Ceiling Rank: 68; Actual Rank: 78
Ceiling Projection: 172.63 FP; Actual Projection: 139.67 FP
Much like Lynch, there isn't much certainty to what Joe Mixon can provide in 2017. In contrast, though, it's not about which player we're going to get -- it's about whether the rookie can live up to the hype.
As a member of the Oklahoma Sooners a year ago, the sophomore running back accounted for 1,812 yards and 15 touchdowns from scrimmage. This big-time production, combined with an NFL skillset, ultimately won out over Mixon's off-field issues, so the Bengals felt comfortable drafting him in the second round. In turn, that leads us to believe Mixon could have an immediate fantasy impact in year one.
As a baseline, we project the 21-year-old for 974 total yards and 7.4 scores, making him our RB24, a far cry from where he's going in drafts so far (RB15). His third-round ADP is even more of a surprise, but if you believe in his talent and the opportunity, there's a ceiling worth reaching (or gambling) for.