14-Team Draft Strategy

Pick-by-Pick 14-Team Draft Strategy

Fantasy drafts should be a blast...

Unfortunately, they can be a headache.

Think about the countless variables you need to consider each time you’re on the clock.

Here are a few:

• Scoring system
• Positional value
• Team needs
• ADP
• Upside
• Injury risk

It’s easy to be overwhelmed and make costly draft mistakes.

And is there anything worse than seeing your top picks falter while your opponents land some late-round studs?

The solution: A pick-by-pick draft strategy guide to help you make optimal picks.

The 14-team draft strategy guide below will take you through top targets and secondary options for every pick of your draft -- regardless of draft position.

We’re using our 3D Values and current ADP to pinpoint the top picks each round.

Consider this your game plan heading into your draft.

Of course, no fantasy football draft matches ADP. You must adjust your 14-team draft strategy throughout the proceedings to maximize value.

That’s where the customized, dynamic fantasy football cheat sheet on your Draft War Room comes into play, instantly analyzing 17 value indicators each time you’re on the clock to help you make the best pick. Don't enter your next draft without it.

Combine the Draft War Room with this round-by-round game plan, and you’ll have everything needed to win your draft.

Note: This strategy guide assumes a 16-round draft and starting lineup of 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1 TE, 1 Flex, 1 K and 1 DST. The Draft War Room will help you adjust your strategy if your league settings are different.

 

   

14-team Draft Strategy for Pick 1, 2, 3, or 4

Round 1

Top target: Christian McCaffrey

This offseason, HC Kyle Shanahan offered the possibility of lightening McCaffrey’s load.

Consider us unfazed. Even if he takes away a touch or two per game, we’re still talking about roughly 300 total touches – plenty for the 28-year-old to deliver another huge season. 

Next best: CeeDee Lamb

Lamb checks in just behind CMC in half-PPR and moves ahead of the RB in full PPR.

The 25-year-old just set career highs in:

• Targets (181)
• Catches (135)
• Yards (1,749)
• Receiving TDs (12)
• Catch Rate (75.4%)
• Yards Per Route Run (2.78)

You get the point. Lamb dominated last season – particularly from mid-season on. And Dallas’ depth chart suggests another monster workload.

Other options:

Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson

Rounds 2 & 3

Top targets: Derrick Henry & Travis Etienne 

This looks like a prime spot for a RB.

Henry left Tennessee following eight seasons. His landing spot turns up no shortage of opportunity with backfield depth consisting of Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, and rookie Rahseen Ali.

Mitchell (ACL tear) is likely to miss regular season games.

Etienne's 2023 proved volitile, with six games under 9 half-PPR points and six of 18+. Jacksonville didn’t upgrade the backfield this offseason, so Etienne projects for another large workload. 

We’re also optimistic Jacksonville’s O-line takes a step forward after finishing 31st in PFF run blocking grade.

Next best: Isiah Pacheco & Jaylen Waddle

I recently wrote about Pacheco’s locked-in workload for 2024. An upgraded WR corps and the return of a strong O-line only adds to the 25-year-old’s appeal.

Waddle signed a massive extension in May. While his play dipped a bit in 2023 – he missed several games – the former ‘Bama star still hit 1,000 yards for the third straight season.

There’s also a clear top-five ceiling here if Tyreek Hill is forced to miss extended time. In Hill’s lone missed game in 2023, Waddle dropped 8-142-1 on the Jets.

Other options: 

Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel

Rounds 4 & 5

Top targets: Tee Higgins & James Conner

Injury concerns are fair for Higgins and Joe Burrow.

But at a high-end WR3 price, the risk/reward calculation shifts in Higgins’ favor. He’s finished 14th and 13th in fantasy PPG in Burrow’s two healthy seasons (2021 and 2022).

Meanwhile, you can expect some missed games from Conner.

Still, he put some of his best work on film last season. And despite the addition of Trey Benson, Conner projects as the clear leader of an improved Arizona offense.

Next best: Rhamondre Stevenson & Joe Burrow

The Pats rewarded Stevenson with a second contract over the offseason. Antonio Gibson adds risk to Stevenson’s receiving upside, but New England’s commitment to the run suggests overall volume won’t be an issue.

A Burrow-Higgins stack isn’t intentional. But Burrow enters the mix in Round 5, assuming standard QB scoring.

While he lost OC Brian Callahan, we’re bullish on the arrival of Round 3 WR Jermaine Burton. Of course, returning Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is most critical for Burrow getting back to his 2022 form.

