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2023 Post-NFL Draft Superflex Dynasty Mock Draft

2023 Post-NFL Draft Superflex Dynasty Mock Draft

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The long wait is over! Since Sleeper put the 2023 rookies into their system, we at Faceoff Sports Network have run hundreds of mock drafts. With these mock drafts, we’ve been able to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date dynasty rookie ADP. The best part? It’s not behind a paywall. Don’t go into your dynasty rookie drafts without it. 

With the NFL Draft behind us, I have gathered 11 experts to join me in a 4-round, Superflex rookie mock. With landing spots finalized, let’s look at what the experts say as we prepare you for your upcoming rookie drafts!

Round 1

1.01 Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson is the safest asset we have ever had in a dynasty rookie draft. Coming in as the RB1 in dynasty fantasy football leagues will have insulated value while also going to a team that loves to run the ball. Robinson can catch and run effectively through the tackles while using his athleticism to break tackles and shake defenders. This is a no-brainer, even in Superflex. 

1.02 Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Nobody improved their draft stock during the pre-draft process this year more than Anthony Richardson. Once widely regarded as a “project” type of prospect, Richardson’s measurables exploded off the page at the NFL Combine. Causing his stock to rocket up a top-10 option on most teams’ boards.

While he certainly isn’t without his flaws, namely his poor completion percentage at Florida. However,  there flatly isn’t a quarterback in this class with as much upside as Richardson. He couldn’t have landed in a better situation.

New Colts head man Shane Steichen was entrusted with the development of Justin Herbert as a rookie and tailor-made the Eagles’ offense to accentuate Jalen Hurts’ skill set last season. If the Colts can unlock Richardson’s upside, he is somewhere between Justin Fields and Josh Allen. Now that type of ceiling is something you have to swing for early in your draft.

1.03 Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers

Frank Reich got his quarterback and at the 1.03, and so did I. Although his size can be off-putting, Bryce Young can do anything you need him to. He’s got the arm, touch, and mobility that make him the most complete quarterback in the draft. I’m more than confident Young will be an above-average starter in this league for the next decade. As the Panthers continue to build around him, his stock will only go up.

1.04 C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans

In Superflex rookie drafts, the top four picks should be fairly straightforward. Robinson should go first, then the top three quarterbacks can go. Yes, you can make an argument that Young or Stroud might be safer than Richardson due to the upside. However, in my rookie drafts this year, these three quarterbacks can be fairly interchangeable after Robinson.

That being said, Stroud is the next quarterback available and the last remaining of these top four. Stroud has the tools and the size to succeed at the next level. Finally, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic if you’re a Texans fan. Grabbing a quarterback with the potential to be the head of a franchise for the next 5+ years is a massive value in Superflex leagues.

1.05 Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions

Coming into the draft, Jahmyr Gibbs was considered the number two running back in the class, and after the Lions took him 12th overall. After that, they promptly traded D’Andre Swift to the Eagles. There’s no doubt that Gibbs is the best running back in this class not named Bijan Robinson. The Lions offense should be very good this season making Gibbs a no-brainer pick for me here.

1.06 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

The player I selected is the classic case of drafting talent over the situation. With my pick, I chose my top wide receiver in the class. Jaxon Smith-Njigba only had one year of elite production at Ohio State. However, he did it alongside dynasty darlings Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. He is an elite route runner and will feast over the middle of the field for the Seahawks.

While I am still excited about his outlook for the 2023 season, it is the future where I think Smith-Njigba has a massive opportunity to be an elite asset in dynasty fantasy football. Tyler Lockett will turn 31 during the season and could be a cut candidate after 2023. Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf complement each other skills perfectly. Overall, this could be a lethal tandem for the foreseeable future.

1.07 Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings

After productive years at both Pittsburgh and USC during his college career, Jordan Addison lands with the Vikings in Round 1 with the 24th pick. Addison likely steps straight into a starting role alongside Justin Jefferson on a pass-heavy Minnesota offense that ranked 3rd in pass attempts per game and second in red zone pass attempts in 2022. Furthermore, he has the potential to be one of the most productive WR2s in the NFL right up there with names like Tee Higgins and Jaylen Waddle.

