The 2023 NFL Draft is a few weeks away, and the fantasy football world is preparing for dynasty rookie drafts. However, it’s never too early to prepare for the draft season.

This mock draft will be a 17-rounder with 10 teams and PPR scoring. The starting lineup is one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one flex, and one Superflex with eight bench spots. My team is picking in the ninth slot. Let’s dive into it.

Round 1

• 1.01 – Patrick Mahomes (QB – KC)
• 1.02 – Josh Allen (QB – BUF)
• 1.03 – Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI)
• 1.04 – Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
• 1.05 – Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)
• 1.06 – Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)
• 1.07 – Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF)
• 1.08 – Travis Kelce (TE – KC)
• 1.09 – Justin Fields (QB – CHI)
• 1.10 – Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)

Since this mock has a Superflex spot, it’s no surprise that seven of the first 10 picks were quarterbacks. Landing Fields at 1.09 was a steal. He was the QB6 last year despite averaging only 9.4 fantasy points per game over the first four weeks of the year. More importantly, Fields should be even better in 2023 after the Bears added multiple weapons this offseason.

Round 2

• 2.01 – Lamar Jackson (QB – BAL)
• 2.02 – Cooper Kupp (WR – LAR)
• 2.03 – Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)
• 2.04 – Austin Ekeler (RB – LAC)
• 2.05 – Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
• 2.06 – Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC)
• 2.07 – Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)
• 2.08 – Stefon Diggs (WR – BUF)
• 2.09 – Davante Adams (WR – LV)
• 2.10 – CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL)

Last year the Los Angeles offense was a disaster. Yet, Kupp remained a fantasy superstar. He was the WR1 on a points-per-game basis, scoring at least two fantasy points per game than any other wide receiver besides Jefferson. More importantly, the superstar receiver scored 16.4 or more fantasy points in every game last year until the Week 10 matchup, where he suffered a season-ending injury.

Round 3

• 3.01 – Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET)
• 3.02 – A.J. Brown (WR – PHI)
• 3.03 – Dak Prescott (QB – DAL)
• 3.04 – Bijan Robinson (RB – Texas)
• 3.05 – Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)
• 3.06 – Josh Jacobs (RB – LV)
• 3.07 – Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)
• 3.08 – Derrick Henry (RB – TEN)
• 3.09 – Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE)
• 3.10 – Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)

While Watson struggled in his first season in Cleveland, the star quarterback went 700 days between regular season starts. Despite averaging only 14.3 fantasy points per game last year, fantasy players should expect a bounce-back 2023 season. The star quarterback had five passing touchdowns over the final two weeks of the 2022 season, averaging 19.7 fantasy points per game. More importantly, the Browns have added to their wide receiver core this offseason. Watson should bounce back next year after his first full offseason in Cleveland.

Round 4

• 4.01 – Kirk Cousins (QB – MIN)
• 4.02 – Ken Walker III (RB – SEA)
• 4.03 – Najee Harris (RB – PIT)
• 4.04 – Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
• 4.05 – T.J. Hockenson (TE – MIN)
• 4.06 – Travis Etienne (RB – JAC)
• 4.07 – Nick Chubb (RB – CLE)
• 4.08 – Deebo Samuel (WR – SF)
• 4.09 – DK Metcalf (WR – SEA)
• 4.10 – Daniel Jones (QB – NYG)

Watching the team on the team pass on Walker for Cousins made my day. The Seattle star was the RB18 last year, averaging 13.5 fantasy points per game. However, Walker averaged 95.9 scrimmage yards and 15.9 fantasy points per game once Rashaad Penny suffered a season-ending injury. With Penny now in Philadelphia, there isn’t a running back on the roster who can threaten Walker’s featured role.

