Fantasy Football Draft Strategy
We are at the point in the offseason where fantasy football drafts are ready to commence. This is the best time of the year for football fans as they research players to select the best ones for their team. However, not everyone will be given a chance to draft certain players. Depending on whether you are picking at the beginning or end of the round, it will significantly impact your roster. For this exercise, we will analyze what a team selecting second-overall should do in a 12-team PPR league.
Round 1 and Round 2
This year's consensus first-overall pick is San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. With him off the board, there are plenty of possibilities for the second pick. It would be best if you decided whether to start your draft with a running back or wide receiver. ADP suggests taking Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. But his ongoing contract holdout could make some people wary of selecting him that high. The next wide receiver to consider is Tyreek Hill from the Miami Dolphins; he is one of the most explosive football players and has been sensational since joining the Dolphins. Lamb and Hill finished as the WR1 and WR2 last year, and both are fine selections at second overall.
But, if you wanted to elect a running back to start your team, the options are simple: Breece Hall or Bijan Robinson. With McCaffrey off the board, those are the only two runners to consider with the second pick. Both have immense upside thanks to improved quarterback play on their offenses; the Jets welcome back Aaron Rodgers, and the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins. There is a clear path to production for both players, and they should each finish as top-five at the position this season.
In the second round, you will select 23rd overall with plenty of intriguing options. Players to consider at this spot are WRs Drake London, Chris Olave, and Jaylen Waddle or quarterback Josh Allen. If you are looking for a running back, the ideal options at this spot are De'Von Achane, Derrick Henry, and Isiah Pacheco. Even though most people like to wait on quarterbacks, Josh Allen is likely available at his place and is a fine selection. If you start your draft WR/WR, it would not be a bad strategy to go zero RB the rest of the way. However, it is essential not to stick to one strategy if a player falls much further than expected.
Ideal Picks: CeeDee Lamb, De'Von Achane
Round 3 and Round 4
The quick turnaround in the third round means plenty of elite players are still on the board at pick 26. If Josh Allen is still available, he would be worthy of this selection, as would any of the top tight ends, such as Sam Laporta and Travis Kelce. After starting the draft with a WR and RB, you can go anywhere in round 3. If you believe in new Packers running back Josh Jacobs, he will likely be an option in round 3. The top wide receiver options include 49ers Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Houston Texan Nico Collins. My favorite targets in the third are Allen and one of the tight ends to give myself a substantial weekly advantage at one of those spots.
In the fourth round, we must wait until pick 47 to add another player. But you can add some veterans with plenty left in the tank in this spot. Or you could take a shot with a high-upside rookie. Some of the top targets in round 4 should be Alvin Kamara, Devonta Smith, Kenneth Walker III, or Malik Nabers. Kamara has been one of the best fantasy running backs over the past decade; he is a PPR legend and a consistent part of the Saints' offense. His age leads him to be more of an RB2, but he has top-10 upside.
Ideal Picks: Josh Allen, Alvin Kamara
Round 5 and Round 6
The fifth-round pick is 50th overall, making it an excellent spot to add another wide receiver. While the position is deep this year, you do not want to wait too long for both starters. If Nabers is still available, he would be a strong option. Other receivers are Amari Cooper, Tee Higgins, and George Pickens. The sixth round will be pick 71, an excellent time to look at tight end. George Kittle, Kyle Pitts, and Evan Engram could all be available at this spot and would be intriguing picks.
Ideal Picks: Malik Nabers, Kyle Pitts
Round 7 and Round 8
In these mid to late rounds, looking for players with upside is always preferred. In the 7th round, Jayden Reed, Zamir White, and Terry McLaurin are usually on the board. They are all players worth targeting because they will be a focal point of their offenses. The 8th round is pick 95, and some of the players to target are Jake Ferguson, Diontae Johnson, and Christian Watson. Those players should be heavily targeted this year and, at worst, be flex options.
Ideal Picks: Zamir White, Diontae Johnson
Late Rounds/Recap
Once you have built the bulk of your roster, the late rounds are for adding depth and taking some fliers. If your league has a defense and kicker, those should be your last two picks. Some of the best late-round sleepers include Gus Edwards, Rico Dowdle, Chase Brown, Caleb Williams, and Ja'Lynn Polk. Look for players who play in good offenses and will have an opportunity to play; that is where fantasy gold can be found. Overall, the second pick is one that you should be happy to have. You land an elite player in round 1 and have plenty of opportunities to build a great team. As long as you find value in the middle to late rounds, the second slot is one you can win from.
Filed under: Free Articles
