At the end of the ESPN Fantasy Football Marathon each year, our ESPN Fantasy team, along with various ESPN personalities, gathers to hold a mock draft.
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This year’s 10-team PPR draft included the following participants (listed in the order of their first-round selections): Daniel Dopp, Field Yates, Tyler Fulghum, Mike Clay, Liz Loza, Eric Moody, Anita Marks, Adam Schefter, Damien Woody, and Stephania Bell.
As expected, there was plenty of banter and excitement as Garrett Wilson was picked earlier than anticipated for the second consecutive year, Cooper Kupp was taken three full rounds ahead of his ADP, and Adam Schefter enthusiastically embraced the Anthony Richardson hype.
Below, you’ll find the picks made in each round. At the end, we have also compiled the roster for each team.
Check out other recent mock drafts: 10-team, PPR superflex | 10-team, 1/2 PPR | 12-team PPR
Round 1
1. Christian McCaffrey, SF (RB1) — Team Dopp
2. Bijan Robinson, Atl (RB2) — Team Yates
3. Breece Hall, NYJ (RB3) — Team Fulghum
4. CeeDee Lamb, Dal (WR1) – Team Clay
5. Tyreek Hill, Mia (WR2) — Team Loza
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Det (WR3) — Team Moody
7. Garrett Wilson, NYJ (WR4) — Team Marks
8. Justin Jefferson, Min (WR5) — Team Schefter
9. Ja’Marr Chase, Cin (WR6) – Team Woody
10. Saquon Barkley, Phi (RB4) — Team Bell
Round 2
11. Puka Nacua, LAR (WR7) — Team Bell
12. Jonathan Taylor, Ind (RB5) – Team Woody
13. Jahmyr Gibbs, Det (RB6) — Team Schefter
14. Derrick Henry, Bal (RB7) — Team Marks
15. A.J. Brown, Phi (WR8) — Team Moody
16. Isiah Pacheco, KC (RB8) — Team Loza
17. Kyren Williams, LAR (RB9) – Team Clay
18. Cooper Kupp, LAR (WR9) — Team Fulghum
19. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ari (WR10) — Team Yates
20. Travis Etienne Jr., Jax (RB10) — Team Dopp
Round 3
21. Drake London, Atl (WR11) — Team Dopp
22. James Cook, Buf (RB11) – Team Yates
23. De’Von Achane, Mia (RB12) — Team Fulghum
24. Rachaad White, TB (RB13) — Team Clay
25. Malik Nabers, NYG (WR12) — Team Loza
26. Alvin Kamara, NO (RB14) — Team Moody
27. Davante Adams, LV (WR13) — Team Marks
28. Chris Olave, NO (WR14) — Team Schefter
29. Michael Pittman Jr., Ind (WR15) — Team Woody
30. Nico Collins, Hou (WR16)
— Team Bell
Round 4
31. Sam LaPorta, Det (TE1) — Team Bell
32. Josh Jacobs, GB (RB15) – Team Woody
33. Anthony Richardson, Ind (QB1) — Team Schefter
34. Jalen Hurts, Phi (QB2) – Team Marks
35. Joe Mixon, Hou (RB16) — Team Moody
36. Josh Allen, Buf (QB3) — Team Loza
37. Mike Evans, TB (WR17) — Team Clay
38. Deebo Samuel Sr., SF (WR18) — Team Fulghum
39. Brandon Aiyuk, SF (WR19) — Team Yates
40. Lamar Jackson, Bal (QB4) — Team Dopp
Round 5
41. DK Metcalf, Sea (WR20) – Team Dopp
42. Travis Kelce, KC (TE2) – Team Yates
43. Jaylen Waddle, Mia (WR21) – Team Fulghum
44. Kenneth Walker III, Sea (RB17) — Team Clay
45. James Conner, Ari (RB18) — Team Loza
46. Patrick Mahomes, KC (QB5) — Team Moody
47. Zamir White, LV (RB19) — Team Marks
48. Stefon Diggs, Hou (WR22) — Team Schefter
