The biggest Best Ball tournament of the year is in full swing, Underdog Best Ball Mania IV. The field has gotten larger every year for this event, and this is no exception with a $3 million grand prize.
With the 2023 NFL Draft in the books, I thought it would be a great time to dive into my favorite fantasy football 2023 rookie targets in Underdog Best Ball Mania IV. There were some big risers after the draft, and some players are still going at a great discount. These rookies are players to target in all types of fantasy leagues for the 2023 season as well.
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Underdog Fantasy Football 2023 Rookie Targets
Jordan Addison – MIN – WR39
Jordan Addison enters the NFL as one of the most pro-ready wide receivers in the 2023 Draft Class. He is a fantastic route runner with great hands, coming off a prolific college career. Addison had nearly 1600 receiving yards as a sophomore at Pittsburgh before struggling with injuries in 2022. Despite not having top-end speed, he has a knack for creating separation between himself and defenders.
This skillset perfectly compliments his new teammate, Justin Jefferson, and he should immediately step in as the WR2 in the offense. With Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in the fold, targets may be hard to come by some weeks. However, he should have some big weeks throughout the year, making him perfect for best ball.
Jordan Addison is my bet to be the highest scoring rookie WR
– Immediate high volume WR2 role
– Cousins coming off career-high in PA
– Relaxed coverage opposite Jefferson
My WR2 for rookie in dynasty but my WR1 for redraft/bestball
— Justin (@Justin_14P) May 3, 2023
Devon Achane – MIA – RB39
One of the most fun running backs to watch coming out this year, Devon Achane is a former track star who has taken his athleticism to the football field. He also ran a blistering 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and that shows on tape. Achane effortlessly outran defenders while also running surprisingly tough in between the tackles at Texas A&M.
At 5’9” and 188 pounds, though, there will be volume concerns at the NFL level. Regardless, he landed in the perfect situation to maximize his 10-15 touch-per-game role. Miami has a powerful offense, and their other skill position players will create plenty of opportunities for Achane in the open field.
Roschon Johnson – CHI – RB44
The fourth-round draft capital Roschon Johnson received was disappointing, as recent reports suggested he could have snuck in on day two. Nonetheless, I love the talent, and he landed in a great spot with the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, Johnson didn’t get to show off his skills playing behind Bijan Robinson for the last three years. Nonetheless, he is one of the most complete running backs in the class.
A strong frame makes him very tough to tackle, and he has great vision when he reaches the line of scrimmage. Although he didn’t have a lot of receiving opportunities at Texas, Johnson is a strong pass blocker which will yield him extra third-down opportunities. Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman will provide stiff competition for carries, but this is as wide-open as a backfield gets in the NFL.
How many weeks until Roschon Johnson takes over in Chicago?
Great landing spot. pic.twitter.com/qFnZRGM8o7
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) April 30, 2023
Jonathan Mingo – CAR – WR64
Jonathan Mingo, one of the biggest post-draft rookie risers, was selected far earlier than expected at No. 39 overall. I’ve compared him to George Pickens, though, with his ability to track deep balls and his imposing physical stature. Mingo is an adequate route runner, too, with an ability to high point the ball over opposing defenders.
Unfortunately, a lack of athleticism and production in college led me to believe he would be a round-three pick at best in the NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers brass clearly loved what they saw, though, and he steps into one of the shallowest wide receiver cores in the league. There may be growing pains. However, he should have some big weeks that make him well worth it at the back end of drafts.
Rashee Rice – KC – WR68
Another wide receiver that went earlier than expected, the Kansas City Chiefs have once again put fantasy managers in a bind. Rashee Rice was a surprising pick, given some of the wide receivers left on the board. Nonetheless, the landing spot in a wide-open Kansas City offense with Patrick Mahomes will be hard for fantasy managers to pass on.
Rice has an attractive blend of size and speed, coming off a strong career at SMU. Like Mingo, he is also a great ball tracker and a strongly contested catcher. This is yet another questionable wide receiver pick by the Chiefs, but the risk is all baked into his WR68 pricetag.
In the two SuperFlex rookie drafts I’ve completed so far…
Rashee Rice has gone:
3.01 & 3.03
I feel like the ff community may have overcorrected to the Chiefs landing spot after Skyy Moore last year…
THATS JUST STRAIGHT UP VALUE!
— Matt FF Dynasty ? (@MattFFDynasty) May 3, 2023
C.J. Stroud – HOU – QB25
Even in a bad Houston offense, C.J. Stroud is being priced at his absolute floor in Underdog Fantasy Football drafts. Stroud enters the NFL with prototype size and is a highly accurate passer. He doesn’t make too many flashy plays. However, this limits his mistakes and sustains his drives. Despite not having a lot of rushing production in college either, Stroud is also very athletic.
With Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. at Ohio State over the last couple of years, there wasn’t a need for him to run. Stroud is fully capable of adding 200-400 yards with his legs which will give him a nice bump in fantasy production. Stroud may have his struggles as a rookie. QB25 is too low, though, for a player with his potential.
Thanks for checking out my favorite fantasy football 2023 rookie targets on the Sports Gambling Podcast Network. Check back with SGPN daily for fantasy football advice and content.
