The new fantasy football season is here! Well, the dynasty season is. Redraft season has a few more months to go.

Now that the 2022 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, rookie drafts are underway. However, those are sort and sweet, leaving fantasy players with an itch that still needs scratching. While Best Ball is a fun way to partake in the fantasy football world, nothing is better than startup dynasty drafts.

There are so many strategies to use when doing startup drafts. For this mock draft, I planned to use the Hero RB strategy while avoiding players over the age of 30. However, things didn’t quite go according to plan (more on that shortly).

The league configuration for this mock draft — using our free dynasty mock draft simulator — is 12 teams and PPR scoring, and I drafted from the second slot in a snake draft. The league’s starting lineup is one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one regular flex, one super flex, with six bench spots and no kicker or team defense.

Round 1

• 1.01 – Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
• 1.02 – Josh Allen (QB – BUF)
• 1.03 – Patrick Mahomes (QB – KC)
• 1.04 – Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
• 1.05 – Najee Harris (RB – PIT)
• 1.06 – Austin Ekeler (RB – LAC)
• 1.07 – Christian McCaffrey (RB – CAR)
• 1.08 – Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)
• 1.09 – Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
• 1.10 – Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)
• 1.11 – Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)
• 1.12 – Cooper Kupp (WR – LAR)

Had Taylor been available with the 1.02 pick, he would have been the selection. However, I pivoted to Allen with Taylor off the board. I always grab a quarterback in the first two rounds in super-flex leagues, especially when it’s 12 teams or larger. A weekly advantage at the quarterback position can’t be understated, and Allen’s rushing upside gives him a slight nod over the other elite quarterbacks. While my Hero RB strategy isn’t off to an ideal start, grabbing Allen was a wise move.

Round 2

• 2.01 – Kyler Murray (QB – ARI)
• 2.02 – D’Andre Swift (RB – DET)
• 2.03 – CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL)
• 2.04 – A.J. Brown (WR – PHI)
• 2.05 – Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)
• 2.06 – Lamar Jackson (QB – BAL)
• 2.07 – Joe Mixon (RB – CIN)
• 2.08 – Nick Chubb (RB – CLE)
• 2.09 – Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)
• 2.10 – Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
• 2.11 – Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE)
• 2.12 – D.K. Metcalf (WR – SEA)

Right before I went back on the clock, there was a mini-run on running backs with Mixon and Chubb, and eight running backs have gone off the board at this point in the draft. While there was still a couple of tier two running backs left, I opted to grab Watson. Yes, he might miss the start of the upcoming season with a suspension; however, he finished as a top-five quarterback in his previous three seasons. Now that I have Allen and Watson, I can spend the rest of my draft focused on other positions.

Round 3

• 3.01 – Stefon Diggs (WR – BUF)
• 3.02 – Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
• 3.03 – Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)
• 3.04 – Davante Adams (WR – LV)
• 3.05 – Deebo Samuel (WR – SF)
• 3.06 – Dalvin Cook (RB – MIN)
• 3.07 – Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)
• 3.08 – Antonio Gibson (RB – WAS)
• 3.09 – Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)
• 3.10 – George Kittle (TE – SF)
• 3.11 – D.J. Moore (WR – CAR)
• 3.12 – Cam Akers (RB – LAR)

After the turn team took two wide receivers, I had the same choices at running back I did at pick 2.11. Intending to build for the long run, I took Hall over established running backs like Cook and Kamara. Hall was the unanimous top running back in this year’s NFL Draft class and an early second-round pick by the Jets. With the additions the Jets have made on the offensive line the past two years, Hall could turn into an elite fantasy running back as a rookie.

Round 4

• 4.01 – Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)
• 4.02 – Dak Prescott (QB – DAL)
• 4.03 – David Montgomery (RB – CHI)
• 4.04 – Derrick Henry (RB – TEN)
• 4.05 – Travis Kelce (TE – KC)
• 4.06 – J.K. Dobbins (RB – BAL)
• 4.07 – Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR)
• 4.08 – Trey Lance (QB – SF)
• 4.09 – Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC)
• 4.10 – Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT)
• 4.11 – Chris Godwin (WR – TB)
• 4.12 – Michael Pittman (WR – IND)

Running backs and quarterbacks loaded the fourth round. After six wide receivers went off the board in the previous round, only one got picked in the fifth round before I was back on the clock. Godwin is coming off a torn ACL but should be ready for the start of the year or shortly after that. Either way, he is a PPR machine and has taken over as the WR1 in Tampa Bay. While the long-term uncertainty at quarterback isn’t ideal, Godwin should remain a low-end WR1 regardless of who is under center.

