- Trey McBride offers one other protected flooring: The Arizona Cardinals equally stored their offense almost equivalent to final season, making McBride the most secure tight finish possibility within the draft.
- Ja’Marr Chase is the highest possibility at 1.01: Chase was the clear prime broad receiver final season and sufficient stayed the identical for the Cincinnati Bengals that we will anticipate minimal regression.
- Subscribe to PFF+: Get entry to participant grades, PFF Premium Stats, fantasy soccer rankings, the entire PFF fantasy draft analysis instruments and extra!
Estimated studying time: 13 minutes
This excellent draft technique for 12-team, single-quarterback, redraft, PPR fantasy soccer leagues makes use of a consensus of present common draft positions (ADPs) from ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo! to ship a round-by-round information for managers choosing first total. To discover extra details about any participant talked about on this article, click on on the gamers identify to search out their fantasy soccer participant profile.
Last up to date: Wednesday, July 2
Round 1, Pick 1: Draft a large receiver
Chase is the highest participant on the board, so he must be the primary total choose. It’s tremendous to select a large receiver or operating again and construct round them within the later rounds, however Chase is each the safer possibility and has probably the most upside.
Top Target: Ja’Marr Chase
Chase led all broad receivers in fantasy factors and fantasy factors per recreation final season. He’s persistently graded as a top-10 broad receiver, along with his fantasy efficiency elevated by his surroundings. The Bengals made no modifications to the teaching employees impacting Chase, the quarterback room, the broad receiver room or the tight finish room. This places Chase in one of the pass-friendly environments within the NFL, catching passes from one of the best passer. While we should always anticipate regression from anybody who finishes first in fantasy factors, the dearth of modifications in Cincinnati ought to assist reduce the regression.
Possible Targets: Justin Jefferson, Brian Thomas Jr., Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, CeeDee Lamb
Round 2, Pick 24: Draft a good finish
Typically, 10 operating backs are off the board at this level, and there’s a first rate dropoff to operating backs exterior of these 10. Regardless of who’s picked in Round 1, it’s favorable to keep away from operating again with each this and the following choose. While it’s an possibility to select each a quarterback and tight finish right here, it could be slightly little bit of a attain to select Jayden Daniels, and it’s tougher to finish up with a stable beginning lineup filled with operating backs and broad receivers. This means choosing a good finish and broad receiver are one of the best choices. Trey McBride is the clear prime tight finish on the board.
Top Target: Trey McBride
McBride grew to become the Cardinals’ major tight finish in the midst of the 2023 season, and he’s been an elite fantasy possibility on the place ever since. He averaged at the very least 15 PPR factors in each seasons as soon as he grew to become the starter. McBride led the league in each receptions per recreation (6.9) and receptions per route (0.21) final season. His yards per recreation (71.6) and targets per recreation (8.7) had been each second-best. The Cardinals stored the teaching employees and gamers on the offense basically the identical as final season, making it simpler to anticipate extra of the identical from McBride. If something, we will anticipate a couple of extra touchdowns after his low landing whole from final season.
Possible Targets: George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, Sam LaPorta, David Njoku, Tucker Kraft
Round 3, Pick 25: Draft a large receiver
As talked about above, broad receiver is the place that makes probably the most sense right here, and Ladd McConkey is the highest obtainable participant.
Top Target: Ladd McConkey
Ladd McConkey discovered a great touchdown spot with the Los Angeles Chargers, who wanted a prime broad receiver to pair with a top-five passer in Justin Herbert. After a comparatively gradual begin, McConkey shone over the past two months of the season, culminating with a nine-catch, 197-yard and one-touchdown efficiency within the playoffs. He averaged 20.7 PPR factors per recreation over his final eight video games, together with the playoffs. However, offensive coordinator Greg Roman, a run-first coach, added two new operating backs to steer the offense. They additionally revitalized the broad receiver and tight finish room. This will lower into McConkey’s routes run, and will barely lower into his goal share.
Possible Targets: Tee Higgins, Garrett Wilson, Rashee Rice, Terry McLaurin, Marvin Harrison Jr.