Other options:

D’Andre Swift, Chris Godwin, George Pickens

Rounds 6 & 7

Top targets: Jake Ferguson & Diontae Johnson 

Ferguson broke out in 2023 with 71-761-5, and the Cowboys believe he can reach another level in 2024. 

We’ll see if ‘23 Round 2 pick Luke Schoonmaker mixes in after a lost rookie year. But one look at their WR (and RB) depth says this team needs Ferguson to produce.

Poor QB play and bad TD luck have lowed the ceiling on Johnson’s past two seasons. We’re not expecting a huge leap for Bryce Young, who needs to improve under pressure. The addition of Dave Canales adds a layer of optimism, though. 

125+ targets are in play for the former Steeler.

Next best: Marquise Brown & Javonte Williams

Brown projects for an early-season boost with Rashee Rice likely to face a suspension. Only 27, we like Brown’s chance of a rebound season alongside Patrick Mahomes.

Williams will face competition for the lead back role. He’s the most talented player in the bunch, though. And he’ll enter camp as the favorite for starting-level touches.

Other options:

Jonathon Brooks, Tony Pollard, Christian Watson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Rounds 8 & 9

Top targets: Jayden Daniels & Tyjae Spears

At this price, Daniels is one of our favorite QB targets. It all comes down to his rushing production, which should be top-five among QBs.

Sure – Spears’ value took a hit with the arrival of Tony Pollard. But with Pollard’s play falling off last year, it’s quite possible Spears works his way into 10+ weekly touches.

Both guys are starting with a clean slate under new HC Brian Callahan. Overall, this offense projects for more scoring in year two of Will Levis. 

The Titans also ranked 31st in plays per game last year; expect that to rise this fall.

Next best: Courtland Sutton & Curtis Samuel

Sutton skipped Denver’s offseason program, and there’s an outside chance he’s traded ahead of Week 1. If he sticks around, there’s a WR1 spot waiting in a Jerry Jeudy-less offense.

Sutton’s currently projected for nearly 100 targets.

Buffalo inked Samuel to a multi-year deal early in free agency. He should take over a good chunk of the targets left by Stefon Diggs. 

While WR Keon Coleman arrived in Round 1, his raw game might lead to a slow start.

Other options:

Jameson Williams, Tyler Lockett, Chase Brown, Mike Williams, Pat Freiermuth

Rounds 10 & 11

Top targets: Kendre Miller and Jerry Jeudy

We’ll see if Alvin Kamara gets the rise he’s angled for this offseason. Even if he’s back, Miller looks like a handcuff plus entering year two.

He brings plus athleticism at 5’11, 215 pounds and flashed starter-level ability in a spot-start last year. He turned just 22 in June.

The Browns aquired Jeudy back in March. Per beat writer May Kay Cabot, the team “had their eye on” Jeudy “for a couple of years.” Only 25, the former Round 1 pick could push for 90 targets in an offense that projects for more passing.

Next best: Jahan Dotson, Ty Chandler

Dotson enters a make-or-break third season. 

Based on what he flashed as a rookie, we’re willing to take the discount here. Washington, under new GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn, only added surprise Round 3 pick Luke McCaffrey to the WR corps. 

Chandler probably needs an Aaron Jones injury to gain weekly-starter status. Jones played only 11 games last year, though. Turning 30 in December, his injury history turns up a troubling trend.

Other options:

Geno Smith, Antonio Gibson, Brandin Cooks, Dontayvion Wicks, Marvin Mims Jr., MarShawn Lloyd

Rounds 12 & 13

Top targets: Marvin Mims and Noah Fant

We’re noting Mims twice because he’s that much of a late-round target. 

The OU product supplies a nice blend of youth, athleticism, and opportunity – particularly if the Broncos deal Courtland Sutton. 

No need to grab Fant if you went for a high-end TE like Travis Kelce or Dalton Kincaid. Fant, though, makes sense as a TE2 bet for owners without a weekly starter. 

The arrival of new OC Ryan Grubb supplies optimism for a career-high in TDs. Also note: The uber-athletic Fant turns just 27 in November.

Next best: Will Levis & Darnell Mooney

Levis is a trendy QB2 stash, and for good reason. 

HC Brian Callahan arrives to bring a modern-day passing game to Tennessee. Look for boosted volume, too. (The Titans ranked last in pass attempts per game in 2023.)

While it’s a veteran-heavy bunch, a trio of DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd looks formidable. 