1.08 Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills 

Many may question the fact that I took Dalton Kincaid here over the likes of Zay Flowers and Quentin Johnston. But is it that far-fetched? Nope. Of all the tight ends selected in this year’s draft Kincaid landed in the most appealing spot. The Bills have been looking to shift to heavier personnel for a few years now, with Kincaid they will do that.

With many people comping Kincaid to Travis Kelce due to his nuances and ability after the catch why not take a chance on a player who could give you a huge positional advantage if he hits. On top of this, he is tied to one of the most electric offenses in the league that will likely find ways to scheme his touches in space. Be patient with your tight ends, but Kincaid should be fantastic for years to come on an elite Bills offense. 

1.09 Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

At 6’3 208 pounds with first-round draft capital, Quentin Johnston fits the bill of a typical number-one wide receiver for an NFL franchise. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both having a cap hit over $32 million, and a dead cap of less than $12 million it’s conceivable Johnston will be at worst the number two option for Justin Herbert. Not to mention, in a Kellen Moore and Brandon Staley pass-heavy offense. Overall, the upside is undeniable even if the prospect isn’t a lock to hit.

1.10 Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens

I love Zay Flowers here. I have a big tier break in rookie drafts after the first 10 picks. Some worry about his landing spot in Baltimore, but this is simply not the same offense. With Lamar Jackson signed long-term, and Todd Monken now running the offense, look for the Ravens to pass more.

Monken loves to dictate tempo, stress the defense from sideline to sideline, and create space for his playmakers. In walks Flowers, one of the most dynamic playmakers in the entire class. Furthermore, I expect Flowers to get plenty of targets and hit some explosive plays. Plenty of return on investment potential taking him here 10th overall here. 

1.11 Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans

I think it’s safe to say that there was not a more polarizing player in this year’s draft than Will Levis. Prior to the 2022 college season, and even up until the day before the draft, he was being forecast as going in the top five and definitely not outside the 10. Yet here we sit. Days after the draft, Levis was selected at pick 33. Depending on who you speak with he either went far too late or far too early.

After a season marred by injury, a lackluster supporting cast, and a questionable TD-to-INT ratio, both sides of the Will Levis argument have merit. All in all, he was drafted into a decent situation with the Titans. Furthermore, he has a cannon for an arm, the ability to escape the pocket and salvage plays with his legs, and the potential to be truly special. What more can you ask from a rookie quarterback in dynasty Superflex leagues?

1.12 Devon Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins

It’s hard to compare a player to that of Devon Achane. While his small size of 5’8 and 188 pounds is noticeable, on tape he played a lot bigger than this. With his blazing speed (4.32), He is now paired up with one of the fastest offenses in the league and is now paired with Mike McDaniel. Not to mention the running back room in Miami being meh, the addition of Achane gives this offense the kick it needs.

The Contact balance and toughness are what the Dolphins need and they got it in the 3rd round with Achane. I love this pick a lot and being able to take him here at the 1.12 I love a lot, especially in Superflex leagues. This kid has league-winning potential written all over him.

Round 2

2.01 Kendre Miller, RB, New Orleans Saints

Kendre Miller, after a great season at TCU, gets drafted by the Saints. Miller is a better athlete than running back right now due to experience, but he is drafted in a great system that will allow him to become more comfortable with the position. With all of the uncertainty around Alvin Kamara and his legal situation, Miller could offer some value sooner than you might think. 

2.02 Jonathan Mingo, WR, Carolina Panthers

Jonathan Mingo was one of the more polarizing wide receiver prospects heading into the draft. Since then, not much has changed. The 6’2 and 220-pound Ole Miss product was easily the best size-speed combo at the combines, posting a 4.46 40 time with an electric 1.54 10-yard split. However, there are several advanced metrics that are cause for concern with Mingo.

