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Fantasy Football Player Notes

2023 PPR Draft Rankings

Kareem Hunt Note
Kareem Hunt photo 90. Kareem Hunt RB
There should have been a stronger case made that the Browns offense would struggle in 2022, making Kareem Hunt a tough bet to also deliver as the 1B to Nick Chubb's 1A. Hunt's bizarre lack of usage is what really held him back, but highly drafting No. 2 RBs in offenses with major question marks or turnovers is a tough sell. Hunt played over 50% of the snaps once all year (Week 1) and averaged just 9.4 touches per game, which ranked outside the top 50 running backs in 2022. In 2021, Hunt averaged nearly 3 more touches per game. The 2023 free-agent rusher was also not particularly efficient with a career-low 3.8 yards per carry. His days in Cleveland are most certainly over which opens the door for him to return to fantasy RB1 status as a new team's bellcow.
8 weeks ago
Leonard Fournette Note
Leonard Fournette photo 91. Leonard Fournette RB
Tom Brady's retirement might mark the end of Leonard Fournette with the Buccaneers. The team is pressed up versus the salary cap (31st in available salary cap space) and they have a potential out in Fournette's contract in 2023. Brady was pretty vocal about supporting Fournette through all his ups and downs during his Buccaneers' tenure, so his departure could be followed shortly by an ending for Playoff Lenny. With Fournette out, Rachaad White would become the entrenched starter entering the season. White saw his role grow during the second half of the season, forcing a timeshare with Fournette. From Weeks 10-17, White operated as the 1A in the Buccaneers' backfield averaging 11 fantasy points per game (RB26) versus Fournette's 11.3 (RB23). White wasn't great as a rusher - four yards per carry, 66.4 PFF rushing grade - but no running back was particularly efficient behind Tampa's patchwork offensive line. The first-year rusher was better than the 28-year-old on the ground, as the veteran finished third-to-last in rushing EPA (-39.13) and 6th-worst in PFF rushing grade (67.6). Lombardi Lenny posted his worst efficiency marks since joining the Bucs in 2022, ranking 4th-worst in NFL next-gen stats rushing yards over expectation per attempt (-0.36). There was also no better display of the Bucs' hierarchy in their backfield than White edging out Fournette on the field than in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Fournette carried the ball just five times for 11 yards while White started and rushed for 41 yards on 7 carries, adding 4-of-6 targets for 36 yards (56% snap share). Fournette's disappointing campaign - outside all the dump-off receptions/targets - will surely hurt his value if he hits the open market.
6 weeks ago
Ezekiel Elliott Note
Ezekiel Elliott photo 105. Ezekiel Elliott RB
I was vehemently against drafting Ezekiel Elliott across all formats in 2022. I was convinced that his best days were behind him and that Tony Pollard was the clear-cut better running back in the Dallas backfield. And I felt like the stance was mostly correct. Zeke finished as RB19 versus Pollard's RB7 status. Elliott posted career lows in yards per carry (3.7), receptions and targets. But he was an absolute TD monster, finishing second in expected touchdowns with 12 real rushing scores. Only Joe Mixon and Jamaal Williams totaled more carries inside the 10-yard line than Elliott. And ultimately the scoring was what made Zeke a usable fantasy asset especially after he returned from injury. He scored eight touchdowns from Weeks 11-17. However, with his potential return to Dallas surely coming with a large pay cut, there's no guarantee that Elliott maintains his previous role if Pollard becomes the highest-paid RB on the roster.
8 weeks ago
Jerick McKinnon Note
Jerick McKinnon photo 116. Jerick McKinnon RB
From Weeks 10-17, both Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon were top-21 half-point scorers. Jerick McKinnon was the RB7 in points per game, third in RB receptions at 35 with seven receiving TDs. The Chiefs scatback made the most of his opportunities as a receiver out of the backfield especially with Mecole Hardman sidelined. Because Hardman's injury correlated with a massive spike in usage for McKinnnon. In eight games with Hardman in the lineup, McKinnon was averaging close to just three targets per game. That number jumped to five in the nine games with Hardman out, as did McKinnon's receptions totals (2-to-4). His yardage also spiked from just under 20 yards to nearly 40 receiving yards per game. It's clear at this point in McKinnon's career that he cannot be deployed as anything more than a breather/pass-catching back in the rotation with another. He is already 30 years old and probably has the most fantasy value if he remains a Chief. His re-signing with KC would also be ideal for anyone invested in Pacheco, as a McKinnon return would make it less likely that KC invests significantly into another running back option. If ends up signing elsewhere, I'd be extremely bearish on his fantasy outlook as he requires such a specific role for success.