Round 5

• 5.01 – Justin Fields (QB – CHI)
• 5.02 – Darren Waller (TE – LV)
• 5.03 – Travis Etienne (RB – JAC)
• 5.04 – Aaron Jones (RB – GB)
• 5.05 – Elijah Moore (WR – NYJ)
• 5.06 – Terry McLaurin (WR – WAS)
• 5.07 – Keenan Allen (WR – LAC)
• 5.08 – DeVonta Smith (WR – PHI)
• 5.09 – Ezekiel Elliott (RB – DAL)
• 5.10 – Jerry Jeudy (WR – DEN)
• 5.11 – Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)
• 5.12 – Mike Evans (WR – TB)

While there hasn’t been a tight end selected since Kittle with pick 3.10, I didn’t want to wait for another 20 picks to go by before grabbing a tight end. In redraft leagues, I fully support waiting on tight ends; however, I want a top-five tight end on all my dynasty rosters. Like quarterbacks, having a weekly advantage over your opponent at the tight-end position can’t be understated. While Waller’s fantasy value took a hit after the Raiders traded for Adams this offseason, he remains a top-five fantasy tight end.

Round 6

• 6.01 – Josh Jacobs (RB – LV)
• 6.02 – Elijah Mitchell (RB – SF)
• 6.03 – AJ Dillon (RB – GB)
• 6.04 – Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI)
• 6.05 – Amari Cooper (WR – CLE)
• 6.06 – DeAndre Hopkins (WR – ARI)
• 6.07 – Michael Thomas (WR – NO)
• 6.08 – Darnell Mooney (WR – CHI)
• 6.09 – Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN)
• 6.10 – T.J. Hockenson (TE – DET)
• 6.11 – Mike Williams (WR – LAC)
• 6.12 – James Conner (RB – ARI)

Williams is coming off a career season where he finished as the WR12 in PPR despite being the No. 2 wide receiver on his team. The Chargers re-signed Williams to a long-term deal this offseason, keeping him beside Herbert for the next three years. Not only are the Chargers one of the most fantasy-friendly teams in the NFL, but Williams could take over as the No. 1 wide receiver as early as next year. Allen recently turned 30 years old, and the Chargers could get out of his contract next offseason. Even if Allen returns in 2023, Williams is a high-end WR2 with many upsides.

Round 7

• 7.01 – Leonard Fournette (RB – TB)
• 7.02 – Kenneth Walker (RB – SEA)
• 7.03 – Marquise Brown (WR – ARI)
• 7.04 – Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET)
• 7.05 – Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
• 7.06 – Miles Sanders (RB – PHI)
• 7.07 – Chase Claypool (WR – PIT)
• 7.08 – Allen Robinson (WR – LAC)
• 7.09 – Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB – KC)
• 7.10 – Michael Gallup (WR – DAL)
• 7.11 – Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)
• 7.12 – JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR – KC)

Being able to draft Walker in the seventh round should be a crime. He was the second running back drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft and the 1.02 rookie pick for most experts. Yet, he got drafted later than Jacobs, Dillon, and Conner. There is no way Walker has this low of an ADP in a month or two.

Round 8

• 8.01 – Brandin Cooks (WR – HOU)
• 8.02 – Dalton Schultz (TE – DAL)
• 8.03 – Robert Woods (WR – TEN)
• 8.04 – Tyler Lockett (WR – SEA)
• 8.05 – Michael Carter (RB – NYJ)
• 8.06 – Hunter Renfrow (WR – LV)
• 8.07 – Adam Thielen (WR – MIN)
• 8.08 – Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)
• 8.09 – Treylon Burks (WR – TEN)
• 8.10 – Noah Fant (TE – SEA)
• 8.11 – Drake London (WR – ATL)
• 8.12 – Gabriel Davis (WR – BUF)

Grabbing London at the end of the eighth round might be my favorite pick of this mock draft. He has an excellent situation for this year and long-term in Atlanta. London should easily lead all rookies in targets and receptions, given the current status of the Atlanta wide receiver room. Don’t be surprised when London has a third-round ADP or higher in startup drafts next year.