The thing that has me comfortable taking him in the early 2nd Round is his landing spot. While the Panthers have a solid wide receiver room, it is largely filled with guys who are over the hill or seen to be perpetually waiting for that breakout season. Mingo should see plenty of snaps right away and could potentially emerge as the WR1 for a Panthers offense that is on the rise.

2.03 Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Not my favorite pick long-term, Zach Charbonnet possibly ended up with the worst landing spot of the draft. He was my RB3 pre-draft so I’m sticking to my guns on this one. Personally, I think we’ll see a 50/50 split with Kenneth Walker and that Charbonnet will have weekly RB2 upside in the Seattle offense.

However, Charbonnet has the size and strength to maintain a full workload. If Walker misses time with injury, he should immediately step into an RB1 type of workload.

2.04 Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans

On top of a fairly underwhelming draft class, we have some even worse landing spots. It’s clear the Titans are preparing for life after Derrick Henry, but he’s still a Titan. For now. Tyjae Spears is a talented runner, that much is clear watching his college tape. He shows explosiveness and can make defenders miss very well.

However, two torn ACLs are a massive concern. Not only that but it’s apparently come out that Spears actually has no ACL in one knee. On top of that, he also has arthritis already. Needless to say, it’s concerning. 

All that being said, running backs have short windows in the NFL, to begin with. Several things need to go right for this to work out, but that’s what comes with an underwhelming draft class with exceptionally rough landing spots.

2.05 Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Rashee Rice should step right into a possession receiver role in this offense. I know, the Chiefs haven’t had much luck drafting wide receivers since drafting Tyreek Hill. However, Rice has an opportunity to break the mold of the type of receivers the Chiefs have been drafting.

Needless to say, I’m hoping for a better result. Rice is more of a contested catch receiver and does not rely on his speed, like the majority of the other receivers on this roster. Overall, he offers something unique for Patrick Mahomes in the passing game.

2.06 Michael Mayer, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

With my second selection, I decided to go with a player who got early second-round draft capital. Michael Mayer was an elite producer throughout his collegiate career. He was the go-to receiving option at Notre Dame, marking up 180 receptions, 2099 yards, and 18 touchdowns in three years.

However, the receivers do not enamor me in this range. Mayer can immediately make an impact as a staple receiving option for the Raiders.

The McDaniel offensive system loves to utilize the tight end throughout the offensive scheme and in the red zone. Mayer is still a top-end prospect in this class despite his fall out of the first round in the NFL Draft. While drafting rookie tight ends can be risky, previous production, talent, and future opportunity, make it worth drafting Mayer.

2.07 Marvin Mims, WR, Denver Broncos

Marvin Mims is an agile but undersized wide receiver with elite speed. We saw this with his 4.38s 40-yard dash. Additionally, he has been efficient with his opportunities throughout his college career at Oklahoma. Now, Mims joins the Broncos as new head coach Sean Payton’s first pick after moving up to the end of the 2nd Round to get him.

With the Broncos, Mims enters a potentially crowded wide receiver corps. However, the current WR3 Tim Patrick is just returning from an ACL injury, he could compete early for a starting role. Mims is a solid middle second-round rookie draft selection with potential upside if this Broncos offense takes a step forward under Sean Payton. 

2.08 Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Josh Downs falling into the third round of the NFL Draft may be one of those things we look back on in a few years and wonder how it happened. Downs, although a smaller framed receiver at 5’9 and 171 pounds, does not play like that. He is extremely physical at the catch point and led this class with a 75% contest target win percentage in 2022.

Good luck covering him in the red zone as his quickness and strong release give me Hunter Renfrow or Jahan Dotson vibes. He fits perfectly in this offense that is desperate for a playmaker from the slot. Furthermore, he will also be paired with Richardson for years to come if he pans out.

2.09 Jalin Hyatt, WR, New York Giants

It’s not often the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner is available towards the end of the second round. A lack of weapons on the roster combined with a Brian Daboll offense makes Jalin Hyatt an interesting flier. While the real knocks against him are his limited route tree and the fact Daniel Jones only threw for 15 touchdowns last season. But, if there is a coach that can get the most out of a player’s skill set Daboll just may be that coach.

