It’s getting to be that time of year again, fantasy fans—which means mock draft season is here. I’ve been doing some mock drafts on the fantasy platform Sleeper to get a clearer idea of what we can expect in Round One. This guide will give you a strong reference point for when your draft rolls around later this year.
With that being said, let’s go pick by pick through the first round of a 12-team, full-PPR fantasy football draft.
1. Ja’Marr Chase
For this exercise, I gave myself the 1.01. The number one overall player on everyone’s board is Chase. I think that goes without saying. He’s an elite talent and a former triple crown winner, with almost 100 fantasy points more than the next-best WR. He also has Joe Burrow throwing him the rock. The Bengals are hoping their defense has improved, but even if it has, Chase is getting the ball more than any wideout in football—and that’ll continue. He’s a home run.
2. Justin Jefferson
The second-best player available. The second-best WR in football. Now, some might be a tad worried he’ll have what is essentially a rookie in J.J. McCarthy throwing him the football this year—but that shouldn’t matter. All Jefferson has done since entering the league is finish with over 1,000 yards every season, with fantasy finishes of 6th in his rookie year, 4th, 1st, 33rd (missed time due to a hamstring injury), and 2nd last year. Barring injuries, he’s nearly a lock to finish top 5. He’ll almost always go second overall.
3. Saquon Barkley
The first running back off the board in most cases—and by most, I mean 90% of drafts. Barkley had nearly 400 touches last year, which is an insane workload. You might question whether the same volume will be there this season, especially with Jalen Hurts stealing goal-line carries. But Barkley is running behind the best offensive line in football, in a scheme designed for him to thrive. You could argue for someone else here, but as of June, he’s my projected third overall pick.
4. Bijan Robinson
I’m all in on Bijan shares this year. Once the Falcons increased his usage rate from 17 to 24 touches per game, he went from RB24 in Weeks 1–5 to RB1 in fantasy points per game for the rest of the season. He ran more routes and had a higher target share. That was with Cousins at the helm for most of the year. Like his teammate Drake London, he’s due for a huge breakout. Bijan could easily be the overall RB1 this season. If I miss out on a WR I like early, I’m probably snagging Bijan. You should too.
5. CeeDee Lamb
Lamb had a lot going against him in 2024. Dak Prescott only played eight games, and Lamb was dealing with a shoulder injury for much of the season—yet he still finished as WR8. Dak is back, they traded for George Pickens, and Lamb is fully healthy. He’s ready to return to the WR1 conversation. Pickens should help open up the routes Lamb thrives on—especially slot and intermediate routes. The Cowboys could wind up throwing 40+ times per game again this year. There’s no reason Lamb should fall out of the top half of any draft.
6. Jahmyr Gibbs
No Ben Johnson? No problem. Gibbs is one of the most efficient running backs in football. Last season, with Montgomery in the lineup, Gibbs averaged 18 fantasy points per game on just 16 touches and 103 total yards per game. That’s incredibly efficient. When Montgomery missed the last three games, Gibbs jumped to 25 touches and 163 total yards per game. He’s a PPR monster with elite breakaway speed. I’m not worried about the Lions’ changes—Gibbs is a top-three RB. Period.
7. Puka Nacua
Nacua played in nine full games last season. He appeared in 11, but only ran routes on 30% of plays in Weeks 1 and 9. Even with injuries, he would have led all receivers in the following: 35% target share, 105 yards per game, and he was the first read on 45% of Rams pass plays. This guy is insanely talented. He still has Stafford under center in McVay’s system. Regardless of what Davante Adams brings to the Rams, this offense runs (well, throws) through Nacua. He has WR1 upside, without a doubt.
8. Malik Nabers
I might be a smidge higher on Nabers than most. I drafted him in my dynasty league last year, which meant watching way too many Giants games—thanks, Sunday Ticket! Nabers broke Nacua’s rookie receptions record with 109 catches, over 1,200 yards, and 7 touchdowns in 15 games. And that was with Daniel Jones and Tommy DeVito at QB. Whoever trots out there Week 1 doesn’t scare me. You draft elite talent—Nabers is no exception. He had a 32% target share and an expected 20 fantasy points per game last season. I love landing him. He’s a dude.
9. Amon-Ra St. Brown
One of the most consistent fantasy receivers over the past three seasons, finishing 10th, 4th, and 4th. He offers elite red-zone usage, with 10 touchdowns in 2023 and 12 this past season. He ranked 2nd and 3rd in red-zone targets the last two years. The Lions scheme ways to get him the ball in space, where he can make defenders miss and reach the end zone. Goff and St. Brown have a great connection. He’s a home run pick at the end of the first round.
10. Nico Collins
Collins is a great receiver who not enough people talk about. When he was on the field last year, he was extremely efficient—averaging 15 fantasy points per game. He’s the number one option in what’s become a top-tier offense with a rising star in C.J. Stroud. This is where you can start stacking talent. Collins is a first-round lock.
11. Brian Thomas Jr.
Fifth in deep-ball targets and 15th in red-zone targets is a recipe for fantasy production. Thomas Jr. delivered. Regardless of what you think about Trevor Lawrence, consider what Thomas did with Mac Jones: 4th in target share, 7th in yards per route run, and 5th in yards per game with 98. With Liam Coen now calling the shots as head coach, this offense is primed to improve. Thomas Jr. could be in store for an even better season.
12. Ashton Jeanty
From a talent standpoint, Jeanty is already in the top-five discussion. He’s a true three-down workhorse back. With Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator in Vegas—a coach whose NFL offenses have historically ranked in the top 12 for rushing attempts—Jeanty will get volume. That alone makes him a first-round pick. I expect him to go in the 8–12 range, depending on league strategies. He’s set up for one of the best rookie years we’ve seen in a long time.
