 – Cam Akers (RB – LAR)
8.02 – Daniel Jones (QB – NYG)
8.03 – Michael Mayer (TE – Notre Dame)
8.04 – Aaron Jones (RB – GB)
8.05 – Kayshon Boutte (WR – LSU)
8.06 – Amari Cooper (WR – CLE)
8.07 – Jahan Dotson (WR – WAS)
8.08 – James Cook (RB – BUF)
8.09 – Calvin Ridley (WR – JAC)
8.10 – Mike Williams (WR – LAC)
8.11 – Anthony Richardson (QB – Florida)
8.12 – Miles Sanders (RB – PHI)

Despite having a down 2022 season, Williams was the WR22 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 11.2 fantasy points per contest. Furthermore, the former first-round pick averaged more fantasy points per game last season than DK Metcalf, Garrett Wilson, and DJ Moore. Yet, all three went multiple rounds before Williams in this mock draft. More importantly, he was the WR10 in 2021. Keenan Allen might be a cap casualty this offseason, making Williams the new No. 1 wide receiver for Justin Herbert.

Round 9

9.01 – Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT)
9.02 – Keenan Allen (WR – LAC)
9.03 – Derek Carr (QB – FA)
9.04 – Dalton Schultz (TE – DAL)
9.05 – Brian Robinson Jr. (RB – WAS)
9.06 – Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)
9.07 – Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)
9.08 – David Montgomery (RB – CHI)
9.09 – Zach Evans (RB – Ole Miss)
9.10 – Mike Evans (WR – TB)
9.11 – AJ Dillon (RB – GB)
9.12 – Josh Downs (WR – UNC)

While he isn’t a superstar, Carr is an underrated quarterback. The veteran has thrown at least 21 touchdowns in all but one year in his career. Furthermore, he was on pace for his fifth straight 4,000-yard passing season before the Las Vegas Raiders decided to bench him. More importantly, Carr was a top-14 quarterback in 2021 and 2020 despite a lack of weapons. Depending on where he lands this offseason, the veteran quarterback could have a career year in 2023.

Round 10

10.01 – David Njoku (TE – CLE)
10.02 – Geno Smith (QB – SEA)
10.03 – Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)
10.04 – Darren Waller (TE – LV)
10.05 – Sean Tucker (RB – Syracuse)
10.06 – Gabe Davis (WR – BUF)
10.07 – Devon Achane (RB – Texas A&M)
10.08 – Jalin Hyatt (WR – Tennessee)
10.09 – Tank Bigsby (RB – Auburn)
10.10 – Khalil Herbert (RB – CHI)
10.11 – JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR – KC)
10.12 – Evan Engram (TE – JAC)

Despite splitting the backfield work with David Montgomery, Herbert ended the year as the RB39, averaging 8.7 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he was a top-40 running back despite missing four games in 2022. The former Virginia Tech star averaged a career-high 5.7 yards per rushing attempt and had five touchdowns last season. More importantly, Herbert showed tremendous potential when Montgomery missed time. He averaged 12 fantasy points per game in the five career contests without Montgomery, scoring 15 or more fantasy points twice. Herbert could have a featured role next year if the Bears led the veteran walk this offseason.

Round 11

11.01 – Ezekiel Elliott (RB – DAL)
11.02 – James Conner (RB – ARI)
11.03 – Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA)
11.04 – Kendre Miller (RB – TCU)
11.05 – Zay Flowers (WR – Boston College)
11.06 – Kadarius Toney (WR – KC)
11.07 – Greg Dulcich (TE – DEN)
11.08 – Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR – CLE)
11.09 – Mac Jones (QB – NE)
11.10 – Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN)
11.11 – Cole Kmet (TE – CHI)
11.12 – Rashee Rice (WR – SMU)

Somehow I manage to steal Lockett in the 11th round. While the veteran turns 31 years old this season, Lockett had totaled at least 965 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in five straight years. Furthermore, the star receiver has four consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards. More importantly, Lockett has been a top-15 wide receiver in the past five years. After seeing how he played with Geno Smith last year, there is no reason to think Lockett will regress next season.

Round 12

12.01 – Antonio Gibson (RB – WAS)
12.02 – Elijah Moore (WR – NYJ)
12.03 – Leonard Fournette (RB – TB)
12.04 – Dawson Knox (TE – BUF)
12.05 – Trey McBride (TE – ARI)
12.06 – Darnell Mooney (WR – CHI)
12.07 – Jakobi Meyers (WR – NE)
12.08 – Kareem Hunt (RB – CLE)
12.09 – Cedric Tillman (WR – Tennessee)
12.10 – Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE – TEN)
12.11 – Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG)
12.12 – Elijah Mitchell (RB – SF)

Last year’s rookie draft class didn’t have a star prospect. However, Okonkwo was the best of the bunch. The fourth-round pick was the TE23, averaging 4.8 fantasy points per game. More importantly, he played better as the season progressed. Okonkwo was the TE8 over the last six games of the season, averaging nearly two fantasy points per target. Tennessee’s passing attack should take a massive step forward next year, with Tim Kelly taking over as the offensive coordinator. Despite having Goedert on my roster, Okonkwo is too good of a value to pass up in the 12th round.

