In the wild and unpredictable world of the CZNFL Dynasty League, the Hrustin Cowboys proved they have the grit and determination to corral success. Despite being saddled with the 12th pick in the draft order, this team managed to rope in an impressive A+ draft grade. With 29 rounds of intense decision-making, the Cowboys strategically selected a roster that is projected to achieve a solid 10-4-0 record and finish in 4th place. Talk about a wild ride!
The Hrustin Cowboys aren't afraid to take risks, evident by their fearless selection of three players from the same team. It's a high-stakes gamble that could pay off big time or leave them in the dust. Additionally, their schedule is no walk in the park, as they face the 4th toughest lineup of opponents. But fear not, Cowboys fans, because this team is armed and ready to face any challenge that comes their way. With four players on bye week 10, they'll need to rustle up some backup talent to keep their momentum going. Saddle up, folks, because the Hrustin Cowboys are about to ride into the sunset of fantasy glory!
Share
ADP Analysis
Bars above zero indicate a pick was selected later than a player's ADP. Bars below zero show players that were taken earlier than their ADP.
Inside the Draft
Player Outlooks
- Round 1, Pick 12 - Bye 10
2023 Rank: 23 - 2022 Rank: 1
Fresh off his second Super Bowl victory, second MVP title and his best season since he took the league by storm in 2018, it's easier than ever to declare Mahomes the best quarterback in the NFL. Whether that proves to be true in fantasy football is a different question, but it's tough to bet against Mahomes after throwing for 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns last year. Mahomes' rushing ability isn't the first thing to come to mind when looking at his game, but his ability to add at least 300 yards and a couple touchdowns on the ground provides a meaningful boost to his fantasy output. The departures of free agent wideouts JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman shouldn't matter much, especially since the Chiefs reloaded with second-round pick Rashee Rice and quality free agent slot man Richie James. There's also the expectation that Kadarius Toney step up more after the Chiefs acquired him in-season from the Giants in 2022. So long as Travis Kelce is on the field it seems like Mahomes can score points with pretty much any combination of wide receivers.
- Round 2, Pick 24 - Bye 10
2023 Rank: 3 - 2022 Rank: 18
Hill's record of exceptional on-field play has been consistent enough that his first year in Miami may actually be flying under the radar. Wide receivers usually see a dip in production in their first year with a new team, but Hill's inaugural season with the Dolphins saw him rack up a career-high 1,710 receiving yards (11th most in NFL history) to go with eight total touchdowns. The speedster managed that feat despite enduring tumultuous injuries at the quarterback position, and catching passes from a third-stringer by the end of the season. Part of the credit needs to go to coach Mike McDaniel's outstanding offensive scheme, and to Tua Tagovailoa's play under center. But the ultimate takeaway is that Hill is a game-breaker still in his prime. In 17 games last season, Hill broke 100 yards on seven occasions and led the entire NFL with 3.20 yards per route run. He seems a likely candidate for positive touchdown regression, especially if Tagovailoa can put together an fully healthy season. With Jaylen Waddle present to keep defenses honest but no other target competition of real significance, Hill finds himself in the perfect situation to once again produce Top-5 wide receiver stats.
- Round 3, Pick 36 - Bye 7
2023 Rank: 4 - 2022 Rank: 31
Pollard finally emerged from Ezekiel Elliott's shadow in 2022. The Memphis product turned a career-high workload into career-best volume numbers without losing any efficiency, as Pollard topped 5.0 yards per carry for the third time in four NFL seasons while delivering his best yards per catch average to date at 9.5. The Cowboys were also more willing to use Pollard in the red zone, resulting in 12 total touchdowns after he had only 10 in his first three years combined. The breakout performance, along with salary cap concerns, finally convinced Dallas to move on from a declining Elliott, but that doesn't necessarily mean Pollard's role has room to grow further as his thin frame may not be able to handle much more than last season's 233 touches. Then again, Zeke's 231 carries will have to go somewhere. The team did add Ronald Jones in the offseason, and Malik Davis looked capable enough as a rookie last year, but Pollard will head into 2023 as the clear top option in the backfield after getting the franchise tag from the club to keep him from reaching free agency.
