The Sports activities Illustrated fantasy and betting workers and mates held a 12-team, 16-round, full-point PPR draft that required every staff to area a beginning lineup with one quarterback, two operating backs, three vast receivers, two flex spots (RB/WR/TE), and one tight finish. A kicker or a protection was not required for the needs of this specific mock draft.
The contributors included me, Isaiah De Los Santos, Brian Giuffra, Richard Louis, Iain MacMillan, Devon Platana, Christopher Schad, Jason Schandl, Joseph Summers, Lindsay Rhodes of Sumer Sports activities, Jen Piacenti of Shark Bets, and Bob Harris of FootballGuys.
Under are the person methods for every of the aforementioned 12 managers of this 16-round mock. Yow will discover the entire outcomes of all the draft (all 192 picks) right here. The breakdown of every supervisor’s evaluation is so as of the particular mock draft.
Take pleasure in!
Draft Technique: The run on vast receivers within the 1st spherical (9 of 12 picks!!) made it potential for me to get two high-end operating backs early, so I jumped on the likelihood to do this. I thought of going wideout within the third and 4th rounds, however felt like the worth was higher to seize Lamar Jackson and George Kittle (the final of the highest 3 tight ends on my checklist). Whereas I really like my first 4 picks, they put me behind the 8-ball at wideout, so my technique was to seize a handful of receivers who could possibly be the highest targets of their offense (plus a couple of others for depth.) Mark Andrews is a strong flex play, and I like the thought of grabbing rookie backs who I believe have paths to alternatives of their respective backfields late as dart throws.
Favourite Choose: Bucky Irving, RB, Buccaneers — I’ve Irving in my high tier of six operating backs I believe have a great shot at ending as the general RB1 subsequent season. He averaged 23.4 ppg down the stretch final 12 months (if you happen to take out the sport he left early with an damage.) I really like the worth of getting him (to pair with Saquon Barkley) on the finish of the second spherical.
Least Favourite Choose: Marvin Mims Jr. WR. Broncos — I’ve been an enormous Mims Jr. supporter for the final two years, however his utilization has been sporadic, and manufacturing has been minimal. The ultimate two video games of final 12 months have been nice, however I’m unsure how rookie Pat Bryant impacts his alternatives. With that stated, he was a late decide and there may be some upside. Aso, I wanted vast receivers choices since I waited so lengthy to seize gamers at that place within the draft.
Draft Technique: My big-picture technique is all the time the identical in drafts: Quantity is the important thing to fantasy manufacturing, and it was my focus right here. After touchdown Ja’Marr Chase — the No. 1 participant on my rankings this 12 months — with the second decide total, I secured operating backs in Jonathan Taylor and Kyren Williams who profit from heavy workloads on the two-three flip. I carried that by with all my beginning positions, particularly my subsequent two wideouts (DJ Moore, Courtland Sutton). I additionally landed a strong veteran tight finish in Evan Engram.
Favourite Choose: Adam Thielen, WR, Panthers — I used to be thrilled to see Thielen fall to me in Spherical 13. Regardless of lacking a number of video games resulting from a hamstring damage, the veteran wideout completed final season with 48 receptions for 615 yards with 5 touchdowns. From Weeks 12 by 18, Thielen was WR12 as Bryce Younger hit his stride underneath first-year coach Dave Canales. Bear in mind, Thielen additionally caught 103 passes for 1,014 yards with 4 touchdowns to complete as fantasy’s WR18 throughout Younger’s depressing rookie season in 2023.
Least Favourite Choose: Bo Nix, QB, Broncos — I really love Nix and was fairly happy to land him in Spherical 6, one spherical after I secured his high receiver, Sutton. However I knew when Jonnu Smith went two picks forward of Nix, it left Evan Engram as the highest tight finish in my rankings. It is by no means my need to have three items of the identical passing assault. Unhealthy days for Nix may nerf this squad any given week, which clearly isn’t a perfect state of affairs.
Draft Technique: The extra issues change, the extra they keep the identical! My focus stays on getting one of the best obtainable gamers at operating again and vast receiver within the first 5 to seven rounds and wait on a quarterback till the later rounds. One factor that did change for me on this mock, nevertheless, was the number of Brock Bowers in Spherical 3. I virtually by no means decide a decent finish earlier than the sixth spherical, however I preferred Bowers higher than anybody else on my board. It was a great check to see if I may land an elite tight finish and nonetheless fulfill my wants on the different offensive talent positions. In my thoughts, I used to be nonetheless ready to do this … although I did find yourself taking three rookie runners (Quinshon Judkins, RJ Harvey, Kaleb Johnson) and a rookie tight finish in Colston Loveland. General, I would definitely go confidently into battle with this staff.
