Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: Superflex, 4 Rounds (2023 Fantasy Football)

The 2023 NFL Draft is quickly approaching. With the NFL Draft comes dynasty rookie draft season! We have you covered with our early dynasty rookie draft coverage, and of course you can complete fast and FREE dynasty rookie mock drafts using our mock draft simulator. While you take that simulator for a spin to prepare for your dynasty rookie mock drafts, check out our latest dynasty rookie mock and analysis from Derek Brown.

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Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft

Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft Picks

1.03 – C.J. Stroud (QB)

In 2021, Stroud was tenth in pressured adjusted completion rate and 12th in pressured PFF passing grade while facing the 16th-lowest pressure rate (23.8%, minimum 50 pressured dropbacks). Stroud has quiet feet against pressure and can make plays outside of structure. Stroud has effortless velocity on his throws. He has plenty of arm strength to fit any throw into a tight window. His accuracy is also sound on the move. He can layer throws against zone coverage with the best of them. His film is littered with special throws to the boundary that takes moxie to dial-up. He has no issues testing man coverage and tossing it up for his receiver to win. Stroud will sometimes hang on his first read, but there’s plenty of film of him performing full-field reads. He moves through his progressions quickly to find the open receiver. As the collegiate stats will show, Stroud isn’t a rushing threat, but that doesn’t mean he’s a statue in the pocket. He has plenty of maneuverability in the pocket, which he uses exceptionally well. He steps up in the pocket when necessary to avoid rushers and can get outside of structure when necessary and deliver an accurate throw on the run. Stroud won’t be a “rushing quarterback” at the next level, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have the wheels to grab an easy 5-7 yards when the defense is offering it up.

2.03 – Devon Achane (RB)

Devon Achane‘s compact build allows him to be slippery in close quarters. He sets up his blocks well as a patient runner with the bend to destroy pursuit angles. I’m curious how well he tests in short area agility drills. I was expecting more lateral agility in his game with jump cuts and jitterbug action, but he’s more downhill than I anticipated. Achane’s size shows up in a few different areas. His smaller frame isn’t as big of a problem in the second level or with a head of steam built up, but when he is contacted in the backfield, he can be wrapped up easier. He can shed arm tackles when weaving through traffic, but he also goes down on too many shoestring tackles, especially early in runs. He has the lower-half strength to engage pass rushers at times when blocking, but he doesn’t anchor well, and on many snaps, he gets blown out of his cleats. Achane’s acceleration and big play ability are evident immediately. His usage at Texas A&M was head-scratching. Over his final two collegiate seasons, he was utilized on “A” gap runs on 29.4% of his carries, with 5.0 yards per carry and 3.29 yards after contact per attempt. While Achane displays good vision on interior runs and he runs hard, this will never be his calling card because of his size. That’s not how any team should utilize him and expect him to be an interior pile pusher. He saw 29.1% of his carries on the edge over the last two years, which results in eye-popping numbers. He had 7.5 yards per carry and 4.6 yards after contact per attempt. An NFL team that prioritizes using him on outside zone and stretch runs more will reap the benefits of his game-breaking speed. Achane is also a pass-game weapon. His explosiveness in space is on display here. In 2021, he saw an 18% snap rate in the slot or out wide. That number dropped to 6.7% in 2022. His yards per route run saw a huge hit dropping from 1.85 to 0.66. Achane could see his pass game usage increase in the NFL with a creative play caller. He has good ball tracking with some nifty over-the-shoulder catches on film. He has the speed and route chops to pull away from linebackers in coverage and after the catch.

3.03 – Cedric Tillman (WR)

Cedric Tillman will never be described as a “burner,” but that doesn’t mean he’s slow. Tillman has build up speed with the ability to pull away from corners on deep patterns. Tillman also has no problems stacking opposing corners. Tillman runs a full complement of routes with nuanced jab steps and head fakes. His foot speed won’t wow you, but his quick first step allows him to get separation on slants and drive routes. Tillman has a well-developed understanding of how to use his size, especially on slants and above the rim. He flashes nice body control in the air on back-shoulder throws and errant passes. Tillman compensates for average foot speed with a strong upper body that allows him to beat press, but he needs to continue to work on his releases and footwork at the line. NFL corners will offer a stiffer test for him. He has good bend for his size. Tillman’s next quarterback must become accustomed to trusting Tillman to win at the catch point. While he can get early separation on routes, late separation is usually the name of the game for him.

4.03 – Rakim Jarrett (WR)