- Round 4, Pick 48 - Bye 13
2023 Rank: 30 - 2022 Rank: 33
Last year, Jones was typically drafted as a top-10 running back. He ended the season with 1,516 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns. That made Jones a very good early pick. So what happened this offseason? He took a $5 million pay cut. The big difference in the offense is that Aaron Rodgers is out and Jordan Love is in at quarterback. Rodgers was excellent when throwing to running backs, though we don't know how Love will be in that capacity. In early drafts, Jones is being selected outside of the top-15 running backs. His stock may be dropping because he's entering his age-28 season. In addition, fantasy managers may not be excited about the direction of the offense with Rodgers gone. Regardless, Jones has averaged over five yards per carry over his career, including a 5.3 mark last year. In addition, he's posted at least 355 receiving yards in the last four years. He had taken on the lead role over AJ Dillon last year, but once Jones was dealing with late-season injury issues, Dillon cut significantly into the workload. Jones may be the best player on the Green Bay offense, and the coaching staff may need to make him the focal point. If they do, Jones would become a great value in fantasy drafts.
- Round 5, Pick 60 - Bye 10
2023 Rank: 15 - 2022 Rank: 35
Waddle had 23 more targets in 2022 versus his rookie season. But playing alongside Tyreek Hill is what really improved his performance. While Waddle set an NFL record with 104 catches as a rookie, he did so with a frustratingly low 9.8 yards per catch in a rather inept offense. It was coach Mike McDaniel's scheme that not only unlocked quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but also developed Waddle's skillset. Waddle made the jump from 9.8 to a league-leading 18.1 yards per catch, obviously benefitting from the presence of Hill. He also thrived despite playing through a plethora of lingering injuries. It's further impressive that Waddle's success came despite playing through turmoil at the quarterback position, as he ended the year catching passes from rookie third-stringer Skylar Thompson. It's easy to see a scenario wherein Miami's offense builds upon itself in 2023. The team will have another offseason to build familiarity with McDaniel's complex scheme, and if things break right, Tagovailoa should be able to avoid injuries with better success. The stage is set, in other words, for Waddle and Hill to take the league by storm.
- Round 6, Pick 72 - Bye 5
2023 Rank: 55 - 2022 Rank: 57
Evans is coming off an odd season. The numbers ended up where they needed to be, as his 1,124 receiving yards were his most since 2019. In addition, his 77 receptions and 127 targets were his most since 2018. With touchdowns being unpredictable, the fact he scored six, which was his fewest since 2017, was understandable. From a week-to-week standpoint, his performance was frustrating. He had eight games with two-to-four receptions. And over his last eight games, he surpassed 60 yards twice. And he really had just two big games all year, though one of those was in Week 17, and it may have helped win leagues, as he surpassed 200 yards with three TDs. With Tom Brady gone and Baker Mayfield in, that may not be optimal. But having shown that he hasn't slowed down entering his age-30 season, if he gets reasonable QB play, he should have a chance for a top-20 season.
- Round 7, Pick 84 - Bye 10
2023 Rank: 176 - 2022 Rank: 70
There's some concern about the foot that Garoppolo injured in December and underwent surgical repair in March. That concern led the Raiders to word Garoppolo's three-year, $72.75 million contract such that he can be cut with no cap penalty unless he passes a physical at some unspecified point. The Raiders presumably plan on Garoppolo passing said physical, or else they (A) wouldn't have bothered pursuing him with such a high-dollar contract and (B) they would have done something more about the quarterback position otherwise than just signing Brian Hoyer and spending a fourth-round pick on Aidan Hutchinson. If Garoppolo is toast then so is the Raiders offense, and coach Josh McDaniels certainly doesn't want that, especially after such a disastrous 2022 season. If Garoppolo can stay healthy then he should be a stabilizing presence for the Raiders as they move on from Derek Carr, who did not take well to McDaniels' scheme. Garoppolo's familiarity with McDaniels from their New England days should hopefully make Garoppolo a better fit in 2023 than Carr was in 2022. With Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Hunter Renfrow to throw to, it would seem like Garoppolo has the necessary help to move the ball as long as that foot cooperates.