Round 9

• 9.01 – Kadarius Toney (WR – NYG)
• 9.02 – Calvin Ridley (WR – ATL)
• 9.03 – Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)
• 9.04 – Kareem Hunt (RB – CLE)
• 9.05 – Christian Kirk (WR – JAC)
• 9.06 – Damien Harris (RB – NE)
• 9.07 – Tyler Boyd (WR – CIN)
• 9.08 – Dawson Knox (TE – BUF)
• 9.09 – Rondale Moore (WR – ARI)
• 9.10 – Rashaad Penny (RB – SEA)
• 9.11 – Cordarrelle Patterson (RB – ATL)
• 9.12 – Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR – KC)

Yes, Ridley will miss the entire 2022 season after the league suspended him for betting on NFL games. However, he has three top 27 finishes, including a top-five finish in 2020. Furthermore, Ridley averaged 14.2 PPR fantasy points per game last season despite the dysfunctional Atlanta offense. More than likely, Ridley will get traded after his suspension is over. While drafting him offers my team no value this season, getting Ridley at pick 98 overall is too good of a value to pass up.

Round 10

• 10.01 – DJ Chark (WR – JAC)
• 10.02 – Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)
• 10.03 – Devin Singletary (RB – BUF)
• 10.04 – Jarvis Landry (WR – FA)
• 10.05 – Kenny Golladay (WR – NYG)
• 10.06 – Corey Davis (WR – NYJ)
• 10.07 – Allen Lazard (WR – GB)
• 10.08 – Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
• 10.09 – Chase Edmonds (RB – MIA)
• 10.10 – Darrell Henderson (RB – LAR)
• 10.11 – Jameson Williams (WR – DET)
• 10.12 – Russell Gage (WR – TB)

Now that we’ve hit the double-digit rounds, it’s time to fill out the bench and shoot for upside. Williams might miss the start of the 2022 season as he recovers from a torn ACL. That’s fine by me. He would have been a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft and likely a top-75 pick in this mock draft if he didn’t have the injury. Furthermore, the Lions could draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud next year, giving Williams an elite young quarterback for the foreseeable future.

Round 11

• 11.01 – Alexander Mattison (RB – MIN)
• 11.02 – James Robinson (RB – JAC)
• 11.03 – Ronald Jones (RB – KC)
• 11.04 – Melvin Gordon (RB – DEN)
• 11.05 – Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PHI)
• 11.06 – Robby Anderson (WR – CAR)
• 11.07 – Laviska Shenault (WR – JAC)
• 11.08 – Jakobi Meyers (WR – NE)
• 11.09 – Will Fuller (WR – FA)
• 11.10 – Sony Michel (RB – FA)
• 11.11 – James Cook (RB – BUF)
• 11.12 – Odell Beckham (WR – FA)

How on Earth did Robinson make it to the 11th round of this mock draft? Yes, he is coming off a torn Achilles. Yes, the Jaguars used a first-round pick on Etienne last year. Should that scare you away from drafting Robinson? Absolutely not. He was a top-seven running back as a rookie and finished in the top-25 last year despite missing three games. While Robinson’s days as an RB1 are over, there is no reason why he should get drafted behind handcuffs like Henderson and Mattison.

Round 12

• 12.01 – Mike Gesicki (TE – MIA)
• 12.02 – Chris Olave (WR – NO)
• 12.03 – Josh Palmer (WR – LAC)
• 12.04 – Taysom Hill (TE – NO)
• 12.05 – Khalil Herbert (RB – CHI)
• 12.06 – Cole Kmet (TE – CHI)
• 12.07 – Zach Ertz (TE – ARI)
• 12.08 – Russell Wilson (QB – DEN)
• 12.09 – Dameon Pierce (RB – HOU)
• 12.10 – Rachaad White (RB – TB)
• 12.11 – Albert Okwuegbunam (TE – DEN)
• 12.12 – David Njoku (TE – CLE)

I was hoping Gesicki would continue to slide right into my lap. Unfortunately, he went off the board with the first pick in this round. However, Okwuegbunam is an excellent backup plan. Now that Fant is in Seattle, Okwuegbunam will take over as the starting tight end in Denver. Furthermore, he received a massive upgrade at quarterback this offseason when the Broncos traded for Wilson.