2.10 Roschon Johnson, RB, Chicago Bears

Roschon Johnson has a legitimate shot to become the RB1 in the Bears backfield. With David Montgomery leaving town, Johnson enters into a situation where he is only competing against D’Onta Foreman who is on a one-year deal, and Khalil Herbert who was not selected by the current regime.

Johnson is a tough, physical runner with good size at 6’2 and 220 pounds. For his size, he is smooth with the ball in his hands. Surprisingly, he is actually a former quarterback and has underrated athleticism. Equally, he shows good quickness, and great vision, finishing with a 5.6 YPC at Texas. Additionally, he is a capable receiver with 56 career receptions as well. At 2.10 Johnson feels like a great value in this rookie draft.

2.11 Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions

Following in the footsteps of successful tight ends George Kittle and TJ Hockenson, Sam LaPorta became an Iowa tight end. In his final season at Iowa, he caught 58 passes for 657 yds and only one touchdown. Unfortunately, he had some issues with drops from time to time.

All in all, LaPorta is a solid young tight end with the skills to be great in the NFL. If his draft capital of 34th overall says anything, it indicates the Lions intend on giving him the opportunities he needs to grow and mature into his full potential.

2.12 Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers

For the first time in a long time, the Green Bay Packers will have three legitimate wide receivers. Just like when Aaron Rodgers took over as a starter, here Jordan Love gets another weapon added to his arsenal.

While Christian Watson is the WR1, Jayden Reed has a chance to be the WR2 for the Packers. Now, Reed joins the likes of Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Watson as wide receivers drafted in the 2nd Round. Will his 4.4 speed turn him into one of the next greats? I’m willing to take that chance here at the end of the second round.

Round 3

3.01 Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

I don’t like making this pick, but Tank Bigsby is a solid two-down-running back that has solid speed and great power. Goes well when your name is Tank.  It was clear all offseason that the Jaguars needed another running back and he is the perfect compliment to Travis Etienne

3.02 Hendon Hooker, QB, Detroit Lions

If you’re going to speculate, doing it in the 3rd Round on the most important position in Superflex is a fine place to do it. Hendon Hooker was drafted in the 3rd Round by the Detroit Lions and is one of the more interesting assets of this year’s class. He looked absolutely dynamic during his senior season at Tennessee prior to injuring his ACL. This is largely what lead to his draft stock falling, and compares very favorably to many of this year’s top quarterback prospects in several advanced metrics.

What bodes well for him at the NFL level is his top-tier accuracy. Completing nearly 69% of his passes over the last two seasons and showing good touch and anticipation in his throws. Coupling that with a very effective ground game when he decides to tuck and run leaves Hooker with a very capable profile in today’s NFL.

However, his landing spot is a bit tricky as he slots in behind a player the Lions’ front office has been very happy with in Jared Goff. A lot will have to break in Hooker’s favor for this to play out but the situation feels eerily similar to Philadelphia taking a flyer on Jalen Hurts. which was just a few years ago. That is certainly worth a taxi squad spot in Superflex leagues. 

3.03 Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, WR, Houston Texans

Word on the street is that CJ Stroud personally asked the Texans to draft wide receiver, Tank Dell. I don’t blame him, Dell has elite agility to make defenders miss and is liable to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. While his size is a bit of an issue at 5’8 and 163 pounds.

However, in the third round of rookie drafts, he’s a solid dart throw. If his size can hold up Dell would be a nice addition to an offense lacking a true weapon for Stroud.

3.04 Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

At this point in the draft, these third-round rookie picks are just as much of a gamble as anything else. Chase Brown is a fine prospect, but he isn’t anything special. However, this landing spot could low-key end up being a good one.

Joe Mixon is one of the best running backs in the NFL when he’s on the field. Unfortunately, there’s been reason for concern as he recently pled not guilty to one count of aggravated menacing. If you recall, Mixon had some serious off-field concerns coming into the NFL. I have no idea what will happen with Mixon. There’s also a good chance he ends up playing every single game with the Bengals this year and is just fine.