- Round 8, Pick 96 - Bye 9
2023 Rank: 62 - 2022 Rank: 71
Kittle's receptions and yardage for 2022 were well below the numbers he put up in prior seasons. But the big difference last season was his nose for the end zone. After scoring 20 touchdowns over the first five seasons of his career, he scored 11 TD's last year. As usual, he was very volatile. He had seven games with single digit PPR points. He also went over 20 points on four occasions. When drafting Kittle, fantasy managers simply can't take him out of their lineup. When he appears to be in a slump, the magic happens. For instance, after three straight games with less than 40 yards receiving, he erupted for two straight two-TD, 90+ yard contests in week 15 and 16 and seven touchdowns over four weeks. Kittle should be drafted as the fourth or fifth tight end off the board in most drafts, and he should provide a strong. though erratic, return on investment.
- Round 9, Pick 108 - Bye 11
2023 Rank: 257 - 2022 Rank: 115
Hill remained in the hybrid role he's been in for years. But last year, his primary job was running the ball. He threw 19 passes and caught nine balls, but he rushed 96 times. HIll was excellent as a runner, averaging a career-high 6.0 yards per carry. Hill will realize his best fantasy value in leagues where he is TE-eligible. But going into his age-33 season, it's fair to question whether he'll enter the decline phase of his career. However, he didn't show those signs last year. Consistent usage is probably the bigger problem, especially if new Saint QB Derek Carr stays healthy. Hill could see an increase in work if Alvin Kamara receives league discipline based on his July 31 court case from a battery charge. Hill is an intriguing upside pick should you miss out on the more standard, Top-10 tight end options.
- Round 10, Pick 120 - Bye 11
2023 Rank: 200 - 2022 Rank: 148
Osborn came alive late last season, showing upside for a bigger role this season. After averaging 23 receiving yards per game in his first 13 games with three touchdowns, Osborn had games of 157 and 117 yards in the last four weeks, averaging 87.5 yards per game and scoring twice. But increased targets is far from guaranteed after the Vikings used a first-round pick on WR Jordan Addison this spring, and Osborn likely will remain in the No. 3 role, even though the team moved on from Adam Thielen. Plus, tight end T.J. Hockenson could get more work after joining the team midseason last year. At 5-foot-11, 203, with 4.48 speed, Osborn could produce if given the chance. But he'll likely need an injury to Justin Jefferson or Addison for that to happen.
- Round 11, Pick 132 - Bye 10
2023 Rank: 266 - 2022 Rank: 187
James was the beneficiary of Giants' injuries woes at wide receiver last year, as he turned a one-year deal into 57 catches, 569 yards and four touchdowns on 70 targets. That production didn't land him a big free-agent deal, though, as he signed with Kansas City on a one-year, $1.2 million contract. But with the Chiefs he joins another wide-receiver room that is not particularly impressive. Kadarius Toney and Marquez Valdes-Scantling top the depth chart, but James likely has a shot at carving out a role out of the slot, which would give him fantasy value in deeper formats.
- Round 12, Pick 144 - Bye 13
2023 Rank: 45 - 2022 Rank: 207
Cook's role was limited as a rookie, but he showcased impressive efficiency (5.7 YPC) in those contained flashes. The departure of Devin Singletary should make it easy for Cook to build upon last season's 89 carries and 32 targets, though new arrival Damien Harris represents significant competition, especially for between-the-tackles and goal-line work. Cook's best path to production will be to translate his efficiency to the receiving game, though he didn't exactly impress in that respect as a rookie. Cook caught just 65.6 percent of his targets for 5.6 YPT last season, but as he was never more than a rotational back at Georgia, he could benefit even more than the usual RB from a second offseason to get up to speed at the NFL level. Veteran Latavius Murray is also capable of rotating in for carries. And Josh Allen's elite rushing abilities further reduce the opportunities up for grabs in Buffalo's backfield. A scenario where Cook truly emerges isn't impossible, but he'll need to distinguish himself from the crowd.