Round 5

• 5.01 – Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)
• 5.02 – Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA)
• 5.03 – George Kittle (TE – SF)
• 5.04 – Dalvin Cook (RB – MIN)
• 5.05 – DeVonta Smith (WR – PHI)
• 5.06 – Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
• 5.07 – Russell Wilson (QB – DEN)
• 5.08 – D’Andre Swift (RB – DET)
• 5.09 – Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)
• 5.10 – Chris Olave (WR – NO)

Did I get burned by Pitts last year? Yes. Am I ready to draft him again? Yup. The young tight end averaged only 7.6 fantasy points per game last year after averaging 10.4 fantasy points per game as a rookie. Yet, Pitts doubled his touchdown production from one to two. There is no way to look at last year’s numbers and say Pitts is due for a breakout. Instead, you’re betting on his natural talent and the lack of better receiving options in Atlanta. Hopefully, Arthur Smith will make sure his star tight end gets more than 5.9 targets per game this year.

Round 6

• 6.01 – Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)
• 6.02 – Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)
• 6.03 – Kyler Murray (QB – ARI)
• 6.04 – Aaron Jones (RB – GB)
• 6.05 – Jared Goff (QB – DET)
• 6.06 – Keenan Allen (WR – LAC)
• 6.07 – DeAndre Hopkins (WR – ARI)
• 6.08 – Amari Cooper (WR – CLE)
• 6.09 – Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)
• 6.10 – Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)

Unless the Cowboys use a first or second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, there is no way Pollard should be available in the sixth round. However, I won’t complain. The star running back had his first 1,000 yards rushing season in 2022. More importantly, he was the RB8 last year, averaging 15.6 fantasy points per game, a career-high. Pollard has top-five upside in 2023 if he is healthy.

Round 7

• 7.01 – Drake London (WR – ATL)
• 7.02 – Michael Pittman (WR – IND)
• 7.03 – Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – Alabama)
• 7.04 – Geno Smith (QB – SEA)
• 7.05 – Jerry Jeudy (WR – DEN)
• 7.06 – Terry McLaurin (WR – WAS)
• 7.07 – Trey Lance (QB – SF)
• 7.08 – Aaron Rodgers (QB – GB)
• 7.09 – DJ Moore (WR – CHI)
• 7.10 – Mike Evans (WR – TB)

I was comfortable waiting until the late seventh round to grab my WR2 because of the depth at wide receiver. Moore has been a consistent WR2 for fantasy players throughout his career despite awful quarterback play. Now the star receiver gets to play with Fields. Furthermore, defenses can’t consistently double-team Moore with Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool on the field. Don’t be surprised if Moore has his first top-10 finish in 2023.

Round 8

• 8.01 – Chris Godwin (WR – TB)
• 8.02 – Calvin Ridley (WR – JAC)
• 8.03 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – Ohio State)
• 8.04 – Dameon Pierce (RB – HOU)
• 8.05 – Mike Williams (WR – LAC)
• 8.06 – Christian Kirk (WR – JAC)
• 8.07 – C.J. Stroud (QB – Ohio State)
• 8.08 – Christian Watson (WR – GB)
• 8.09 – J.K. Dobbins (RB – BAL)
• 8.10 – Cam Akers (RB – LAR)

While he has played only five games over the past two years, I have high hopes for Ridley next season. The former Atlanta wide receiver was the WR5 in 2020, averaging 18.8 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he was efficient that year, averaging two fantasy points per target in 2020. Now Ridley has the entire offseason to work with Lawrence and build chemistry. While it might take a few weeks for the duo to click, expect a big 2023 season from Ridley.

Round 9

• 9.01 – Dalton Schultz (TE – HOU)
• 9.02 – Miles Sanders (RB – CAR)
• 9.03 – Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)
• 9.04 – James Conner (RB – ARI)
• 9.05 – Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)
• 9.06 – Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA)
• 9.07 – Evan Engram (TE – JAC)
• 9.08 – Marquise Brown (WR – ARI)
• 9.09 – Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
• 9.10 – Darren Waller (TE – NYG)

There is a new No. 1 wide receiver in San Francisco. Last year, Aiyuk was the WR15, averaging 13.4 fantasy points per game. The former first-round pick had a career-high 1,015 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. More importantly, he has averaged double-digit fantasy points per game every year of his career. Meanwhile, I drafted Aiyuk five rounds later than when Deebo got selected.