That being said, I’d highly recommend taking a third-round pick and using it on a running back who could have a quick path to volume. If anything happens with this Mixon situation, Brown will immediately find himself with a potentially significant workload.

3.05 Deuce Vaughn, RB, Dallas Cowboys

After letting Ezekiel Elliott go, the Cowboys were very thin at running back behind starter Tony Pollard. Names like Malik Davis, Ronald Jones, and Rico Dowdle don’t exactly excite anybody. Here it gives Vaughn as good a chance as any to secure a spot behind Pollard.

Unfortunately, at 5’5 and 180 pounds, his chances aren’t great. However, in the third round, you’re just looking for opportunities. With this shallow depth chart, Vaughn has potential. 

3.06 Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns

With my third-round pick, I decided to go with the bigger wide receiver out of Tennessee, Cedric Tillman. Tillman looks to be the replacement for Donovan Peoples-Jones, who is on an expiring contract after the 2023 season. Oddly enough, Tillman is the perfect replacement and will complement Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore’s skillsets nicely.

Additionally, he was very productive and arguably a better prospect coming out than fellow wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Tillman’s injury-riddled season last year was responsible for Hyatt’s production. With the assumption that Deshaun Watson returns to the top-five quarterback, Tillman can benefit significantly.

Not to mention he has the alpha wide receiver size, along with the upside you want in a third-round rookie selection. A clear path to success and production in the league? This late in the draft? Sign me up.

3.07 Zach Evans, RB, Los Angeles Rams

What a fall from grace for Zach Evans. Going from the third-highest running back recruit in 2020 (behind Bijan Robinson) to a 6th Round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While injuries didn’t help his development in college, many still expected him to be a Day 2 pick due to his talent. In other words, could the Rams have got themselves a late-round steal?

Here Evans lands in a situation where he can compete early for an RB2 role in this offense. He’ll be behind Cam Akers, who had his ups and downs himself. Overall, in the middle of the 3rd Round of rookie drafts, I think this is a potential low-risk, high-reward selection given the situation and talent I think Evans has. This run on running backs in the third round will be common this year with players like Brown, Vaughn, and Evans. 

3.08 Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

It has been a roller coaster ride for Puka Nacua who battled injuries and a transfer over his collegiate career. Despite this, he managed to post some impressive metrics. Leading this class in career yards per route run with 3.45. Which was the second most over the last four years to only Jaylen Waddle (3.57). Additionally, his contested target win percentage was also inside the top 10 over the last four years.

Aside from a lackluster athletic profile, Nacua landed in the perfect system to take advantage of his dual-threat ability. Furthermore, his 357 rushing yards over his career were the most of any wide receiver drafted this year. I have compared him to Robert Woods throughout the process and now he is in a spot that produced the best years of Woods’ career. Thus it’s wheels up on Nacua.

3.09 Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots

Once regarded as the best wide receiver in this draft class Kayshon Boutte had quite the fall from grace. After an outstanding freshman season, including a 308-yard game against Ole Miss, Boutte started his sophomore campaign on fire. He scored nine touchdowns in six games before suffering an ankle injury that required surgery. Unfortunately, he hasn’t looked the same since.

However, being drafted to a stable organization without a true alpha wide receiver Boutte has an opportunity to be a steal in this year’s rookie drafts. New England is one of the few franchises where contract and draft capital get thrown out the window. Let’s hope Boutte can take advantage of the opportunity.

3.10 Luke Musgrave, TE, Green Bay Packers

What if I told you that at 3.10, Luke Musgrave had better draft capital than any other player drafted ahead of him? After going to Green Bay in the 2nd Round of the NFL Draft, Musgrave is projected to be their starting tight end. Jordan Love is going to need a big target to go to, including in the red zone.

Right now, Musgrave is flying below the radar after being injured. He has the athleticism and talent to surprise early in his NFL career.

