We are in the midst of redraft season and with that comes a plethora of mock drafts to practice strategies, ideas and ways to see how ADP will adjust over the next few weeks before the NFL season. This mock draft breakdown explores how to approach the middle picks in a PPR draft (12 teams). This draft will have two running backs, two wide receivers and one flex. In addition, we will not draft a defense or a kicker; the bench is six players deep. This setup will allow us to take you through 13 rounds of players to help you navigate the middle picks. For this draft, we decided to run from the seventh position. So let’s break down how the team played out. And you can complete free mock drafts using the FantasyPros draft simulator.
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Round 1, Pick 7: Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
We watched this draft start with a slew of running backs plus Cooper Kupp. The usual suspects came off the board with CMC, Jonathan Taylor, Austin Ekeler, Kupp, Derrick Henry and then Dalvin Cook. However, once it reached the seventh position, it was clear we had to go with Justin Jefferson. We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to have a shot at someone who could be the WR1 for the season, who is also being integrated into an offense that projects to elevate this season under Kevin O ‘Connell.
Round 2, Pick 6: CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL)
Most people say, ” You have to go running back early!” So let’s continue down this path and see how running backs play out through the draft board. Having a value of CeeDee Lamb fall to us is just too intriguing for your lineup. Without Amari Cooper, with Michael Gallup still recovering from injury and only rookie Jalen Tolbert across from him on the field, Lamb should produce to a level we haven’t seen before and allow us to have a safe floor with our first two picks.
Round 3, Pick 7: Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)
One pick before us, we were sniped for James Conner, which left us with a few options. Continue to build on a solid WR core, maybe go quarterback or get Ezekiel Elliott as our first running back. We decided against Zeke as we have CeeDee Lamb and didn’t want too much from the same offense. We decided against quarterback because we can wait on that position. Being sniped left us with building on our already strong WR room. Michael Pittman is a clear-cut number one option with a weak WR core around him and an upgraded talent at the quarterback position. It also never hurts to have a player who faces the Houston Texans defense twice, the Tennesee Titans’ poor secondary twice and the Jacksonville Jaguars twice. Three players in a row now with safe floors that can also provide boom weeks to start this draft off, which allows us to be a bit risky with the next pick.
Round 4, Pick 6: Travis Etienne Jr. (RB – JAC)
Is this risky here? Yes.
Does Travis Etienne have an upside in PPR that I think can elevate him past his ADP? Definitely!
This team is rebuilding, which means they will have plenty of games from behind, which leans towards a running back with a pass-catching ability. Etienne has prior connections with Trevor Lawrence in college at Clemson, which also allows for better chemistry. James Robinson, his main competition in the backfield, is coming off a significant injury and, although he is in camp, could need time to readjust to game speed and be 100%. Etienne can win you your league, which is why we play the game. With this WR-heavy build in PPR, taking a pass-catching back allows my team to have a safer floor of points each week.
Round 5, Pick 7: J.K. Dobbins (RB – BAL)
Get this value while you can! With Dobbins leaving the PUP list and looking to start week one, this is a screaming value! Especially on a team that began with a heavy wide receiver approach. Gus Edwards, his counterpart, is still struggling with his injury and with the other backs not being as talented as Dobbins, we could see maximum touches for this running back within a run-heavy scheme.
Round 6, Pick 6: AJ Dillon (RB – GB)
These rounds are usually considered the “dead zone” for backs. However, with Davante Adams moving to Las Vegas, the Packers will need to lean on both of their talented backs this season. AJ Dillon, also known as Quadzilla, should get plenty of opportunity in the red zone, which is more than I can ask for any RB3 on my team.
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Round 7, Pick 7: Elijah Moore (WR – NYJ)
This pick for Moore was probably my least favorite. Believing in the New York Jets is tough; believing in Zach Wilson is also challenging. However, Moore has the talent to be the WR1 on his team. As my WR4, I’ll take this chance that he can outperform his ADP on a team that should be behind in most games and will need to throw to keep up.
Round 8, Pick 6: Chase Edmonds (RB – MIA)
By now, if you follow me (selfish plug, my username is @jpep20) or my articles, you know I will never stop pounding the drums for Chase Edmonds. We just drafted a starting running back in the eighth round with PPR upside attached to him. Edmonds also has a coach who comes from a fantastic running scheme and looks to implement more of the same in Miami. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the outside, Edmonds should see clear lanes all day to outperform this ADP.
Round 9, Pick 7: Trey Lance (QB – SF)
The fact that Trey Lance is here at this ADP still is amazing to me. After the organization said this team belongs to Lance now, I was confident he would skyrocket. Do not be afraid to take your chance on him. Last year we did it with Jalen Hurts. This year we do it with Lance. He brings you a Konami Code to the position while having Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. Another safe floor option for points with a chance to be your fantasy MVP if he hits, the people who draft Lance are drafting to win!
Round 10, Pick 6: James Cook (RB – BUF)
We can afford to swing at a position with how this team has been constructed in this draft. One of the best swings is drafting James Cook. He was drafted to a high-powered offense with high draft capital for a running back. Although Devin Singletary finished the season performing well, the Bills have pushed for another pass-catching back in the system. Remember, they tried to sign J.D. McKissic. They want to use a pass-catching option in their scheme.
In this range, another great option was Rhamondre Stevenson from the New England Patriots. However, he was sniped right before this pick, so we used the old rule ” I want players from good teams.” You can’t get better than the Buffalo Bills right now.
Round 11, Pick 7: Kirk Cousins (QB – MIN)
I love backing Trey Lance up with a solid option just in case he struggles coming out the gate in his first full season starting in the NFL. No better player fits this bill than Kirk Cousins. An excellent starter for fantasy in his own right and we can stack him with Justin Jefferson. I think it’s safe to draft a backup QB instead of a sixth RB/WR when it comes to Lance.
Round 12, Pick 6: Rondale Moore (WR – ARI)
This late in our draft, we take dart throws with high upside. With DeAndre Hopkins suspended for six games, Moore could see an uptick in usage within the Arizona Cardinals game plan.
Round 13, Pick 7: Albert Okwuegbunam (TE – DEN)
We punted tight end in this mock draft construction. Thankfully, it worked in our favor. With the sad news of Tim Patrick going down to a season-long injury, Albert O should see an uptick in usage within the Denver Broncos system. But what happens if he doesn’t? Well, then you stream the position. Remember ” Go great or draft late” when it comes to tight end.
Roster Breakdown
QB: Trey Lance and Kirk Cousins
RB: Travis Etienne Jr, J.K. Dobbins, AJ Dillion, Chase Edmonds and James Cook
WR: Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Pittman, Elijah Moore and Rondale Moore
TE: Albert Okwuegbunam
We approached this draft with a different build from the typical pattern of drafting running backs early. However, we found great value throughout the draft to surround our superstar wide receivers. We also have a strong QB room and upside with our tight end. Hopefully, this helps you with your middle pick preparations and leads you to the fantasy championship!
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