The 2023 NFL regular season is almost here. That means fantasy football draft season is in full swing. While everyone wants the No. 1 overall pick, only one lucky player can have that selection.
However, what should fantasy players do with the fifth pick this year? Let’s dive into it.
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Top Players To Target With the No. 5 Pick in 2023 Fantasy Football Drafts
According to FootballGuys’ ADP, the top four picks are Justin Jefferson, Christian McCaffrey, Ja’Marr Chase, and Austin Ekeler. While some will argue that Ekeler shouldn’t be a top-four draft pick, running backs tend to get pushed up in ADP the closer we get to opening weekend.
Therefore, I’ve ruled out those four players for this article, leaving infinite other options. However, there are only three players I would consider drafting with the fifth pick in fantasy football drafts this year.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams don’t have the same explosive offense they possessed two years ago. Yet, Kupp remains one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury during training camp after having a season-ending high ankle sprain last year. However, the superstar is arguably the top wide receiver in fantasy football.
Cooper Kupp says he’s on track for Week 1. pic.twitter.com/dLG4qNvC69
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 24, 2023
Kupp was the top-scoring wide receiver on a points-per-game basis last season, averaging 18.2 half-PPR fantasy points per matchup. He was the WR24 for the year despite missing the final eight contests.
Furthermore, the superstar has been arguably the most consistent player over the past two years. Kupp scored at least 12.7 fantasy points in all but one game over the past two seasons, removing the Week 10 matchup last year when he got hurt.
Now, there is some risk with the veteran wide receiver. He turned 30 years old this offseason and has struggled with injuries at times during his career. Furthermore, Matthew Stafford is an older quarterback and missed eight games last season. Yet, Kupp could be the overall WR1 this year if he and his quarterback play all 17 games.
Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
Some will argue that Kelce is worthy of the top draft pick this year. The only way I am taking the star tight end that early is if it’s a heavy TE premium league.
However, the veteran is a top-seven draft pick in normal scoring leagues. Kelce’s fantasy value comes from the significant edge he gives teams at the tight end position.
The future Hall of Famer scores like a top-10 running back or wide receiver almost every season. Usually, he’s closer to the top five.
The veteran has been the TE1 in four of the past five seasons, with the only exception coming in 2021. That year, Kelce was the TE2, averaging only one fewer fantasy point per game than Mark Andrews.
Last year, the Kansas City star was a massive cheat code at the tight end position. He averaged 15.4 half-PPR fantasy points per game, four more than any other tight end.
Kelce also led all wide receivers and tight ends in yards after the catch in 2022. Furthermore, the future Hall of Famer led all tight ends in red-zone targets (30) and was second in yards per route run (2.44).
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Should fantasy players consider using a top-five pick on a rookie running back? The answer is a resounding yes. Robinson was an elite prospect coming out of Texas. The former Longhorn was the consensus 1.01 pick in dynasty rookie drafts since two years ago. More importantly, he landed in an excellent situation for his fantasy value.
Last year, the Falcons had the top run-blocking offensive line, and they’ve only reinforced that unit this past offseason. Moreover, Atlanta’s right side of the offensive line is elite. Right guard Chris Lindstrom and right tackle Kaleb McGary were among the best run-blocking offensive linemen in the entire league last season.
More importantly, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson averaged a combined 4.89 yards per rushing attempt and 1.53 yards per attempt before contact. Meanwhile, Robinson averaged 6.1 yards per rushing attempt and 4.17 yards after contact per attempt last season at Texas.
The Longhorn’s offensive line was not exactly an elite unit by any measure, which means Robinson’s in a much better situation now than he was in 2022. If Robinson was outstanding playing behind an average offensive line, imagine how elite he will be playing behind one of the top offensive lines in the NFL.
Who Should You Draft?
So, which of these three players should you draft with the No. 5 overall pick? Unfortunately, only you can make that decision. However, my answer depends on what you’re looking for from your first-round pick.
The safest option is Kelce. He has consistently been a top-two tight end every year. The future Hall of Famer gives fantasy players a significant advantage at the position. While his age might be a red flag for some, Kelce showed no signs of decline last season.
Meanwhile, Robinson offers fantasy players the most upside. The rookie running is an elite player. He is already the RB1 for most dynasty experts.
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Some are nervous about taking a rookie with their first-round pick. But Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, and Saquon Barkley were top-10 draft picks and finished their rookie seasons as RB1s. Robinson is a better prospect than all four and is in a much better fantasy situation.
However, my favorite guy of the three to draft this year is Kupp. While the hamstring injury is a tad concerning, the superstar says he will be 100% for Week 1. The veteran has been dominant the past two years when on the field. If you play in a PPR league, Kupp has a case to be the No. 1 overall pick. Therefore, I can’t pass him up with the fifth selection.
Who Should You Draft In Other Slots?
Have another league where you’re drafting in a different slot? Want to see what options might be available before or after your pick? We have you covered.
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- Who Should be the Ninth Pick?
- Who Should be the 10th Pick?
- Who Should Be the 11th Pick?
- Who Should Be the 12th Pick?