3.11 Eric Gray, RB, New York Giants

The steal of the draft. That is what The Athletic named the Giants’ 5th Round running back, Eric Gray. They may end up being right. Although in any other draft class, there may have been an argument for Gray to be 4th or even a late 3rd Round pick.

Considering it was a deep running back class this year, his fall to the 5th Round makes sense. Although he was very productive in his final year of college rushing for 1,366 yards, and 11 touchdowns.  Furthermore, with an average carry of 6.4 YPA, he had 33 receptions for another 229 yards. Gray enters the 2023 season as a change-of-pace option behind Saquon Barkley.

However, Barkley has yet to sign the franchise tag and talks with the Giants are apparently non-existent or not going well. Could we be seeing a Melvin Gordon-esque holdout that led to Austin Ekeler’s breakout?

3.12 Israel Abanikanda, RB, New York Jets

Even though he was a 5th Round pick, I do love the landing spot here for Israel Abanikanda. This kid has it all. While many thought he would have gone earlier in the draft, he fell to the New York Jets. I love this landing spot a lot as now Breece Hall doesn’t have to be rushed back.

Additionally, a tandem of Michael Carter with Abanikanda will be a great mix as Hall comes back from his injury. But look out, as Aaron Rodgers could have a similar tandem in Hall and Abanikanda as he did in Green Bay with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.

Round 4

4.01 Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Dallas Cowboys

The NFL Draft showed how badly tight ends are needed in the NFL. That, and this draft class is one of the best for tight ends that we’ve ever seen. Even more, this draft was the best draft capital we have ever got collectively for tight ends.

That being said, the Cowboys need some help in that department, with their play calling going back to the early 2000s. With no Dalton Schultz, Luke Schoonmaker is set for a large role in the offense.

4.02 Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Houston Texans

Xavier Hutchinson is one of my favorite late-round flyers in rookie drafts. The 6’2 and 203-pound Iowa State product put up a decent 40 time for his size and popped with a 1.55 10-yard split. This shows itself on tape where Hutchinson can often be found getting off the line quickly and using his reliable hands to secure passes from a number of different angles. 

This made Hutchinson a reliable target as a cyclone and tracks nicely to him being a versatile option in the NFL. Additionally, Hutchinson was drafted in the late rounds by the Texans, a team with one of the most wide-open receiver rooms in the entire league. If Hutchinson is able to showcase his versatility at practice and during camp, there is a path to him earning considerable snaps in an offense that is projected to be oft trailing. Though he’ll need to develop a bit to reach his upside, but making it to the field is one of the hardest parts and I like Hutchinson’s chances in that regard.

4.03 Sean Tucker, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Sean Tucker went undrafted out of Syracuse due to a heart condition. Normally, I would shy away from undrafted players, but I was very high on Tucker pre-draft. He went to possibly the best running back situation for a rookie in the NFL in Tampa Bay. Additionally, I believe Tucker has the skill set to challenge for a backup position.

While Rachaad White was relatively inefficient last year, if his efficiency doesn’t improve, the Buccaneers could look elsewhere for production in the backfield. With only Chase Edmunds and Ke’Shawn Vaughn to compete with, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tucker carve out a role in the offense at some point in the season.

4.04 Tyler Scott, WR, Chicago Bears

At this point in the draft, these are all flyer picks. You’re hoping someone comes out of nowhere and hits, and that’s exactly what I’m doing with this pick. Tyler Scott is an underrated wide receiver in this draft class. He’s got good hands, good speed, and has very solid route running ability.

Chicago desperately needs someone to step up. Adding DJ Moore is great, but Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool were both disappointments. No, I’m not expecting much, but as an underrated player that I personally like, I’m happy to take a shot on Scott in the fourth round here.

4.05 Elijah Higgins, WR, Miami Dolphins

Elijah Higgins is a 6’3, 235-pound wide receiver that a 4.5 40-yard dash and an 86th percentile Speed Score according to Playerprofiler. Now what if I told you that he was drafted to be a tight end? While a 4.5 40 as a wide receiver is respectable, for a tight end, it’s elite. Of course, this comes with risk.