Round 4, Pick 48: Draft a operating again
This staff is comparatively balanced at this level, and there are not any quarterbacks or tight ends that make sense to contemplate in Round 4. A draw back to choosing this late within the fourth spherical is that there’s a tier of broad receivers who’re an important worth in the midst of the spherical however are unlikely to nonetheless be obtainable this late within the spherical. The common worth is the previous couple of operating backs who’re anticipated to have clear lead roles within the offense. Therefore, operating again is the fitting possibility at this level within the draft. After passing on operating again within the first three rounds, it is smart to double-dip on the place, making certain this staff has two operating backs who ought to have the ability to stay in fantasy beginning lineups most weeks.
Top Target: RJ Harvey
Harvey was arguably the largest winner within the draft at operating again as a result of he landed on a staff the place his ability set might result in fantasy stardom. Denver Broncos operating backs have caught 214 passes over the previous two years, which is greater than some other staff, and Harvey is projected to be the Broncos’ major receiving again. A top-ten season is inside the realm of chance if he dominates the passing down function and likewise averages at the very least eight carries per recreation. However, the Broncos’ backfield might stay risky regardless of the addition of Harvey.
Possible Targets: James Conner, Quinshon Judkins, D’Andre Swift, Aaron Jones Sr., Tony Pollard
Round 5, Pick 49: Draft a operating again
As talked about in Round 4, operating again is the highest possibility for this choose.
Top Target: James Conner
James Conner has a protracted historical past of being a fantasy starter regardless of by no means being a top-five fantasy operating again. He’s persistently ranked among the many low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 in latest seasons when factors per recreation, however he’s typically missed a couple of video games every season, making his total rank slightly decrease. The Trey Benson addition within the 2024 draft makes it tough to completely belief Conner, however he’s additionally put collectively his finest two seasons of his profession when it comes to his high quality of play. Over the final two seasons, he ranks second amongst operating backs in dashing averted tackles per recreation (4.5), dashing averted tackles per try (0.297) and yards after contact per try (3.6). We ought to anticipate one other season the place he averages 15-16 PPR factors per recreation, except his high quality of play begins to say no, through which case Benson may see a bigger function.
Possible Targets: Quinshon Judkins, D’Andre Swift, Aaron Jones Sr., Tony Pollard, Jaylen Warren
Round 6, Pick 72: Draft a large receiver
As talked about final spherical, there’s a clear tier drop after the operating backs chosen in Round 5, whereas there are many broad receivers with top-15 potential as a extremely drafted rookie, or gamers who had been ranked inside the highest 15 sooner or later of their profession. Wide receiver must be the simple selection this spherical. Quarterback stays a necessity for this staff, however the one quarterbacks which are prone to be picked between Rounds 7 and eight are Bo Nix and Jared Goff. There are loads of different quarterback choices obtainable in Round 8 or later, so you’ll be able to comfortably choose two of these quarterbacks and be completely satisfied sufficient together with your manufacturing.
Top Target: Tetairoa McMillan
McMillan is a prototypical X receiver and top-of-the-line X receivers popping out of faculty in a very long time. His 89.5 receiving grade is the fifth-best amongst Power-Five receivers 6-foot-2 or taller within the final decade. The solely receiver with extra receiving yards throughout that point is CeeDee Lamb. He was chosen eighth total by the Carolina Panthers, and might be their prime goal earner as a rookie. He joins Dave Canales’ offense, who has a historical past of his X receivers reaching double-digit touchdowns in each his solely season with Mike Evans and D.Okay. Metcalf twice. He is the most secure rookie broad receiver possibility in each redraft and dynasty leagues.
Possible Targets: Chris Olave, Jaylen Waddle, Jordan Addison, Deebo Samuel, Chris Godwin
Round 7, Pick 73: Draft a large receiver
As talked about above, the power of this portion of the draft is at broad receiver, and it’s OK to proceed ready at quarterback. This will probably be your staff’s fourth broad receiver, so it’s tremendous to select a dangerous participant with loads of upside, figuring out you may not want to begin them most weeks.