Favourite Choose: Cedric Tillman, WR, Browns — I used to be an enormous fan of Tillman final season, and he was placing up robust totals earlier than getting damage. He’ll enter camp again at 100% and second on the vast receiver depth chart in Cleveland behind Jerry Jeudy, and there’s a great likelihood the Browns will likely be behind usually and throwing the ball a bunch. If I’m unsuitable on Tillman, he solely price me a thirteenth spherical decide. But when I’m proper, he could possibly be an actual draft steal.
Least Favourite Choose: DK Metcalf, WR, Steelers – Metcalf is in line to probably get a ton of targets within the Steelers offense after the staff traded George Pickens to Dallas. That’s the excellent news. The dangerous information is that, at this level, Metcalf will likely be catching passes from Mason Rudolph. That makes Metcalf a little bit of a danger because the WR2 on this roster. If Pittsburgh is ready to land Aaron Rodgers, nevertheless, then I’ll be liking getting Metcalf in Spherical 4 an entire lot extra.
Draft Technique: In a full level PPR league, my draft technique is to go operating again heavy within the early rounds, concentrating on those that are used each within the operating and within the passing video games to benefit from the PPR scoring system. I really feel I did that with Jahmyr Gibbs and Christian McCaffrey. Banking on McCaffrey to have a bounce again season after struggling an damage final 12 months is dangerous, however I used to be capable of draft Isaac Guerendo in a later spherical in case McCaffrey’s damage points persist. I used to be capable of nonetheless get a top-talent vast receiver in spherical three in Mike Evans after which an elite passing quarterback in Joe Burrow in Spherical 4. My late-draft technique was to focus on rookies and breakout candidates like Xavier Legette, Tre Harris, Jack Bech, and Michael Penix Jr. These are gamers who probably have excessive ceilings.
Favourite Choose: Jonnu Smith, TE, Dolphins — I used to be capable of choose Smith within the sixth spherical because the seventh tight finish off the board. Individuals are fast to neglect the season the Dolphins’ tight finish had in 2024. He has the fourth-best fantasy tight finish final season behind Brock Bowers, George Kittle, and Trey McBride, and that was after having a quiet first half of the season. If Smith can carry that momentum and stretch that degree of play by all the 2025 season, he’ll as soon as once more be one of many high fantasy tight ends within the league.
Least Favourite Choose: Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings — I wanted one other vast receiver within the fifth spherical and DeVonta Smith, who I needed, was chosen by Fabs proper earlier than my decide. Whereas Addison has excessive ceiling video games, he is a transparent No. 2 possibility at greatest in Minnesota behind Justin Jefferson. There’s additionally an enormous query mark at quarterback in J.J. McCarthy. If I may change one decide, I might’ve gone for a extra constant receiver at this level within the draft.
Draft Technique: The most important lesson I took from my horrible 2024 fantasy season was a scarcity of dangers and upside selections in favor of older veterans. In my first mock of 2025, I believe I struck a a lot better stability. Ladd McConkey, Jameson Williams and Omarion Hampton are younger starters in my projected lineup with clear potential to be even higher after robust seasons, or to hit the bottom operating as a rookie within the latter’s case. I additionally snagged a Kyle Pitts lottery ticket to go together with a couple of safer choices in CeeDee Lamb and James Cook dinner. They need to each be top-10 fantasy gamers at their positions in PPR leagues as soon as once more.
Favourite Choose: Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, Commanders — I’m taking Samuel Sr. if he falls to the eighth spherical each time. He’s just one season faraway from a WR15 end in PPR, and he’s now on a staff that actively sought him out, which foreshadows a transparent plan to make the most of his skills. Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown left 104 targets behind after their respective exits, whereas Noah Brown (who has targets to spare after 56 in 2024) is the staff’s third-best wideout. Throw in the potential for some speeding work behind Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler, and Samuel’s an apparent bounce-back candidate in an electrical offense.
Least Favourite Choose: Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jaguars: I didn’t be ok with stopping Etienne Jr.’s fall, then I talked myself into it contemplating he was as soon as PPR’s RB3 in 2023. Now, I’m again to having purchaser’s regret. The Jaguars’ backfield is a basic fantasy land mine ready to punish anybody who dares to check their luck with Etienne Jr. with Tank Bigsby and rookie fourth-round decide Bhayshul Tuten now within the combine. Taking Najee Harris to pair with Hampton and maximize possession of the Chargers’ run-heavy assault, and even Jaydon Blue, who may simply grow to be the Cowboys’ beginning again, seemingly would’ve been wiser selections in hindsight.