Remember Mooney’s 81-1,055-4 line from 2021? And the 140 targets he earned that year?

That type of volume won’t surface in Atlanta, but there’s no doubting his WR2 status alongside Drake London. We’re also expecting Kirk Cousins to be 100% entering Week 1.

Other options:

Demarcus Robinson, Ja’Lynn Polk, Michael Wilson, Ray Davis, Jermaine Burton

Rounds 14, 15 & 16

Top targets: High-upside bench stash, K & DST

Select a player with upside in Round 14. Your Draft War Room will flip to Upside Mode in the second half of your draft and highlight players with higher ceilings.

Use your final two picks on a K and DST. Aim for a K on a high-scoring offense and a DST with sack and takeaway upside.

None of these units are worth reaching for, but our top-three D/STs include:

• Dallas Cowboys
• Philadelphia Eagles 
• Indianapolis Colts

Our top-three K options include:

• Justin Tucker
• Ka'imi Fairbairn 
• Brandon Aubrey

Again – no need to reach for any of the three.

 

14-Team Draft Strategy for Pick 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10

Round 1

Top targets: Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase

We’re assuming Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyreek Hill left the board.

There’s no bad pick between Jefferson and Chase – but the Viking gets the nod with a better yardage projection.

Next best: Breece Hall, Bijan Robinson

Only four fantasy points separate this pair. 

Hall will be nearly two years removed from an ACL tear come Week 1. He held up well last year, despite handling 229 touches for an offense missing Aaron Rodgers.

Hall enters the season at only 23 years old.

We’re excited to see Robinson alongside new OC Zac Robinson, a former Sean McVay underling. A loaded skill group – plus the return of a strong O-line – builds the foundation for Bijan’s fantasy value.

Other options:

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jonathan Taylor, Puka Nacua

 

Rounds 2 & 3

Top targets: Derrick Henry & De’Von Achane

Henry’s lack of receiving work is more tolerable in a .5 PPR setup. We project him for only 21 catches as a first-year Raven.

But that’s OK. Henry’s TD upside remains as strong as any RB’s league-wide. He’s hit 10+ TDs in six straight seasons.

Meanwhile, Baltimore ranked fifth in rush rate inside both the 10 and 20 yard-line last year (OC Todd Monken’s first season in charge).

Selecting Achane is a pure bet on week-winning upside. 

In a limited 2023 sample, Achane led the league in yards per carry (7.77) and EPA per rush (0.32). Raheem Mostert returns, but Achane can pay off here on 12+ touches per game.

Next best: Drake London & Jaylen Waddle

London’s extended all the way to early Round 2 in early drafts. Our sense is he’ll drop further in home leagues, although we’ll see what type of training camp buzz surfaces.

Only 23, a TD spike is certainly possible alongside Kirk Cousins. To date, London's career TD rate stands at only 4.2%

Waddle signed a massive extension in May. While his play dipped a bit in 2023 – he missed several games – the former ‘Bama star still hit 1,000 yards for the third straight season.

Plus, there’ a clear top-10 ceiling if Tyreek Hill misses extended time. In Hill’s lone absence in 2023, Waddle tallied 8-142-1 vs. the Jets.

Other options:

Deebo Samuel, Cooper Kupp, Isiah Pacheco

  

Rounds 4 & 5

Top targets: Tee Higgins & James Conner

Injury concerns are fair for Higgins and Joe Burrow.

But at a high-end WR3 price, the risk/reward calculation shifts in Higgins’ favor. He’s finished 14th and 13th in fantasy PPG in Burrow’s two healthy seasons (2021 and 2022).

Conner should last into the mid-fifth based on ADP. When healthy last year, he performed as an RB1.

Adding Marvin Harrison Jr. only adds scoring potential to this unit. So does a fully-healthy Kyler Murray.

Next best: Rhamondre Stevenson & Mark Andrews

The Pats rewarded Stevenson with a second contract over the offseason. Antonio Gibson adds risk to Stevenson’s receiving upside, but New England’s commitment to the run suggests overall volume won’t be an issue.

We look for Andrews to rebound in year two alongside OC Todd Monken. Back healthy, the 29-year-old (in September) projects as our No. 2 TE.

Other options:

D’Andre Swift, Tank Dell, Kenneth Walker, Chris Godwin, George Pickens

 

Rounds 6 & 7

Top targets: Diontae Johnson & David Njoku

Poor QB play and bad TD luck have lowed the ceiling on Johnson’s past two seasons. We’re not expecting a huge leap for Bryce Young, who needs to improve under pressure. The addition of Dave Canales adds a layer of optimism, though. 

