Chad Workman | Fri, Aug 25th 2023, 7:30am EDT

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Robust RB Picks, Strategy & Advice (2023)

The robust running back strategy takes the opposite approach of a zero running back strategy, instead prioritizing running backs, particularly early in drafts. The thought here is that running backs are volatile, and getting as much quality production from the position puts you in the best position to compete.

No matter which strategy you deploy, it’s important to stick around ADP and get players you like, all while filling out the other position groups. It’s critical to be flexible, and avoid reaching too far for the sake of your strategy or lineup needs. For this robust running back draft, I hit the position hard early before filling out other parts of my roster and avoiding the running back dead zone. Then I hit running back again in the mid to late rounds to add some depth.

Here’s how it played out. And happy mock drafting to all of you. And be sure to mock in minutes to prepare for your draft with our FREE mock draft simulator.

Snake Draft Pick Strategy: Early | Middle | Late
Draft Targets for Every Round: Early | Middle | Late
Fitz’s Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit

2023 Fantasy Football Mock Draft

1.08 – Nick Chubb (RB – CLE)

Approaching the draft through the lens of a robust running back strategy, I was fortunate to grab Chubb with the ninth pick. After finishing as the RB6 last year, we finally get to see Chubb operate without Kareem Hunt in his shadow. Even with some excitement surrounding Jerome Ford, Chubb has RB1 overall upside this season.

2.05 – Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)

This pick fits the robust running back strategy and gives me a player I’m targeting in this range regardless. Tony Pollard was electric last season, finishing as the RB8 on just a 51% snap share. He was one of the most efficient running backs in the league, providing the fifth highest yards per touch at 5.9 and the third most breakaway runs with 17. How much of the efficiency will hold up with increased volume is a question that remains, but he’s a value at this spot.

3.08 – Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)

Mixon has been a frustrating player to roster in recent years, but after retaining his role atop the Bengals running back depth chart, he’s in line for another big workload. Even after a disappointing season that lacked in efficiency, Mixon finished as the RB10 after landing fifth among running backs in targets. For the sake of a robust running back approach, getting a likely workhorse running back in an elite offense with my third-round pick is a win.

4.05 – Calvin Ridley (WR- JAX)

I’m happy taking Calvin Ridley as my WR1 in a robust running back build. Going as the WR17 and 40^th overall, Ridley will need to prove he’s still capable of being a team’s go-to target, but his ADP factors that in which is a good discount on a potential WR1. I’ve been targeting Ridley in most drafts, but he’s an ideal target in this build with the upside he possesses and the positive training camp buzz.

5.08 – Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)

After finishing last season as the WR15 overall, Aiyuk is currently being drafted as the WR28 and 71^st overall. To be fair, Aiyuk dips down to last season’s WR24 in points per game, but after tallying 1,015 receiving yards and eight touchdown receptions, the fourth-year pro is primed for a big year. I understand some of the reservations with Aiyuk, as the 49ers are loaded with playmakers, but he’s being drafted 33 picks later than teammate Deebo Samuel. Aiyuk bested Samuel in many efficiency metrics last year, including yards per route run and yards per target. His combination of speed and route running ability may allow Aiyuk to finally become the top option in San Francisco.

6.06 – Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAX)

I wrote about Trevor Lawrence as one of my breakout players this season and pairing him with Ridley here is a bonus. Somehow, someway, Lawrence escaped the Urban Meyer era without too much damage and finished as the QB8 last year on 4,113 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes. Adding a true top receiver like Ridley to the mix will only benefit Lawrence as he looks to take another leap forward. The third-year quarterback has also churned out 625 rushing yards across his first two seasons, including five trips to the end zone on the ground last year. Although he falls short of being a Konami code quarterback, Lawrence has some sneaky rushing ability as a safety net. With three running backs and two wide receivers, I’m excited to get a quarterback with the upside of Lawrence here.

7.08 – Darren Waller (TE – NYG)

With my quarterback in place and plenty of wide receivers on the board, I’m taking another upside shot here on tight end Darren Waller. When healthy, Waller is one of the top tight ends in the game, but health has been a question mark in recent seasons. He appears to be healthy and entering a Giants offense where he immediately steps in as the top pass catching option for Daniel Jones. At the very least, Waller should see plenty of volume to keep him relevant. At best, he has a real shot to contend for the elite tier at the position this year.

