Mock NFL Fantasy Draft Breakdown: Strategy & Expert Tips
NFL season is right around the corner, and smart players know what time it is: mock draft time. These aren’t just for practice’s sake. They’re your chance to test the waters. Find out how the field thinks, refine your strategy, and prepare for every twist your real draft might throw at you. The more you mock, the less you leave to chance.
Have you been doing any mocks? If not, it’s not too late! Below, I’ll break down a mock NFL fantasy draft I participated in with other fantasy football experts using one of my favorite platforms.
Fantasy Mock Draft Settings
This mock NFL fantasy draft followed the format of a 10-team, PPR scoring league. I drafted from the 1.10 position. The starting lineup included one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, and two FLEX spots. For those unfamiliar, the FLEX position can be filled by a running back, wide receiver, or tight end. The draft was 13 rounds in total. Follow along as I walk through each pick and explain my strategy.
Round 1: Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey had an injury-plagued 2024 season, which is likely why he was available at the end of the first round. When I draft, I want high-upside players who can win my league. McCaffrey fits that mold perfectly, having finished as a top-three running back four times in his career. At 1.10, he felt like a risk worth taking.
Round 2: Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry has dominated for the past six seasons, finishing as a top-10 running back every year except 2021, when he played only eight games due to injury. Now with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, Henry put up 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024. As my RB2, that’s a home run.
Round 3: Trey McBride
My original plan was to get back-to-back wide receivers in Rounds 3 and 4, but that changed when I saw Trey McBride still on the board. In most fantasy football leagues, McBride typically goes in the late second or early third round, so this was a steal. He finished as the TE2 in 2024 despite catching only two touchdowns. He could easily be one of my most valuable players if that number jumps to six or more.
Round 4: Tyreek Hill
For my comp, I needed to secure a top-tier wide receiver, and I did just that with Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill. He had a tough 2024, dealing with injuries and off-field issues, but let’s not forget he was a top-10 wide receiver in six of the previous seven seasons. With Tua back healthy, Hill is poised to bounce back.
Rounds 5 and 6: Davante Adams and Courtland Sutton
Coming into Round 5, I realized I only have one receiver on my roster. That changed quickly as I grabbed Davante Adams, now with the Rams, and Courtland Sutton. Both could be their teams’ top receiving options in what should be upper-half offenses. Grabbing two potential WR1s this late was an easy decision.
Rounds 7 and 8: Tetairoa McMillan and Calvin Ridley
To keep the train rolling, I drafted Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers) and Calvin Ridley (Titans). Both are projected as the top targets in their respective offenses. I prefer to fill FLEX spots with wide receivers in full PPR formats, and these two give me big-time weekly upside.
Rounds 9 and 10: Jordan Mason and Bo Nix
At the turn, I wanted to shore up my RB and QB depth. I needed another option at running back with McCaffery and Henry being older. Jordan Mason joins the Vikings after starting in San Francisco before getting hurt. If Aaron Jones misses time, Mason could be a league-winner.
With my next pick, I addressed quarterback by drafting Bo Nix (Broncos). I love stacking players, so pairing Nix with Sutton gives me that QB-WR connection with massive upside.
Rounds 11, 12, & 13: Tre Harris, Javonte Williams, and Dak Prescott
The focus here is on high-upside players in favorable situations to close out the draft. That’s why I grabbed Tre Harris and Javonte Williams at the 11/12 turn. Harris, a second-round rookie out of Ole Miss, looks to take over as the WR2 in a solid Chargers offense. Williams is coming off a disappointing year, but he’s got the first crack at the RB1 role in Dallas. If he holds onto it, getting him in the 12th round could be the best value of the mock fantasy draft.
With my final pick, I locked in Dak Prescott. While I like Nix, there’s always a risk with young quarterbacks. Prescott is a proven veteran, finishing as a top-10 QB in every healthy season. As my QB2, he’s a perfect safety net.
Lock In on Social Media
Looking at the overall team comp, I’m pleased with the balance and depth of this team. At quarterback, I landed Nix and Prescott. My running backs are McCaffrey, Henry, Mason, and Williams. My wide receiver room is deep with Hill, Adams, Sutton, McMillan, Ridley, and Harris. At tight end, I landed a top-tier option in McBride.
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FAQs
Q: Why bother with mock drafts?
Because winging it on draft day is how you lose your league. Mock drafts help you test strategies, scout value picks, and avoid panic picks when the clock’s ticking.
Q: What’s a PPR league again?
PPR = Point Per Reception. Every catch your player makes adds a point. WRs and pass-catching RBs get a big boost in this format.
Q: Drafting late in a 10-team league: good or bad?
It’s not where you draft, it’s how you draft. Picking at the turn gives you the power to stack elite talent. Just be ready to zig when others zag.
Q: What’s this NFL Survivor?
It’s our 20-week pick’em comp. One-time $100 deposit, 100k fantasy bankroll, and a shot at $50,000. Pick games, props, overs/unders, outsmart the pack, win big.
Q: I’m not a fantasy guru. Can I still win?
Absolutely. NFL Survivor is for anyone who knows football and likes making picks. Stats nerds, gut players, Sunday junkies, this one’s for you.
Q: What’s the prize?
Weekly winners snag some serious prizes. The top overall bankroll at the end? $50,000 grand prize. No salary caps, no gimmicks. Just you vs. the rest.
Q: Can I play BullRush on mobile?
Yep. BullRush runs smoothly on any device. No app needed, just open your browser and you’re in.