Round 10

• 10.01 – AJ Dillon (RB – GB)
• 10.02 – David Montgomery (RB – DET)
• 10.03 – Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)
• 10.04 – Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT)
• 10.05 – George Pickens (WR – PIT)
• 10.06 – Treylon Burks (WR – TEN)
• 10.07 – Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)
• 10.08 – Quentin Johnston (WR – TCU)
• 10.09 – Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN)
• 10.10 – Rachaad White (RB – TB)

I don’t know why Montgomery was still available in the 10th round, but I won’t complain. The veteran running back isn’t flashy, but he is consistent. Montgomery has never finished lower than the RB24 in any year of his career. However, he did have a top-five finish in 2020. The veteran running back will now play behind one of the better offensive lines in the NFL after playing behind one of the worst in Chicago.

Round 11

• 11.01 – Jameson Williams (WR – DET)
• 11.02 – David Njoku (TE – CLE)
• 11.03 – James Cook (RB – BUF)
• 11.04 – Jordan Addison (WR – USC)
• 11.05 – Cole Kmet (TE – CHI)
• 11.06 – Zach Charbonnet (RB – UCLA)
• 11.07 – Ezekiel Elliott (RB – FA)
• 11.08 – Jahan Dotson (WR – WAS)
• 11.09 – Khalil Herbert (RB – CHI)
• 11.10 – Gabe Davis (WR – BUF)

With Montgomery leaving the Bears this offseason, Herbert takes over as the lead running back. While the team signed D’Onta Foreman, he’s no threat to Herbert’s starting role. The former Virginia Tech star averaged 5.7 yards per rushing attempt and 9.1 fantasy points per game last year, both career highs. More importantly, Herbert averaged 13 fantasy points per game in the five career games without Montgomery.

Round 12

• 12.01 – Darnell Mooney (WR – CHI)
• 12.02 – Jamaal Williams (RB – NO)
• 12.03 – JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR – NE)
• 12.04 – Brian Robinson (RB – WAS)
• 12.05 – Dawson Knox (TE – BUF)
• 12.06 – Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)
• 12.07 – Brandin Cooks (WR – DAL)
• 12.08 – Michael Thomas (WR – NO)
• 12.09 – Zay Flowers (WR – Boston College)
• 12.10 – Kadarius Toney (WR – KC)

After totaling 13 rushing touchdowns over the first five years of his career, Williams had 17 touchdowns last year. He broke the Lions’ franchise record and led the NFL with 17 touchdowns. More importantly, Williams was the RB13 in 2022, averaging 13.3 fantasy points per game. However, he is no longer in Detroit after signing a three-year deal with New Orleans in free agency. Williams will be a solid flex option at worst. Yet, he could have top-10 upside if Kamara misses significant time with a suspension.

Round 13

• 13.01 – Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE – TEN)
• 13.02 – Antonio Gibson (RB – WAS)
• 13.03 – Greg Dulcich (TE – DEN)
• 13.04 – Jakobi Meyers (WR – LV)
• 13.05 – Elijah Mitchell (RB – SF)
• 13.06 – Bryce Young (QB – Alabama)
• 13.07 – Michael Mayer (TE – Notre Dame)
• 13.08 – Tyler Higbee (TE – LAR)
• 13.09 – Adam Thielen (WR – CAR)
• 13.10 – Kareem Hunt (RB – FA)

While he will turn 33 years old before the start of the 2023 season, Thielen still has plenty left in the tank. The veteran was the WR30 last year, averaging 10.6 fantasy points per game. Yes, his production slipped after his top-10 season in 2020. However, Jefferson averaging 158.7 targets per year was part of the problem. Meanwhile, Thielen will replace Moore as the No. 1 wide receiver in Carolina. The former Panther averaged 133.5 targets per season over the past four years.

