Top Early-Round Fantasy Football Draft Picks to Target

The 2025 NFL regular season is less than two weeks away, meaning everyone is knee deep in draft season. However, there is always time for another mock draft, and everyone knows the best way to do that is with the FantasyPros Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator. Here are a few of our favorite picks from this recent fantasy football mock draft.

Fantasy Football Draft Picks to Target

Pick 1.02 – Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)

Bijan Robinson is a clear-cut top-two pick in all 1QB drafts this year, regardless of the scoring format. Last season, he was the RB3, averaging 20.1 PPR fantasy points per game. However, the former Texas star was outstanding with Michael Penix Jr. under center, averaging 24.7 touches for 124.7 scrimmage yards, two touchdowns, and 26.8 fantasy points per game over the final three weeks, scoring two touchdowns and 24.3 or more fantasy points in every outing.

Pick 2.09 – Chase Brown (RB – CIN)

Despite doing their homework on the rookie class, Cincinnati waited until the sixth round to draft Tahj Brooks. Therefore, Chase Brown will have a featured role again in 2025. Last year, he was the RB6 from Week 4 through Week 17, averaging 20.3 touches and 18.3 PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Brown had the same route participation rate (46.6%) as Jahmyr Gibbs and a higher target per route run rate (20% vs. 15%) than Saquon Barkley (per Fantasy Points Data).

Pick 3.02 – Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)

The Colts will have one of the worst passing attacks in the NFL this season. However, that means Jonathan Taylor should see over 300 rushing attempts for the second consecutive year. The former Wisconsin star averaged more PPR fantasy points per game (17.6) than multiple running backs with a higher ADP, including Bucky Irving (14.4). Furthermore, Taylor ended last season on fire, averaging 173.3 rushing yards and 30.8 fantasy points per game over the final three weeks.

Pick 4.09 – Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)

While Joe Burrow has more fantasy value in a six-point per passing touchdown league, the superstar is still a top-five quarterback in four-point per passing touchdown leagues. Last year, he was the QB3, averaging 21.9 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Burrow led the NFL with 43 passing touchdowns, a career-high. He has had at least 34 passing touchdowns in his past three healthy seasons. The Bengals’ defense might be the worst in the NFL, forcing Burrow to throw like crazy to keep Cincinnati in games.