Top Target: Chris Olave
Olave has the expertise to be a top-15 fantasy broad receiver. He scored the Sixteenth-most fantasy factors in 2023, and his PFF receiving grade has been at the very least 82.0 every season. The Saints added Kellen Moore as their head coach, and his slot receivers have been a constant worth in fantasy soccer. Olave is the broad receiver finest suited to line up within the slot. However, Olave has 5 documented concussions. This makes him each extra seemingly than the standard participant to undergo one other concussion and extra prone to miss vital time if he suffers one other one. After Derek Carr’s retirement, the Saints are caught between three younger and unproven quarterback choices, which can be working towards Olave.
Possible Targets: Jaylen Waddle, Jordan Addison, Deebo Samuel, Chris Godwin, Jakobi Meyers
Round 8, Pick 96: Draft a quarterback
This is the primary time in a couple of rounds the place it is smart to contemplate a quarterback, and that’s largely as a result of Brock Purdy is on the market. If you aren’t as excessive on Purdy, it might be tremendous to attend even longer so as to add your first quarterback. Purdy has been a constant top-10 fantasy quarterback since changing into a starter, no matter how nicely the offense is enjoying typically.
Top Target: Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy went from the final choose within the 2022 NFL Draft to the San Francisco 49ers‘ starter. In 2023, he was a top-10 fantasy quarterback, however Kyle Shanahan’s scheme and the entire 49ers’ ability gamers acquired loads of the credit score. In 2024, the 49ers had been dropping, Purdy handled accidents, and the entire 49ers’ finest offensive gamers missed vital time. Purdy’s fantasy factors per recreation solely dropped by 0.4. Purdy ran extra typically to assist make up for the decreased passing worth, which finally made him extra constant from a fantasy perspective. Purdy doesn’t have the elite dashing or passing worth to make him a top-five fantasy quarterback, however he’s a comparatively protected wager to complete as a top-10 quarterback once more.
Possible Targets: Justin Fields, J.J. McCarthy, Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Justin Herbert
Round 9, Pick 97: Draft a large receiver
Round 9 is really a toss-up. Every draft is completely different, and varied runs on operating backs or broad receivers might seemingly result in one place being a power over the opposite. For the needs of this draft, we’ll lean towards broad receiver, as there are nonetheless a couple of gamers who’re anticipated to be the highest broad receiver on their staff obtainable, which speaks to the power of the broad receiver place.
Top Target: Jakobi Meyers
Jakobi Meyers went from an undrafted rookie to changing into the highest broad receiver for the New England Patriots after which the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s been capable of propel himself to a low-end WR2 these final two seasons, regardless of his state of affairs not all the time being excellent. The Raiders made a number of modifications to their offense this offseason. The greatest constructive for Meyers is the Geno Smith addition, giving Meyers a greater quarterback than he’s seen all through his time as a starter within the NFL. This ought to result in the next landing whole than final season. However, the staff added Ashton Jeanty, which nearly actually will lead the Raiders to run greater than final season, resulting in Meyers operating fewer routes. The Raiders additionally spent a number of draft picks on broad receivers who will contribute this season. If they’ve regular rookie seasons, Meyers is okay, but when somebody exceeds expectations, then Meyers might fall down the goal pecking order.
Possible Targets: Matthew Golden, Brandon Aiyuk, Stefon Diggs, Darnell Mooney, Josh Downs
Round 10, Pick 120: Draft a operating again
This staff has turn out to be very sturdy at broad receiver whereas being dangerous at operating again. Because of that, it’s time to select two operating backs in a row. It’s attainable so as to add two gamers who’re nonetheless a part of committees however have an opportunity to be their staff’s prime fantasy operating again. First up is Jordan Mason, who’s the closest factor to a must-draft participant at this level within the offseason, given his high-quality efficiency with the San Francisco 49ers. He performs in a high-quality offense with the Minnesota Vikings.