Round 13

13.01 – Michael Thomas (WR – NO)
13.02 – Devin Singletary (RB – BUF)
13.03 – Romeo Doubs (WR – GB)
13.04 – Skyy Moore (WR – KC)
13.05 – Chase Claypool (WR – CHI)
13.06 – Jamaal Williams (RB – DET)
13.07 – Chase Brown (RB – Illinois)
13.08 – Brandin Cooks (WR – HOU)
13.09 – Damien Harris (RB – NE)
13.10 – Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN)
13.11 – Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB – KC)
13.12 – Joshua Palmer (WR – LAC)

The rookie receiver was one of the most talked about players during training camp. Doubs started the year strong, averaging 9.8 fantasy points per contest over the first four games. He cooled off after that before suffering an ankle injury in Week 9. When Doubs returned, Christian Watson was in the middle of his hot streak. Despite the up-and-down rookie season, fantasy players should feel optimistic about the former Nevada star. Allen Lazard is a free agent this offseason and likely won’t be back in Green Bay. More importantly, Doubs had a 7% touchdown rate as a rookie. Whether Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love is under center next season, Watson and Doubs should become more consistent fantasy players.

Round 14

14.01 – John Metchie (WR – HOU)
14.02 – Israel Abanikanda (RB – Pittsburgh)
14.03 – Dalton Kincaid (TE – Utah)
14.04 – Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR)
14.05 – Alec Pierce (WR – IND)
14.06 – Kenny McIntosh (RB – Georgia)
14.07 – Isaiah Likely (TE – BAL)
14.08 – Rondale Moore (WR – ARI)
14.09 – Noah Fant (TE – SEA)
14.10 – Nico Collins (WR – HOU)
14.11 – D’Onta Foreman (RB – CAR)
14.12 – Marvin Mims (WR – Oklahoma)

Collins had 33 receptions on 61 targets for 446 receiving yards and a touchdown as a rookie. While his numbers were only slightly better in 2022, he put up those numbers in four fewer games. More importantly, Collins showed potential when given enough workload. The former Michigan star averaged 9.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game and 1.2 fantasy points per target in the seven contests with five or more targets last season. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks will almost certainly get traded this offseason, opening up the No. 1 role for Collins. Assuming the Houston Texans upgrade the quarterback position this offseason, the third-round receiver could have a breakout year in 2023.

Round 15

15.01 – Michael Gallup (WR – DAL)
15.02 – Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR)
15.03 – Roschon Johnson (RB – Texas)
15.04 – Michael Carter (RB – NYJ)
15.05 – Jelani Woods (TE – IND)
15.06 – Deuce Vaughn (RB – Kansas State)
15.07 – Zamir White (RB – LV)
15.08 – Mike Gesicki (TE – MIA)
15.09 – DeWayne McBride (RB – UAB)
15.10 – Isaiah Spiller (RB – LAC)
15.11 – Jerick McKinnon (RB – KC)
15.12 – Hunter Renfrow (WR – LV)

While Bijan Robinson was the star of the Longhorns’ backfield, Johnson is an underrated rookie prospect. After playing quarterback in high school, Johnson became a running back during his freshman season. Despite learning the position on the fly, the star running back averaged over 5.5 yards per rushing attempt in his college career. Furthermore, he played a meaningful role in the passing game. Johnson isn’t an elite talent like Robinson. However, he has the skills needed to make an impact as a rookie. With my last pick in this mock draft, I aimed for the most upside possible.

My Final Roster

QB – Josh Allen (1.03)
RB – Kenneth Walker (2.10)
RB – Travis Etienne (3.03)
WR – Brandon Aiyuk (7.03)
WR – Mike Williams (8.10)
TE – Dallas Goedert (6.10)
FL – Rhamondre Stevenson (5.03)
FL – Khalil Herbert (10.10)
SF – Trey Lance (4.10)
BN – Derek Carr (9.03)
BN – Tyler Lockett (11.03)
BN – Chigoziem Okonkwo (12.10)
BN – Romeo Doubs (13.03)
BN – Nico Collins (14.10)
BN – Roschon Johnson (15.03)

Beyond our fantasy football content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – that optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football draft season.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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