May is a month of transition. School is wrapping up. The weather is finally turning (at least where I live). The NFL is in relative hibernation, and other sports like the NBA and NHL are nearly done for the season. Oh, and I guess baseball is around too. May is also when I transition out of sports for a bit and catch up on all the movies, TV shows, and books that I missed over the last 9 months.
But May also marks the beginning of mock draft season! I compare mock drafting in May to listening to holiday music on November 1. The buildup and preparation to the big day is a huge part of the excitement. And for fantasy football enthusiasts, draft day is our equivalent of Christmas.
While some people may tease you for starting your draft preparation before Memorial Day, I’d argue that mock drafting this early give you an advantage It allows you to get a good sense of how draft boards are shaking out, and this means you can begin strategizing and identifying value. And what better way to practice than using our FREE mock draft simulator?
Let’s keep mock draft May going with a look at a standard, 12-team mock where I was randomly assigned the sixth pick.
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Fantasy Football Mock Draft
Here is a recap of my fantasy football mock draft.
Pick 1.6: Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)
Sort of a no-brainer here, as I chose Barkley over Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Justin Jefferson. If this was a PPR format, Jefferson would likely be my choice. But aside from the injury concern that applies to any running back, Barkley is a true stud who I’m happy to land as my anchor.
Pick 2.7: Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
This is an example of how important it is to leverage your draft position and league format into your strategy. In this situation, I was left with Stevenson, Kenneth Walker, Davante Adams, and Stefon Diggs as my top choices available. In a different format, I’d probably take the receiver. But since I’m picking in the middle of the draft, I know I won’t get exposed to a huge run at wide receiver after this pick. Running backs are also generally more valuable in standard formats, giving me even more confidence in my choice of Stevenson, who I think is poised for a top-ten finish this season.
Pick 3.6: Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)
My decision with my last pick paid off, as the top backs now available are Dalvin Cook (who could get cut at any moment) and Aaron Jones. Those two aren’t overly appealing options as an RB2. Meanwhile, I’m plenty comfortable with Wilson as my WR1 at a position that I know is deep with talent. Wilson finished as the WR21 in standard formats with Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Mike White throwing him the ball; the sky is the limit with Aaron Rodgers now under center for the Jets.
Pick 4.7: D.K. Metcalf (WR – SEA)
Metcalf is one of my favorite players to draft in fantasy and it’s paid big dividends after I was one of the few brave enough to draft him a season ago. I’d much rather have Metcalf than Amari Cooper, who is always an uncomfortable ride.
Pick 5.6: D’Andre Swift (RB – PHI)
I know Swift is less valuable in a standard format, but he’s probably the only running back left on the board who I’m excited to draft. I love that he landed in Philadelphia. And while the Eagles aren’t afraid to utilize a backfield committee, I think limiting Swift to 12 to 15 touches a game could be the best way to maximize his talent. Plus, he’s my RB3 after going as a first-round pick in drafts last year.
Pick 6.7: Drake London (WR – ATL)
I considered Justin Fields, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence here, but I’d rather wait to grab a quarterback and take my chances on one of them still being available in Round 7. Instead, I’ll take another high-upside player in London. If Desmond Ridder is any good, London could be a high-end WR2 or even better.
Pick 7.6: Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)
This is a fascinating point of the draft. Unfortunately, none of the three QBs I preferred made it to my pick and I’m not interested in Dak Prescott. There are a ton of intriguing receivers on the board, but none I totally love.
Brandon Aiyuk‘s season looked impressive, but he only surpassed 100 yards a couple times and scored his touchdowns in bunches. Mike Evans could offer a high ceiling as my WR4, but it’s hard to imagine what that offense looks like without Tom Brady, although I do think Evans is being drafted at a slight discount. Christian Kirk is more of a PPR player. And while I love Michael Pittman, he’s hurt me too many times and his QB situation is still uncertain.
So I turned to running back, where the options are getting disgusting, and decided to take a stab on Javonte Williams. I’m still a believer in his talent. The Broncos offense can’t get any worse than it was in 2022. If Williams’ knee holds up, I’m confident he’ll deliver a strong season. That’s a big if, but a chance I’m willing to take.
Pick 8.7: Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT)
Running back is now out of good options and while I considered taking Tua Tagovailoa as my starting QB, the Draft Wizard indicated that there was only a 5% chance he’d be taken off the board before my next pick. I’ll roll with the odds and take a player who I believe is grossly undervalued in Diontae Johnson.
I get why the fantasy market has soured on Johnson. He finished 46th in scoring last season, with 86 receptions for 882 yards. He didn’t score a single touchdown, which is preposterous considering he garnered 147 targets. Even if he scored just four touchdowns (which would be a career low), he would’ve been pushing for a top-25 finish. If you think Kenny Pickett is going to improve in year two, then Johnson is probably going far too low. Yes, George Pickens is there, but I don’t see him surpassing Johnson as the top weapon in this offense and he feels severely undervalued in drafts.
Pick 9.6: Brandin Cooks (WR – DAL)
Since this is a mock, I’m going to continue pressing my luck at quarterback, as the Draft Wizard has only gone up to a 23% chance Tua will get taken before my next pick. I’ve also decided to punt tight end (a decision I routinely make), as nobody left on the board is really worth reaching for.
With all that in mind, I will continue to address wide receiver and opt for Cooks, who I believe could have a really strong season as Dallas’ WR2. Yes, CeeDee Lamb is the man in the offense. But Cooks has still put up great seasons as a complementary weapon to Michael Thomas, Rob Gronkowski, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp. His health is the biggest risk, but I’ll bank on Cooks still having plenty left in the tank and feeling rejuvenated after getting out of Houston.
Pick 10.7: Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA)
Ouch; my target with this pick was Devon Achane, but he went one pick before mine. There aren’t many other viable options left at running back, so I ended the waiting game and finally drafted Tua.
Pick 11.6: Evan Engram (TE – JAX)
Obligatory tight end pick.
Pick 12.7: Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)
I have this weird hunch that Najee Harris isn’t all that good. And while I’m not sure Warren is better, I suspect he could factor into the backfield more than we think. The other running back options are atrocious at this point, so he’s worth the pick.
Pick 13.6: Aaron Rodgers (QB – NYJ)
I don’t normally endorse taking two quarterbacks in a 1QB format but given Tua’s health concerns, it feels more important. Plus, if Rodgers’ 2022 season was a fluke, then I could have hit the draft’s biggest home run.
Pick 14.7: Justin Tucker (K – BAL)
Pick 15.6: Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST
Draft Wizard Draft Grade: B (85/100)
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