- Rashee Rice is the highest possibility in the midst of the fourth: Rice was an elite fantasy possibility in his three full video games final season, and he must be wholesome with no suspensions this season.
- Trust in Liam Coen: The most suitable choice within the first two rounds is a participant Coen can be teaching, and a participant Coen helped lead final season.
- 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 selecting first 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: Friday, July 4
Round 1, Pick 6: Draft a large receiver
Anyone selecting from the center of the primary spherical to the tip is both selecting their prime accessible large receiver or a operating again like Ashton Jeanty or Derrick Henry. There are six large receivers ranked third to eighth, the place seemingly no two analysts have the receivers in the identical order. All of them might find yourself as the highest total large receiver if the whole lot goes properly, however all of them are going by means of some modifications with some mixture of latest play callers, new quarterbacks and new competitors for targets. In Brian Thomas Jr.’s participant profile, I element why I consider he’s the best choice of the group, however there are authentic causes to select a distinct receiver.
Top Target: Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. had a robust begin to his rookie season and ended it among the many league’s greatest fantasy receivers. In his ultimate seven video games, he gained not less than 13 PPR factors every week and averaged 21.5 factors, third behind solely Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua. He performed not less than 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 large receivers can co-exist so long as there isn’t far more competitors for targets. Thomas led all large receivers in yards per route run out of the slot with 3.12, and new offensive coordinator Liam Coen has discovered a variety of success together with his slot receivers prior to now. An elevated position within the slot could lead on Thomas to stay among the many prime large receivers in fantasy soccer.
Possible Targets: Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Nabers
Round 2, Pick 19: Draft a operating again
An argument may very well be made for any place at this decide. A quarterback might work, nevertheless it’s a little bit early and Jalen Hurts must be accessible within the subsequent spherical. It’s equally early for Trey McBride, and George Kittle is obtainable within the subsequent spherical. This leaves the highest accessible operating again in Bucky Irving, or the highest accessible large receiver in Drake London. I lean Irving right here as a result of a large receiver was picked within the first spherical, and there can be choices for an amazing second large receiver within the fourth spherical, whereas it’s more durable to start out with two large receivers, after which discover a number of operating backs within the center rounds.
Top Target: Bucky Irving
Irving was a fourth-round decide by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, in his first 12 months, completed fourth amongst operating backs in PFF offensive grade, ending with an elite grade as each a rusher and receiver. He began the season enjoying simply over 30% of the Buccaneers’ offensive snaps and ended enjoying round 70% of their snaps. He was among the many prime operating backs on the finish of the season. Most of his scenario is similar this season, aside from a change in offensive coordinator. There is an opportunity the backfield might return in direction of a committee strategy, however there may be additionally an opportunity Irving turns into much more of an every-down again.
Possible Targets: Josh Jacobs, Kenneth Walker III, Kyren Williams, Chase Brown, Omarion Hampton
Round 3, Pick 30: Draft a decent finish
The most important 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 mixture of probably the most gifted operating backs with the biggest roles on the place. Every different possibility has some crimson flags, with the potential of getting benched, a operating again committee or an harm historical past. It’s usually good to get both an elite quarterback or tight finish possibility, which implies both Jalen Hurts or George Kittle. It’s tough for somebody selecting within the early-mid components of the primary spherical to discover a good worth at tight finish in different rounds, so Kittle is the highest possibility right here.
Top Target: George Kittle
George Kittle has been arguably the most effective tight finish within the NFL throughout his profession. His run blocking has been the most effective, and his numbers are higher than Travis Kelce on a per-play foundation. However, the 49ers’ run-first philosophy blended with Kittle’s harm 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 capability to search out Kittle down the sphere led to extra large performs from Kittle than some 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 reducing, 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 43: Draft a large receiver
This staff is comparatively balanced thus far, so it is sensible to select the most effective accessible participant. The top-15 operating backs are all off the board at this level, and it’s potential so as to add a high-upside rookie operating again within the subsequent spherical. There are nonetheless a number of wonderful large receiver choices on the board, so large receiver is the clear possibility on this spherical, even should you didn’t comply with the same old plan within the first three rounds. There aren’t any quarterbacks or tight ends value contemplating in Round 4.
