5 RBs to target in (Early) 2023 NFL Fantasy Football Drafts

Here we go!

The calendar may say June, but NFL football is never far away. Although we are 81 days and counting away from kickoff, it's never too early to start your fantasy research.

Here are 5 RBs to target in your fantasy football drafts this season.

Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers: With Aaron Rodgers in the Big Apple, and Davante Adams in Las Vegas, Aaron Jones is unquestionably the Green Bay Packers top offensive weapon heading into 2023. Jones racked up a career high 72 targets in 2022, and we'd expect that number to rise next season. Jordan Love is going to need all the help he can get, and he'll likely look towards his dependeble running back frequently.

According to Fantasy Pros, Aaron Jones is being drafted as the RB#16 after finishing as RB9 in PPR leagues last year. The UTSA alumn can be had with the 40th selection. There are few better value picks than Aaron Jones in the 3rd-4th round this season.

Rashaad Penny, PHI: Call me crazy but I'm willing to take a flyer on a guy with a 10.5% breakaway run percentage in 2022. Although he played in just five games last season, Penny ran for 346 yards and two scores on just 57 carries.

Expect him to build on those numbers and then some in Philadelphia's explosive rushing attack. Sure, you're betting on the former 1st round pick to stay healthy, but if he does you might have a league winner at the cost of a 10th round pick. With an ADP at nearly 115, Penny is the definition of a sleeper.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay: Opportunity is an enormous factor in fantasy football. Luckily, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White has plenty of it heading into 2023. With his main source of competition being former Syracuse star Sean Tucker, White is a plug and play RB2.

After collecting a healthy 50 receptions last season, look for White's role to expand even further with Leonard Fournette no longer on the roster. An improved offensive line and fresh offensive coordinator in Dave Canales should unleash White in 2023.

The only problem is what kind of touchdown equity does he hit this year? He'll have to hit a large volume to become a RB1. But the real question is can the Arizona State man sustain being the early down work horse for this Bucs team? If White can, he could be a league winner.

J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore: Dobbins tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus in the 2021 pre-season. He tried to come back in week 3 of last year, and didn't look right. However, Dobbins came back at the end of the year with two 100-yard rushing games and looked explosive.

Although the Ravens upgraded from stale offensive coordinator Greg Roman to Todd Monken this off-season, the Ravens are still a rushing football team. Dobbins is a guy who can easily crack the top 12 RB this season, and become your RB1 for a 4th round price. Dobbins has proved his mettle and when healthy is one of the most explosive RBs in the NFL.

Additionally, mobile QBs have a positive effective effect on RB efficiency. With Lamar Jackson back in the fold, and dangerous weapons in Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. added, Dobbins should see more positive gamescripts in 2023.

Alexander Mattison, Vikings: Dalvin Cook has been a RB1 for five straight seasons. If Mattison can emulate ever 80% of Cook's production over the past four seasons, you've got a steal.

At his current ADP of RB19, Mattison represents outstanding value. You can pick him up in the seventh round at this point in the drafting season. Mattison is the definition of value.

In the six games Mattison started while Cook missed time, Mattison was a must-start, averaging 19.5 rushing attempts, 4.5 targets, 115.5 total yards, 0.8 TDs, and over 20 PPR points-per-game in his six games as the lead back. Moreover, Mattison should be fresh after averaging only 118.5 touchs per season during his four-year career.

While questions remain over Mattison's ability to sustain his production while logging starter snaps, he faces little competition in the Vikings backfield. While the Vikings drafted DeWayne McBride in the 7th round, he'll face a long road to consistent snaps.