49. DeVonta Smith, Phi (WR23) — Team Woody
50. Aaron Jones, Min (RB20) — Team Bell
Round 6
51. C.J. Stroud, Hou (QB6) — Team Bell
52. Kyler Murray, Ari (QB7) — Team Woody
53. David Montgomery, Det (RB21) — Team Schefter
54. Mark Andrews, Bal (TE3) — Team Marks
55. Dalton Kincaid, Buf (TE4) – Team Moody
56. DJ Moore, Chi (WR24) — Team Loza
57. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (RB22) — Team Clay
58. Tee Higgins, Cin (WR25) – Team Fulghum
59. Zay Flowers, Bal (WR26) — Team Yates
60. Trey McBride, Ari (TE5) — Team Dopp
Round 7
61. Tank Dell, Hou (WR27) — Team Dopp
62. Calvin Ridley, Ten (WR28) — Team Yates
63. Kyle Pitts, Atl (TE6) — Team Fulghum
64. Evan Engram, Jax (TE7) — Team Clay
65. Javonte Williams, Den (RB23) — Team Loza
66. Amari Cooper, Cle (WR29) — Team Moody
67. Jonathon Brooks, Car (RB24) – Team Marks
68. D’Andre Swift, Chi (RB25) — Team Schefter
69. Brian Thomas Jr., Jax (WR30) — Team Woody
70. Chris Godwin, TB (WR31) — Team Bell
Round 8
71. Rashee Rice, KC (WR32) — Team Bell
72. Raheem Mostert, Mia (RB26) — Team Woody
73. Terry McLaurin, Wsh (WR33) — Team Schefter
74. Jaylen Warren, Pit (RB27) — Team Marks
75. Tyjae Spears, Ten (RB28) — Team Moody
76. George Kittle, SF (TE8) — Team Loza
77. George Pickens, Pit (WR34) — Team Clay
78. Najee Harris, Pit (RB29) — Team Fulghum
79. Brian Robinson Jr., Wsh (RB30) — Team Yates
80. Jayden Reed, GB (WR35) — Team Dopp
Round 9
81. Diontae Johnson, Car (WR36) – Team Dopp
82. Dak Prescott, Dal (QB8) — Team Yates
83. Tony Pollard, Ten (RB31) — Team Fulghum
84. Jaxon Smith-N
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81. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Sea (WR37) — Team Clay
82. Christian Kirk, Jax (WR38) — Team Loza
83. Christian Watson, GB (WR39) — Team Moody
84. Keenan Allen, Chi (WR40) — Team Marks
85. Rome Odunze, Chi (WR41) — Team Schefter
86. David Njoku, Cle (TE9) — Team Woody
87. Blake Corum, LAR (RB32) – Team Bell
Round 10
88. Joshua Palmer, LAC (WR42) — Team Bell
89. Courtland Sutton, Den (WR43) — Team Woody
90. Jake Ferguson, Dal (TE10) — Team Schefter
91. Devin Singletary, NYG (RB33) — Team Marks
92. Chase Brown, Cin (RB34) — Team Moody
93. Xavier Worthy, KC (WR44) — Team Loza
94. Joe Burrow, Cin (QB9) — Team Clay
95. Jameson Williams, Det (WR45) — Team Fulghum
96. DeAndre Hopkins, Ten (WR46) — Team Yates
97. Keon Coleman, Buf (WR47) — Team Dopp
Round 11
98. Zack Moss, Cin (RB35) — Team Dopp
99. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL (RB36) — Team Yates
100. Jayden Daniels, Wsh (QB10) — Team Fulghum
101. Ladd McConkey, LAC (WR48) — Team Clay
102. Austin Ekeler, Wsh (RB37) — Team Loza
103. Rashid Shaheed, NO (WR49) — Team Moody
104. Gus Edwards, LAC (RB38) — Team Marks
105. Jordan Love, GB (QB11) — Team Schefter
106. Jordan Addison, Min (WR50) — Team Woody
107. Jerome Ford, Cle (RB39) — Team Bell
Round 12
108. Mike Williams, NYJ (WR51) — Team Bell
109. Zach Charbonnet, Sea (RB40) — Team Woody
110. Brock Bowers, LV (TE11) — Team Schefter
111. Tyler Lockett, Sea (WR52) — Team Marks
112. Jerry Jeudy, Cle (WR53) — Team Moody
