The 2023 NFL draft was a wild ride for running backs with two running backs going in the top-12. Teams we expected to take a running back avoided the position completely. Teams we thought had potential cut or trade candidates keep their backfields intact or made minimal investments. Drafting the right rookie running backs can have a significant impact to your fantasy football season. It’s the difference between finding a Dameon Pierce or whiffing on an Isaiah Spiller. Let’s assess some of the best matches for fantasy purposes in 2023.
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Best Matches for Fantasy Purposes
Here are some of the best landing spots for fantasy football purposes from the 2023 NFL Draft.
Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
The Falcons should’ve opted for a defensive player with their first-round pick considering they had one of the worst defenses in 2022. But luckily for our fantasy purposes, they drafted Bijan Robinson. In 2022, Atlanta was first in rush attempts, third in rushing yards, tenth in rushing touchdowns and fourth in yards per attempt, making the Falcons the most ideal landing spot for Robinson. While the Falcons were a run-heavy team, they did trust Desmond Ridder with increased pass attempts increased toward the end of the season. But even with the increase in passes under Ridder during Weeks 15 through 18, Tyler Allgeier was RB5 in total points and RB9 in average points per game, averaging 17.1 points. Robinson will build on that production and add receiving upside. The Falcons will continue their run-heavy approach and Robinson will lead the way.
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)
The Lions’ pick of Jahmyr Gibbs at 12th overall was easily the most controversial pick of the draft. And while the pick itself may be questionable, this match could easily result in a fantasy points extravaganza. The Lions drafted Gibbs and traded D’Andre Swift to the Eagles, leaving a clear and defined opportunity for Gibbs. The Lions want to utilize a two-back system featuring an early-down/goal-line bruiser and a dynamic receiving back. Gibbs fits perfectly into the position the Lions hoped Swift could fill. 2022 was a disappointing year for Swift but in 2021, Swift was RB5 in PPR Weeks 1 through 11 with a league-high of 53 receptions over that time period. Swift lost the Lions’ trust and failed to replicate his previous success. But Gibbs is poised to thrive in the role.
Kendre Miller (RB – NO)
Kendre Miller’s path to fantasy relevance is pending more information on Alvin Kamara‘s legal situation. Miller’s fit within the Saints’ offense might seem out of place at first glance. Miller had strong production at the college level with high volume and he’s a very well-rounded back. But he’s not particularly explosive. And while he is a capable back for check-downs, he’s not a significant threat through the air. He doesn’t profile to be a replacement for Kamara. But the Saints have veered away from Kamara’s typical production. Over the past two years, Kamara has seen an increase in volume on the ground and a reduction in targets. If that trend continues, Miller could be a solid fit for the Saints’ offense. He does have to contend with Jamaal Williams – who is coming off a career season with 17 touchdowns. But Miller will have the chance to compete.
Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
With the legal drama surrounding Joe Mixon and a visible drop-off in production in 2022, many analysts expected the Bengals to draft a running back. While his fifth-round draft capital isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement of confidence, Brown is a good fit for the Bengals’ offense. Brown was a high-volume back in college with speed and receiving upside. With Samaje Perine exiting in free agency, Brown has an opportunity to serve as a change of pace back and handcuff for Mixon. Apart from Mixon’s remarkable five-touchdown game, his performance and efficiency were extremely underwhelming. Mixon remains the lead back in Cincinnati’s offense but the leash could be short if Brown shows upside.
Roschon Johnson (RB – CHI)
I initially hated this landing spot for Roschon Johnson for fantasy purposes. Johnson was one of my favorite prospects pre-draft and I was hopeful he’d go to a landing spot where he could compete for a three-down back opportunity, preferably without one of the league’s best rushing quarterbacks. But the more I analyzed the landing spot, the more I believe Johnson still has a path to fantasy relevance. While Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman have a strong track record with early-down work, Johnson could have the inside track on third-down work. Johnson is a proven receiving threat with excellent pass protection – an area where Herbert has consistently failed and Foreman has been sparingly used. Johnson should push past Travis Homer in the depth chart and have potential within the offense.
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