Running Back 5 – Aaron Jones GB
Perhaps it is due to it being bold prediction weekend, but Aaron Jones will be a top five running back (RB) in 2023. He has never garnished the spotlight he deserves but has stayed humble. He has dealt with the media being more focused and hyped on his back up than him. He has led the league in yards per attempt (5.5) in 2018, rushing touchdowns (16) and total touchdowns (19) in 2019. He has 7,127 total yards, 5,284 of which have came on the ground. He has 60 career touchdowns and 242 receptions over his career. While everyone is (rightfully), gushing at Nick Chubb’s over 5.0 rushing yards per attempt, Aaron Jones averages 5.1 per attempt, and has one more year on his career… marinate on that a minute or two. He is the best Green Bay Packer RB in 40+ years, and he is ready to put his stamp on that legacy.
So Jones is a great RB, he is old, on a team with a RBBC, and lost a first ballot Hall of Fame quarterback to the Jets. To counter that, Jones has been a top five running back among RBs that entered in 2017, he still has plenty of gas in thank. While AJ Dillon is a great RB, and a media darling with is quadzilla legs, after three years of tape it’s clear that Aaron Jones is far and away the better RB. He is publicly stated that he feels healthier than ever, and really wants to do everything he can to support new quarterback Jordan Love. Aaron Rodgers checked away from several run plays, and was capable of making the big plays when needed. The truth is Jones is more than capable of carrying the Packers to a deep title run, and he will be asked to do so. To the final point, Love is not a rookie, he is a former first round pick that is a well studied veteran. A leader that has learned one offensive system his entire tenure, and was handpicked to lead this style of offense. He will check down, he will have faith in the system, and in Aaron Jones to deliver on his end of the deal. Aaron Jones’ ADP is currently 12-16, and he is an absolute steal. Trust Jones to deliver as a top 5 RB with his first opportunity to prove that he is that guy.

Linebacker 5 Frankie Luvu CAR
Perhaps this is a bold statement as well. All indicators are for Frankie Luvu to have a Pro Bowl caliber season. He erupted for 111 combined tackles last year, more than his four previous years combined. He also had 76 solo tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 9 QB hits, 7 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, and 1 TD. While some would see it as a fluke, or a lucky season, but it could have been the beginning of a good stretch for Luvu. The Panthers are in a state of change as Head Coach Frank Reich takes over, he bring new Defensive Coordiantor Eijro Evero with him. Luvu should be great fit in this sytem.
The Panthers have playmakers on their defense, and Luvu won’t be asked to do it all, butits rare to find a LB that has that high volume of tackles, can land 7 sacks, and play in the pass game well enough to score a TD. He is an elite athlete that is hitting his stride. He also benefits from Shaq Thompson taking a paycut to stay with the organization. Jeremy Chinn’s role is set to change but he will still be a threat and a worry for any opposing offensive coordinator. The Panthers have a rookie quarterback leading them in Bryce Young. Even with the first overall pick there will be errors and rookie mistatkes. The Panthers will have more defensive snaps than offensive in 2023. These signs indicate that Luvu is set to have a career year. If he is asked to be hole plugging thumper, he can do that and 130 tackles could be achievable. If he is needed as a pass rusher he has proved to be effective, and if needed on third down coverage, he can do that. Luvu should be a three down LB even if he doesn’t have the green dot. Draft him and have a roster spot you don’t have to worry about on a week to week basis.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #4.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

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