We’ve come to the end of the 2022 college football season. We have Bowl games coming up next, along with players declaring. Looking today at the 2023 rookie draft class, we have no idea of their NFL landing spots but can only assume based on teams’ records at the time of this writing. Depending on how the rest of the NFL season plays out we’ll see who has what pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
For us dynasty players, we are already getting a better feel of what our picks are for our 2023 rookie drafts. You will see many dynasty rookie mock drafts, including my October Rookie Mock, all around and I am pretty sure many of them are different, yet pretty close to the same with players selected in the first round just at a different slot. You could see a difference between a player or two making it at the end of someone’s mock, but see them in round two. Here’s my 1QB rookie mock of round one.
Let’s get right into it with this 2023 1QB Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft.
1.01 Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
There is no change from earlier this season. From the beginning to the end, Bijan Robinson proved to be worth 1.01, even in Superflex leagues. For his final game as a Longhorn Robinson finished with 29 carries for 179 yards and two touchdowns. It was a great season for him as he finished with 258 attempts, for 1,580 yards, 18 rushing touchdowns 19 receptions for 314 yards, and another two touchdowns. The best three-down backhands down, even better than Breece Hall in my mind.
1.02 Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
What Jahmyr Gibbs did this year was just extraordinary. What I said earlier this year about Gibbs and now still hasn’t changed. When I see him play, I see Alvin Kamara. When the ball is in his hands, especially in the receiving game, he’s just too quick. His elusiveness and the shifting he does, especially in the backfield as a running back are just wild. A three-down back that is NFL-ready with only 470 total touches over the last three years. Lots of treads ready to go.
1.03 Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Just like my October 1QB mock, the first three players have stayed the same. Jordan Addison may have had a down season, but that was mainly due to injuries. He was almost out a month and came back one game earlier than he should have. He still had his big boom games that we loved but fell short of 1,000 yards (810) for the season. With the separation he can get on defensive backs along with his catching ability to slow down or speed up, he’s just always open.
1.04 Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
When I did my first mock, Quentin Johnston didn’t even make it into the first round and here he is as the WR2. When I wrote my first mock, Johnston just had 14 receptions for a 206-yard game. I needed to see it again, and he did the following week as he had eight receptions for 180 yards.
Alright, I’m convinced now at 6-4, 215 pounds seeing him play he’s just not a straight down-the-field rusher. He’s shifty and can stop on a dime. It’s amazing at his size how he’s able to play and will be an immediate contributor right away.
1.05 Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
With back-to-back years finishing as a top performer, Sean Tucker once again showed us everything we love. His tackle-breaking ability and his speed are easy to fall in love with, but his catch and run are just fun to see. When he bounces to the outside he can beat you to the edge. Looking at him I see a version of Thurman Thomas from the 90’s Buffalo Bills. Great talent who will make an immediate impact right away.
1.06 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
It was a rough 2022 season for Jaxon Smith-Njigba as he only appeared in three games this season due to a hamstring injury. He finished the regular season with five receptions for 43 yards. To look in perspective, we all have to use his 2021 season as he was unstoppable with 95 receptions for 1,605 yards and nine touchdowns. That was with being on the field with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.
I’m willing to take a chance on the talent here as JSN missed the season. No way we should be passing on a player who could perform like Ja’Marr Chase in the pros.
1.07 Josh Downs, WR, UNC
Many will knock Josh Downs for his size (5-10, 175 pounds) but if you’re against him tell me how you feel about DeVonta Smith. Down speed and being able to play anywhere on the field helps him for the next level. How many wide receivers do you know with 11 touchdowns this season? Overall, this kid is something special.
1.08 Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
Even with him being out with getting knee surgery, I’m still very high on Blake Corum. You can call me a homer for it. I don’t care, his play style and rushing yards per carry are nuts. Furthermore, he carried this Michigan team with almost 250 carries, missing the second half of the Illinois game and only having two carries against Ohio State. Knock his size (5-8, 210 pounds) he plays a lot bigger than he is and can cut like no other.
1.09 Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Very few players could increase their draft stock, but Zach Charbonnet was able to do it. We all thought he would be in the 2022 NFL Draft just to see him go back for his senior season. He was at 1.12 for me when I did my October mock, and has now moved up three spots here proving himself as a player. A true warrior back who averaged seven yards per carry and gained 222 MORE rushing yards on seven (195) fewer carries than his 2021 (202) season. For an older back of the class, he’s worth the capital.
1.10 Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
It was a roller-coaster season for Zach Evans who would have a stellar week and follow it up with a mediocre week. Quinton Judkins outshined Evans in the backfield, but when he got the ball in his hands he was electric. As soon as he got through the line and past the linebackers, good luck catching him. With only 136 attempts this season, there’s more potential to tap.
1.11 Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Even with Auburn being a trash team, Tank Bigsby turned it on at the end of the season. He lives to his first name because this kid is a true tank. Solid between the tackles and did not lose a fumble once all season! A player getting 5.4 YPC behind this line is something that you should not overlook. Finally, the way he cuts and his explosive speed is what will get your attention. In the end, I think he will get Day 2 draft capital.
1.12 Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
I am usually not one for taking a quarterback this early in a 1QB mock, but I have been in plenty of real 1QB mocks and get mad at myself when I pass on them. Don’t overthink it this year as the top players are difference-makers and then we start to get a little shaky. Bryce Young is a franchise quarterback that could be the next Joe Burrow or Patrick Mahomes of the league.
Many will knock his size (5-11, 194 pounds) but he plays bigger than he is. His patience, delivery, and reading of defenses are phenomenal. I haven’t seen a player with his calmness and team leadership when Alabama was trailing. All in all, he is a true leader who will make an NFL team happy.
Round 2 is here!
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