Fantasy football mock drafting in April gives us a chance to get a leg up on our competition. While they are either taking time away from football or focusing on baseball, we can test different strategies and pay closer attention to the ebbs and flows of average draft positions (ADPs).
I did a 12-team PPR mock draft where I drafted out of the second spot. This was a tough room for it being a mock as I was put into what I would describe as an uncomfortable position with my 2.11 selection. A few things stood out:
- Running backs flew off the board. By the time I was up in the second round, there wasn’t a running back I was comfortable taking.
- Quarterbacks went early and often, representing the shift in scoring to the passing game right now.
- Rooke ADPs are still fluid and will likely change by the beginning of May.
Let’s get to the picks, analysis and a consideration of who I also may have taken at that specific selection. If you want to see the entire draft results and draft board, here it is in all its glory. Here is my full pick-by-pick analysis. And below we dive into a few notable picks.
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 NFL Draft Guide
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
12-Team PPR Mock Draft
Pick 2.11 – Chris Olave (WR – NO
It is always a joy when you are put into an uncomfortable spot with your second pick but here we are. I was hoping a running back with a somewhat bankable workload would fall to this spot but I thought it was too early to take Rachaad White or Josh Jacobs, so I committed to stacking my receiving core. Olave was my favorite among a tier of receivers I liked but didn’t love. He’s coming off a season where he bettered his numbers across the board from his rookie year. I hope a full offseason with Derek Carr will vault him into WR1 territory. He makes a fine compliment to Lamb. Having two alpha receivers in the fold is a good outcome.
Also Considered: Mike Evans (WR – TB), Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)
Pick 5.02 – Trey McBride (TE – ARI)
I am a big fan of Trey McBride in 2024. He reeled in 81 passes on 106 targets for a TE8 finish in PPR leagues and he is just getting started. Arizona is slated to roll out Chris Moore and Greg Dortch at receiver. While they will almost certainly draft at least two rookies who will play immediately, McBride will easily be the most trusted option in the passing game. Could he make a giant leap in target share in 2024 and finish as a top-five tight end? I think so. His ability to win one-on-one versus linebackers and safeties in the red zone will benefit him.
Also Considered: Aaron Jones (RB – MIN), Kenneth Walker III (RB – SEA)
Pick 8.11 – Romeo Doubs (WR – GB) (WR – GB)
I want to try and get a piece of the Green Bay offense wherever I can. Romeo Doubs is one of the top options for Jordan Love and I expect big things in their second full year together. After garnering a team-best 96 targets and eight receiving touchdowns last year, Doubs should be in line for another big workload. The return of a healthy Christian Watson may dampen his outlook for some but I think this is a positive sign for Doubs as Watson is the field stretcher the Packers need. Slotting him into my Flex spot here means I need him to be his steady self with a few games where he pops.
Also Considered: Devin Singletary (RB – NYG), Mike Williams (WR – NYJ)
More Fantasy Football Draft Advice
- Erickson’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Fitz’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- DBro’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Hoppen’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
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Jason Kamlowsky is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JasonKamlowsky.