As we close in toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency continuing to roll on and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come.
Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the dynasty rules, let’s dive into the latest fantasy football value of San Francisco 49ers RB Elijah Mitchell.
Elijah Mitchell’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
Because many followed the draft capital of Trey Sermon and believe he was next in line to take over the 49ers’ backfield, Elijah Mitchell was one of the most surprising breakout RBs during his rookie season in 2021.
He was also one of the busiest, averaging 18.8 carries and 87.5 yards per game. But due to various injuries, he couldn’t stay on the field. Shoulder, rib, finger, knee, and head ailments kept him sidelined for stretches of the season.
Fast forward to 2022, and Mitchell was all but nonexistent. Dealing with a knee injury that kept him off the field, he appeared in only five games and recorded nine or fewer opportunities in four of them, averaging 9.8 touches and 57.2 total yards.
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But as with nearly anyone in this 49ers offense, when on the field, he was effective, recording three RB3 or better performances, including an RB7 outing in Week 18 where he found the end zone twice.
Mitchell’s window to secure a significant market share of the rushing opportunities has passed. That fact was cemented when the team brought in Christian McCaffrey. I don’t mind Mitchell as a depth piece, as he would be the primary backup should anything happen to McCaffrey.
Still, nothing is stopping San Francisco from acquiring another backup via free agency or the draft — someone they feel will give them more value because the best NFL ability is availability. And through two seasons, that’s been the biggest hurdle for Mitchell.
Elijah Mitchell Fantasy Ranking
This is why Mitchell currently comes in as the RB44 in our PPR dynasty fantasy football rankings. I have seen him go higher than that, but my concern is that, despite his production, the 49ers don’t have a ton of loyalty to running backs, especially mid-round selections. Plus, it’s not as if Mitchell has proven to be particularly durable.
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When it comes to Superflex fantasy formats where QBs see an increase in value due to positional scarcity, Mitchell is the No. 138-ranked player overall. While I give the nod to Mitchell as the primary handcuff based on what we’ve seen on the field, keep a close eye on reports surrounding Jordan Mason.
The current RB3 for the 49ers, Mason is a bigger back in stature at 5’11” and 223 pounds compared to Mitchell (5’10” and 200 pounds). That type of frame will allow Mason to absorb contact a bit better than his counterpart. Although he doesn’t have Mitchell’s burst, Mason just needs to stay healthy, and there will be a shot he can take over the No. 2 role as the spell back for McCaffrey if and when the star rusher ever comes off the field.