5 weeks ago
Bijan Robinson Note
Bijan Robinson photo 123. Bijan Robinson RB
Anytime a running back draws first-round buzz in today's NFL, you better pay attention. That's the case with Texas running back Bijan Robinson, who is the consensus No. 1 RB across all draft publications. B-Rob finished the 2022 season as PFF's second-highest-graded rusher in the FBS, tallying 18 rushing TDs and 1,575 rushing yards en route to a 37% dominator rating in his final year as a Longhorn. He forced 104 missed tackles (40% broken tackle rate) which have shown to be super predictive of success rushing at the NFL level. And among last year's class, only Breece Hall posted a higher dominator rating (40%). But only citing Robinson's junior year hardly captures everything he could accomplish at the college level. As a true freshman, he ranked second in the FBS in yards after contact per attempt (6.09). His 27% career dominator rating ranks top-5 in the 2023 Draft Class. Factor in that Robinson also finished 3rd among RBs in yards per catch (16.5) with zero drops and there's no question as to why he's the 1.01 already in rookie drafts. At 6-foot, 220 pounds, Robinson has the requisite size and all the tools to be a three-down running back who never leaves the field.
8 weeks ago
DJ Chark Jr. Note
DJ Chark Jr. photo 170. DJ Chark Jr. WR
Jahmyr Gibbs Note
Jahmyr Gibbs photo 175. Jahmyr Gibbs RB
Incoming rookie Jahmyr Gibbs spent his first two college seasons at Georgia Tech, posting a 24% dominator rating as the team's RB1 alongside future San Francisco 49er running back, Jordan Mason. In both his years at Georgia Tech, Gibbs finished second in PFF receiving grade among all RBs. However, he elected to not stay at GT for his junior year and instead transferred to Alabama to be the Crimson Tide's next RB1. He led Alabama with 926 rushing yards and flashed receiving ability by catching a team-leading 44 passes for 444 receiving yards. Gibbs finished third in the FBS in receiving yards in 2022, one year removed from leading all RBs in the nation in receiving yards (470). He also flashed his explosiveness by ending the year fifth in the class in PFF's breakaway run rate (53%). At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Gibbs is on the smaller size for an every-down role. But he more than makes up for it with his receiving and speed. NFL teams don't seem concerned about his size with his expected draft position at 36th overall.
4 weeks ago
D'Ernest Johnson Note
D'Ernest Johnson photo 177. D'Ernest Johnson RB
Zach Charbonnet Note
Zach Charbonnet photo 196. Zach Charbonnet RB
Mecole Hardman Note
Mecole Hardman photo 203. Mecole Hardman WR
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Note
Jaxon Smith-Njigba photo 206. Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR
Smith-Njiba won't burn you in the open field with his raw speed, but that isn't necessary for him to succeed. He's a route tactician with the route-running chops of an NFL veteran. Smith-Njiba's snap at the top of his stem is excellent, which allows him to create easy separation. Any team investing high draft capital in him knows what they are getting: a high-volume wide receiver that can work both inside and on the perimeter. Yes, Smith-Njiba was a slot receiver in college, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have the intangibles to get loose on the boundary. He wins with excellent, quick footwork at the line and in space. He's more quick than fast. Also, in saying that, it has to be mentioned that he is plenty quick to win in the NFL. While it's not a huge part of his game (only 16.1% of his 2021 target volume), he can win on vertical routes. He flashes the ability to stack corners on verticals from the slot easily. Smith-Njiba was ninth in yards per route run on deep targets, tied for first In PFF deep receiving grade, and second in passer rating when targeted on routes 20-plus yards in 2021 (minimum 15 deep targets). Smith-Njigba could be an immediate target hog in the NFL. He will be an immediate asset to the run game. He's a tenacious blocker who engages well with defenders and anchors them. He won't blow defenders out of their cleats, but he has the functional strength to hold running lanes or clear a path.
