With Round 1 of the 2023 1QB Rookie Mock Draft in the books, we bring you Round 2 today. Round 1 went pretty much as expected. Take a look at the first round HERE.
The quarterback play in the NFL has been pretty bad with Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady looking their age. Matt Ryan has been benched. Does that push the incoming quarterback class up the draft board, even in 1QB drafts? Let’s take a look.
1QB Rookie Mock Draft 1.0 – Round 2
2.01 C.J. Stroud, QB. 6’3″ 218
Ohio State
You can’t throw a football better than CJ Stroud does here. pic.twitter.com/ciJw4n5qDX
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 8, 2022
There is a tier drop right here in the skill positions. Generally, I like to stay clear of rookie quarterbacks in 1QB formats unless they are early NFL draft picks with a high likelihood of starting immediately. C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young are those guys for 2023. I slightly favor Stroud over Young because of his size and advanced analytics advantage (QBR, EPA/play, AYA). In his two years of starting, Stroud has passed for over 6,000 yards, 72 TDs vs. 10 INTs, and has a 71% completion percentage. – @_jasonstein
2.02 Michael Mayer, TE, 6’4″ 265
Notre Dame
Michael Mayer is the clear-cut TE1 in this class, and I would take him over any tight ends from 2022. He has been producing at a high level for three straight years, and finally, we get to draft him. He has nimble feet for a man his size and is an excellent route runner. He’s also a great blocker and has very reliable ball skills. At this point, with seven running backs and five wide receivers taken, I would rather lock up an elite talent at a position of scarcity than throw a dart on one of those other spots. – @Devy2DynastyFR
2.03 Bryce Young, QB, 6’0″ 194
Alabama
Elite quarterbacks have made a difference in fantasy football this season. I think that will have a very real effect on ADP in single quarterback rookie drafts. Young may have the toolset needed to ascend to that tier eventually, and that is why I am fine taking him in the early part of the second round. Through the last two seasons, Young has thrown for 65 touchdowns and just ten interceptions. He is constantly being mocked at the top of all early NFL drafts and will have the opportunity to be a Week 1 starter in 2023. – @DanT_NFL
2.04 Israel Abanikanda, 5’11” 215
Pittsburgh
I’m not sure what else Izzy would have to do to make people believe. As a backup in 2021, Abanikanda contributed 24 receptions and showcased a solid blend of burst and power. No one was impressed. Operating as the lead-back in 2022, Abanikanda asserted himself early with a 154-yard performance against Tennessee. Still, no one noticed. Izzy averaged over 100 yards per game over the next three, but it was against Western Michigan, Rhode Island, and Georgia Tech. More crickets. After breaking Tony Dorsett’s single-game rushing record in a 16-point win over Virginia Tech, it’s time we give Abanikanda his roses. – @DynastyOasis
2.05 Zay Flowers, WR, 5’10” 172
Boston College
Just because Zay Flowers doesn’t go to some big-name school doesn’t mean he isn’t a talented wide receiver. He has everything you want out of a slot wide receiver with the potential for more. To get a talented, proven wideout with over 2600+ receiving yards this late is extremely exciting. – @DarthDbacks
2.06 Devon Achane, RB, 5’9″ 185
Texas A&M
Speed kills. Achane is an elusive running back that can outrun just about anyone on a football field, and I don’t think that changes when he enters the league. While I don’t believe he’ll be a bellcow back in the NFL, Achane has the ability to come in and play a Tony Pollard, change-of-pace-type role in many backfields. With incredible speed and athleticism, expect big play potential every time Achane has the ball in his hands. – @FF_TJHernandez
2.07 Kendre Miller, RB, 6’0″ 220
TCU
I’m glad @dpbrugler mentioned both @TCUFootball iOL Steve Avila & RB Kendre Miller this week on our Big 12 Preview episode
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) July 18, 2022
Can see big #79 out in front/in space on this Miller screen play last year. Avila has experience at OT, OG, C. Miller taking over fullwork w/ Evans transfer pic.twitter.com/mo4uxbOh26
The last thing this class needs is another top running back prospect, but here comes Kendre Miller. He is a decisive, powerful runner and has been the key to undefeated TCU’s offense. While averaging over six yards per carry, Miller had totaled 806 yards and ten touchdowns this season. He is the best running back in the country people aren’t talking about. Day 2 draft capital isn’t out of the question for Miller. He would have gone mid-first round in 2022 rookie drafts but will likely be available well into the second round in 2023. – @FF_Hulsey
2.08 Cedric Tillman, WR, 6’3″ 215
Tennessee
NFL teams are going to fall in love with Cedric Tillman. He is a physical receiver who has long speed and great ball tracking. Tillman will be an immediate contributor as a possession receiver in somebody’s offense next fall. – @TheSmingDynasty
2.09 Kendall Milton, RB, 6’2″ 220
Georgia
I don’t mind that Milton is splitting carries for Georgia. That’s something Georgia has done for a while, and it has not hurt many of the running backs to come out. Milton is a well-rounded player who will enter the NFL with plenty of tread left on his tires. The production might be questioned, but the skillset should not be. Happy to grab him here in the late second. – @fakefootballs
2.10 Marshawn Lloyd, RB, 5’9″ 212
South Carolina
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) September 4, 2022
I decided to go running back again in the second round and found great value here. The question with Lloyd has never been talent but just putting production on the field. He has dealt with injuries, but this year he has stayed healthy. He averages over five yards a carry and has 17 receptions on the year. – @hayeb3
2.11 Kenny McIntosh, RB, 6’1″ 210
Georgia
There aren’t many holes in McIntosh’s game. He has the size and speed to be an NFL player on all three downs. He can also catch the ball. Looking for value at running back in Round 2 of dynasty rookie drafts, finding a guy who can catch the ball is important. The only knock on him is that he hasn’t been “the guy” in college. In late Round 2, I’m not super concerned about that. – @JohnnyBGoodeFF
2.12 Marvin Mims, WR, 5’11” 184
Oklahoma
Getting Mims this late in a rookie draft is a great value. Although Mims isn’t having a dominant season, there’s no denying his speed and ability to get open. Not only is he deadly with yards-after-catch, but he can also make tough catches. If he gets the right draft capital, he’ll be a wide receiver to watch in this upcoming draft. – @WooLee_FFB
That closes the door on Round 2. Is there a Dameon Pierce in this round? Does then next Alec Pierce come off the board here? Let us know what you think. Check out the Superflex Mock Draft 1.0 HERE. We will drop version 2.0 in a few weeks so keep your eyes peeled.
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