The NFL 2023 season is right around the corner; the preseason under way which means one thing…Fantasy football is officially back. With the start of the season just weeks away the big question remains, who are the most touted players on mock drafts around the country?
It’s no secret that running backs usually consume several selections in the first 10 picks. Injuries have depleted the position year after year with CMC, Dalvin Cook, Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara and JK Dobbins, all facing brutal injuries during the 2022 NFL season. Players on new teams, personnel, offensive schemes and scheduling all came into play when I made my list of the top-five backs for the upcoming fantasy football season.
5. Christian McCaffrey
The best ability is availability and Christian has not been on the field consistently for owners.
The last two years have been abysmal for CMC due to injuries, volume, and inconsistencies behind center in Charlotte. Before the 2021 season McCaffrey averaged nearly 25 points per game in PPR leagues (points per reception). The downside is the 23 games missed over the last two years. What has killed fantasy owners over the that same duration is taking CMC one through three, which means you’re not selecting another player until 17-20 in the second round. Putting your eggs all in the same basket in CMC has backfired for owners, so expect to see him slip this year.
First Round Pick 6-10
4. Alvin Kamara
The addition of “Cant Guard Mike” Michael Thomas and former Browns’ receiver Jarvis Landry will keep defenses from stacking the box, which should do wonders for All-Pro Alvin Kamara. The biggest question with Kamara, who possesses pass-catching abilities out the backfield, will be how many games missed due to off season troubles.
First Round Pick 5-7
3. Derrick Henry
When healthy, King Henry was arguably the best pound-for-pound back in the league. This included playing with a less than mediocre quarterback in Ryan Tannehill. Missing much of last season, (8 games) and nearly still rushing for 1,000 yards against seven and eight-man fronts says a lot about this stud. The departure of A.J. Brown should certainly increase his workload in Tennessee. Don’t be surprised to see Henry rush for 1,600 yards regardless of who is behind center.
First Round Pick 1-3
2. Austin Eckler
No doubt about it, Austin Eckler in a PPR league could have be the overall number one back coming off fantasy boards for this upcoming season. His pass catching abilities are reminiscent of a young Darren Sproles with his swiftness that causes defenders to miss in the open field. Producing over 1,500 yards in total offense just a season ago, with the gun slinger Justin Herbert, expect Eckler to come off the boards early.
First Round Pick 1-2
1. Jonathan Taylor
According to The Score, Jonathan Taylor has 32 rushing touchdowns – the third most all-time after playing two NFL seasons ranking just behind Edgerrin James. Ranked as the number one overall back last season, including 518 yards against 8-man fronts should help take the load off Matt Ryan, if he can improve within the pocket during his first season in Indy. Rushing for 1,811 yards with 20 overall touchdowns, Jonathan should be a thorn in the side for opposing defenses.
First Round Pick 1-2