5 weeks ago
Quentin Johnston Note
Quentin Johnston photo 208. Quentin Johnston WR
Jordan Addison Note
Jordan Addison photo 211. Jordan Addison WR
Addison is fluid and silky smooth through his routes. He's quick in and out of his breaks. He displays nuance in his routes with pacing, subtle head fakes, and his understanding of leverage. His change of direction ability is effortless. He can gear down easily and jab step during a route without losing speed. Addison has a decent burst after the catch, but it's not likely to ever be a calling card. He dealt with drops early in his collegiate career, with 14.3% and 9.9% drop rates before 2022. He displayed growth here in 2022, decreasing that mark to 3.3%. He has strong hands, though, with contested catch rates of 53.8% and 55.6% before 2022. Addison will never be confused as a body catcher as he routinely plucks the ball from the air away from this body. Addison is a versatile wide receiver that played from the slot in 2020-2021 (68.0-82.6%) before transitioning to the boundary (75.5% out wide) in 2022. His superb route running and short area separation skills allow him to play multiple roles fluidly. Addison's varied release package at this stage of his career is impressive. Addison reminds me of watching DeVonta Smith with a difference in play strength. Smith played above his weight class, but Addison played at his weight.
5 weeks ago
Robbie Gould Note
Robbie Gould photo 226. Robbie Gould K
Zay Flowers Note
Zay Flowers photo 241. Zay Flowers WR
Julio Jones Note
Julio Jones photo 244. Julio Jones WR
J.D. McKissic Note
J.D. McKissic photo 246. J.D. McKissic RB
Marvin Jones Jr. Note
Marvin Jones Jr. photo 254. Marvin Jones Jr. WR
Irv Smith Jr. Note
Irv Smith Jr. photo 256. Irv Smith Jr. TE
Hopes were high for Irv Smith Jr. in 2022 after he missed the entire 2021 season with a torn meniscus in his knee, but Smith endured a high-ankle sprain in Week 8 and didn't make it back until Week 18. Smith finished the year with 25 catches for 182 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. Smith won't turn 25 until August, so there's still hope that the former second-round draft pick will become a fantasy-viable tight end, but he's likely to be an afterthought in most 2023 fantasy drafts.
4 weeks ago
Tank Bigsby Note
Tank Bigsby photo 262. Tank Bigsby RB
Devon Achane Note
Devon Achane photo 264. Devon Achane RB
Odell Beckham Jr. Note
Odell Beckham Jr. photo 265. Odell Beckham Jr. WR
Bryce Young Note
Bryce Young photo 270. Bryce Young QB
Likely to be the first quarterback taken in this year's NFL Draft, Alabama's Bryce Young is a pinpoint passer with a strong arm, quick release and the sort of field-reading ability that will endear him to his first NFL offensive coordinator. Young is agile, but he isn't going to add a great deal of fantasy value with his legs. The biggest concern with Young is his small frame. He's listed at 6-0, 194 pounds. The size issue won't prevent Young from being a top draft pick, and he's a good bet to be a Week 1 starter for whichever team selects him.
5 weeks ago
Brett Maher Note
Brett Maher photo 274. Brett Maher K
Kenyan Drake Note
Kenyan Drake photo 275. Kenyan Drake RB
Melvin Gordon III Note
Melvin Gordon III photo 277. Melvin Gordon III RB
Jalin Hyatt Note
Jalin Hyatt photo 279. Jalin Hyatt WR
Jarvis Landry Note
Jarvis Landry photo 280. Jarvis Landry WR
Josh Downs Note
Josh Downs photo 282. Josh Downs WR
Richie James Jr. Note
Richie James Jr. photo 284. Richie James Jr. WR
Kendre Miller Note
Kendre Miller photo 287. Kendre Miller RB
C.J. Stroud Note
C.J. Stroud photo 291. C.J. Stroud QB
Projected to be a top-five pick in this year's NFL Draft, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud is a mature passer with a strong, accurate arm and the sort of field-reading and decision-making skills that make offensive coordinators smile. Stroud isn't a running QB, but nor is he a statue in the pocket -- he has functional mobility to avoid sacks. With a number of QB-needy teams picking early in the draft, there's a good chance Stroud will start for someone in Week 1.
5 weeks ago
Austin Hooper Note
Austin Hooper photo 292. Austin Hooper TE
After finishing TE3 in fantasy points per game in 2019, Austin Hooper has largely been a fantasy afterthought ever since. He's had fewer than 450 receiving yards in each of the last three years, and he finished TE25 in half-point PPR fantasy scoring last season. The 28-year-old Hooper offers limited upside for 2023, especially with young TE Chig Okonkwo looking like a potential star for the Titans last year.
