2023 NFL Draft Fantasy Football Winners
The 2023 NFL Draft failed to disappoint, providing us with plenty of drama and some tantalizing fantasy football implications for the upcoming season. Who stands to benefit the most after the dust has settled? Let’s talk about it!
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots
Rhamondre was one of my highest-drafted players last season, but his price is much more expensive this time around. He currently goes in the late 3rd round on Underdog Fantasy, and I don’t expect him to get any cheaper. The Patriots chose not to draft a running back after having done so in four of the previous five seasons. They let Damien Harris walk, and the only other back they signed is James Robinson, who is a shell of his former self. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if JRob was cut before the season started. On top of that, New England spent three draft picks on offensive linemen, while signing another two through free agency. All of this bodes well for Stevenson, who flashed some amazing talent last year. He finished as the RB14 in PPR scoring in 2022, finishing 3rd among all running backs in targets. New England still lacks a downfield passing game, so expect a healthy dosage of Rhamondre check-downs next season.
Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks
I’ll admit, I’m a little hesitant to believe in Geno after last year’s breakout season. He finished 5th among all quarterbacks in scoring after never finishing higher than 20th prior to 2022. He could crash back down to earth this year, but I don’t see it happening. Seattle did a good job of positioning him for success in the draft. Jackson Smith-Njigba is arguably the top wide receiver in his class, and I wouldn’t argue if you told me the Seahawks have the best receiver trio in the league. Seattle also drafted two running backs and two offensive linemen to bolster their offense, so it really seems like they want to build around Geno. I’m not predicting another top five quarterback finish, but he can certainly finish as a QB1 again.
JK Dobbins, RB, Ravens
I know what you’re thinking: “The Ravens drafted a receiver in the first round, signed Odell Beckham Jr., and made Lamar Jackson the highest paid player in NFL history. Wouldn’t all of that hurt their run game?” Allow me to explain. While it may hurt their run game as a whole, Dobbins is in a great spot. The Ravens opted to not add a running back through free agency or the draft. Dobbins looked good last year, and he should now be fully recovered from his 2021 ACL tear. A better passing attack is good for Dobbins, because the Ravens should be in in the red zone more. It also could mean less defenders in the box, giving more room for Dobbins to run wild. It’s rarely a bad idea to invest in the starting running back on a good offense, and that’s what you’re getting in Dobbins.
Sam Laporta, TE, Lions
He’s an Iowa tight end. What else needs to be said? If that doesn’t convince you, I suppose I could give some actual analysis. Laporta is instantly the best tight end on the team. Between Brock Wright, James Mitchell, and Shane Zylstra, the trio managed just 40 catches for 389 yards and an unsustainably high 9 TDs last year. Jameson Williams will miss the first six games due to suspension, D’Andre Swift got traded to the Eagles, and DJ Chark went to Carolina in free agency. Detroit did draft a very talented pass catching back in Jahmyr Gibbs, but it’s not at all crazy to think Laporta could open the season as Jared Goff’s 3rd favorite target. The Lions boasted a top five scoring offense last year. If they can repeat that success, I certainly want some shares of their starting tight end.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts
Richardson had to go to the right spot for me to consider him a winner, and I really do love this spot for him. He has a young, sharp offensive head coach in Shane Steichen. His offensive line looks to be pretty good. He has an elite running back in Jonathan Taylor, and a nice WR1 in Michael Pittman Jr. In the draft, Indianapolis selected All-American and All-ACC WR Josh Downs from UNC, as well as a tight end and two more offensive linemen. Indy clearly wants to set their rookie QB up for success, and I think that success can come as early as this season. He’ll have his fair share of struggles, but I absolutely love the fantasy football upside for Richardson.
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