Draft Technique: Going into the draft, I needed to focus on vast receivers and operating backs early. Holding the seventh total decide, three backs and three wideouts went in entrance of me. I used to be capable of snag Amon Ra. St. Brown with my first choice, and it acquired me pumped. He’s gone over 1,200 receiving yards and 10-plus touchdowns in two consecutive years. Though Ben Johnson is now not there, St. Brown would be the point of interest of the passing assault.
Favourite Choose: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Cardinals — I’m totally anticipating Harrison Jr. to take a leap in his sophomore marketing campaign. He has placed on some weight and is prepared for the damage and tear of a 17-game season. As a rookie, he was second on the staff in catches (62), targets (116), and receiving yards (885) whereas main the staff in touchdowns (8). With one other 12 months of getting snug with the NFL sport and persevering with to construct chemistry with Kyler Murray, I count on Harrison Jr. to eclipse 1,000 yards and flirt with double-digit touchdowns.
Least Favourite Choose: Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Vikings — I’m not sometimes a fan of operating backs over 30 years previous. Though Jones Sr. had a great first 12 months in Minnesota, which noticed him log 1,138 speeding yards, 408 receiving yards, and 7 whole touchdowns, I’m anticipating him to take a step again. With J.J. McCarthy slated to be the starter, he must show to defenses that he can push the ball downfield to allow them to lighten the load within the field. Till that’s confirmed, groups will look to decelerate the run sport, which doesn’t bode nicely for Jones. Minnesota additionally added Jordan Mason, who will take reps from Jones Sr.. He’ll additionally flip 31 years in December, and Kevin O’Connell might look to maintain Jones’ legs contemporary over the course of the season.
Draft Technique: My total thought was to go heavy at both operating again or vast receiver, relying on who fell to me with the eighth decide. When all of the runners went early, I knew I used to be going wideout. I hoped Amon-Ra St. Brown would someway fall to eight, however I am proud of Nico Collins, a participant who I believe hasn’t reached his ceiling but. After that, I used to be drafting for power at receiver, a place that may be onerous to search out alphas in later rounds.
Favourite Choose: Brian Robinson Jr,, RB, Commanders — Jayden Daniels raised Robinson’s ceiling final 12 months, and I do not assume Austin Ekeler will likely be as efficient this 12 months as he was final. Behind him is just a rookie in Jacory Croskey-Merritt and veteran Jeremy McNichols. I may see Robinson Jr. controlling the backfield touches and ending with round 1,200 all-purpose yards and round 10 whole touchdowns in 2025, particularly in a contract 12 months.
Least Favourite Choose: Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Giants — I am a Giants fan and Tracy seemed good final 12 months. Nevertheless, he had some fumbling points and was ineffective in short-yard conditions. Enter rookie Cam Skattebo, a bruiser who will definitely steal some touches from Tracy on the aim line. In the end, I am hoping I hit on considered one of my late-round operating backs to make up for the issues I’ve about Tracy Jr. within the Giants offense this season.
Draft Technique: This being my first draft of the offseason, I attempted to really feel issues out and let the draft come to me quite than making any daring stands — this additionally means my staff might be missing upside. The truth that I didn’t land my first operating again till Spherical 5 is one thing I am very happy to do in August, however in Could that is quite a bit harder a scenario — the nice Zero-RB targets are quite a bit much less clear once we do not know what depth charts are wanting like. Nonetheless, I am blissful sufficient with the worth I landed within the draft alongside the best way.
Favourite Choose: Jared Goff, QB, Lions — This is not a lot about Goff himself, however what that decide allowed for me. I used to be capable of land him because the No. 11 quarterback off the board, so I acquired sufficient early and mid-round cracks at operating again and wideout that I can abdomen having much less upside on my late-round picks. Goff has been QB7 and QB6 over the past two seasons, and there is not a lot purpose to imagine he will not return first rate worth at this spot once more.
Least Favourite Choose: Chris Olave/Rashid Shaheed, WRs, Saints: The New Orleans Saints’ passing sport is not precisely one you are going to be ok with doubling down on this 12 months. Likelihood is good that a minimum of considered one of these two picks will flop, and there is a actual chance each do. However hey, perhaps rookie quarterback Tyler Shough would be the actual deal in Yr 1.
Draft Technique: Each time I draft between picks 10-12, I attempt to go away the primary 5 rounds with a minimum of a pair of wideouts and operating backs. I had Malik Nabers final season, so I had no points with taking him within the first spherical. I used to be additionally blissful to care for my operating again wants within the following three rounds. I might normally go quarterback in Spherical 6 or 7 at that time, however I felt snug suspending that when I spotted principally everybody had glad their signal-caller wants by then, permitting me to bolster my wideout and backfield depth.
