- Kenneth Walker III is a high-risk, high-reward operating again: Walker is among the many highest graded operating backs with a brand new coach who needs to characteristic him, however he additionally has an in depth damage historical past.
- Add three pass-catchers within the first three rounds: The worth in every of the primary three rounds is at vast receiver and tight finish, making each positions a power of this staff.
- Subscribe to PFF+: Get entry to participant grades, PFF Premium Stats, fantasy soccer rankings, all the 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 selecting ninth total. To discover extra details about any participant talked about on this article, click on on the participant’s identify to search out their fantasy soccer participant profile.
Last up to date: Thursday, July 10
Round 1, Pick 9: Draft a large receiver
Anyone selecting from the center of the primary spherical to the top is both choosing their high obtainable vast receiver or a operating again, akin to Ashton Jeanty or Derrick Henry. There are six vast receivers ranked third to eighth, the place seemingly no two analysts have the receivers in the identical order. All of them may find yourself as the highest total vast receiver if every part goes nicely, however all of them are going by means of some adjustments with some mixture of recent play-callers, new quarterbacks and new competitors for targets. In Brian Thomas Jr.’s participant profile, I element why I imagine he’s the best choice of the group, however there are reliable causes to choose a distinct receiver. Based on ADP, Thomas sometimes falls to the beginning of the second spherical. This means it’s attainable to pick out another person with the next ADP right here, and hope Thomas falls to this staff within the second spherical.
Top Target: Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. had a robust begin to his rookie season and ended it among the many league’s finest fantasy receivers. In his remaining seven video games, he gained a minimum of 13 PPR factors every week and averaged 21.5 factors, third behind solely Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua. He performed a minimum of 84% of his staff’s offensive snaps in all however a type of video games. The staff added Travis Hunter within the draft, and he’ll see a good goal fee, however sometimes, two nice vast receivers can co-exist so long as there isn’t rather more competitors for targets. Thomas led all vast receivers in yards per route run out of the slot with 3.12, and new offensive coordinator Liam Coen has discovered a number of success along with his slot receivers up to now. An elevated function within the slot may lead Thomas to stay among the many high vast receivers in fantasy soccer.
Possible Targets: Nico Collins, Malik Nabers, Drake London, A.J. Brown, Ladd McConkey
Round 2, Pick 16: Draft a large receiver
It’s too early to draft a quarterback at this choose. The first and second tier of operating backs are sometimes gone, so it’s unlikely there’s a worth at that place. That means the choice is between a high vast receiver and Brock Bowers if he’s nonetheless obtainable. The hole between Bowers and George Kittle is comparatively small in comparison with the hole between Drake London and the vast receivers obtainable at Pick 35, making London the higher choose. That additionally makes it simpler to probably choose somebody like Nico Collins or Malik Nabers within the first spherical and hope Thomas falls to the second spherical.
Top Target: Drake London
Drake London was the eighth total choose within the 2022 draft, however did not be an everyday fantasy soccer starter in his first two years as a result of restricted quarterback play, Arthur Smith’s run-first offense, and a rotation at vast receiver. In 2024, the Falcons have been nonetheless a run-first staff due to Bijan Robinson, however he was on the sector extra usually, the quarterback play was a lot better, and he performed within the slot extra usually. London was taking part in like a top-three fantasy vast receiver in three video games with Michael Penix Jr. final season, however Penix was additionally throwing to London at an unsustainable fee. Penix’s high quality of play will decide if London can end among the many high 10 fantasy vast receivers.
Possible Targets: A.J. Brown, Ladd McConkey, Tee Higgins, Garrett Wilson, Rashee Rice
Round 3, Pick 33: Draft a decent finish
The principal place to keep away from in Round 3 is operating again. Typically, 10 operating backs are chosen within the first two rounds. These are a mix of essentially the most proficient operating backs with the biggest roles on the place. Every different possibility has some crimson flags, together with the potential of being benched, being a operating again committee, or having an damage historical past. It’s additionally time to keep away from quarterbacks, as the highest 4 choices are all probably picked at this level. Rather than beginning with three straight vast receivers, it’s higher to pivot to tight finish, the place George Kittle is a good worth at this level.
