Position battles are underway! This season features multiple ambiguous backfields and receiving corps. Some of the most exciting position battles are coming from the league’s top offenses.
Kansas City has position battles at both wide receiver and running back, making their upcoming training camp one of the more critical ones to monitor. The Chiefs’ offense led the league with 7,032 total yards in 2022.
Miami had the 11th most total yards. With a full season of Tua Tagovailoa, however, the Dolphins have top-five upside. The receiving corps is one of the best in the league, but it’s still unclear which player lands the top spot in the back field.
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2023 Position Battles to Watch
Chiefs WRs
- Kadarius Toney (ADP: 38 | WR73)
- Skyy Moore (ADP: 116 | WR54)
- Rashee Rice (ADP: 138 | WR62)
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (ADP: 156 | WR69)
- Richie James (ADP: 214 | WR89)
- Justyn Ross (ADP: 241 | WR100)
- Justin Watson (ADP: 356 | WR145)
The Chiefs offer the combination of ample young talent and no true WR1 with JuJu Smith-Schuster exiting in free agency. Toney is the most likely candidate to step into a WR1 role. The former first-round pick’s production has been inconsistent and marred by injury – he’s played just 19 games through his first three seasons – but he’s had strong performances showing his true upside, including a 10 reception 189-yard game in 2021. If Toney can stay healthy, he’s the favorite to step up as WR1. But, he won’t assume the role uncontested.
Moore has reportedly made significant leaps this offseason and should have a meaningful role in 2023. Moore’s opportunity was extremely limited in 2022. He had 22 receptions on 33 targets for 250 yards and no touchdowns. Apart from a four-game stretch when Toney was injured, Moore’s snap count never exceeded 40%. But it’s possible the former Western Michigan receiver simply needed a developmental year with his transition to the NFL.
Comparing the two receivers, Toney’s midround ADP isn’t extremely cost-prohibitive but he’s being drafted around players with more upside and less drama. Moore is the better value play and could make a significant leap in 2023.
Within the remaining receivers, Valdes-Scantling will likely retain a similar role to 2022. James is coming off a strong season with the Giants and could be a very sneaky late round dart throw. However, Rice could be the surprise breakout player. His ADP is very reasonable and coming off a year where drafters reached on Moore, Rice’s ADP will likely remain stable throughout the offseason.
Conclusion:
- Target: Skyy Moore
- Risky: Kadarius Toney
- Dart throw: Rashee Rice, Richie James
- AVOID: none
Chiefs RBs
- Isiah Pacheco (ADP: 85 | RB26)
- Jerick McKinnon (ADP: 128 | RB43)
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ADP: 208 | RB64)
- Deneric Prince (ADP: 258 | RB79)
Pacheco took over as the Chiefs’ lead back in Week 10 and from that point through the end of the season, Pacheco had 633 rushing yards – the fifth most over that time frame – and averaged five yards per carry. While Pacheco should retain the lead back role, his lack of receiving upside is concerning. If Pacheco can earn additional trust in the receiving game, he has true RB1 upside. Drafters should pay close attention to news around his receiving work in training camp.
McKinnon’s usage dipped in the postseason while Pacheco saw a mild increase, particularly in the AFC Championship game where Pacheco had five receptions on six targets for 59 yards. McKinnon’s upside in undeniable. But given McKinnon’s age and the usage fluctuation, his ADP is a bit rich surrounded by more stable handcuffs.
The back I’m comfortable with fading is Edwards-Heilaire. Coming off a season where he was phased out in favor of Pacheco and McKinnon, it’s tough to imagine a scenario where CEH can regain a stronghold in the offense. Even if McKinnon has issues with age regression, Prince showcased strong receiving upside in the Chiefs’ minicamp. The Chiefs could look toward Prince for help in the receiving game if they’re truly ready to move on from CEH.
Conclusion:
- Target: Isiah Pacheco
- Risky: Jerick McKinnon
- Dart throw: Deneric Prince
- AVOID: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Dolphins RBs
- De’Von Achane (ADP: 119 | RB39)
- Raheem Mostert (ADP: 172 | RB53)
- Jeff Wilson (ADP: 185 | RB57)
With rumors swirling around Dalvin Cook, it’s possible this analysis could be outdated by tomorrow. So, we’ll approach the Miami back field in two ways – as it currently sits and if they sign Cook.
If the back field remains as is, it’s very possible all three backs would have a role. Wilson and Mostert would likely split early down work similar to their 2022 usage. The result was two high-end RB3s whose production was unreliable and unpredictable. Both backs will likely cede receiving work to Achane.
There’s also a scenario where Achane makes early down contributions. Achane had strong production on the ground with 196 carries for 1,102 yards and 8 rushing touchdowns his final year at Texas A&M. If Achane can surpass either Wilson or Mostert, Achane could split early down work, dominate receiving work and see enough volume to have RB2 upside.
If Cook were to sign with Miami, Mostert and Wilson would have limited roles within the offense. Achane would still have value as a receiving weapon and his ADP would likely drop significantly. If his ADP dropped below 150, he’d warrant a look as a late round sleeper. Cook would be an RB2 but could struggle with RB1 upside, given the high pass volume of the offense.
Conclusion:
- Target: De’Von Achane (if Cook doesn’t sign)
- Risky: Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson (if Cook doesn’t sign)
- Dart throw: Devon Achane (if Cook signs)
- AVOID: Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson (if Cook signs)
More Position Battles to Watch
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