125+ targets are in play for the former Steeler.

Njoku set career highs across the board in 2023. While his production dipped alongside Deshaun Watson, we're expecting the connection to improve with more time. 

Watson (shoulder) is expected to be 100% ahead of Week 1.

Next best: Calvin Ridley & Javonte Williams

The Titans handed Ridley nearly $47 million in guaranteed money. He didn't meet lofty expectations last year in Jacksonville, but recall that he returned following nearly two full seasons off. We’re bullish on the addition of OC Brian Callahan.

Williams will face competition for the lead back role. He’s the most talented player in the bunch, though. And he’ll enter camp as the favorite for starting-level touches.

Other options:

Jonathon Brooks, Christian Watson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba

 

Rounds 8 & 9

Top targets: Jayden Daniels & Tyjae Spears

At this price, Daniels is one of our favorite QB targets. It all comes down to his rushing production, which should be top-five at the position.

Sure – Spears’ value took a hit with the arrival of Tony Pollard. But with Pollard’s play falling off last year, it’s possible Spears works his way into 10+ weekly touches.

Both guys are starting with a clean slate under new HC Brian Callahan. Overall, this offense projects for more scoring in year two of Will Levis. 

The Titans also ranked 31st in plays per game last year; expect that to rise this fall.

Next best: Courtland Sutton & Austin Ekeler

Sutton skipped Denver’s offseason program, and there’s an outside chance he’s traded ahead of Week 1. If he sticks around, there’s a WR1 spot waiting in a Jerry Jeudy-less offense.

Sutton’s currently projected for nearly 100 targets.

Ekeler’s simply a buy-low on talent. Now in Washington alongside Brian Robinson Jr, a no-doubt RB1 role dissapears. But Ekeler still projects for 50+ catches under new QB Jayden Daniels.

Other options:

Jameson Williams, Tyler Lockett, Chase Brown, Curtis Samuel, Zach Charbonnet

 

Rounds 10 & 11

Top targets: Kendre Miller & Mike Williams

We’ll see if Alvin Kamara gets the rise he’s angled for this offseason. Even if he’s back, Miller looks like a handcuff plus entering year two.

He brings plus athleticism at 5’11, 215 pounds and flashed starter-level ability in a spot-start last year. He turned just 22 in June.

We’ll closely track Williams’ participation in training camp. If he remains on track following an ACL tear, he’ll carry enticing TD appeal alongside Aaron Rodgers. 

Williams’ career TD rate: an impressive 10%

Next best: Pat Freiermuth & Jerry Jeudy

Freiermuth should benefit from a thin WR corps and a clear QB upgrade. If healthy, there’s a path to top-10 production.

The Browns aquired Jeudy back in March. Per beat writer May Kay Cabot, the team “had their eye on” Jeudy “for a couple of years.” Only 25, the former Round 1 pick could push for 90 targets in an offense that projects for more passing.

Other options:

Trevor Lawrence, Gabe Davis, Rashid Shaheed, Jahan Dotson, Brandin Cooks, Dontayvion Wicks, Marvin Mims, Josh Palmer

 

Rounds 12 & 13

Top targets: Marvin Mims & Noah Fant

We’re noting Mims twice because he’s that much of a late-round target. 

The OU product supplies a nice blend of youth, athleticism, and opportunity – particularly if the Broncos deal Courtland Sutton. 

No need to grab Fant if you went for a high-end TE like Travis Kelce or Dalton Kincaid. Fant, though, makes sense as a TE2 bet for owners without a weekly starter. 

The arrival of new OC Ryan Grubb supplies optimism for a career-high in TDs. Also note: The uber-athletic Fant turns just 27 in November.

Next best: Geno Smith & Darnell Mooney

Smith predictably regressed in 2023. But it’s easy to see him getting close to his 2022 form with the arrival of OC Ryan Grubb, who’s expected to install an aggressive attack.

This WR corps – including year two Jaxon Smith-Njigba – also supplies an asset.

Remember Mooney’s 81-1,055-4 line from 2021? And the 140 targets he earned that year?

That type of volume won’t surface in Atlanta, but there’s no doubt his WR2 status alongsid Drake London. We’re also expecting Kirk Cousins to be 100% entering Week 1.