113. Trey Benson, Ari (RB41) — Team Loza
114. Marquise Brown, KC (WR54) — Team Clay
115. J.K. Dobbins, LAC (RB42) — Team Fulghum
116. Khalil Shakir, Buf (WR55) — Team Yates
117. Darnell Mooney, Atl (WR56) – Team Dopp
Round 13
118. MarShawn Lloyd, GB (RB43) — Team Dopp
119. Romeo Doubs, GB (WR57) — Team Yates
120. Curtis Samuel, Buf (WR58) — Team Fulghum
121. Ja’Lynn Polk, NE (WR59) — Team Clay
122. Caleb Williams, Chi (QB12) — Team Loza
123. Rico Dowdle, Dal (RB44) — Team Moody
124. T.J. Hockenson, Min (TE12) — Team Marks
125. Brandon Aubrey, Dal (K1) — Team Schefter
126. Dontayvion Wicks, GB (WR60) – Team Woody
127. Adonai Mitchell, Ind (WR61) — Team Bell
Round 14
128. Justin Tucker, Bal (K2) — Team Bell
129. Jakobi Meyers, LV (WR62) — Team Woody
130. Antonio Gibson, NE (RB45) — Team Schefter
131. Ty Chandler, Min (RB46) — Team Marks
132. Nick Chubb, Cle (RB47) — Team Moody
133. DeMario Douglas, NE (WR63) — Team Loza
134. Tyler Allgeier, Atl (RB48) — Team Clay
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138. Brock Purdy, SF (QB13) — Team Fulghum
139. Cleveland Browns DST (D/ST1) — Team Yates
140. Jake Bates, DET (K3) — Team Dopp
Round 15
141. San Francisco 49ers DST (D/ST2) — Team Dopp
142. Jake Elliott, Phi (K4) — Team Yates
143. Ka’imi Fairbairn, Hou (K5) — Team Fulghum
144. Dallas Cowboys DST (D/ST3) — Team Clay
145. Baltimore Ravens DST (D/ST4) — Team Loza
146. New York Jets DST (D/ST5) — Team Moody
147. Pittsburgh Steelers DST (D/ST6) — Team Marks
148. Xavier Legette, Car (WR64) — Team Schefter
149. New Orleans Saints DST (D/ST7) — Team Woody
150. Jaylen Wright, Mia (RB49) — Team Bell
Round 16
151. Detroit Lions DST (D/ST8) — Team Bell
152. Evan McPherson, Cin (K6) — Team Woody
153. Miami Dolphins DST (D/ST9) — Team Schefter
154. Younghoe Koo, Atl (K7) — Team Marks
155. Harrison Butker, KC (K8) — Team Moody
156. Greg Zuerlein, NYJ (K9) — Team Loza
157. Matt Gay, Ind (K10) — Team Clay
158. Los Angeles Chargers DST (D/ST10) — Team Fulghum
159. Jaleel McLaughlin, Den (RB50) — Team Yates
160. Kimani Vidal, LAC (RB51) – Team Dopp
Team rosters are organized in the order of first-round picks. Picks and bye weeks are noted in parentheses in the format: (Round.Pick | Bye)
Team Dopp
QB1 Lamar Jackson, Bal (Pick: 4.10 | Bye: 14)
RB1 Christian McCaffrey, SF (Pick: 1.1 | Bye: 10)
RB2 Travis Etienne Jr., Jax (Pick: 2.10 | Bye: 12)
RB3 Zack Moss, Cin (Pick: 11.1 | Bye: 12)
RB4 MarShawn Lloyd, GB (Pick: 13.1 | Bye: 10)
RB5 Kimani Vidal, LAC (Pick: 16.10 | Bye: 10)
WR1 Drake London, Atl (Pick: 3.1 | Bye: 12)
WR2 DK Metcalf, Sea (Pick: 5.1 | Bye: 9)
WR3 Tank Dell, Hou (Pick: 7.1 | Bye: 14)
WR4 Jayden Reed, GB (Pick: 8.10 | Bye: 10)
WR5 Diontae Johnson, Car (Pick: 9.1 | Bye: 11)
WR6 Keon Coleman, Buf (Pick: 10.10 | Bye: 12)
WR7 Darnell Mooney, Atl (Pick: 12.10 | Bye: 12)
TE1 Trey McBride, Ari (Pick: 6.10 | Bye: 11)
K1 Jake Bates, DET (Pick: 14.10 | Bye: 5)
D/ST1 San Francisco 49ers DST (Pick: 15.1 | Bye: 10)
Team Yates
QB1 Dak Prescott, Dal (Pick: 9.2 | Bye: 7)
RB1 Bijan Robinson, Atl (Pick: 1.2 | Bye: 12)
RB2 James Cook, Buf (Pick: 3.