Top Target: George Kittle
George Kittle has been arguably the perfect tight finish within the NFL throughout his profession. His run blocking has been the perfect, and his numbers are higher than Travis Kelce on a per-play foundation. However, the 49ers’ run-first philosophy blended with Kittle’s damage historical past has left Kittle operating fewer routes than different elite tight ends. He’s made up for it in latest seasons with Brock Purdy, whose skill to search out Kittle down the sector led to extra massive performs from Kittle than every other tight finish in latest seasons. This makes him a transparent top-three fantasy tight finish, however his age, blended with an opportunity his common depth of goal lowering, makes him the clear third possibility between him, Brock Bowers and Trey McBride.
Possible Targets: T.J. Hockenson, Sam LaPorta, David Njoku, Tucker Kraft, Dalton Kincaid
Round 4, Pick 40: Draft a operating again
Running again is the clear choose right here. This staff has averted operating again up to now, and as Kenneth Walker III’s participant profile particulars, Walker is without doubt one of the most undervalued operating backs within the draft. Any staff drafting Walker might want to prioritize backup operating backs, however he’s nonetheless a danger price taking.
Top Target: Kenneth Walker III
Kenneth Walker III has graded among the many finest operating backs within the league, together with a 91.3 dashing grade final season. His 0.42 averted tackles per try final season have been essentially the most in PFF’s 19 years of statistics for all operating backs with a minimum of 50 carries. The next-most with any participant with a minimum of 150 carries in a season was 0.31, which is a tie that features 2014 Marshawn Lynch and 2020 Nick Chubb. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak can have an offense that performs to Walker’s strengths along with his zone scheme and can prioritize getting him the soccer greater than final season. However, he’s missed 10 video games over the earlier three seasons as a result of damage, and his play was negatively affected in a number of extra whereas taking part in by means of damage. If he can keep wholesome, he can have his finest fantasy season but, however staying wholesome is an enormous if.
Possible Targets: Omarion Hampton, Alvin Kamara, RJ Harvey, James Conner, Chuba Hubbard
Round 5, Pick 57: Draft a operating again
It’s too early to contemplate every other quarterbacks or tight ends. This leaves operating again and vast receiver as the one choices. While there are many robust vast receiver choices on the board, a number of them must also be obtainable in Round 6, however the high operating again choices obtainable now is not going to be obtainable within the subsequent spherical. That makes operating again the best choice to maintain this a well-rounded roster.
Top Target: Quinshon Judkins
The Browns spent a number of draft capital on Judkins, making it probably he might be one of many 32 operating backs to steer their staff in carries. His 95.2 dashing grade over the past three seasons was among the many finest within the class after averaging 18 carries per recreation in that point. His worth might be higher than another operating backs in committees as a result of he ought to see a minimum of 50% of carries. He could possibly be a top-15 operating again, relying on his function, however his offensive line and lack of receiving manufacturing will probably maintain him again from being an elite again within the quick time period.
Possible Targets: D’Andre Swift, Aaron Jones Sr., Tony Pollard, Jaylen Warren, Jordan Mason
Round 6, Pick 64: Draft a large receiver
After drafting two operating backs and two vast receivers, it’s time so as to add a 3rd vast receiver. There are a number of vast receivers with top-15 potential obtainable, whereas it’s tougher to search out worth at different positions. There might be a number of quarterbacks who will probably go off the board between this choose in Round 6 and the subsequent choose in Round 7, together with Baker Mayfield, Bo Nix and Jared Goff. Still, there might be loads of different quarterback choices with practically as a lot upside obtainable later. That received’t be the case at vast receiver, which is why each picks must be vast receivers, despite the fact that quarterback stays a necessity, and some will probably be chosen.