Round 14

• 14.01 – Leonard Fournette (RB – FA)
• 14.02 – Derek Carr (QB – NO)
• 14.03 – K.J. Osborn (WR – MIN)
• 14.04 – Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR – CLE)
• 14.05 – Elijah Moore (WR – CLE)
• 14.06 – Zach Evans (RB – Ole Miss)
• 14.07 – Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR)
• 14.08 – Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PHI)
• 14.09 – Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN)
• 14.10 – Devin Singletary (RB – HOU)

I used two of my first three picks on quarterbacks. That means I didn’t need to invest in a third quarterback earlier in the draft. Fields and Watson will likely be my starters every week, barring an injury. However, Carr is a solid QB3 for my team. The veteran joined the Saints this offseason and has a strong supporting cast around him. He has only one top-12 finish in his career. Yet, Carr has been a consistent QB2 throughout his career for fantasy players.

Round 15

• 15.01 – D’Onta Foreman (RB – CHI)
• 15.02 – Devon Achane (RB – Texas A&M)
• 15.03 – Tank Bigsby (RB – Auburn)
• 15.04 – Kenny Pickett (QB – PIT)
• 15.05 – Jerick McKinnon (RB – FA)
• 15.06 – Rashaad Penny (RB – PHI)
• 15.07 – Mac Jones (QB – NE)
• 15.08 – Sean Tucker (RB – Syracuse)
• 15.09 – Damien Harris (RB – BUF)
• 15.10 – Zach Ertz (TE – ARI)

Last year Harris struggled with injuries, missing four games. Furthermore, he lost the starting job to Stevenson. However, I want as many shares as possible of Harris this year, especially at this cheap cost. The veteran was the RB14 in 2021, averaging 14 fantasy points per game. More importantly, he had 15 rushing touchdowns. Buffalo lost Singletary in free agency and wanted a bigger running back on the roster to pair with Cook. Expect a rebound 2023 season from Harris if he can stay healthy.

Round 16

• 16.01 – Kendre Miller (RB – TCU)
• 16.02 – Isaiah Hodgins (WR – NYG)
• 16.03 – Samaje Perine (RB – DEN)
• 16.04 – Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG)
• 16.05 – Kayshon Boutte (WR – LSU)
• 16.06 – Cordarrelle Patterson (RB – ATL)
• 16.07 – Gerald Everett (TE – LAC)
• 16.08 – Tyjae Spears (RB – Tulane)
• 16.09 – Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB – KC)
• 16.10 – Jeff Wilson Jr. (RB – MIA)

The Giants have made some puzzling moves this offseason. They traded for Waller. Yet, New York hasn’t added an alpha No. 1 caliber wide receiver. Instead, they signed multiple slot guys. The team could use their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on an alpha wide receiver. However, Hodgins will have sneaky value if the team doesn’t go that route. He was the WR13 over the final five weeks of the 2022 fantasy season, averaging 15.2 fantasy points per game.

Round 17

• 17.01 – Jordan Love (QB – GB)
• 17.02 – Jimmy Garoppolo (QB – LV)
• 17.03 – Sam Howell (QB – WAS)
• 17.04 – Joshua Palmer (WR – LAC)
• 17.05 – Anthony Richardson (QB – Florida)
• 17.06 – Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR)
• 17.07 – Tyler Boyd (WR – CIN)
• 17.08 – Ryan Tannehill (QB – TEN)
• 17.09 – Juwan Johnson (TE – NO)
• 17.10 – Desmond Ridder (QB – ATL)

Typically I won’t draft a second tight end in redraft leagues. The depth of the position makes streaming possible. Furthermore, using my last-round pick on Johnson after investing a top-50 pick on Pitts isn’t ideal. However, I love the New Orleans tight end this upcoming season. Last year he was the TE15, averaging 8.4 fantasy points per game. Yet, the young tight end has multiple double-digit fantasy performances in 2022, including two 20-plus scoring contests. Johnson led the team with seven receiving touchdowns last year, and I bet he does again this year.

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