In a recent FantasyPros podcast, Derek Brown took a deep dive into the world of fantasy football to uncover those hidden gems that can make or break your season. In this post, we’re going to look at DBro’s favorite target from each round of your draft.
- Snake Draft Pick Strategy: Early | Middle | Late
- Draft Targets for Every Round: Early | Middle | Late
- Fitz’s Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
DBro’s Favorite Target of Each Round
Round 1: Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
Bijan Robinson boasts an impressive resume, ranking second in neutral script rushing rate and leading college football in red zone rushing rate last year. What’s more, he ranked 11th and 18th in yards after contact per attempt and sixth and third in elusive rating. With a lock for 300-plus touches, he’s poised to be a focal point of his team’s offense.
Round 2: Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)
Tony Pollard might not have the highest snap share, but don’t let that fool you. He managed an RB8 finish while ranking 30th in snap share (50.9%) and 34th in opportunity share (48.1%). His efficiency is the key – he’s one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL. With top-five rankings in breakaway run rate, yards created per touch, and yards per route run, he’s being hailed as the Austin Ekeler 2.0.
Round 3: Calvin Ridley (WR – JAC)
Calvin Ridley is a proven asset, last seen ranking seventh in target share (27.4%) and fourth in air yard share (40.0%). His impressive 5th route win rate and 3rd win rate against man coverage indicate his ability to create separation. Ridley is a player you can rely on for consistent production.
Round 4: Christian Watson (WR – GB)
Christian Watson emerged as a force to be reckoned with during Weeks 10-18, with an impressive 23.4% target share and a staggering 42.9% end zone target share. His 26% target per route run rate and 3.07 yards per route run showcase his big-play potential. Keep an eye on this rising star.
Round 5: Diontae Johnson (WR – PIT)
Diontae Johnson has consistently impressed, ranking second in open score over the last two seasons, just behind AJ Brown. Ranking 13th in target share and 10th in RZ targets, he’s a reliable target in the Steelers’ offense. His previous years’ WR8 and WR22 finishes are a testament to his consistency.
Round 6: Darren Waller (TE – LV)
In the world of tight ends, Darren Waller is a standout. He leads the pack in targets (145) and target share (28.7%), making him a reliable fantasy option. His first-place ranking in yards per route run against man coverage solidifies his position as a top-tier tight end.
Round 7: James Cook (RB – BUF)
James Cook brings explosive playmaking to the table, ranking 1st in explosive run rate and 15th in YAC. He’s a versatile asset, ranking 12th in YPRR and operating in an offense that’s primed for success. His ranking of 3rd in ppg and 6th in RZ scoring attempts per game makes him an intriguing pick.
Round 8: Daniel Jones (QB – NYG)
If you’re seeking a quarterback with upside, Daniel Jones fits the bill. He ranked as QB10 in fantasy points per game last year and showcased his versatility with top-five finishes in red zone carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. The team’s neutral pace and play success rate after Week 10 make Jones an exciting option.
Round 9: Skyy Moore (WR – KC)
Skyy Moore is a name to watch, especially if he takes over the slot role this year while also playing outside. His rankings among WRs with at least 70 slot routes are promising, with 28th in TPRR (23%) and 25th in YPRR (1.95). Among WRs with at least 150 routes, he’s 7th in YAC/rec and 10th in MTF/rec.
Round 10: Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)
Rashod Bateman has breakout potential written all over him. In Weeks 1-4 last year, he managed a 19.5% target share and a 30.1% air yard share. His impressive rankings in YPRR and YAC per rec suggest he’s ready to make a big impact, even without a standout play like his 75-yarder against MIA.
Round 11: Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)
Jaylen Warren is a late-season fantasy scorer, ranking 16th in breakaway run rate and fifth in juke rate. His 18th ranking in fantasy points per opportunity indicates he knows how to capitalize on his chances. Keep an eye on Warren’s potential to shine in the latter part of the season.
Round 12: Rondale Moore (WR – ARI)
Rondale Moore is a consistent contributor, boasting a 22.7% target share and producing 1.62 yards per route run in seven full games. His 22% target per route run rate shows he’s a reliable target for his team. With 12.6 (PPR) fantasy points per game, he’s a valuable pick.
Round 13: Roschon Johnson (RB – CHI)
Roschon Johnson brings versatility to the field, ranking impressively in YCA over the last three years. He’s not just an offensive asset – he allowed only two sacks during his Texas career, showcasing his pass-protection skills.
Round 14: Marvin Mims (WR – DEN)
Marvin Mims is a speedster with impressive stats, boasting a 94th percentile yards per reception and a 96th percentile breakout age. His ability to work underneath and take the top off defenses makes him a multifaceted threat.
Round 15: Puka Nacua (WR – LAR)
Puka Nacua is a dynamic playmaker, ranking second and sixth in yards per route run over the last two years. His highlight reel body control and strong catching ability make him a reliable target. His 17th ranking in contested catch rate indicates his ability to make tough grabs.
Round 16: New Orleans Saints DST
If you’re seeking a dominant defense in the later rounds, look no further than the New Orleans Saints DST. With matchups against teams like TEN, CAR, GB, TB, NE, and HOU in the first six weeks, you won’t need to start or stream another defense.
And there you have it – DBro’s favorite target from each round of your draft. These players might not be the most talked-about names, but they could make a significant impact on your fantasy season. Good luck with all of your drafts!
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AI was used to assist with this article.