Other options:

Kimini Vidal, Demarcus Robinson, Wan’Dale Robinson, Ja’Lynn Polk, Michael Wilson, Ray Davis, Jermaine Burton

 

Rounds 14, 15 & 16

Top targets: High-upside bench stash, K & DST

Select a player with upside in Round 14. Your Draft War Room will flip to Upside Mode in the second half of your draft and highlight players with higher ceilings.

Use your final two picks on a K and DST. Aim for a K on a high-scoring offense and a DST with sack and takeaway upside.

None of these units are worth reaching for, but our top-three D/STs include:

• Dallas Cowboys
• Philadelphia Eagles 
• Indianapolis Colts

Our top-three K options include:

• Justin Tucker
• Ka'imi Fairbairn 
• Brandon Aubrey

Again – no need to reach for any of the three.

 

14-Team Draft Strategy for Pick 11, 12, 13, or 14

Rounds 1 & 2

Top targets: Jonathan Taylor & Garrett Wilson

Taylor didn’t play a full game with Anthony Richardson last season. Still, it’s easy to see a dynamic duo forming – particularly at the goal line.

No longer dealing with an injury (or contract dispute), the 25-year-old should finish among the league leaders in carries.

We’re here for the marriage of Wilsons’ route running and Aaron Rodgers’ precision. We’re not expecting MVP-level Rodgers to rememerge, but even if he’s a league average, it’s a huge upgrade for Wilson.

A lack of target competition suggests his volume could rival the position’s top producers.

Next best: Jahmyr Gibbs & Saquon Barkley

From Week 10 on last year, Gibbs ranked fifth in PPR points. Strong rookie-year production.

David Montgomery returns to steal carries (and goal line opportunities). But Gibbs' receiving work -- and big-play ability -- supplies a clear top-five ceiling. Detroit continues to boast a top-flight O-line, too.

Barkley moves from an inept Giants offense to an Eagles unit that just finished 7th in points per game (24.6). While C Jason Kelce retired, this O-line still projects as an asset.

Other options:

Kyren Williams, Derrick Henry, Travis Etienne, De’Von Achane, Drake London

Rounds 3 & 4

Top targets: Isiah Pacheco & Cooper Kupp

A thin depth chart all but locks in another healthy workload for Pacheco. An upgraded WR corps and the return of a strong O-line adds to the 25-year-old’s appeal.

Ideally, Kupp slides in as your WR2. You know there's injury risk here, but we've seen league-winning upside when healthy. The career-long Ram is tough to pass on if he makes it to Round 4.

Next best: Joe Mixon & James Cook

You have to love the landing spot in Houston. Mixon will play under a rising young OC in Bobby Slowik and an emerging star in QB C.J. Stroud.

Volume shouldn't be an issue, either. Devin Singletary leaves behind 246 touches, while RB2 Dameon Pierce projects for light usage.

We'll see how much work rookie Ray Davis earns this summer. But after a breakout 2023, Cook looks set for 15+ weekly touches on a Josh Allen-led offense. 

He's squarely in his prime at 25 (in September).

Other options:

Rachaad White, Malik Nabers, Kenneth Walker, D.K. Metcalf, Tee Higgins

Rounds 5 & 6

Top targets: James Conner & Joe Burrow

You can question Conner's durability and decline potential at 29. Just note that he finished last season with lines of 26-128-1 and 27-150-1. Overall, he set a career high in rushing yards. 

We'll track Trey Benson's development closely this summer, but Conner's widely expected to remain locked in as the RB1.

It's easy to see a healthy Burrow rebounding -- especially with Tee Higgins returning. Health risk is baked into his current QB7 ADP.

Next best: Rhamondre Stevenson & Chris Godwin

The Pats handed Stevenson a new contract in June. HC Jerod Mayo called him "one of the better backs in the league," signaling a hefty workload awaits. 

Godwin's expected to play more in the slot this year -- a spot he primarily played prior to 2023. While his TD production has dipped in recent years, the 28-year-old's reached 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.

Other options:

D’Andre Swift, Raheem Mostert, Marquise Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley

Rounds 7 & 8

Top targets: Diontae Johnson & Jayden Daniels

Poor QB play and bad TD luck have lowed the ceiling on Johnson’s past two seasons. We’re not expecting a huge leap for Bryce Young, who needs to improve under pressure. The addition of Dave Canales adds a layer of optimism, though. 

125+ targets are in play for the former Steeler.