Top Target: Jordan Mason
Jordan Mason shortly went from undrafted rookie to the highest backup operating again for the 49ers, regardless of the staff persistently spending mid-to-late spherical draft picks on operating backs. An damage to Christian McCaffrey allowed Mason to be a starter to start the 2024 season, and he was sixth in fantasy factors per recreation over 5 weeks earlier than he began coping with accidents. Mason was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, the place Aaron Jones Sr. is the primary operating again. The two will seemingly be in a committee that features Mason receiving vital work in dashing conditions whereas Jones will get extra in passing conditions. Jones is over 30 years previous and has handled a number of accidents over the past two seasons. While Mason may not rating sufficient weekly to begin in fantasy in regular conditions, if Jones is coping with an damage or is displaying extra indicators of age, we might see Jones as a weekly participant to begin.
Possible Targets: J.Okay. Dobbins, Bhayshul Tuten, Tyjae Spears, Braelon Allen, Roschon Johnson
Round 11, Pick 121: Draft a operating again
As talked about in Round 10, it stays time to give attention to build up depth on the operating again place.
Top Target: Tyjae Spears
Tyjae Spears began his NFL profession because the receiving down again, complementing Derrick Henry, after which was the backup to Tony Pollard. He’s proven an important means to keep away from tackles within the passing recreation, however that hasn’t been sufficient to be a fantasy starter. However, throughout the fantasy playoffs final season, Pollard was injured, and Spears scored the fifth-most fantasy factors over the three-game stretch. Ideally, that sturdy play late within the season will probably be sufficient for Spears to earn extra enjoying time, and doubtlessly earn the beginning function over Pollard.
Possible Targets: J.Okay. Dobbins, Bhayshul Tuten, Braelon Allen, Roschon Johnson, Tank Bigsby
Round 12, Pick 144: Draft a quarterback
Now is the time to take a shot on a second quarterback. Both J.J. McCarthy and Trevor Lawrence have top-10 upside, as they’ve offensive playcallers who’ve led to previous top-10 seasons by quarterbacks, and so they have two of one of the best broad receiver duos within the NFL. Either one is a steal this late within the draft, nevertheless it’s additionally attainable that at the very least one will probably be picked earlier than the following spherical.
Top Target: J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy, after being chosen by the Minnesota Vikings with the tenth choose within the 2024 NFL Draft, is poised to be their beginning quarterback for the 2025 season following a missed rookie 12 months because of damage. Despite the dangers related to first-year beginning quarterbacks with restricted dashing upside, McCarthy advantages from a superb offensive system led by Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings’ quarterbacks have been constant top-10 fantasy choices in latest seasons, even when Kirk Cousins was injured. The Vikings even have a robust supporting solid that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, all of whom put McCarthy in a chief place for fantasy success and make him a must-start in superflex leagues and a priceless backup in single-quarterback leagues.
Possible Targets: Trevor Lawrence, Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith, Cameron Ward
Round 13, Pick 145: Draft a operating again
With no clear want remaining on the roster, it’s tremendous to select one of the best obtainable participant. In common, the gamers with probably the most worth at this level are operating backs, who’ve an outdoor shot at an enormous function of their offense.
Top Target: J.Okay. Dobbins
J.Okay. Dobbins has seen a rollercoaster of a profession, battling accidents and altering roles whereas additionally showcasing flashes of brilliance. Last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he posted his finest fantasy season with 14.8 factors per recreation, good for 18th. His future with the Denver Broncos is unsure, as he joins a crowded backfield with various utilization potentialities below Sean Payton’s system, which traditionally has utilized a number of backs in several roles. Dobbins’ fantasy relevance will largely hinge on how Denver constructions its dashing assault and whether or not he can safe a constant function, seemingly on early downs, though he might be misplaced in a rotation given the staff’s operating again depth. While his vary of outcomes is huge and projecting his weekly manufacturing will probably be difficult, there is a chance he finishes as a top-24 fantasy operating again in factors per recreation if he can carve out a considerable function.
Possible Targets: Bhayshul Tuten, Braelon Allen, Roschon Johnson, Trey Benson, Tyler Allgeier
Round 14–18: Fill Depth
Use any further picks to draft a kicker and staff protection if required; in any other case, replenish on operating backs and broad receivers.