Now that the top names in free agency have found a new home (or the same home), we look to see if there is any impact on the rookie drafts. Quarterbacks consistently grab three of the top four spots in rookie mock drafts. The change in how NFL teams approach the running back position has also caused a devaluation of running backs in fantasy. The challenge in this rookie class is that there isn’t a receiver that looks like he could be the WR1, while a few look like they could be a WR1.
Let’s take a look at Superflex Mock Draft 7.0.
Superflex Rookie Mock Draft 7.0 – Round 1.
1.01 Bijan Robinson, RB, 5’11” 215
Texas
As we get closer and closer to the NFL draft, my evaluation and ranking of Bijan Robinson remain constant. He is as locked into a starting running back role as any back selected in the first round of the NFL draft in the past decade. Few landing spots would have me fading him into the 1.02, including in this Superflex format. Don’t overthink a generational prospect, and enjoy the production you will receive as early as Week One of the NFL season. He will be deployed in all assets of his offense and provide fantasy points on the ground and in the passing game. – @DanT_NFL
1.02 CJ Stroud, QB, 6’3″ 214
Ohio State University
All signs are pointing to CJ Stroud to the Panthers at 1.01. I love the fit with Frank Reich. The Panthers have a strong offensive line, a good running game, and a serviceable wide receiver group. Stroud’s poise, arm strength, and accuracy will be on display from Day 1. Look for Stroud to be a high-end QB2 by the end of his rookie season. In season two, the payoff will be great. – @culture_coach
1.03 Bryce Young, QB, 5’10” 204
Alabama
This is a wild throw from Bryce Young. pic.twitter.com/a42ZcPbrqI
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) March 23, 2023
Bryce Young does nothing but impress at every turn. His uncanny ability to sense pressure makes on-coming rushers look silly. Not only does he cause jaws to drop before the ball leaves his hand, but he also puts his bought time to use. He holds Alabama’s single-season records for passing yards (4,872) and passing touchdowns (47). His ability to make plays will provide more than adequate production and efficiency at the next level, specifically in the red zone. The skillset that can be demonstrated from day one by Young should excite you for fantasy, as it is already exciting NFL front offices. – @GpodawundFF
1.04 Anthony Richardson, QB, 6’4″ 244
Florida
I am honestly terrified about this pick. I wrote recently about how I would avoid Richardson if I had a top-three selection. But at four, I can’t pass him up. Richardson has work to do before being an every-week starter in the NFL, but his ceiling is very high. You have to go with the upside at the premier position, even if it ends up being a bust. At worst, I would be reassessing how I feel about him next offseason if his value is still high, as I doubt he sees much of the field in 2023. – @timbmartens
1.05 Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, 5’9″ 199
Alabama
This is a smash pick for me. I’m not sure how Gibbs is still available here, as he’s my 1.04, but I won’t complain. He’s a terrific running back with a first-round NFL Draft grade. He would be the RB1 in many other years and has elite speed, receiving, and agility out of the backfield. Give me Gibbs here all day. – @DarthDbacks
1.06 Will Levis, QB 6’4″ 229
Kentucky
Often maligned by the fantasy football establishment, Will Levis is the discount option of the 2023 quarterback quartet. And yet, despite the popular narrative, Levis is earnestly equipped with excellent mobility, impressive size, and a power arm. In recent years, top prospects like Josh Allen and Justin Herbert have similarly fallen out of pre-draft favor, only to capitalize on their opportunities and ultimately ascend to great heights in the NFL. I feel that Levis has the potential to follow in their impressive footsteps and am very pleased to land him at 1.06 in a quarterback-magnified Superflex format. – @Spydes78
1.07 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, 6’0″ 197
Ohio State University
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s change of direction is a thing of BEAUTY 😳
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 23, 2023
Njigba was taken out to dinner by the Giants the night before his Pro Day.
Njigba also said that he has Top-30 visits scheduled with the Bears, Panthers, and Saints.
The Buckeyes WR’s stock is on the RISE. pic.twitter.com/V3be7pbUGI
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is easily the top WR1 in this year’s draft class, and I would draft him every time at 1.07. Smith-Njigba showed good route running and playmaking ability at Ohio State. His drill work at the combine helped solidify what we saw on tape. Depending on his landing spot, I would even consider drafting him in the top five picks in a Superflex rookie draft. – @dropthemikeFF
1.08 Zach Charbonnet, RB 6’0″ 214
UCLA
My RB3 of this class, Charbonnet, was an easy decision at 1.08. The former UCLA back has cemented himself as the fourth skill player off my board behind Bijan, JSN, and Gibbs. Charbonnet has great size, and the contact balance to match. His production as a bellcow should attract teams, and his receiving upside (61 receptions over the past two seasons) should cement a role in most NFL offenses. A true three-down back, lock Zach Charbonnet in at 1.08 and enjoy a rookie who can immediately command a backfield. – @FF_TJHernandez
1.09 Quentin Johnston, WR, 6’3″ 208
TCU
I am always going to target big, athletic wide receivers with speed. When you add in production catching balls from a quarterback I didn’t love, Johnston is my top wide receiver in the draft. His skill set is also rare for a draft loaded with slot guys. Someone will give him a chance to be the primary wide receiver on their team, and I expect him to blow up with improved quarterback play. – Ryan Wilhelm
1.10 Jordan Addison, WR, 5’11” 173
USC
Addison is a versatile receiver with excellent footwork and is slippery after the catch. He can run a lot of different types of routes and excels in creating separation with leverage and sharp breaks. He can also return punts and should be a quick contributor to an NFL offense. – @ffpeebleschamp
1.11 Zay Flowers, WR 5’9″ 182
Boston College
Zay Flowers to New England seems like a natural fit. Could become the focal point of the offense and help Mac Jones tremendously.
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) March 24, 2023
He is a BALLER. pic.twitter.com/BRJApH7Afm
I love the Zay Flowers value here. After a fantastic NFL combine, Flowers has shot up NFL and rookie mock draft boards. It seems Flowers will be a late first to an early second-round pick, which is excellent draft capital. Flowers has a phenomenal prospect profile and has shown elite-level production and athleticism in college. I’ve been high on Flowers all offseason, and I’m incredibly excited to grab him here at the 1.11. Unfortunately, there is a significant tier drop after Flowers. Since this is the case, I’m thrilled Flowers fell to me here at pick 1.11. – @SteveBradshawFF
1.12 Josh Downs, WR, 5’10” 180
North Carolina
Finishing off the first round, the pick is Josh Downs, a safe selection. Downs has concerns, especially regarding his position at receiver, but he has an alpha dog mindset. He is a dynamic receiver who shines in yards after the catch situations. He makes good separation due to his crafty route-running ability. Over the last two seasons at North Carolina, Downs dominated and combined for 195 receptions, 2300 yards, and 19 total touchdowns. The draft spot is going to be huge for his fantasy stock. He may be smaller, but he plays bigger than his size. – @coachstevenp
The big free agency names have signed. The top half of Round 1 has shaped up pretty consistently these past few versions. Some uncertainty at the end of Round 1 is pushing some value into the second round. That puts Superflex Rookie Mock 7.0 Round 1 in the books. Be on the lookout later this week for Rounds 2 and 3.
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