If you want to improve your skills as a fantasy football manager, participating in mock drafts is the way to go. Recently, 10 individuals from Yahoo engaged in a mock draft where they selected 150 players across 15 rounds. The draft followed specific rules, such as four-point passing touchdowns, half-point PPR scoring, and nine starting players each week.
The draft revealed some interesting trends, with running backs and wide receivers dominating the early rounds. The first two rounds exclusively featured these positions, with wide receivers making up 60% of the first round and running backs taking over in the second round. The managers experimented with different roster constructions, leading to a diverse selection of players.
One standout pick was Garrett Wilson from Ohio State, who was the first Buckeyes’ receiver selected in the draft. Wilson’s potential to thrive in his third season with quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm caught the attention of fantasy managers. Despite Wilson’s upside, rookie players were not highly sought after in this draft, with only 13 rookies selected, mostly in the later rounds.
When it came to quarterbacks, the draft revealed a lack of urgency in selecting the position early on. With a deep pool of talented quarterbacks available, managers felt comfortable waiting until the later rounds to secure their starter. This strategy paid off for many, as they were able to land top-tier quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Joe Burrow in the middle rounds.
One interesting selection was Anthony Richardson, chosen early in the draft as a speculative breakout quarterback. While Richardson’s dual-threat abilities are enticing, the cost of selecting him over more established quarterbacks raised some eyebrows. The draft highlighted the importance of balancing upside with proven performance when selecting players.
Lastly, the draft included kickers and defenses, but many managers opted to prioritize other positions in early-summer drafts. The waiver wire often provides viable options for these positions, making them less of a priority in the draft. Strategies for selecting defenses varied, with some managers targeting favorable matchups in the early weeks of the season.
Overall, the mock draft provided valuable insights into different drafting strategies and player evaluations. Each team’s unique selections and roster builds showcased the diversity of approaches in fantasy football. As the season approaches, fantasy managers can use these insights to refine their strategies and build competitive teams for the upcoming season.