- Round 13, Pick 156 - Bye 14
2023 Rank: 293 - 2022 Rank: 221
When Dortch got opportunities last season, he often impressed. But those opportunities only came when teammates were injured, most notably Rondale Moore. By season's end, he had totaled 52 catches, 467 yards and two touchdowns. Dortch could have a better chance to make an impact this season. The Cardinals replaced DeAndre Hopkins, A.J.Green and Robbie Chosen for only rookie third-rounder Michael Wilson and Zach Pascal this offseason. Dortch should have a chance to claim the No. 3 role alongside Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore.
- Round 14, Pick 168 - Bye 9
2023 Rank: 262 - 2022 Rank: 227
When Reynolds was given volume last year, he was productive. The Lions needed to use him when they suffered injuries during Weeks 3 through 5. During those games he had 81-96 yards, six or seven catches and 8-10 targets. But in terms of his playing ability, he posted a 21st-percentile yards after the catch rate. It's likely that he'll be considered a depth role, and it seems improbable that he'll be a regular starter as he enters his age-28 season. He could win an early-season role over Kalif Raymond and Marvin Jones while Jameson Williams serves his six-game suspension. So if he gets put into a situation in which he is a temporary starting option, he may be useful for fantasy. That could give him early-season value.
- Round 15, Pick 180 - Bye 10
2023 Rank: 86 - 2022 Rank: 251
Gainwell gave a glimpse of what he might be able to accomplish in a bigger role in last season's wild-card win over the Giants, erupting for 112 rushing yards and a touchdown, but that could well end up being the high point of his Eagles tenure. A fifth-round pick in 2021, Gainwell's a valuable depth option in Nick Siranni's scheme, but his biggest asset is receiving skills that often go under-utilized in an offense that would rather have Jalen Hurts keep the ball himself than dump it off to a running back. Miles Sanders, another back who didn't get the workload his talent may have warranted, left for Carolina in the offseason, but Gainwell's shot at rising up the depth chart got thwarted when the team signed Rashaad Penny in free agency and traded for D'Andre Swift. The two imports have long injury histories though, so Gainwell might yet get a look as the Eagles' starter if both Swift and Penny happen to be on the shelf at the same time.
- Round 16, Pick 192 - Bye 13
2023 Rank: 1920 - 2022 Rank: 275
- Round 17, Pick 204 - Bye 7
2023 Rank: 155 - 2022 Rank: 279
With Jonathan Taylor on the shelf the final four weeks of 2022, Moss rushed for 334 yards and a touchdown on 69 carries, though he was limited to just 12 receiving yards over that span. That strong finish on the ground likely earned Moss a spot on the Colts' 2023 roster after the 2020 third-round pick opened his career with a pair of lackluster seasons in Buffalo. In fact, Moss even entered training camp with a shot at the second spot on the depth chart, which meant taking a lot of snaps with the starters while Taylor missed practice for what seemingly was a mix of contract and injury reasons. The opportunity may have slipped through Moss' hands, however, as a broken arm at the end of July left him with an estimated recovery timeline of six weeks. The Colts, meanwhile, are left with Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull as the top choices to fill in for Taylor.
- Round 18, Pick 216 - Bye 13
2023 Rank: 368 - 2022 Rank: 325
Minshew signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Colts in the offseason, and he'll compete for the starting job in training camp against 2023 fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson. With 24 starts under his belt over the past four seasons - 20 with Jacksonville, and four with Philadelphia - Minshew has plenty of NFL experience, which could give him the early edge over the raw Richardson. It's likely just a matter of time until Richardson takes over under center, but Minshew's career 44:15 TD: INT suggests he could be a serviceable option in two-QB or Superflex formats if he begins the year atop the depth chart. RB Jonathan Taylor is the focal point of the Colts' offense, but Indianapolis also has an established No. 1 WR in Michael Pittman and a pair of intriguing youngsters behind Pittman in 2022 second-round pick Alec Pierce and 2023 third-rounder Josh Downs. Unfortunately for Minshew, Richardson's dual-threat skill set makes him a strong candidate to sub in under center for goal-line packages, which could cut into Minshew's TD opportunities even if the veteran beats out the rookie for the starting job.
