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. We have seen at least one quarterback sneak into the first round of the 1QB mock several times. Will 7.0 keep that trend going? The second tier is looks to be pretty set, but there is still some movement in tier three.
Let’s see how this shakes out.
1QB Rookie Mock Draft 7.0 – Round 1
1.01 Bijan Robinson, RB, 5’11” 215
Texas
Bijan Robinson is a cheat code. pic.twitter.com/d56ojLL39u
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) March 19, 2023
We are almost at the finish line of the 2023 pre-draft process. So let’s not get cute at the top of our rookie drafts. Bijan is the top prospect, and anything you see otherwise is just an attempt to be “hot-takey.” Bijan is the proto-typical size of a workhorse running back and will fill a three-down role with whatever team he lands on. He has a shot to finish as an RB1 as early as his rookie season and will be a first-rounder in redraft leagues. He is already the RB4 on Underdog bestball drafts, even before finding out which team he will play for in 2023. – @DanT_NFL
1.02 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, 6’1″ 196
Ohio State University
There is no doubt for me that Smith-Njigba is the top wide receiver in this class. His route running is smooth, he is quick out of cuts, and he has a knack for getting himself open on the field. While some worry he doesn’t have top-end speed or elite height, JSN fits the bill for me in every agility score. He is a premiere talent in this draft and will be an instant contributor in his rookie season, especially if he lands on a team with a hole at the wide receiver position. – @timbmartens
1.03 Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, 5’9″ 199
Alabama
He is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. Gibbs is a fluid runner with great acceleration. He displays great moves in the open field and is difficult to tackle. No stranger to lining up outside and running routes, Gibbs will be a threat to catch 60+ passes as a rookie. The only weakness in his game is he sometimes hesitates when making decisions on inside runs. With all of his other gifts, I am willing to overlook that issue. – @Culture_Coach
1.04 Zach Charbonnet, RB, 6’0″ 214
UCLA
The patience here from Zach Charbonnet is just beautiful pic.twitter.com/6Wa8QKjhqc
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) March 26, 2023
My RB3 of this class, Charbonnet, was an easy decision at 1.04. 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 1.04 and enjoy a rookie who can immediately command a backfield. – @FF_TJHernandez
1.05 Quentin Johnston, WR, 6’3″ 208
TCU
Please give me my number one receiver in the class at the fifth overall pick. Johnston‘s alpha dog play style will dominate at the NFL level. It’s not that he is just big with his 6 ‘4″ frame, but he has the elite speed to match to be a nightmare for defensive backs. He is a crisp route runner that knows how to create separation from defenders to get into open space. He’ll likely be drafted to be a team’s WR1 and should be able to produce right out of the gate. – @coachstevenp
1.06 Jordan Addison, WR, 5’11” 173
USC
Addison is consistently either WR2/3 for me on any day, and I’m pumped to get him here. He has a first-round grade, and his skill set will show off well in the NFL. He reminds me of a smaller Stefon Diggs, and if I can get a player similar to Diggs at this spot, I’m a happy drafter. Addison’s a proven wideout that won the Biletnikoff Award; what more can I ask for? – @DarthDbacks
1.07 Devon Achane, RB, 5’8.5″ 188
Texas A&M
Devon Achane highlights set to the “Mission Impossible Theme” feels appropriate since he always runs like he’s being chased. Top. End. Speed 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/7BwMGKDskk
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) February 26, 2023
At this .point, 1.07 is considered a “tier beak,” but I think this could change based on the NFL draft. My reservation about Achane is his size. 188 pounds is a little light for a running back, but his college production helps quell those concerns. He is elusive, posting 53 broken tackles and 702 yards after contact in 2022. If he lands in the right spot, he has the potential to be special for fantasy football. He has pure speed, is very elusive, and stands to be a threat in the passing game in the NFL. – @JohnnyBGoodeDFF
1.08 Zay Flowers, WR, 5’9″ 182
Boston College
Zay Flowers will surprise many people on draft day when he goes ahead of some other highly revered receivers. He’s shown an ability to read defenses well and has good hands to boot. He’s a smaller receiver but managed to bulk up to 183 for the combine and runs great routes at any depth. He might profile as a slot guy, but that versatility makes his upside higher than most of the receivers in this class. I feel comfortable taking him regardless of the landing spot because he will find a role wherever he goes. – @MonCalFF
1.09 Josh Downs, WR, 5’9″ 171
North Carolina
Josh Downs is a dynamic wide receiver who had two very productive seasons in college. Downs has shown great speed and gets good separation. But he will likely be used out of the slot due to his size. In a draft class that is not super strong at the receiver position, Downs is one of the last guys I am willing to take in the first round of 1QB drafts. – @dropthemikeFF
1.10 Kendre Miller, RB, 5’11” 215
TCU
Kendre Miller After Dark 👿
— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) March 15, 2023
pic.twitter.com/ipAeBSqudx
Miller has phenomenal vision and contact balance. He runs with patience and power. He creates on his own and is decisive with the ball in his hands. The lack of pass-catching is a minor concern, but Miller looked good when he was used in the passing game. – @ffpeebleschamp
1.11 Sean Tucker, RB, 5’9″ 207
Syracuse
The most straightforward selection I’ve made throughout this mock draft series. Sean Tucker losing value at this stage makes little sense. Perhaps, not participating in the Combine put his profile on the back burner for managers. However, despite not testing, Tucker weighed in with the second-highest BMI in the class and displayed his athletic skillset in a recent private workout posted to Twitter. With the second-highest target percentage and an above-average college dominator rating, Tucker keeps checking boxes. The Syracuse standout deserves to be RB4 off the board, and if this value holds, I will roster a ton of Sean Tucker. – @DynastyOasis
1.12 CJ Stroud, QB, 6’3″ 214
Ohio State
I was at Stroud‘s second career start against Oregon, where he put up 484 yards and three scores, but they lost. Despite the numbers, there were ample times he could have run and wouldn’t. Twenty-two mostly excellent starts over the next two years confirmed the same. Then in his final game, he finally flashed the ability to succeed outside of structure that all the league’s best quarterbacks have. I will bet on that. I assume he is going first in the NFL Draft. Carolina has few stars, but Thielen, Hurst, and Sanders should be enough to let him grow. – Ryan Wilhelm
Thanks for checking out 1QB Mock Draft 7.0. Hit the writer’s link in the write ups to get more detailed info about their pick. HERE is the Superflex version.
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