4 weeks ago
Rodrigo Blankenship Note
Rodrigo Blankenship photo 295. Rodrigo Blankenship K
Mason Crosby Note
Mason Crosby photo 297. Mason Crosby K
Latavius Murray Note
Latavius Murray photo 298. Latavius Murray RB
New head coach Sean Payton has already name-dropped Latavius Murray, a 2023 free agent that the Broncos seem more likely than not to re-sign with Payton operating at the helm. The two have obvious ties back to New Orleans, and Murray performed well when Denver scooped him up during the middle of last season after Javonte Williams went down with a devastating knee injury. In 12 games from Weeks 6-18, Murray was the RB24 in half-point scoring averaging 10.3 points per game (RB30). He was PFF's 10th-highest graded rusher (82.8) and averaged 15 touches per game. Murray also averaged nearly 70 yards from scrimmage and 3 targets per game. Not too shabby for the 33-year-old running back. With Williams potentially delayed in a return from his knee injury, I'd suspect that Murray picks up the slack to open the year if he stays in the Mile High City. He is essentially free in best-ball drafts as the RB72, which seems like an error in the drafting community.
5 weeks ago
Dontrell Hilliard Note
Dontrell Hilliard photo 305. Dontrell Hilliard RB
Darrel Williams Note
Darrel Williams photo 308. Darrel Williams RB
Zach Evans Note
Zach Evans photo 310. Zach Evans RB
Chosen Anderson Note
Chosen Anderson photo 311. Chosen Anderson WR
Kayshon Boutte Note
Kayshon Boutte photo 313. Kayshon Boutte WR
Sean Tucker Note
Sean Tucker photo 315. Sean Tucker RB
Rex Burkhead Note
Rex Burkhead photo 316. Rex Burkhead RB
Israel Abanikanda Note
Israel Abanikanda photo 318. Israel Abanikanda RB
Nelson Agholor Note
Nelson Agholor photo 319. Nelson Agholor WR
Justin Jackson Note
Justin Jackson photo 320. Justin Jackson RB
Jamison Crowder Note
Jamison Crowder photo 321. Jamison Crowder WR
Darrell Henderson Jr. Note
Darrell Henderson Jr. photo 322. Darrell Henderson Jr. RB
Kenny Golladay Note
Kenny Golladay photo 325. Kenny Golladay WR
Tyjae Spears Note
Tyjae Spears photo 326. Tyjae Spears RB
Michael Mayer Note
Michael Mayer photo 327. Michael Mayer TE
Regarded by many as the top rookie tight end in the Class of 2023, Michael Mayer of Notre Dame has drawn comparisons to Jason Witten because he shines as both a pass catcher and blocker. Mayer had more than 800 receiving yards in each of his last two college seasons, scoring seven touchdowns in 2021 and nine in 2022. He's likely to be a first-round pick in this year's draft and could provide immediate fantasy value if he lands in the right spot.
4 weeks ago
Roschon Johnson Note
Roschon Johnson photo 328. Roschon Johnson RB
Mark Ingram II Note
Mark Ingram II photo 334. Mark Ingram II RB
Will Levis Note
Will Levis photo 337. Will Levis QB
Likely to be a top-10 draft pick and a dark-horse candidate to be taken first overall, Will Levis has immense potential but might need a few years before he's ready to fulfill it. Levis has prototypical size (6-3, 232 pounds), a cannon arm and dynamic rushing ability. But Levis is coming off a somewhat disappointing final college season at Kentucky, and he might not be a Week 1 starter for whichever team drafts him. He'll get a shot at some point in his rookie season, however, and perhaps Levis' running ability can float his fantasy value while he develops as a passer.
4 weeks ago
Rashee Rice Note
Rashee Rice photo 338. Rashee Rice WR
Ty Johnson Note
Ty Johnson photo 339. Ty Johnson RB
DeWayne McBride Note
DeWayne McBride photo 340. DeWayne McBride RB
Tyler Davis Note
Tyler Davis photo 342. Tyler Davis K
Randy Bullock Note
Randy Bullock photo 344. Randy Bullock K
Marlon Mack Note
Marlon Mack photo 345. Marlon Mack RB
Evan Hull Note
Evan Hull photo 346. Evan Hull RB
Foster Moreau Note
Foster Moreau photo 348. Foster Moreau TE
Anthony Richardson Note
Anthony Richardson photo 351. Anthony Richardson QB
Anthony Richardson might have the highest ceiling of any quarterback in this year's NFL Draft. The 6-4, 235-pound Richardson has ideal size, a rocket for his arm and eye-opening running ability. But Richardson was a starter for only one of his three seasons at the University of Florida, and after completing only 53.8% of his passes in 2022, there are questions about his accuracy. Richardson is a project who might not start for an NFL team right away. When he eventually become a starter, Richardson can tide over his fantasy managers with rushing production while his passing skills are developing.