Top Target: Rashee Rice
Rice slowly however absolutely labored his technique to the highest of the Chiefs’ depth chart as a rookie and was a worthy fantasy starter most of the time after the primary month of the season. He was on tempo to be a league-winner earlier than, ending with the second-most fantasy factors for a large receiver within the first three weeks of the season. A torn LCL value him the remainder of the 2024 season. He seems on tempo to play firstly of the league 12 months, however he would possibly take a little bit bit earlier than he can play at his normal stage. He may also face extra competitors for targets from an improved Xavier Worthy and a wholesome Hollywood Brown. He has the top-10 upside however might additionally fall behind within the goal pecking order, making it more durable to start out him.
Possible Targets: Marvin Harrison Jr., D.J. Moore, Jameson Williams, Tetairoa McMillan, Travis Hunter
Round 5, Pick 54: Draft a operating again
It’s too early to contemplate some other quarterbacks or tight ends. This leaves operating again and large receiver as the one choices. While there are many robust large receiver choices on the board, a variety of them must also be accessible in Round 6, however the prime operating again choices accessible now is not going to be accessible within the subsequent spherical. That makes operating again the best choice to maintain this a well-rounded roster.
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 talent 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 throughout the realm of chance if he dominates the passing down position and likewise averages not less than eight carries per recreation. However, the Broncos’ backfield might stay unstable regardless of the addition of Harvey.
Possible Targets: Quinshon Judkins, D’Andre Swift, Aaron Jones Sr., Tony Pollard, Jaylen Warren
Round 6, Pick 67: Draft a large receiver
After drafting two operating backs and two large receivers, it’s time so as to add a 3rd large receiver. There are a couple of large receivers with top-15 potential accessible, whereas it’s more durable to search out worth at different positions. There can be a couple of quarterbacks who will possible go off the board between this decide in Round 6 and the subsequent decide in Round 7, together with Bo Nix and Jared Goff. Still, there can be loads of different quarterback choices with practically as a lot upside accessible later. That gained’t be the case at large receiver, which is why each picks must be large receivers, regardless that quarterback stays a necessity and some will possible be chosen.
Top Target: Tetairoa McMillan
McMillan is a prototypical X receiver and top-of-the-line X receivers popping out of school 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 may very well 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 large receiver possibility in each redraft and dynasty leagues.
Possible Targets: Chris Olave, Jaylen Waddle, Jordan Addison, Deebo Samuel, Chris Godwin
Round 7, Pick 78: Draft a large receiver
This is an analogous vary the place large receivers are the power of the draft. Running backs like Tony Pollard and Tyrone Tracy Jr. are drafted on this vary, however they are going to be sharing their respective backfields with Tyjae Spears and Cameron Skattebo, each of whom can be found a couple 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 large receivers who’ve confirmed NFL success however are extra dangerous as a result of previous harm historical past.
Top Target: Chris Olave
Olave has the expertise to be a top-15 fantasy large receiver. He scored the Sixteenth-most fantasy factors in 2023, and his PFF receiving grade has been not less than 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 large receiver greatest suited to line up within the slot. However, Olave has 5 documented concussions. This makes him each extra possible than the standard participant to endure one other concussion and extra more likely 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 also be working towards Olave.
Possible Targets: Jordan Addison, Deebo Samuel, Chris Godwin, Jakobi Meyers, Jerry Jeudy
Round 8, Pick 91: Draft a operating again
After specializing in large 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 decide. While quarterback stays a necessity for the staff, you may nonetheless wait a number of extra rounds earlier than selecting up your first as a result of there are extra quarterbacks with top-10 upside than fantasy groups that also want quarterbacks.
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 position for the 2025 season. His fantasy upside is elevated by the potential of sustaining a big position over new competitors, Kaleb Johnson, primarily within the passing recreation and doubtlessly within the run recreation. However, there’s additionally the chance that he might lose enjoying time if Johnson outperforms the earlier competitors, Najee Harris. This leaves Warren’s fantasy worth considerably unstable and depending on how the competitors performs out.
Possible Targets: Jordan Mason, Rhamondre Stevenson, Cam Skattebo, J.Okay. Dobbins, Bhayshul Tuten
Round 9, Pick 102: Draft a large receiver
Round 9 is actually a toss-up. Every draft is totally different, and numerous runs on operating backs or large receivers might possible result in one place being a power over the opposite. For the needs of this draft, we’ll lean towards large receiver, as there are nonetheless a couple of gamers who’re anticipated to be the highest large receiver on their staff accessible, which speaks to the power of the large receiver place.
