Down the Bottom: 10th Spot in a Half PPR League
With a few weeks of draft season remaining, it's time to nail your final drafts before the season starts. Although how you draft won't win your leagues, it will give you a foot up before in-season management. Fantasy players who are selecting near the bottom of the draft have the ability to fire in two picks quickly but also find themselves waiting around for their next pick, hoping their guys are still on the board. While drafting from the middle means less reaching than picking from the top or bottom, it's okay. If you believe the guys you are drafting a little over ADP will smash fantasy this season, don't let that stop you from doing it. As mentioned, you can use the waiver wire during the season and make trades if needed. Let's look at how you may want to attack the draft if you have the No. 10 pick.
Round 1 and Round 2
Picking at the bottom of the draft, you will miss out on those top-tier wide receivers and running backs. However, as the draft approaches the second round, you will get two quick picks. Despite the likes of Ja'Marr Chase, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Bijan Robinson all gone, you will still be able to grab two top players. If A.J. Brown is available, he would be my pick in round 1. Despite his production dropping off at the end, he still finished in the top 5 of FPPG. If Brown is off the board, Garrett Wilson or Jahymr Gibbs would be solid options, as both offer high ceilings in half-PPR leagues this season. After four picks, the draft will return to you for your round 2 pick, with some quality guys still on the board. If you have picked a wide receiver in the first round, picking rookie Marvin Harrison or Puka Nacua gives you a quality wide receiver duo. Detroit tight end Sam LaPorta was targeted 120 times last season as a rookie; he would also be a good selection in round 2. Davonte Adams will also be available in the 2nd round, but despite his talent, the quarterback situation in Las Vegas could be better. He will be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season.
Round 3 and Round 4
Having to wait sometime before your 3rd round pick lets you see how the draft is playing out. After 33 picks, you are back up, and the elite quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts are likely starting to come off the board. If Hurts is available, it would be a great time to select him and pair him up with Brown if you took him in round 1. Stacking isn't essential, but it can benefit you, especially if it's one of the elite QBs with his favorite target. If you have taken just one wide receiver, drafting Jalen Waddle or Cooper Kupp is also an option. In round 4, this is where I like to target a running back. I'm not opposed to running backs early if the value is right; it's just a volatile position to spend round 1 or 2 picks on, in my opinion. Especially when you could draft Rachaad White in round 4, a top-five running back last season, in fppg and receptions. James Cook is likely available at this point, which is another good RB1 for your team if you have avoided the position this far.
Round 5 and Round 6
If you have picked one of the elite quarterbacks in the first four rounds, you can look at drafting who you think is the best player available, even if it's a slight reach. If you still need a tight end, George Kittle should be available at this point. The drop-off from Kittle to the TEs below him is a small amount, around 40 fantasy points, so waiting another few rounds is not a problem. It allows you to add more wide receiver playmakers, such as Zay Flowers, Tee Higgins, or Amari Cooper. Despite the quarterback inconsistencies in Cleveland, Cooper keeps performing and would be a solid pick in round 5. If you really want to go wide receiver heavy early, rookie Xavier Worthy has the chance to be the WR1 for Patrick Mahomes this season. Adding another running back is also a good move, with James Connor still the RB1 in Arizona, with not much of a challenge behind him.
Round 7 and Round 8
After the first six picks, you will likely have the base of a strong roster, whichever strategy you have decided. Now, it's about picking the best player available while still rounding out each position group effectively. With players starting to grab running backs at this point, it could be worth doubling up, especially if you only have one on your roster. Zach Moss, Zamir White, and Javonte Williams aren't flashy selections. However, they are slated as the team's no.1 running back. My favorite option here is Williams, who looks to be the healthiest he has been heading into 2024. If Moss or White are available in round 7, they are nice selections. I don't mind reaching a little for Brian Robinson Jr. here; even with the arrival of Austin Ekeler, Robinson will still be the leading back on first and second downs.
Later Rounds
It's a case of rounding out the roster with players who can be utilized from the bench when needed. If you are without a tight end, David Njoku, Dallas Goedert, and T.J. Hockenson will likely still be available after round 8. Hockenson, who has performed well in the past, is low on my list, with Sam Darnold likely to be the starter for Minnesota. If you can grab a second quarterback with a high ceiling, such as rookies Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, that's an excellent move. Regarding running backs, I select players who are 2nd or 3rd on a team's depth chart but have a path to seeing playing time. Ty Chandler, MarShawn Lloyd, and Jaylen Wright are three names that could contribute, especially down the stretch.
Recap
Drafting near the bottom of the draft is my favorite position in redraft leagues in 2024. You may miss out on those tier 1 wide receivers, but you can get two players at the top of tier 2, possibly one with a tier one running back if they fall. I want to select a higher number of wide receivers in the first six rounds, as you can pick up running backs on the waiver wire throughout the season due to frequent injuries at the position. Be bold and draft a player lower than his ADP. If you believe he can be a difference maker and he likely won't get back to you, go get him. The draft sets you up to win; you must be active during the season on waivers, trades, and picking the right team for each week.
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