Top Target: Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams was a extremely proficient school participant, however an ACL damage and suspension led to a quiet first two seasons within the NFL. Detroit began utilizing Williams extra on quick and intermediate passes in 2024, permitting him to reap the benefits of his pace after the catch. By mid-season, he persistently gained a minimum of 8 PPR factors per recreation, making him a dependable fantasy starter. He completed this regardless of Detroit having a number of different offensive weapons. The Lions have a brand new offensive coordinator who has all the time given a number of reward to Williams, which may additional improve his fantasy worth this season.
Possible Targets: Tetairoa McMillan, Travis Hunter, DeVonta Smith, Xavier Worthy, Chris Olave
Round 7, Pick 81: Draft a large receiver
This is an analogous vary the place vast receivers are the draft’s power. Running backs like Tony Pollard and Tyrone Tracy Jr. are drafted on this vary, nevertheless it’s clear they are going to be sharing their respective backfields with Tyjae Spears and Cameron Skattebo, each of whom can be found a number of rounds later. Because there are such a lot of operating backs preventing for a beginning job or in a committee, you will discover some choices in later rounds whereas constructing on vast receivers who’ve confirmed NFL success however are extra dangerous as a result of previous damage historical past.
Top Target: Deebo Samuel
Samuel has been a strong fantasy starter when wholesome, peaking because the third total vast receiver in 2021. However, Samuel has handled a number of accidents all through his profession. In 2024 alone, he was listed with six totally different accidents on the official NFL damage experiences. He was traded to the Washington Commanders this offseason, pairing him with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. When Kingsbury was with the Arizona Cardinals, he discovered distinctive methods to make use of Rondale Moore and Greg Dortch on quick passes and passes out of the backfield. They ought to be capable to use Samuel in the identical approach, however with extra success. Samuel ought to be capable to discover extra success than he had final season, except accidents hinder his skill and taking part in time once more.
Possible Targets: Jakobi Meyers, Jerry Jeudy, Jauan Jennings, Matthew Golden, Rome Odunze
Round 8, Pick 88: Draft a operating again
After specializing in vast receivers in back-to-back rounds, it’s time to show again to the operating again place. You can ideally draft two backs who’re in committees with excessive upside, and the primary comes at this choose. While quarterback stays a necessity for the staff, you may nonetheless wait one or two extra rounds earlier than selecting up your first to be able to add the highest remaining operating again in your board.
Top Target: Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren has been a borderline fantasy starter when wholesome for the previous two seasons and is projected to proceed in that function for the 2025 season. His fantasy upside is elevated by the potential of sustaining a big function over new competitors, Kaleb Johnson, primarily within the passing recreation and probably within the run recreation. However, there’s additionally the danger that he may lose taking part in time if Johnson outperforms the earlier competitors, Najee Harris. This leaves Warren’s fantasy worth considerably risky and depending on how the competitors performs out.
Possible Targets: Jordan Mason, Rhamondre Stevenson, Cam Skattebo, J.Ok. Dobbins, Bhayshul Tuten
Round 9, Pick 105: Draft a operating again
As talked about final spherical, it’s good to choose up two high-upside operating backs in committees. While you possibly can probably wait yet one more spherical for these sorts of operating backs, there might be a bigger number of operating backs to choose from now. At the identical time, the highest quarterbacks obtainable now may even be obtainable within the subsequent spherical.
Top Target: Jordan Mason
Jordan Mason rapidly 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 probably be in a committee that features Mason receiving important work in dashing conditions whereas Jones will get extra in passing conditions. Jones is over 30 years outdated and has handled a number of accidents over the past two seasons. While Mason won’t 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 may see Jones as a weekly participant to begin.