Daniels is one of our favorite discount options at QB. He's an immediate threat to finish among the QB leaders in rushing yards

Next best: Jake Ferguson & Jonathon Brooks

Ferguson broke out in 2023 with 71-761-5, and the Cowboys believe he can reach another level in 2024. 

We’ll see if ‘23 Round 2 pick Luke Schoonmaker mixes in after a lost rookie year. But one look at their WR (and RB) depth says this team needs Ferguson to produce.

Fantasy managers will likely need patience to get an ROI on Brooks, who's coming off a November ACL tear. He could eventually work into a reliable starting role on an offense we expect to take a leap forward.

Other options:

Zack Moss, Tyjae Spears, Christian Watson

Rounds 9 & 10

Top targets: Chase Brown & Pat Freiermuth

Joe Mixon’s departure leaves behind 309 touches. Zack Moss arrived to handle a chunk of the load, but Brown’s the superior value in what could turn into a 50/50 split. 

Currently, Brown’s ADP is 2+ rounds behind Moss’.

Freiermuth battled chest and hamstring issues in 2023. Back healthy and with a QB upgrade in town, we’re looking for a fourth-year resurgence from the former Round 2 pick.

Pittsburgh’s lack of WR depth only adds additional target upside.

Next best: Courtland Sutton & Mike Williams

Sutton cashed in 10 TDs last year, despite only 59 catches. That TD rate is coming down. But with an ADP of WR49, that regression is already baked in.

It’s all about health with Williams. We’ll track his ACL rehab closely, but if he’s even 90% of what he was pre-injury, there’s 8+ TD upside with Aaron Rodgers.

Other options:

Jakobi Meyers, Jerry Jeudy, Rashid Shaheed, Trevor Lawrence

Rounds 11 & 12

Top targets: Kendre Miller & Ty Chandler

The Saints fared poorly in our 2024 offensive line rankings.

Still, at this stage in the draft, you can toss aside blocking concerns. OC Klint Kubiak at least arrives to inject some new ideas for a Saints offense that’s had the same identity for nearly 20 years.

Plus, we’ll keep a close eye on Alvin Kamara’s contract situation. Now 29, he’s past his prime.

Chandler gave the Vikings a late-season jolt in 2023. While he's slated to play behind Aaron Jones, the former Packer has a lengthy injury history and turns 30 in December.

Next best: Noah Fant & Antonio Gibson

If you're in the market -- consider Fant a priority TE2 add. 

Sure, the Seahawks are loaded at WR. But their TE depth also took a hit this offseason, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see new OC Ryan Grubb make better use of a freakish athlete like Fant. 

The Pats added pass-catching help in the draft, but rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker remain year one mysteries. 

If the WR corps fails to deliver, Gibson could become a PPR gem under new OC Alex Van Pelt.

Other options:

Gabe Davis, Jaleel McLaughlin, Jahan Dotson, Dontayvion Wicks, Hunter Henry

Rounds 13 & 14

Top targets: Marvin Mims & Geno Smith

Mims is one of our favorite WR sleepers. His combo of youth, raw ability and opportunity make him a no-risk pick at this point.

We expect Smith to get a schematic upgrade with new OC Ryan Grubb. It’s tough to find a better trio of weapons than D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Smith ultimately profiles as a solid, spot-start QB1.

Next best: Demarcus Robinson & Jermaine Burton

Robinson quietly produced worthwhile fantasy numbers late last season. If Cooper Kupp misses more time, Robinson would bring clear WR3 potential alongside Matt Stafford.

Burton fits the mold of an upside, late-round flier. 

He brings the potential to slot in as the WR3 in a high-volume passing game. And if Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins miss time, spot-start fantasy value is possible for one of the most explosive rookie WRs.

Other options:

Khalil Herbert, Ray Davis, Bucky Irving, Jonnu Smith

Rounds 15 & 16

Top targets: K & DST

Use your final two picks on a K and DST. Aim for a K on a high-scoring offense and a DST with sack and takeaway upside.

None of these units are worth reaching for, but our top-three D/STs include:

• Dallas Cowboys
• Philadelphia Eagles 
• Indianapolis Colts

Our top-three K options include:

• Justin Tucker
• Ka'imi Fairbairn 
• Brandon Aubrey

Again – no need to reach for any name.

 

The Best Fantasy Football Draft Guide: A Custom Game Plan to Fit Any League

This 14-team round-by-round strategy can be a crutch going into your draft.

But anything can happen while your opponents are making their picks. Being flexible and able to pivot as you go is key.

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