Players that have played tight end their entire life come to the NFL and struggle to make the transition. So a wide receiver making the switch to tight end seems insurmountable. But as with my last pick, this late, I’m looking for opportunities. The only players ahead of him on the depth chart are Durham Smythe, Eric Saubert, and Tyler Kroft. He will get an opportunity and is worth a 4th Round flyer. 

4.06 Evan Hull, RB, Indianapolis Colts

With my fourth-round selection, I loaded up with an incredibly productive running back from Northwestern, Evan Hull. It might not look like the best spot when the Colts drafted Hull because he is clearly behind Jonathan Taylor. As an optimist, I view Hull now as the ultimate handcuff to Taylor in a run-heavy Steichen system. He can do it all, as seen from the statistic sheet at Northwestern.

Furthermore, he has the pass-catching ability with significant play upside and could easily be a change of pace back in Indianapolis. If I can get a productive back that could see my lineup for an extended time. Because of Taylor’s injuries that he dealt with last year, I will happily take this value in the fourth round of rookie drafts.

4.07 Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Michael Wilson was a well-regarded 4-star recruit entering college. However, his production was limited throughout his five seasons at Stanford. Finishing his college career with a total receiving stat line of 134-1,662-11. Additionally, he impressed at the 2023 Senior Bowl both during practice and in the Senior Bowl game (4-76-1). In the end, he was selected in the 3rd Round by the Cardinals.

Furthermore, he offers the Cardinals some much-needed size to their wide receiving corps, at 6’2 and 213 pounds. With rumors of a DeAndre Hopkins trade swirling all offseason, there’s a chance he can find a role sooner rather than later.

Either way, in the 4th Round of rookie drafts, he’s worth stashing with Day 2 draft capital under the new coaching staff for the Cardinals 2023.

4.08 DeWayne McBride, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Dewayne Mcbride was one of the more intriguing running back prospects in this class as he was uber-productive at UAB rushing for over 3,500 yards. Now, his lack of top-end speed is less than ideal, but his contact balance and vision make up for it. Additionally, his .36 missed tackles forced per attempt was fourth over the last four running back classes.

On the flip side, when it came to the passing game he offered the worst receiving profile in four years of prospects with only five receptions. This allowed McBride to fall into the seventh round and sadly fell into a robust room. With Dalvin Cook likely getting cut, there could be some opportunity to be had here for McBride. Although it’s a long shot, it could pay off huge this late in the draft.

4.09 Zack Kuntz, TE, New York Jets

Although he wasn’t drafted until the 7th Round by the New York Jets, Zack Kuntz has all the raw physical tools NFL general managers look for to be gems of a draft class. While testing in the 94th percentile or higher in every category, Kuntz is like a Madden create-a-player.

However, Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah have an out after this season and aren’t necessarily entrenched as the starters. With one of the most impressive athletic scores in the class and at a position of scarcity Kuntz is exactly the kind of player I’m looking to throw a fourth-round dart at.

4.10 Stetson Bennett, QB, Los Angeles Rams

My philosophy late in rookie drafts is to draft for upside and potential market value. Stetson Bennett has that potential. He was drafted by the Rams in the 4th and has a legit shot to win the backup quarterback job for LA, behind the aging Stafford. After leading Georgia to back-to-back national championships, he’s shown he can win.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the elite traits of some of the other quarterbacks in this class. But if Brock Purdy can start for the 49ers after being Mr. Irrelevant, maybe Bennett can learn Sean McVay’s system and eventually earn his shot.

4.11 Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

In a Superflex draft, I probably could’ve taken a shot at a quarterback like Aidan O’Connell here. However, this pick made more sense to me.

4.12 Clayton Tune, QB, Arizona Cardinals

Landing Clayton Tune here to wrap up the draft is solid. Even if I had an earlier fourth-round pick here, I would have taken him. With Kyler Murray being injured along with no commitment to Colt McCoy, Tune has a chance to be the Week 1 starter for the Arizona Cardinals. For landing a potential starting quarterback here, Tune could have the upside to be this year’s, Brock Purdy.


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