- Round 19, Pick 228 - Bye 10
2023 Rank: 35 - 2022 Rank: 377
A fifth-round pick last season, Williams broke his foot in preseason and then suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 that kept him sidelined until Week 10. When he returned he had an opportunity for touches but didn't show enough to earn a larger role. He had 30-plus snaps in Weeks 11 and 12 and totaled 104 yards on 22 touches, and once Cam Akers got hot down the stretch, Williams was hardly heard from again -- he played zero offensive snaps Week 18. Williams is undersized at 5-foot-9, 194, and not particularly athletic (4.65-second 40, 32-inch vertical and 116-inch broad jump). Nevertheless, he'll compete in camp to back up Akers with Sony Michel and fellow fringe prospects Zach Evans, Ronnie Rivers and Tiyon Evans.
- Round 20, Pick 240 - Bye 7
2023 Rank: 2068 - 2022 Rank: 530
The Cowboys simply asked too much of Tolbert last year. Taken in the third round of the 2022 draft due to his impressive measurables, the raw South Alabama product wasn't polished enough to make an immediate impact in the NFL, even though that's the corner Dallas painted itself into with Amari Cooper shipped to Cleveland and Michael Gallup not 100 percent after ACL surgery. Tolbert couldn't even crack the gameday roster to begin his rookie season, and he wound up catching only two passes over eight contests once the coaching staff trusted him enough to use him. Tolbert, 24, should be better prepared this time around, but the Cowboys now don't need him to make a big contribution with Gallup presumably fully recovered and Brandin Cooks in the fold behind CeeDee Lamb. Tolbert's athleticism still gives him a chance to shine if things begin to click for him, but his target volume figures to be limited.
- Round 21, Pick 252 - Bye 7
2023 Rank: 40 - 2022 Rank: 687
Prior to sitting out most of the 2021 season to address mental health issues and subsequently being suspended for the 2022 campaign due to gambling, Ridley had established himself as an elite wide receiver. In his last full season, Ridley posted 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns with the Falcons. He'll likely take some time to get back up to game speed after the extended layoff, but Ridley has the skills to become the favorite target for rising star quarterback Trevor Lawrence in a Jacksonville passing game that also features WRs Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, as well as TE Evan Engram. The 28-year-old Ridley should still be in his physical prime, but returning to elite form after an extended layoff isn't easy. For instance, former standout RB Le'Veon Bell was never the same after sitting out the 2018 season due to a contract dispute.
DEF - Round 22, Pick 264 - Bye 14
2023 Rank: 227 - 2022 Rank: 139
The Commanders' star-studded defensive line remained stout in 2022 even with Chase Young only playing three games, but issues in the secondary led to a poor overall first-half performance. The unit turned things around over the final couple months, and Washington finished the season in the top 10 in points per game allowed and 12th in sacks. 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes should reinforce the back end, while Cody Barton comes over from Seattle to bolster the linebacking corps, but Young finally living up to his potential will likely be the key to this defense being great instead of merely good.
DEF - Round 23, Pick 276 - Bye 10
2023 Rank: 216 - 2022 Rank: 165
Coach Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme dragged Miami to a playoff appearance last season, but the need for improvements on defense were obvious. Enter DC extraordinaire Vic Fangio, who promises not only to unlock Bradley Chubb (traded to the Dolphins last November), but provide a salve across the board. Chubb isn't the only name of note up front, with the presence of 2021 first-rounder Jaelen Phillip also being notable. Free-agency additions LB David Long and S DeShon Elliott arrive to reinforce returning starters LB Jerome Baker and S Jevon Holland, giving Miami a well-rounded core before even accounting for the team's standout CB duo. Trading for CB Jalen Ramsey to pair with perennial Pro Bowler Xavien Howard puts legitimate top-5 upside within range for this defensive unit.
