Having a strategy coming into a snake draft is extremely important to set yourself up for success. Obviously, you need to be flexible as you navigate the subsequent rounds, but having some idea of how you want to tackle the first two rounds will set the tone for the choices you make down the road. You can't predict rounds 4 and later, but you can have a pretty good idea of what you want to do with rounds 1, and 2 and go from there.
In this article, we will take a look at potential strategies for drafting from the 12th spot in a 12-team, half-PPR point league (although these suggestions align pretty well with PPR as well.) I'll cover your options in the first two rounds and then suggest my preferred strategy for drafting from the position. Ultimately, this comes down to finding the players you like and fitting them into a strategy that works best for you. But I'll give you some of my favorite players to target given the starting position.
The situation
While in 2021 I wanted to start in the front of the draft, I'm pretty comfortable with later draft spots in 2022. While I would ideally be closer to a middle pick, I think you can accomplish a lot of things from the back, and pick 12 gives you the security of back-to-back picks which is nice. I've done a lot of mocks out of the 12th position and have consistently been happy with the players that fall to you here.
Round 1 and 2 Options:
RB-RB
Top-tier running backs become scarcer every year, and the 12th position gives you the opportunity to snag two and set it and forget it for a lot of the year. This obviously leaves you light on WRs, an area you would need to hammer for the next couple of rounds, but it's an appealing option given the drastic drop-off of quality running backs in rounds 3-6.
WR-WR
If you're staring some combination of Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Deebo, and Tyreek Hill in the face at 12, it's going to be very tempting to go WR - WR and dive into the upside that presents you. All those players are week winners. However, given the depth of the position, I don't find it wise to commit so much draft capital early in the draft.
RB-WR
The best of both worlds, grabbing the best available running back and wide receiver off the board, giving yourself a premier player at both positions, and setting yourself up for flexibility for rounds 3 and 4.
Tight End
Even with how appealing Travis Kelce looks to be this year after the departure of Tyreek Hill, this still feels too early for him and your picks here can be better spent.
Suggested strategy:
As always, it depends! This is not an overly helpful answer but is also true. Personally, I've had the most success by going RB-WR, grabbing a premium player of both, and then allowing myself the ability to potentially grab a TE in round 3 or 4 since I have a backstop at both key positions. That being said, if there is a WR run right in front of me in round 1, I have no issue grabbing Alvin Kamara and Joe Mixon and swinging on WRs in the later rounds.
The rest of the draft
Rounds 3 and 4
Assuming I went RB-WR, I'm using my flexibility to take the best available in this round. That usually comes in the form of JK Dobbins or Josh Jacobs, both of who consistently drop to me here. From there I either go tight end if Kyle Pitts makes it to the turn or a higher tier WR who made a drop either Jaylen Waddle or Terry McLaurin. I see a lot of people take a QB in this scenario too, but I prefer to wait given the value that remains.
Rounds 5 and 6
If I didn't take a tight end in round 3/4, I'm grabbing one here. I'm comfortable with TJ Hockenson, or if I get lucky, Darren Waller drops. If I did take a tight end, then obviously WR is a must, given that I only have one. I have been taking flyers on Michael Thomas and Jerry Jeudy, hoping for revivals. Usually, I'll double up on WRs if I only have one.
Rounds 7 and 8
This is where I snag my quarterback as there is usually still an abundance of good options available. If your draft is fading quarterbacks you can end up with Kyler or Lamar. If they are in demand, you can still usually snag a Dak or Russell. From there I'm going best available again but likely looking for a high-floor RB like Rashaad Penny or Melvin Gordon if I can make it happen.
The Rest
With the above steps, you have all the positions covered with some depth to spare. From here I have a pretty balanced lineup, so I try to take the best player available. As I mentioned, there is no telling how your draft will actually go, so ensure you are playing toward your league rules and positional advantages. But hopefully the above gives you a possible template for success for your 2022 draft.
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