Running Back 22 – Josh Jacobs LV
Josh Jacobs was the 2022 Fantasy Football MVP. He was a sixth (or later) round draft pick, and finished as running back (RB) 3 with 321.55 points. In a career year, he led several people to fantasy championships, and also led the NFL in several statistics. He lead the league with marks of; 2,053 scrimmage yards, 1,653 rushing yards, 97.2 rushing yards per game, 393 touches, and the longest rush of the year, 86 yards. He also had 53 receptions, 400 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. An amazing year by any metric and it earned him RB1 on the 2022 All Pro team. So why does he move from 3 to 22 in 2023?
J. Jacobs is not with the team. He is a currently in a contract dispute, and on a franchise tag. He may not return this season, he may show up tomorrow, or anytime in-between. He is giving up valuable reps to backs ups who will develop rhythm with new quarterback (QB) Jimmy Garappolo. Even if he is there at the first game of the season, he may not be in football (hitting) condition. Jacobs also touched the ball more than any NFL player that is not a QB or center last year, and that is hard on the body. He is ultimately ranked 22 because I believe he sits out up to three games of the season. The Raiders have a week 13 bye and that would still be 10 weeks of active playing. That’s enough to be tired, and enough to put up decent RB numbers.

Linebacker 22 – Nakobe Dean PHI
Nakobe Dean is primed for a career year in 2023. His 2022 stats are essentially 13 tackles, but he played behind two great linebackers (LB) and should have learned professional habits. The second year LB will be the hub of the Philadelphia Eagles defense, and is paired with newly signed Nicholas Morrow. Dean will have the crucial green dot and be the communication with the coaches, signifying a likely three-down role. He was the captain of the national champion Georgia Bulldogs and is a natural leader. In a defensive huddle the closest set of eyes for a signal-calling LB, is usually the defensive tackles (DT). For Dean it will be two sets of familiar eyes in fellow draft mate Jordan Davis and 2023 9th round selection Jalen Carter whom were on the national championship together. Nolan Smith and Kelee Ringo could join him meaning five Georgia Bulldogs could be on the defense for the Eagles at the same time. The rhythm and awareness of his fellow teammates becomes seamless and communication almost effortless.
Familiarity aside, Dean is a sideline to sideline LB with a nose for the ball. He could outperform his ranking but it is not likely he will underperform. Draft him with confidence, and have a solid LB 2 for the season.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #21.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, and NFL/Next Gen.
*Rankings are based on .5 PPR format and FF7s.