4 weeks ago
Cedric Tillman Note
Cedric Tillman photo 352. Cedric Tillman WR
Eric Gray Note
Eric Gray photo 354. Eric Gray RB
Deuce Vaughn Note
Deuce Vaughn photo 359. Deuce Vaughn RB
Dalton Kincaid Note
Dalton Kincaid photo 360. Dalton Kincaid TE
Kenny McIntosh Note
Kenny McIntosh photo 361. Kenny McIntosh RB
Marvin Mims Note
Marvin Mims photo 363. Marvin Mims WR
Byron Pringle Note
Byron Pringle photo 365. Byron Pringle WR
Sammy Watkins Note
Sammy Watkins photo 371. Sammy Watkins WR
Puka Nacua Note
Puka Nacua photo 373. Puka Nacua WR
Xavier Hutchinson Note
Xavier Hutchinson photo 376. Xavier Hutchinson WR
Carson Wentz Note
Carson Wentz photo 378. Carson Wentz QB
After washing out as the Colts' starter in 2021, Carson Wentz was similarly disappointing in Washington last season, averaging only 6.4 yards per pass attempt over eight games. A near-lock to be released before summer, Wentz is unlikely to begin the 2023 season as a starter, though it's possible he could make a few early-season starts for a team looking to bring along a rookie quarterback slowly.
4 weeks ago
Luke Musgrave Note
Luke Musgrave photo 379. Luke Musgrave TE
Olamide Zaccheaus Note
Olamide Zaccheaus photo 395. Olamide Zaccheaus WR
Damien Williams Note
Damien Williams photo 397. Damien Williams RB
T.Y. Hilton Note
T.Y. Hilton photo 398. T.Y. Hilton WR
Mohamed Ibrahim Note
Mohamed Ibrahim photo 399. Mohamed Ibrahim RB
Parker Washington Note
Parker Washington photo 400. Parker Washington WR
Sam Laporta Note
Sam Laporta photo 402. Sam Laporta TE
Cameron Brate Note
Cameron Brate photo 405. Cameron Brate TE
Darnell Washington Note
Darnell Washington photo 406. Darnell Washington TE
Chris Moore Note
Chris Moore photo 411. Chris Moore WR
Giovani Bernard Note
Giovani Bernard photo 412. Giovani Bernard RB
Chase Brown Note
Chase Brown photo 413. Chase Brown RB
Demarcus Robinson Note
Demarcus Robinson photo 420. Demarcus Robinson WR
Mike Davis Note
Mike Davis photo 421. Mike Davis RB
Kyle Rudolph Note
Kyle Rudolph photo 423. Kyle Rudolph TE
Matt Ryan Note
Matt Ryan photo 426. Matt Ryan QB
Sony Michel Note
Sony Michel photo 432. Sony Michel RB
A.T. Perry Note
A.T. Perry photo 438. A.T. Perry WR
Randall Cobb Note
Randall Cobb photo 439. Randall Cobb WR
Zakhari Franklin Note
Zakhari Franklin photo 441. Zakhari Franklin WR
Keaton Mitchell Note
Keaton Mitchell photo 444. Keaton Mitchell RB
Eddy Pineiro Note
Eddy Pineiro photo 448. Eddy Pineiro K
Phillip Lindsay Note
Phillip Lindsay photo 449. Phillip Lindsay RB
Zack Kuntz Note
Zack Kuntz photo 453. Zack Kuntz TE
DeAndre Carter Note
DeAndre Carter photo 454. DeAndre Carter WR
Duke Johnson Jr. Note
Duke Johnson Jr. photo 456. Duke Johnson Jr. RB
Jaret Patterson Note
Jaret Patterson photo 458. Jaret Patterson RB
Marcus Johnson Note
Marcus Johnson photo 460. Marcus Johnson WR
Chase McLaughlin Note
Chase McLaughlin photo 463. Chase McLaughlin K
Dan Arnold Note
Dan Arnold photo 467. Dan Arnold TE
Marquise Goodwin Note
Marquise Goodwin photo 472. Marquise Goodwin WR
Geoff Swaim Note
Geoff Swaim photo 474. Geoff Swaim TE
Justin Watson Note
Justin Watson photo 476. Justin Watson WR