NFL draft season is well underway, and there are plenty of fantasy football general managers who are building their rookie draft boards for dynasty purposes.
Utilizing all information available is going to be key in building those draft boards, and looking at how each position stacks up against one another from an analytics standpoint is just one of the many tools to consider during the evaluation process. This series focuses purely on the key stable metrics that translate more often than not from college to the NFL.
QB | RB | WR | TE | EDGE | DI | LB
How the 2023 quarterback class stacks up using key stable metrics
• Bryce Young‘s and C.J. Stroud‘s dominance on display: The odds-on favorites to go first overall in this year’s draft back up the hype with elite numbers across the board.
• Red flags for Florida’s Anthony Richardson are evident: While Richardson has potential, evaluators' concerns will only be confirmed when comparing his stable metrics to the rest of this year’s rookie class.
How the 2023 running back class stacks up using key stable metrics
• No surprise at the top: Texas’ Bijan Robinson dominates across the board and justifies his unanimous ranking as the 2023 class’ top back.
• The other Texas running back intrigues on a smaller workload: Roschon Johnson made the most of his opportunities and performs well in multiple key rushing metrics.
• This year’s National Championship Game boasts the top two receiving backs in the class: Georgia’s Kenny McIntosh and Alabama‘s Jahmyr Gibbs stand out in key receiving metrics, increasing their value for PPR leagues.
How the 2023 wide receiver class stacks up using key stable metrics
• An elite 2021 season boosts Ohio State’s star to the top: Jaxon Smith-Njigba puts up dominant numbers across the board despite missing most of 2022 with injuries.
• Former Biletnikoff winner shows well: Jordan Addison played in two different systems and at two different positions and consistently posted top marks in key metrics.
• Oklahoma’s big-play sleeper: Marvin Mims posted strong metrics all around but none better than as a big-play threat, making him a potential deep fantasy option.
How the 2023 tight end class stacks up using key stable metrics
• The PFF big board and stable metrics align (again) at the top: Utah’s Dalton Kincaid posted strong stable metrics across the board and solidifies his spot atop a strong class.
• More exciting tight ends that are primed to rejuvenate the tight end position in fantasy: Michael Mayer, Sam LaPorta, and Darnell Washington all shine in key stable metrics. Now they just need prime landing spots in the draft.
How the 2023 edge defender class stacks up using key stable metrics
• Small but mighty: Wisconsin’s Nick Herbig may be undersized, but these rankings don’t discriminate, as his impressive two-year run off the edge vaults him up the charts.
• No red flags in sight: Alabama’s Will Anderson does everything well and did so against the toughest competition on the biggest workload for this class.
• Testing numbers aside: Army’s Andre Carter dominated in 2021, which helped his ranking here, but he does carry considerable red flags outside of just his pass-rush metrics.
How the 2023 interior defender class stacks up using key stable metrics
• Georgia produces another defensive line stud: Jalen Carter’s dominance over the past two years should enable him to become a future top-tier defensive tackle option in IDP leagues.
• The Aaron Donald comparisons may be justified: Calijah Kancey may be on the smaller size, but his pass-rush upside is huge if these stable metrics translate to the NFL.
How the 2023 linebacker class stacks up using key stable metrics
• Cincinnati’s Ivan Pace Jr. impresses across the board: Can the undersized Pace translate to the NFL with his top-tier stable metrics?
• Jack Campbell makes his case: The Iowa product delivers in key stable metrics as he pushes to be the first linebacker selected in this year’s NFL Draft.
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