Draft Strategy from the 12th Spot (2QB)
I recently completed a 12-team PPR mock draft for a league that starts two quarterbacks. With 12 teams instead of the usual 10 that most 2-QB leagues have, the margin for error is very slim. Every manager is going to want at least 3 QBs on their team, and deciding when to draft your first two quarterbacks is key. That's where the ADP data is crucial. I used Fantasy Football Calculator’s 2 QB Average Draft Position (ADP) 12-team (2023) and Fantasy Football 2-QB Rankings (2023) to help plan my draft. After reviewing the ADP and rankings, I mapped out a strategy that I was mostly able to follow.
I didn't want to sacrifice positional strength at RB and WR, so I knew going in that I wanted to draft a top player at each of those positions (or Travis Kelce) in the first two rounds. I also knew that with my draft position, I couldn't wait too long to select a QB, or I would risk a run on them that could leave me without quality starters. I'm mostly happy with the results, although there are a couple of picks I would like to have back.
This league starts 2 QB / 2 RB / 3 WR / 1 TE / 1 Flex / 1 Def / 1 K. The draft board is below. My team is Doug B.
Rounds 1-2: Best RB/WR Available
There were six QBs taken before my pick. That was more than I was expecting, so I was a little nervous about not choosing a QB with either of my picks at the turn. However, I reminded myself that going in, there were 18 QBs that I would be happy enough to have as one of my starters. So, I stuck with my plan and drafted the best RB and WR available. I'm very happy with Austin Ekeler and Tyreek Hill to start the draft.
Rounds 3-4: Back-to-Back Quarterback
By the time the draft got back to me, 12 QBs were already gone. With 23 picks in between my selections, I opted to go ahead and secure my two starters now. In my personal rankings, I have Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins ranked 10th and 11th, respectively, so I was still able to acquire two QB1 players at the 3/4 turn.
Rounds 5-8: Filling Out The Starters
Now that I had my QBs out of the way for a bit, I wanted to round out my starters at RB, WR, and TE. I drafted Alexander Mattison in the 5th round and Javonte Williams in the 7th round to beef up my RB position. I believe Mattison is undervalued and has more upside than any other RB2 being drafted in his range. Williams also possesses a huge potential if he can get back to his 2021 form after his season-ending knee injury last year.
Terry McLaurin is a solid WR2. I’m higher on him than most, and I’m expecting a huge target share for him this year.
I drafted Darren Waller in the 8th round. By then, five TEs had come off the board, and the position was getting dicey. He has question marks, for sure, but what TE, outside of Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and maybe T.J. Hockenson, doesn’t?
Rounds 9-15: Depth Picks
I opted for Sam Howell as my third QB in the 11th round. In hindsight, I would rather have drafted Brock Purdy there. At least Howell gives me the option to stack him with McLaurin if I need the upside in a game I’m expected to lose.
I added depth at RB and WR. I generally look for players with upside potential. If Dalvin Cook doesn’t sign with Miami, then De’Von Achane fits that profile perfectly.
I decided to go with two TEs, but only because I thought David Njoku was such a great value in round 14. However, I wish I had drafted Kareem Hunt instead. Wherever Hunt ends up signing, he will get a nice share of the workload and instantly become a high-value handcuff.
Rounds 16-17: Defense, Kicker
There's no need to waste a pick on defense or kicker before the last two rounds. In fact, if you’re drafting before the last preseason game, I would avoid both positions and instead draft a handcuff who could have value if a starter goes down in the preseason. You can always pick up a defense or kicker right before the Week 1 kickoff.
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