Top Target: Matthew Golden
Golden was a polarizing prospect heading into the NFL draft. At Texas, he led the large receiver room in offensive snaps and routes run within the common season, however a number of large receivers earned the next grade than him. He posted 1.6 yards per route run within the common season, fifth amongst Texas‘s prime six large receivers. Then the playoffs hit, and Golden was far more dominant. He caught 19 of 29 passes for 411 yards for 3.37 yards per route run. The Green Bay Packers permit him a possibility to change into an precise primary receiver, an opportunity he wasn’t going to see with most groups. Golden can be an ideal mid-to-late spherical dart throw at large receiver with a variety of upside, but in addition the chance that he’s by no means a fantasy starter as a rookie.
Possible Targets: Stefon Diggs, Darnell Mooney, Josh Downs, Marvin Mims Jr., Ricky Pearsall
Round 10, Pick 115: Draft a operating again
As talked about two rounds in the past, it might be good to select a second high-upside operating again in a committee. A giant cause to decide on one right here and never wait one other spherical is to make sure you draft Jordan Mason, who’s the closest factor to a must-draft participant at this level within the low season, 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 constantly spending mid-to-late spherical draft picks on operating backs. An harm 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 possible be in a committee that features Mason receiving vital work in speeding 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 start out in fantasy in regular conditions, if Jones is coping with an harm or is exhibiting extra indicators of age, we might see Jones as a weekly participant to start out.
Possible Targets: J.Okay. Dobbins, Bhayshul Tuten, Tyjae Spears, Braelon Allen, Roschon Johnson
Round 11, Pick 126: Draft a operating again
While practically the entire operating backs who’re in committees are off the board at this level, there are nonetheless one or two choices value contemplating. Considering how robust this staff is at large receiver, mixed with the dangers taken at operating again, it is sensible so as to add one other operating again to the combo, within the hope that they will work out in a giant manner. Any operating again chosen right here must be picked for his or her upside potential somewhat than their imply projection.
Top Target: Bhayshul Tuten
Tuten was wonderful at avoiding tackles in school, with 0.339 prevented tackles per try, rating fourth-best among the many rookie operating backs. He joins a wide-open Jacksonville Jaguars backfield, the place he, Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby will compete for snaps on each early downs and passing downs. Tuten must be considered extra favorably than most handcuff operating backs. Like all handcuffs, there’s a likelihood he gained’t maintain any fantasy worth this upcoming season, however there may be additionally a path for vital enjoying time if he can merely outperform the opposite operating backs on the roster.
Possible Targets: J.Okay. Dobbins, Tyjae Spears, Braelon Allen, Roschon Johnson, Tank Bigsby
Round 12, Pick 139: Draft a quarterback
After ready an entire 11 rounds earlier than drafting a quarterback, it’s time to start out including on the place. The quarterback place is extremely deep this season, as practically each starter completed within the prime 10 sooner or later in latest seasons, and some second-year quarterbacks confirmed a variety of upside this 12 months. It’s potential to go quarterback back-to-back and find yourself with two gamers who’re within the prime 12 of my rankings.
Top Target: J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy, after being chosen by the Minnesota Vikings with the tenth decide 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 harm. Despite the dangers related to first-year beginning quarterbacks with restricted speeding 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 primary place for fantasy success and make him a must-start in superflex leagues and a worthwhile backup in single-quarterback leagues.
Possible Targets: Trevor Lawrence, Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith, Cameron Ward
Round 13, Pick 150: Draft a quarterback
As talked about final spherical, that is one other time to select a quarterback, so you can begin whichever one is having the most effective matchup every week.
Top Target: Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence has been a considerably inconsistent fantasy quarterback for the Jaguars over his 4 seasons, experiencing a peak in 2022 with 25 passing and 5 speeding touchdowns, however seeing his worth fluctuate as a result of various play high quality and accidents. While he boasts a excessive big-time throw fee, averaging 1.8 per recreation over the past two seasons, he additionally struggles with a excessive turnover-worthy throw fee. Entering the 2025 season underneath new head coach Liam Coen, there’s optimism for enchancment, drawing comparisons to Baker Mayfield‘s success in Coen’s system, doubtlessly boosting Lawrence’s fantasy output. Brian Thomas Jr.’s emergence, in addition to the Travis Hunter addition, provides to the rationale for optimism. Lawrence is a high-upside second possibility in each single quarterback and superflex leagues.
Possible Targets: Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith, Cameron Ward, Matthew Stafford
Round 14–18: Fill Depth
Use any further picks to draft a kicker and staff protection if required; in any other case, top off on operating backs and large receivers.