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2 | Bye: 12)
RB3 Brian Robinson Jr., Wsh (Pick: 8.9 | Bye: 14)
RB4 Ezekiel Elliott, DAL (Pick: 11.2 | Bye: 7)
RB5 Jaleel McLaughlin, Den (Pick: 16.9 | Bye: 14)
WR1 Marvin Harrison Jr., Ari (Pick: 2.9 | Bye: 11)
WR2 Brandon Aiyuk, SF (Pick: 4.9 | Bye: 10)
WR3 Zay Flowers, Bal (Pick: 6.9 | Bye: 14)
WR4 Calvin Ridley, Ten (Pick: 7.2 | Bye: 5)
WR5 DeAndre Hopkins, Ten (Pick: 10.9 | Bye: 5)
WR6 Khalil Shakir, Buf (Pick: 12.9 | Bye: 12)
WR7 Romeo Doubs, GB (Pick: 13.2 | Bye: 10)
TE1 Travis Kelce, KC (Pick: 5.2 | Bye: 6)
K1 Jake Elliott, Phi (Pick: 15.2 | Bye: 5)
D/ST1 Cleveland Browns DST (Pick: 14.9 | Bye: 10)
Team Fulghum
QB1 Jayden Daniels, Wsh (Pick: 11.3 | Bye: 14)
QB2 Brock Purdy, SF (Pick: 14.8 | Bye: 10)
RB1 Breece Hall, NYJ (Pick: 1.3 | Bye: 12)
RB2 De’Von Achane, Mia (Pick: 3.3 | Bye: 6)
RB3 Najee Harris, Pit (Pick: 8.8 | Bye: 9)
RB4 Tony Pollard, Ten (Pick: 9.3 | Bye: 5)
RB5 J.K. Dobbins, LAC (Pick: 12.8 | Bye: 10)
WR1 Cooper Kupp, LAR (Pick: 2.8 | Bye: 5)
WR2 Deebo Samuel Sr., SF (Pick: 4.8 | Bye: 10)
WR3 Jaylen Waddle, Mia (Pick: 5.3 | Bye: 6)
WR4 Tee Higgins, Cin (Pick: 6.8 | Bye: 12)
WR5 Jameson Williams, Det (Pick: 10.8 | Bye: 5)
WR6 Curtis Samuel, Buf (Pick: 13.3 | Bye: 12)
TE1 Kyle Pitts, Atl (Pick: 7.3 | Bye: 12)
K1 Ka’imi Fairbairn, Hou (Pick: 15.3 | Bye: 14)
D/ST1 Los Angeles Chargers DST (Pick: 16.8 | Bye: 10)
Team Clay
QB1 Joe Burrow, Cin (Pick: 10.7 | Bye: 12)
RB1 Kyren Williams, LAR (Pick: 2.7 | Bye: 5)
RB2 Rachaad White, TB (Pick: 3.4 | Bye: 11)
RB3 Kenneth Walker III, Sea (Pick: 5.4 | Bye: 9)
RB4 Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (Pick: 6.7 | Bye: 14)
RB5 Tyler Allgeier, Atl (Pick: 14.7 | Bye: 12)
WR1 CeeDee Lamb, Dal (Pick: 1.4
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WR1 Chris Godwin, TB (Pick: 4.7 | Bye: 11)
WR2 Mike Evans, TB (Pick: 4.7 | Bye: 11)
WR3 George Pickens, Pit (Pick: 8.7 | Bye: 9)
WR4 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Sea (Pick: 9.4 | Bye: 9)
WR5 Ladd McConkey, LAC (Pick: 11.4 | Bye: 10)
WR6 Marquise Brown, KC (Pick: 12.7 | Bye: 6)
WR7 Ja’Lynn Polk, NE (Pick: 13.4 | Bye: 14)
TE1 Evan Engram, Jax (Pick: 7.4 | Bye: 12)
K1 Matt Gay, Ind (Pick: 16.7 | Bye: 14)
D/ST1 Dallas Cowboys DST (Pick: 15.4 | Bye: 7)
Team Loza
QB1 Josh Allen, Buf (Pick: 4.6 | Bye: 12)
QB2 Caleb Williams, Chi (Pick: 13.5 | Bye: 7)
RB1 Isiah Pacheco, KC (Pick: 2.6 | Bye: 6)
RB2 James Conner, Ari (Pick: 5.5 | Bye: 11)
