Superflex is one of my favorite fantasy football league formats. In Superflex leagues, you designate a FLEX spot to either a running back, wide receiver, tight end, or quarterback.
I love Superflex because it puts greater importance on quarterbacks, which is more aligned with real football. Quarterbacks matter most to actual NFL teams, so it should be that way in fantasy, too.
My Superflex game plan is to land my first quarterback within the first two rounds, depending on my draft position. Then, I wait until no later than Round 5 to secure my second starter. Unlike other formats, quarterbacks fly off the board in Superflex drafts. The worst thing you can do is be left with Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff as your starters.
Let’s put that strategy to practice. Below are the results of a 12-team Superflex, half-PPR mock draft. I was randomly assigned the fifth pick.
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1.5: Josh Allen (QB – BUF)
Getting Allen with the fifth pick feels like stealing, but I would’ve gone quarterback here no matter what. With 15 picks between my first and second-round selections, I couldn’t risk missing out on an elite starting quarterback. I expecting to end up with Kyler Murray or Lamar Jackson, so I’ll gladly take Allen, who could be an MVP candidate this season.
2.8: Nick Chubb (RB – CLE)
Nick Chubb in Round 2? Sign me up. Sometimes you have to take what the draft gives you. Russell Wilson was on the board, but with Allen on the roster, I couldn’t pass up the chance to land a true RB1. Yes, Kareem Hunt is there. Yes, the Browns may throw the ball a little more than last season. But Chubb’s a stud. Don’t overthink it.
3.5: DK Metcalf (WR – SEA)
The first nine quarterbacks were gone by this pick, and I was tempted to secure my QB2. Yet with so many guys I feel good about still around, I opted to take the incredible value on Metcalf. That’s the beauty of Superflex leagues; if you get that first QB early, you’re setting yourself up for great values as the draft progresses. Metcalf has a legitimate chance to finish as the WR1 this year. Home run.
4.8: Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC)
My decision to take Metcalf cost me a little bit, as Tom Brady, Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, and Jalen Hurts all went between my third and fourth-round picks. Oh well. While CeeDee Lamb tempted me, I’m taking an upside shot as my QB2. Matt Ryan was still on the board, but we know who he is by now. Lawrence, however, offers a much higher ceiling on what could be a decent Jaguars offense. He’s a fantastic prospect, so we’ll see if he shows off his potential in his rookie season.
5.5: Josh Jacobs (RB – LV)
This is where the draft gets tough, and I mean that in a good way. Round 5 presented the choice of Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Julio Jones, D.J. Moore, Tyler Lockett, and Jacobs. I took Jacobs because of the looming dropoff at running back. Meanwhile, there are a ton of receivers I’d happily draft later. I’ve always been a fan of Jacobs’ talent. He’s a touchdown machine and a really balanced running back. Kenyan Drake joining the Raiders is annoying, but overestimated. Drake isn’t a great player and has durability issues. I’m confident Jacobs will still lead this backfield by a wide margin.
6.8: Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)
While I planned to go receiver here, Williams was too enticing to pass up. He was a battering ram in college, but I’m curious to see if Williams will have similar success running through NFL defenders. Although he may not be Denver’s lead back immediately, I’m betting on him taking over this backfield down the road.
7.5: Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)
This is the first time I’ve ever drafted Pitts, real or mock. That’s because I’m not willing to pay the price he usually costs. However, I feel much more comfortable getting Pitts in Round 7, as it leaves me a little more room for error. Pitts may very well buck the trend of rookie tight ends struggling to transition to the pros, but history is not on his side.
8.8: Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN)
With only Metcalf on my roster, it’s time to start targeting wide receivers. Landing Sutton here is obviously a risk, as he’s coming off a torn ACL. However, Sutton is a baller when healthy and is amazing at making contested catches. Granted, Denver’s offense may not take as many deep shots with Teddy Bridgewater under center. But Sutton should still get his. I’ll take the shot on a player I believe in.
9.5: AJ Dillon (RB – GB)
Dillon is one of the rare high-upside backs I’m willing to take over a receiver late in drafts. He’s got a very clear skillset as a bruising back, and he should have a more defined role in Green Bay’s offense this season. Dillon should be the goal-line guy and has a ton of upside if Aaron Jones gets hurt.
10.8: Derek Carr (QB – LV)
I can’t catch a break at receiver in this draft. I didn’t want to reach for Laviska Shenault in Round 9, only to see him go off the board shortly after my Dillon pick. Guess I’ll punt on receiver again and land my QB3. Carr is fine as a fill-in when he’s got a favorable matchup. He refuses to take chances downfield, but he’s a competent fantasy backup. I always recommend getting a QB3 in Superflex leagues.
11.5: Michael Pittman (WR – IND)
Hooray! One of my wide receiver targets was still on the board, and Pittman is a personal favorite. I loved him coming out of USC. He knows how to go up and get the ball and reminds me of Kenny Golladay. Expect him to be Indy’s top receiver, which means he’s an absolute steal in Round 11.
12.8: Jakobi Meyers (WR – NE)
I understand I’m reaching rather far down the board here, but at this point in the draft, there’s really no such thing as a reach. Meyers has impressed in training camp, and the Patriots’ receiver room is wide open aside from Nelson Agholor. Meyers could ascend into a solid WR3 this season. My receiver group might be thin, but it’s got serious upside.
13.5: Cole Kmet (TE – CHI)
At a position as bland as tight end, I only like taking players with some semblance of upside. I chose Kmet over Gerald Everett, Rob Gronkowski, and other less exciting options. Year 2 is when tight ends tend to break out, and I could see Kmet being the latest to take that leap.
14.8: Randall Cobb (WR – GB)
I’m taking the bait here, and we’ll see if it pays off. I believe Cobb still has something left in the tank and am buying into the narrative that Aaron Rodgers wanted him back in Green Bay for a reason.
Final Draft Grade: 79/100
The Draft Wizard didn’t love my draft, and I must admit I’m a little hurt! However, I understand why the Draft Wizard came to this conclusion. This has the makings of a boom or bust team that’s loaded with high-upside players. If it all comes together, this team will be really tough to beat. But I recognize the risk, and that’s why we mock.
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Matt Barbato is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matt, check out his archive and follow him @RealMattBarbato.