- Round 24, Pick 288 - Bye 5
2023 Rank: 113 - 2022 Rank: -
Even though the Seahawks had a strong rookie season from Kenneth Walker last year, the team used their second-round draft pick for the second year in a row to add Charbonnet. While in college, Charbonnet forced many missed tackles while also having the power to break tackles as well. In addition, he caught 37 passes and proved to be a solid receiver. It's possible that he was drafted to add depth to a thin backfield, but Seattle may also want Charbonnet to be a big factor in their backfield. It's likely that Walker has the edge for lead work going into the season, though Charbonnet should see significant work each week. However, if Charbonnet outplays Walker, don't be surprised if coach Pete Carroll changes the running back roles.
- Round 25, Pick 300 - Bye 6
2023 Rank: 128 - 2022 Rank: -
A 2023 second-round draft pick, Reed has a chance to earn a significant role in the Packers' offense this season. The Packers are young and inexperienced at wide receiver with second-year wideouts Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs his main competition for targets. Reed showed versatility in college and should have little trouble earning a spot in the top-three WRs, even if he doesn't over take Watson or Doubs. But the Packers are likely to remain a run-heavy offense, which could limit the WR targers. New quarterback Jordan Love is also a factor. Reed's development could hinge on Love's development.
- Round 26, Pick 312 - Bye 7
2023 Rank: 1911 - 2022 Rank: -
Levis unexpectedly slipped to the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft after being viewed as a possible top-10 pick, at which point the Titans traded up to select him 33rd overall. The 6-foot-3, 232-pound QB out of Kentucky has a strong arm and good mobility, but Levis threw 23 interceptions in two seasons as a starter in college. Tennessee will likely roll with veteran starter Ryan Tannehill as long as the playoffs are a realistic possibility, which could be most or all of the season in the weak AFC South. Tannehill's in the final year of his contract, so Levis would likely get a chance to start as soon as Tennessee's out of contention. Beating out 2022 third-round pick Malik Willis for the backup job shouldn't be too difficult given Willis' struggles as a rookie, but Tennessee's lack of weapons in the passing game will make it tough for Levis to find success if or when he steps on the field in 2023.
- Round 27, Pick 324 - Bye 7
2023 Rank: 332 - 2022 Rank: -
Abanikanda's athletic metrics and college production profile are superior to the usual fifth-round running back, but his path to consistent opportunities will be extremely difficult in New York with Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook cemented into the top-two roles. Still, Abanikanda's workhorse frame, skillset and sub-4.5 40 speed make him an interesting prospect, especially if Hall isn't 100 percent healthy early in the season after tearing his ACL last year. Michael Carter could offer competition for the No. 3 gig, though, and he profiles as perhaps a better pure change-of-pace option than Abanikanda does. In all likelihood the rookie's best chance of getting a shot will only come if unfortunate injuries occur elsewhere in the Jets' backfield.
- Round 28, Pick 336 - Bye 13
2023 Rank: 2362 - 2022 Rank: -
A seventh-round pick in this year's draft, McBride has a path to touches after the Vikings released Dalvin Cook in June. Alexander Mattison is the starter, though he hasn't surpassed 3.7 yards per carry in either of the last two seasons. And last year's fifth-round pick, Ty Chandler, handled just six carries as the third-string back. McBride forced many missed tackles at UAB and runs in a physical manner could lead to him being an interior runner. However, he did not consistently pull away from defenders in the open field and was often passive when hitting the hole. He also wasn't much of a factor as a receiver. It would appear that he's more likely to battle with Kene Nwangwu for the No. 3 role than with Chandler for the No. 2 role, but McBride will get his chance in training camp.
- Round 29, Pick 348 - Bye 9
2023 Rank: 215 - 2022 Rank: -
With Robbie Gould no longer with the 49ers, the team drafted Moody with a third-round pick. With that type of investment, Moody, who converted 87 percent of his field-goal attempts at Michigan, has a strong chance to enter the year as the starter. Due to the explosiveness of the 49ers offense, Moody should have a solid weekly scoring floor, and is worth considering as a top-12 option at his position.
Team Forecast
Bye Week Points Lost
Each bar represents the total projected season points for each player that's on bye that week. This chart shows any potential bye week issues.
Schedule by Opponent Points
Week-by-week schedule with each opponent's projected season points. This chart shows any difficult or easy stretches in the schedule.