Possible Targets: Rhamondre Stevenson, Cam Skattebo, J.Ok. Dobbins, Bhayshul Tuten, Tyjae Spears
Round 10, Pick 112: Draft a quarterback
It is lastly time to tug the set off on a primary quarterback. The massive motive to choose one right here and never wait even longer is that Justin Fields ought to nonetheless be obtainable, however received’t be within the subsequent spherical. He’s been a constant fantasy starter when he’s beginning for an NFL staff, and that must be the case all through the 2025 season.
Top Target: Justin Fields
Justin Fields has been a fantasy starter anytime he’s been an NFL starter, sometimes scoring a minimum of 19 PPR factors per recreation. He’s achieved this by being among the many elite dashing quarterbacks within the recreation regardless of not all the time being the best passer. He joins the New York Jets, the place his wage is giant sufficient that he’s unlikely to get benched this season. He has an offensive coordinator who hasn’t sometimes run along with his quarterback fairly often, however that can change this season. Fields can have an opportunity to be among the many league’s high fantasy quarterbacks if the Jets can efficiently make the most of the tush push.
Possible Targets: J.J. McCarthy, Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, C.J. Stroud
Round 11, Pick 129: Draft a large receiver
After avoiding vast receivers for the final three rounds, it’s time to contemplate a fifth receiver. While it will be high-quality to contemplate a secure WR3 possibility except accidents turn out to be an issue, I’d relatively go for a high-upside possibility who could possibly be a top-24 vast receiver if every part goes proper. Either Mims or different rookies who have been drafted within the first or early second spherical completely match that description.
Top Target: Marvin Mims Jr.
Marvin Mims Jr. enters the 2025 season as a late-round fantasy soccer dart throw with intriguing potential. After a quiet begin to his profession with the Denver Broncos, Mims confirmed flashes late final season, significantly throughout a seven-game stretch the place he was twenty third in PPR factors per recreation with 15.5. He posted an elite 89.7 receiving grade throughout these seven video games, ending with a goal on 30.4% of his routes, which led to 4.25 yards per route run. After being a deep menace earlier in his profession, his common depth of goal fell to 4.2 yards. His function expanded considerably within the playoffs, highlighted by a 69% snap fee. While the Broncos’ vast receiver room has turn out to be extra crowded, nobody has the identical dimension and pace as Mims of their offense. Mims’ fantasy worth hinges on his early-season snap fee – if he sees the sector, he could possibly be a strong fantasy starter, however in any other case, he’s a participant you may drop early.
Possible Targets: Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden III, Michael Pittman Jr., Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins
Round 12, Pick 136: 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 with offensive play-callers who’ve led to previous top-10 seasons by quarterbacks, and so they have two of the perfect vast receiver duos within the NFL. Either one is a steal this late within the draft, nevertheless it’s additionally attainable that a minimum of one might be picked earlier than the subsequent 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 as a result 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 forged that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, all of whom put McCarthy in a major place for fantasy success and make him a must-start in superflex leagues and a beneficial backup in single-quarterback leagues.
Possible Targets: Trevor Lawrence, Michael Penix Jr., Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith
Round 13, Pick 153: Draft a operating again
With no clear want remaining on the roster, it’s high-quality to choose the perfect obtainable participant. In basic, the gamers with essentially the most worth at this level are operating backs who’ve an outdoor shot at an enormous function of their offense.
Top Target: J.Ok. Dobbins
J.Ok. 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 diverse utilization prospects below Sean Payton’s system, which traditionally has utilized a number of backs in numerous roles. Dobbins’ fantasy relevance will largely hinge on how Denver buildings its dashing assault and whether or not he can safe a constant function, probably on early downs, though he could possibly be misplaced in a rotation given the staff’s operating again depth. While his vary of outcomes is huge and projecting his weekly manufacturing might 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: Braelon Allen, Roschon Johnson, Trey Benson, Tyler Allgeier, Keaton Mitchell
Round 14–18: Fill Depth
Use any further picks to draft a kicker and staff protection if required; in any other case, fill up on operating backs and vast receivers.
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