RB3 Javonte Williams, Den (Pick: 7.5 | Bye: 14)
RB4 Austin Ekeler, Wsh (Pick: 11.5 | Bye: 14)
RB5 Trey Benson, Ari (Pick: 12.6 | Bye: 11)
WR1 Tyreek Hill, Mia (Pick: 1.5 | Bye: 6)
WR2 Malik Nabers, NYG (Pick: 3.5 | Bye: 11)
WR3 DJ Moore, Chi (Pick: 6.6 | Bye: 7)
WR4 Christian Kirk, Jax (Pick: 9.5 | Bye: 12)
WR5 Xavier Worthy, KC (Pick: 10.6 | Bye: 6)
WR6 DeMario Douglas, NE (Pick: 14.6 | Bye: 14)
TE1 George Kittle, SF (Pick: 8.6 | Bye: 10)
K1 Greg Zuerlein, NYJ (Pick: 16.6 | Bye: 12)
D/ST1 Baltimore Ravens DST (Pick: 15.5 | Bye: 14)
Team Moody
QB1 Patrick Mahomes, KC (Pick: 5.6 | Bye: 6)
RB1 Alvin Kamara, NO (Pick: 3.6 | Bye: 12)
RB2 Joe Mixon, Hou (Pick: 4.5 | Bye: 14)
RB3 Tyjae Spears, Ten (Pick: 8.5 | Bye: 5)
RB4 Chase Brown, Cin (Pick: 10.5 | Bye: 12)
RB5 Rico Dowdle, Dal (Pick: 13.6 | Bye: 7)
RB6 Nick Chubb, Cle (Pick: 14.5 | Bye: 10)
WR1 Amon-Ra St. Brown, Det (Pick: 1.6 | Bye: 5)
WR2 A.J. Brown, Phi (Pick: 2.5 | Bye: 5)
WR3 Amari Cooper, Cle (Pick: 7.6 | Bye: 10)
WR4 Christian Watson, GB (Pick: 9.6 | Bye: 10)
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WR5 Rashid Shaheed, NO (Pick: 11.6 | Bye: 12)
WR6 Jerry Jeudy, Cle (Pick: 12.5 | Bye: 10)
TE1 Dalton Kincaid, Buf (Pick: 6.5 | Bye: 12)
K1 Harrison Butker, KC (Pick: 16.5 | Bye: 6)
D/ST1 New York Jets DST (Pick: 15.6 | Bye: 12)
Team Marks
QB1 Jalen Hurts, Phi (Pick: 4.4 | Bye: 5)
RB1 Derrick Henry, Bal (Pick: 2.4 | Bye: 14)
RB2 Zamir White, LV (Pick: 5.7 | Bye: 6)
RB3 Jonathon Brooks, Car (Pick: 7.7 | Bye: 11)
RB4 Jaylen Warren, Pit (Pick: 8.4 | Bye: 9)
RB5 Devin Singletary, NYG (Pick: 10.4 | Bye: 11)
RB6 Gus Edwards, LAC (Pick: 11.7 | Bye: 10)
RB7 Ty Chandler, Min (Pick: 14.4 | Bye: 6)
WR1 Garrett Wilson, NYJ (Pick: 1.7 | Bye: 12)
WR2 Davante Adams, LV (Pick: 3.7 | Bye: 6)
WR3 Keenan Allen, Chi (Pick: 9.7 | Bye: 7)
WR4 Tyler Lockett, Sea (Pick: 12.4 | Bye: 9)
TE1 Mark Andrews, Bal (Pick: 6.4 | Bye: 14)
TE2 T.J. Hockenson, Min (Pick: 13.7 | Bye: 6)
K1 Younghoe Koo, Atl (Pick: 16.4 | Bye: 12)
D/ST1 Pittsburgh Steelers DST (Pick: 15.7 | Bye: 9)
Team Schefter
QB1 Anthony Richardson, Ind (Pick: 4.3 | Bye: 14)
QB2 Jordan Love, GB (Pick: 11.8 | Bye: 10)
RB1 Jahmyr Gibbs, Det (Pick: 2.3 | Bye: 5)
RB2 David Montgomery, Det (Pick: 6.3 | Bye: 5)
RB3 D’Andre Swift, Chi (Pick: 7.8 | Bye: 7)
RB4 Antonio Gibson, NE (Pick: 14.3 | Bye: 14)
WR1 Justin Jefferson, Min (Pick: 1.8 | Bye: 6)
WR2 Chris Olave, NO (Pick: 3.8 | Bye: 12)