8.05 – Mike Evans (WR – TB)

Although Mike Evans isn’t a specific target of mine, nine straight 1,000-yard seasons at 89^th overall is good value, even if he is attached to Baker Mayfield. I’m not banking on another 1,000-yard season from Evans, but I can grab a few more receivers I like in the next few rounds and play the matchups at WR3. The passing game will still funnel through Evans and Chris Godwin, making him a good bet to post WR3 numbers.

9.08 – Brandin Cooks (WR – DAL)

Another aging veteran with tons of production under his belt, Brandin Cooks is going as WR39 and 94^th overall and will immediately step in as the Cowboys WR2. Michael Gallup figures to remain relevant but has taken a step or two back following his torn ACL. Last season, CeeDee Lamb saw 156 targets with the next closest, Dalton Schultz, generating 89, followed by Gallup and Noah Brown at 76 each. I suspect Cooks can expect around 100 targets in the Cowboys’ offense. Every season in which Cooks has cleared 100 targets he’s put up at least 1,000 yards. I’m not sure he gets there this year, but he’s a good bet to return value on his WR39 ADP.

10.05 – Raheem Mostert (RB – MIA)

As the favorite to lead the Dolphins backfield early in the season, there’s no reason for Raheem Mostert to be going as RB44 and 150^th overall. It’s particularly confusing that he’s being drafted one spot behind Ezekiel Elliot. Even if Jeff Wilson and De’Von Achane steal some work, Mostert’s burst and efficiency should lend itself to big plays and fantasy relevance. Mike McDaniel’s system is one of the friendliest for running backs and Mostert took advantage for nearly 900 rushing yards last season.

11.08 – Jakobi Meyers (WR – LV)

Consistently underrated, Jakobi Meyers moves from New England to Las Vegas, trading in Mac Jones for Jimmy Garoppolo. The quarterback tradeoff is roughly equal, but Meyers will now have the benefit of Davante Adams pulling coverage away. With Darren Waller and Mack Hollins exiting the Raiders offense, there should be plenty of targets for Meyers to be in the WR3 mix.

12.05 – Gus Edwards (RB – BAL)

A proven, veteran running back who figures to have a role in a good offense can be tough to find. Snagging Gus Edwards in the later rounds is becoming one of my go-to picks, even with JK Dobbins returning and Justice Hill getting some preseason run. Edwards is too solid of a player to not be utilized in this offense in some fashion.

13.08 – Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)

Backing up Derrick Henry is similar to the role of Tom Brady’s backup. You’re not going to see much action. However, that could change this year as the Titans selected Tyjae Spears in the third round of the NFL Draft. Spears is an efficient runner who wastes little movement. Joining an offense in need of playmakers, the Titans may get creative with different ways to use Spears.

14.05 – Van Jefferson (WR – LAR)

After 802 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, Van Jefferson battled injuries throughout the 2022 campaign, producing just 369 yards and three scores. In his time with the Rams, Jefferson has always fallen behind a veteran receiver, in addition to Cooper Kupp. That’s not the case this year, and Sean McVay is putting his faith in Jefferson to step up on the outside as the team’s number two target.

15.08 – Juwan Johnson (TE – NO)

Coming off his best season as a pro with 508 yards and seven touchdowns, Juwan Johnson has maintained that momentum into training camp and the preseason. He now gets an upgrade at quarterback with Derek Carr, but is sliding down draft boards, presumably due to the addition of Foster Moreau. Regardless, the former wide receiver is generating positive reviews out of camp and is one of my favorite late round tight ends.

Draft results

Team Roster

QB: Trevor Lawrence
RB: Nick Chubb
RB: Tony Pollard
WR: Calvin Ridley
WR: Brandon Aiyuk
WR: Mike Evans
TE: Darren Waller
FLEX: Joe Mixon
B: Brandin Cooks
B: Raheem Mostert
B: Jakobi Meyers
B: Gus Edwards
B: Tyjae Spears
B: Van Jefferson
B: Juwan Johnson

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