Favourite Choose: Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers — I do not assume I’ve ever waited till the 14th spherical to draft my quarterback, so I used to be relieved to see my persistence repay within the type of Purdy. Though he completed because the QB14 final 12 months, lots of that needed to do with accidents to guys like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk throughout the 49ers’ offense. Purdy must also profit from a 2025 schedule that’s full of loads of passer-friendly matchups.
Least Favourite Choose: Joe Mixon, RB, Texans — Though he had a strong 2024 efficiency, I am not fully offered on Mixon’s outlook this season. The Texans’ offensive line underwent a number of modifications this offseason, so it stays to be seen if the new-look unit gels nicely collectively. High quality operating backs have been restricted at this level too and I felt like I did not have many different choices. Nevertheless, Alvin Kamara would’ve been a good alternate decide.
Draft Technique: I needed to go “Zero RB,” however generally you’ll be able to go an excessive amount of “zero” and never sufficient “RB.” After whiffing on Christian McCaffrey with my first 12 months’s decide in final 12 months’s draft, I went protected with A.J. Brown and Tyreek Hill. I tripled down with Terry McLaurin however I valued touchdowns over receptions in a PPR league by going David Montgomery and Jordan Mason. The remainder of the draft I went for guys who have been an damage away from a beginning position or guys I assumed had upside. The aim is to get a strong beginning lineup, have upside on the bench and take guys late that beat everybody to the waiver wire early within the season.
Favourite Choose: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Vikings — I’m actually excessive on McCarthy this season, and never as a result of I’m a romantic Vikings fan. Right now a 12 months in the past, we have been questioning if Sam Darnold may exchange Kirk Cousins. The reply was a powerful “sure” as a result of he was throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. That pass-catching group will get higher as T.J. Hockenson is totally wholesome and the Vikings made the infrastructure even higher with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason within the backfield and an overhaul on the inside of the offensive line. Combine in a gradual drumbeat coming from Minnesota that didn’t embody Aaron Rodgers, and I believe McCarthy can hit the 4,000-yard, 30-touchdown mark that Cousins and Darnold have hit prior to now. For a late-round quarterback, that’s definitely worth the danger.
Least Favourite Choose: Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles – I’ve acquired to confess, I used to be a prisoner of the second right here. The Tush Push ban failed hours earlier than we did this mock draft, and I knew that Hurts has 42 speeding touchdowns for the reason that Eagles began operating that play in 2022. Josh Allen has 37 touchdowns throughout that timeframe, however no different quarterback has greater than 20. Even when the Eagles don’t throw the soccer as a lot with Saquon Barkley within the backfield, Hurts’ speeding success makes him a protected decide. And whereas I like pairing Hurts with Brown, there have been a slew starting-caliber quarterbacks nonetheless on the board late within the draft. In a league that requires only one quarterback on the place, I want I waited somewhat longer.
Draft Technique: I needed to get two operating backs and two vast receivers within the first 5 rounds, which I used to be capable of accomplish. My plan was additionally to attend on a quarterback since I believe there are many undervalued signal-callers going late in fantasy drafts. I’d quite use two to 3 late picks on the place and follow whoever finally ends up taking part in one of the best. I used to be additionally capable of get a decent finish within the first 5, and one I believe it being undervalued in TJ Hockenson. I loaded up on vast receivers between Rounds 6-10 after which began to again up my operating again, tight finish and quarterback positions within the draft after that.
Favourite Choose: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks — I grabbed Walker III somewhat forward of ADP, however I didn’t need to danger that he wouldn’t get again to me. I’m excessive on him this season, as he’s arrange for main success in Seattle with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Throughout his two seasons as an OC (Vikings, Saints), Kubiak’s offenses averaged 446 rush makes an attempt and 128 operating again targets. Kubiak has already said he’s enthusiastic about Walker III in his zone scheme, and so long as Walker stays wholesome, he ought to simply surpass his ADP. Walker caught a career-high 46 passes and completed because the RB13 on a per sport foundation in PPR leagues in 2024, and he’s solely 24 years previous. I additionally handcuffed him with Zach Charbonnet, who has confirmed he can be a fantasy stud when given the chance.
Least Favourite Choose: Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers — I am unable to cease fascinated about how good Godwin was earlier than he acquired injured final season. A wholesome Godwin within the slot with Baker Mayfield underneath heart can be very best, however there may be some danger concerned. This seems like a wideout lifeless zone within the early drafts I’ve executed, although once I return and have a look at the board, I’m unsure there’s one other place that’s a lot better on the finish of Spherical 6.