WR3 Stefon Diggs, Hou (Pick: 5.8 | Bye: 14)
WR4 Terry McLaurin, Wsh (Pick: 8.3 | Bye: 14)
WR5 Rome Odunze, Chi (Pick: 9.8 | Bye: 7)
WR6 Xavier Legette, Car (Pick: 15.8 | Bye: 11)
TE1 Jake Ferguson, Dal (Pick: 10.3 | Bye: 7)
TE2 Brock Bowers, LV (Pick: 12.3 | Bye: 6)
K1 Brandon Aubrey, Dal (Pick: 13.8 | Bye: 7)
D/ST1 Miami Dolphins DST (Pick: 16.3 |
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Bye: 6)
Team Woody
QB1 Kyler Murray, Ari (Pick: 6.2 | Bye: 11)
RB1 Jonathan Taylor, Ind (Pick: 2.2 | Bye: 14)
RB2 Josh Jacobs, GB (Pick: 4.2 | Bye: 10)
RB3 Raheem Mostert, Mia (Pick: 8.2 | Bye: 6)
RB4 Zach Charbonnet, Sea (Pick: 12.2 | Bye: 9)
WR1 Ja’Marr Chase, Cin (Pick: 1.9 | Bye: 12)
WR2 Michael Pittman Jr., Ind (Pick: 3.9 | Bye: 14)
WR3 DeVonta Smith, Phi (Pick: 5.9 | Bye: 5)
WR4 Brian Thomas Jr., Jax (Pick: 7.9 | Bye: 12)
WR5 Courtland Sutton, Den (Pick: 10.2 | Bye: 14)
WR6 Jordan Addison, Min (Pick: 11.9 | Bye: 6)
WR7 Dontayvion Wicks, GB (Pick: 13.9 | Bye: 10)
WR8 Jakobi Meyers, LV (Pick: 14.2 | Bye: 6)
TE1 David Njoku, Cle (Pick: 9.9 | Bye: 10)
K1 Evan McPherson, Cin (Pick: 16.2 | Bye: 12)
D/ST1 New Orleans Saints DST (Pick: 15.9 | Bye: 12)
Team Bell
QB1 C.J. Stroud, Hou (Pick: 6.1 | Bye: 14)
RB1 Saquon Barkley, Phi (Pick: 1.10 | Bye: 5)
RB2 Aaron Jones, Min (Pick: 5.10 | Bye: 6)
RB3 Blake Corum, LAR (Pick: 9.10 | Bye: 5)
RB4 Jerome Ford, Cle (Pick: 11.10 | Bye: 10)
RB5 Jaylen Wright, Mia (Pick: 15.10 | Bye: 6)
WR1 Puka Nacua, LAR (Pick: 2.1 | Bye: 5)
WR2 Nico Collins, Hou (Pick: 3.10 | Bye: 14)
WR3 Chris Godwin, TB (Pick: 7.10 | Bye: 11)
WR4 Rashee Rice, KC (Pick: 8.1 | Bye: 6)
WR5 Joshua Palmer, LAC (Pick: 10.1 | Bye: 10)
WR6 Mike Williams, NYJ (Pick: 12.1 | Bye: 12)
WR7 Adonai Mitchell, Ind (Pick: 13.10 | Bye: 14)
TE1 Sam LaPorta, Det (Pick: 4.1 | Bye: 5)
K1 Justin Tucker, Bal (Pick: 14.1 | Bye: 14)
D/ST1 Detroit Lions DST (Pick: 16.1 | Bye: 5)
Highlights from the 2024 ESPN Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Key Picks and Surprises
2024 ESPN Fantasy Football Mock Draft Overview
The 2024 ESPN Fantasy Football Mock Draft provided an exciting glimpse into the upcoming season. With players moving to new teams, rookies making an impact, and key injuries shaping the landscape, this mock draft showcased the potential game-changers for fantasy football enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the standout picks, unexpected selections, and crucial strategies that emerged during this mock draft.
