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For this exercise, we mocked from the middle of the round, specifically the seventh pick. Drafting in this position has its perks, as you’re still in line to get an elite player early. The downside is you only get one pick while waiting a whole round for your next one.
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Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team PPR
1.07 – Travis Kelce (TE – KC)
There were a handful of options at running back and receiver at number seven but only one game-changer was available. Travis Kelce is so far ahead of the next tier of tight ends, that he gives anyone that drafts him a leg up. Case in point, not only was Kelce ranked in the top eight of receiving yards among all players last year, he was the only tight end in the top 25.
And it’s not as if the Chiefs brought in any serious competition for targets either. Yes, they drafted receiver Rashee Rice in the second round and last year’s second-round pick, Skyy Moore, should develop into a more significant part of the offense but the Chiefs passing game is still Kelce’s to dominate.
2.06 – Davante Adams (WR – LV)
3.07 – Patrick Mahomes II (QB – KC)
For Round Two, there was a small run on receivers with six being taken in the nine picks starting at 1.09 through 2.05. Luckily, there was still an elite option available before a considerable drop-off. Davante Adams squashed any questions last year about his production being tied to Aaron Rodgers. Adams had one of the best seasons of his career despite catching passes from Derek Carr and a handful from Jarrett Stidham. He should be able to remain the Alpha in Vegas with new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and lead his real (and fantasy) teams.
No quarterbacks were taken through the first two-and-a-half rounds of this mock which meant Patrick Mahomes II was available. And with it, the chance for another game changer and the best stack in the business. There’s no reason to believe 2023 couldn’t be another 2022 when it comes to the Chiefs offense which means lots of points for Kelce and Mahomes.
4.06 – JK Dobbins (RB – BAL)
5.07 – Dameon Pierce (RB – HOU)
Not taking a running back through three rounds did have its downside as a staggering 17 were taken before the choice of JK Dobbins with some teams taking three of them. The choice of Dobbins is the best one available but could be better than expected. Dobbins famously missed all of the 2021 season after totaling over 800 yards on just 134 carries during his rookie season. When he came back last year for the last eight games of the season, he still totaled 520 yards on just 92 carries. If he continues to stay healthy and the Ravens’ offense can get going, Dobbins will be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
The running back position was rounded out with Texans sophomore running back Dameon Pierce. Pierce was on a bad team his rookie season but still managed 900+ yards and, more importantly, the bulk of the Texans’ carries. He totaled 220 while the next closest Texan had just 42. Houston did sign veteran Devin Singletary from Buffalo but this is Pierce’s job to lose. Draft him for the carries and hope CJ Stroud can lead the offense to more scoring opportunities.
6.08 – Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
7.07 – Jahan Dotson (WR – WAS)
While Deebo Samuel is probably the more well-known of the receivers in San Francisco, Brandon Aiyuk quietly broke out last season. He totaled 78 receptions for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to becoming a top-15 fantasy receiver. There’s no reason for Aiyuk to not replicate those numbers as Chrisitan McCaffrey is more of a threat to Deebo Samuel’s role than Aiyuk’s.
For round seven, a receiver run ended with the pick of Dotson at 7.07. The second-year receiver showed how efficient he could be his rookie season, totaling 35 receptions for 523 yards and seven touchdowns, an impressive one every five receptions. And this despite missing about 1/3 of the season with a hamstring injury. If Dotson can stay healthy for all 17 games, he should be a great FLEX player.
8.06 – Brian Robinson (RB – WAS)
9.07 – Jamaal Williams (RB – NO)
Another run takes place, this time on running backs with eight taken in 10 picks between 7.09 and 8.06 including Brian Robinson here. Each of them has its pros and cons. With Robinson, we know that he’s the preferred candidate in Washington after finishing up his rookie season as the starter. Hopes are high in DC that the arrival of new coordinator Eric Bienemy can breathe some life into the offense including Robinson. He’ll, by no means, be a workhorse, but we’re hoping he’s the early-down back on a good offense.
The same can be said of Jamaal Williams who assumes the lead role in New Orleans. Chances are slim he’ll replicate his league-leading 17 touchdowns but he’s another starter on what we’re hoping is a good offense.
10.06 – David Njoku (TE – CLE)
11.07 – Odell Beckham (WR – BAL)
12.06 – Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA)
At this stage of the draft, every pick is a lottery ticket. Yes, you need to have depth but you also hope that one of these players hits a home run. All three players in this window represent that. At 10.06, several teams had yet to draft their first tight end and Njoku became our second. But with the addition of quarterback Deshaun Watson, Njoku should continue to build on his comeback season last year when he finished as a top-15 fantasy tight end. Additionally, he’s just as good a FLEX option for this team as any other running back or receiver and is excellent Travis Kelce insurance.
In Odell Beckham, we have, perhaps, the biggest lottery ticket in all of fantasy football. Once an elite receiving option, Beckham has had several injuries that have prevented him from having a 1,000-yard season for three seasons now. But he’s now a full season removed from the last major injury – a torn ACL – and could be the top receiving target in Baltimore. He’s the fourth receiver taken for this team but could easily make his way to WR2.
In Tua Tagovailoa, health will always be a concern but as long as the current pieces in Miami (Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Mike McDaniel) are in place, he’ll produce.
13.07 – Eagles (PHI – DEF)
14.06 – Hunter Renfrow (WR – LV)
15.07 – Brandon McManus (K – JAC)
Championships are not necessarily won and lost in the last rounds of fantasy drafts, so try not to overanalyze it. For defense, it’s such a fluid position on fantasy rosters but you should still target those that did well last year (assuming the roster turnover was small). For kickers, the difference between them is not enough to overthink it either – draft one on a high-scoring team and never think about it again.
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Michael Moore (@DLF_Moore) is a featured writer at FantasyPros, providing unique insights and in-depth analysis.