How the First Round of Your Fantasy Football Draft Should Go
Providing pick-by-pick commentary for the best twelve picks
The NFL preseason has already started, meaning the real season will soon follow. This all means it’s getting near when everyone starts doing their fantasy draft. And don’t you worry, because I’m here to help you through the process and decide who you should pick, no matter where and when you will draft.
So without further ado, here are my top 12 fantasy players in order:
1. Justin Jefferson | WR | MIN
The number one pick in every draft is and should be Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ wide receiver put up 128 receptions, 1809 yards, and eight (8) touchdowns in his third season in the NFL. That alone should convince you to draft him. Every season his yards total has increased by over 200, and honestly, he has shown no signs of regression. Jefferson is the best combination of youth potential, so passing on him for any other player with the number one pick would be foolish.
2. Ja’Marr Chase | WR | CIN
The second pick is when the draft starts. Do you go with Cooper Kupp, Austin Ekeler, Christian McCaffrey, or someone else? I think Ja’Marr Chase should be the second pick of all fantasy drafts. He put up 1455 yards and 13 touchdowns as a rookie, which may be the best at such an age. However, in his sophomore season, Chase’s injury held him back as he could only net 1046 yards in his 12 games. But now that he’s fully healthy, Chase can quickly return to his rookie level and may even be better. There’s no telling how good Chase could be this season with Joe Burrow as his quarterback.
3. Cooper Kupp | WR | LAR
Another player who suffered an injury last year was Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. After having the best receiving season in NFL history, winning the triple crown and Super Bowl MVP, Kupp’s regular season totals dropped to a measly 812 yards and six touchdowns in 9 games played. But with Matthew Stafford back healthy along with Cooper Kupp, you should expect both to be back in top-tier action. Don’t be surprised if you see Kupp again as the №1 fantasy player this year.
4. Christian McCaffrey | RB | SF
As expected, Christian McCaffrey is back in the first round of fantasy mock drafts. Rather than his usual placement at one, I have him ranked at four this year. In 17 games last season, McCaffrey totaled 1,880 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns. In the 49ers’ offense, Kyle Shanahan is scheming the plays, so expect another great season from Christian McCaffrey.
5. Travis Kelce | TE | KC
Travis Kelce is the only non-running back or wide receiver you’ll ever see mocked this high, but it’s definitely for fair reason. Kelce could put 111 receptions or more. These numbers are insane and even match up with some of the best wide receivers. Since he is such a positional advantage, Travis Kelce is the perfect pick for this spot, and with Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback, I wouldn’t expect any regression.
6. Bijan Robinson | RB | ATL
This may be a surprising placement for some, but I have rookie running back Bijan Robinson ranked all the way up at sixth overall. While this may seem generous, trust me, it’s quite the opposite. In the past, running backs drafted high in the first round have consistently exceeded expectations in their rookie seasons, no matter how skilled they are.
Look at Saquon Barkley, Najee Harris, and many more. Despite their sophomore struggles, all were great in their rookie seasons. It’s clear that teams who take such a seemingly overrated position with their first-round pick always use their running back to their full potential and give them plenty of touches.
7. Austin Ekeler | RB | LAC
This may also surprise some, but I have Austin Ekeler as the №7 pick in fantasy drafts. While Ekeler has shown that he has RB1 potential and proved it over the past few seasons, I don’t expect him to continue this insane play.
The Chargers running back has averaged 19 touchdowns per season! This is an insane number, and you can’t rely on such a volatile statistic to draft a player high. Besides this, I still believe Ekeler is a tremendous first-round pick, as he can get yards from both the receiving and running game. His versatility alone makes him a low-risk, high-reward type pick.
8. Davante Adams | WR | LV
Davante Adams is an exceptional fantasy pick due to his consistent and elite performance on the field. As the primary wide receiver for the Raiders and Packers, Adams has been a touchdown machine, regularly racking up double-digit scores each season. Since he is the only trusty receiver on the team, he will receive a steady stream of targets and red-zone opportunities, making him a reliable fantasy asset. Furthermore, Adams possesses a rare combination of route-running prowess, reliable hands, and explosive playmaking ability. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in receptions and receiving yards, providing fantasy managers with a high weekly floor.
9. Tyreek Hill | WR | MIA
Selecting Tyreek Hill as the ninth overall pick in fantasy drafts is a shrewd move, given his explosive playmaking ability and recent outstanding performance. After joining the Miami Dolphins, Hill proved to be a dominant force on the field, recording 119 receptions, 1710 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns last season. With such remarkable production, Hill has solidified himself as one of the league’s premier wide receivers and a top-tier fantasy option. Hill’s blazing speed and exceptional route-running make him a constant threat to break free for long gains and scores on any given play. As the focal point of the Dolphins’ passing attack, he will continue receiving high targets, resulting in consistent fantasy production week after week. Moreover, Hill’s big-play potential ensures he can single-handedly swing fantasy matchups in his owner’s favor with game-changing performances.
10. Saquon Barkley | RB | NYG
At the tenth overall pick, Saquon Barkley presents an enticing opportunity for fantasy managers seeking a high-upside running back. When healthy, Barkley has proven to be one of the most electrifying players in the league, capable of turning any play into a game-changing moment. His blend of speed, power, and elusiveness makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he can rack up significant yardage both on the ground and through the air. While Barkley faced injuries in the previous season, he has had ample time to recover and return to full strength. With a refreshed offensive line and improved team dynamics, the New York Giants will likely rely heavily on their star running back, ensuring him a massive workload and ample scoring opportunities. And now that he has officially signed a contract, there should no be holdout worries anymore.
11. Jonathan Taylor | RB | IND
With the 11th overall pick, fantasy managers should strongly consider selecting Jonathan Taylor, a rising star and one of the league's most promising young running backs. Taylor showcased his immense potential in his rookie season, finishing among the league leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns. His involvement in the passing game has also increased, adding extra value in PPR (point per reception) leagues. With an improved offense and a team committed to running the ball effectively, Taylor is in an ideal situation. Amid recent contract disagreements, JT may even be traded to another team. If were to end up on a team like the Chiefs or Dolphins, there’s no telling how high his ceiling could be.
12. Tony Pollard | RB | DAL
With Ezekiel Elliott’s departure, Tony Pollard steps into the spotlight as the lead running back for the Dallas Cowboys, making him an intriguing fantasy option at the 12th overall pick. In the previous season, Pollard showcased his immense talent and playmaking ability, accumulating an impressive 1,378 yards from scrimmage and finding the end zone 12 times. His dual-threat capabilities as a runner and pass-catcher make him a versatile asset in fantasy football, with the potential to deliver significant points week in and week out. Pollard is set to receive a considerable workload as the primary -, both on the ground and through the air. With the Cowboys’ solid offensive line paving the way, Pollard is primed to exploit running lanes and produce consistent yardage. Moreover, his big-play potential and nose for the end zone offer fantasy managers the possibility of explosive performances and multiple touchdowns in any game.
Are you excited, because I sure am! Football is back and fantasy football is soon coming. What do you think of my rankings? Let me know what changes you would make in the comments and if you want me to make a part two where I explore the second round.
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