Key Highlights from the Mock Draft
Understanding the trends and decisions made in the mock draft can significantly impact your own draft strategy. Here are some essential highlights:
Top Picks and Trends
- Quarterbacks on the Rise: As the NFL transitions into a more pass-heavy approach, quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen were selected within the top 5 picks.
- Rookie Sensations: The hype surrounding rookie quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye has pushed them into early rounds, reflecting their high potential.
- Running Back Dilemma: Despite the usual emphasis on running backs, the depth at the position saw several teams opting for wide receivers early, leading to a surprising scarcity of top-tier backs.
Notable Picks
| Pick | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | QB |
| 2 | Justin Jefferson | Minnesota Vikings | WR |
| 3 | Caleb Williams | USC | QB |
| 4 | Tyreek Hill | Miami Dolphins | WR |
| 5 | Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers | RB |
Surprising Selections
Every mock draft features a few surprises that can catch both analysts and participants off guard. Here are the most surprising selections from the 2024 ESPN Fantasy Mock Draft:
- Rookies Being Selected Early: Caleb Williams and Drake Maye were both picked in the first round. This marks a shift in how fantasy players value rookie talent.
- Veteran QB Slide: Established quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson fell to the mid-rounds, suggesting a trend towards younger, more dynamic players.
- Run on Wide Receivers: The unexpected run on wide receivers, particularly in the early second round, left several managers scrambling for available running backs.
Strategies to Consider
As you prepare for your own draft, consider these tactical insights gleaned from the mock draft:
Drafting for Depth
- Focus on building a balanced team with depth across positions. The mock draft showed the importance of having reliable backups, especially in high-impact positions like running back and wide receiver.
- Consider selecting two top-tier wide receivers if you find the running back pool shallow. The depth of talent at wide receiver this year may allow you to wait a bit longer on running back selections.
Understanding Player Value
Pay attention to the average draft position (ADP) of players. The mock draft revealed several players slipping below their expected value, which could pay off significantly if you strike at the right moment.
Monitoring Preseason Performances
- Keep an eye on player performances during the preseason. Emerging stars can change your draft strategy quickly. Players like rookie running backs often gain traction and can become valuable picks.
- Injuries can also impact player value, so staying informed on injury reports leading up to the draft is crucial.
Case Studies of Successful Draft Picks
Here are two case studies from the mock draft that exemplify strong draft selections:
Case Study 1: The Value of Early Quarterbacks
In the 2024 mock draft, the early selection of Patrick Mahomes proved to be a wise choice. His consistent high-level performance and ability to put up significant fantasy points made him a cornerstone for his team. Managers who prioritized quarterbacks early found themselves with a more competitive edge.
Case Study 2: Late-Round Gems
On the other hand, selecting players like Jahan Dotson and Tyler Allgeier in the later rounds turned out to be a masterclass in resource management. As teams focused on high-profile picks, these players slid under the radar, allowing savvy managers to secure potent contributors at a fraction of the cost.
First-Hand Experience: Learning from the Mock Draft
Participating in the mock draft was an eye-opening experience. Observing how different managers valued players helped refine my draft strategy. Here are a few takeaways:
- Flexibility is Key: Adapt your strategy based on the flow of the draft. If certain positions are being neglected, capitalize on the opportunity.
- Don’t Overvalue Rookies: While rookies can be exciting, it’s essential to balance your team with proven performers to mitigate the risks associated with unproven talent.
- Pay Attention to Bye Weeks: A balanced roster that accounts for bye weeks can prevent a major drop-off in performance during critical stretches of the season.
Practical Tips for Your Fantasy Draft
As you gear up for your fantasy football draft, consider these practical tips:
- Prepare a Cheat Sheet: Having a list of players ranked by value can help you make quick decisions during the draft.
- Join Mock Drafts: Participating in multiple mock drafts can help refine your strategy and familiarize you with player trends.
- Engage in Discussions: Join online forums and social media groups to discuss strategies and gather insights from other fantasy players.
Conclusion
the 2024 ESPN Fantasy Football Mock Draft revealed crucial trends, surprising selections, and strategic insights that can help you craft a competitive team. By understanding the dynamics at play and applying these lessons to your draft strategy, you can increase your chances of success in the upcoming fantasy football season.
