Welcome To Our 2023 Redraft Target Series!
We continue this year at Fantasy In Frames with our 2023 Redraft Target Profile series, where each fantasy analyst will provide you with a 5-10 video breakdown of each player’s current team and playing situation, key stats to take away from their career/most recent season, and their redraft fantasy football value going forward. Once you’re done viewing this article’s comprehensive breakdown, head to our YouTube channel and support us by subscribing here for more great fantasy football content. Here is our breakdown of 2023 Redraft Target: James Conner!
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Player Overview
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“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency.”
Taken with the 105th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, James Conner was never meant to be “the guy” at the NFL-level, yet always seems to exceed expectations. His work ethic and grit allowed the Steeler to move on from LeVeon Bell. Chase Edmonds was the shiny toy in Arizona, yet it was Conner who got the three-year, $21 million contract extension while Edmonds went to Miami.
With competent quarterback play, Conner gives you 1000+ yards from scrimmage and double-digit touchdowns as a dual threat. Kyler Murray’s ACL and the Cardinals’ likelihood of tanking have his ADP (RB25) at its lowest since becoming a lead back in 2018. This drop makes him a great value at or below current ADP.
Fantasy Summary
The name James Conner doesn’t exactly scream “League Winner” in 2023. It didn’t at the beginning of the 2022 season either, yet he was. Conner’s production is not flashy, but it is consistent when healthy. He’s finished as a Top 10 RB in Fantasy PPG in every season he’s played at least 13 games as the lead back. He has added value in half and full-PPR formats with his pass-catching ability. With an ADP of RB25, he’s one of the only options in that range not coming off a major injury, crowded backfield/timeshare, or playing for a new team. He’s currently going late in the 5th round, but if he slips further, I like him as a safe, high-floor RB2 to solidify a Zero/Hero-RB draft strategy or as a RB3/Flex in a value strategy.