Round 13

• 13.01 – Chris Carson (RB – SEA)
• 13.02 – Isaiah Spiller (RB – LAC)
• 13.03 – Skyy Moore (WR – KC)
• 13.04 – Aaron Rodgers (QB – GB)
• 13.05 – Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR)
• 13.06 – Hunter Henry (TE – NE)
• 13.07 – Myles Gaskin (RB – MIA)
• 13.08 – J.D. McKissic (RB – WAS)
• 13.09 – Nyheim Hines (RB – IND)
• 13.10 – Trey Sermon (RB – SF)
• 13.11 – D’Onta Foreman (RB – CAR)
• 13.12 – Zack Moss (RB – BUF)

With only three running backs on my team, I needed to add another running back before the end of the mock draft, especially with Robinson coming off the torn Achilles. Spiller didn’t land in an ideal fantasy situation with the Chargers; however, he instantly became one of the top handcuffs in fantasy football in Los Angeles. Furthermore, Ekeler’s contract expires after the 2023 season, and Spiller has an outside chance of taking over as the lead back in a couple of years.

Round 14

• 14.01 – Jamaal Williams (RB – DET)
• 14.02 – Derek Carr (QB – LV)
• 14.03 – Tyler Johnson (WR – TB)
• 14.04 – Mike Davis (RB – FA)
• 14.05 – Van Jefferson (WR – LAR)
• 14.06 – Gus Edwards (RB – BAL)
• 14.07 – Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA)
• 14.08 – Malik Willis (QB – TEN)
• 14.09 – Zach Wilson (QB – NYJ)
• 14.10 – Brian Robinson (RB – WAS)
• 14.11 – Christian Watson (WR – GB)
• 14.12 – Mac Jones (QB – NE)

While I have already taken five rookies with my first 13 picks, I can’t help myself and have to grab Watson here. The Packers have done very little to replace their former All-Pro wide receiver. However, they traded a pair of second-round picks to move up during the NFL Draft to secure Watson. He has plenty of upside and should quickly become Rodgers’ favorite wide receiver.

Round 15

• 15.01 – Kirk Cousins (QB – MIN)
• 15.02 – Tom Brady (QB – TB)
• 15.03 – Jahan Dotson (WR – WAS)
• 15.04 – Kenny Pickett (QB – PIT)
• 15.05 – Trey McBride (TE – ARI)
• 15.06 – Ryan Tannehill (QB – TEN)
• 15.07 – Irv Smith (TE – MIN)
• 15.08 – Matt Ryan (QB – IND)
• 15.09 – Carson Wentz (QB – WAS)
• 15.10 – Curtis Samuel (WR – WAS)
• 15.11 – Davis Mills (QB – HOU)
• 15.12 – Adam Trautman (TE – NO)

Startup dynasty drafts typically have 22 or more rounds. However, the mock ends here in the 15th round. While I planned not to draft anyone over the age of 30, Brady is too hard to pass up in the final round. Ideally, you want to pick at least three quarterbacks in super-flex leagues. Furthermore, if Watson gets suspended, Brady can slide into my super flex spot early in the season. Plus, who knows, Brady might play till he’s 60 at this rate.

My Final Roster

QB – Josh Allen (1.02)
RB – Breece Hall (3.02)
RB – Kenneth Walker (7.02)
WR – Chris Godwin (4.11)
WR – Mike Williams (6.11)
WR – Drake London (8.11)
TE – Darren Waller (5.02)
FL – Calvin Ridley (9.02)
SF – Deshaun Watson (2.11)
BN – Jameson Williams (10.11)
BN – James Robinson (11.02)
BN – Albert Okwuegbunam (12.11)
BN – Isaiah Spiller (13.02)
BN – Christian Watson (14.11)
BN – Tom Brady (15.02)

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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.