How to Draft From the First Overall Pick in Fantasy Football: 12-Team PPR Mock Draft

Picking from the first overall spot definitely has its advantages, as you are getting the best player in the draft. But waiting those next 23 picks often feels like an eternity. Additionally, picking back-to-back means you must take players a bit earlier than you might like because you know that there’s a great chance that they will be gone by the next time you pick.

Let’s take a close look at a mock draft I did from the first spot using our Mock Draft Simulator. This was a Full-PPR 12-team draft, with starting lineups of one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one FLEX, one K and one defense. In a mock draft like this, I will always take one QB, two RBs, two WRs and one TE to fill out my bench. You can check out my full draft board here.

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First Overall Pick Mock Draft Analysis

Round 1 (1.01): WR Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Do not question this pick. Jefferson is the best player on the board, and I am not sure it’s even close. 

Round 2 (2.12): QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

I normally don’t take a QB this early, but pairing the best fantasy WR in the game with arguably the first or second-best QB seems like a recipe for success.

Round 3 (3.01): WR DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

Getting a QB/WR stack is a smart way to draft. Getting it with Hurts and Smith at the end of the second round might make me look like a genius.

Round 4 (4.12): WR D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears

I doubt he scores 10 TDs or has a game with more than eight receptions, but he is the clear WR1 in Chicago.

Round 5 (5.01): RB Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I think White averages 15 in a PPR format without finding the end zone. The weeks that he does, he’s a 20+ player.

Round 6 (6.12): RB Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos

With Jerry Jeudy out to start the season with a hamstring issue, Williams will be counted on more than anticipated to be an outlet out of the backfield for Russell Wilson.

Round  7 (7.01): RB James Cook, Buffalo Bills

No way am I letting anyone else in my league get Cook. The breakout is coming.

Round 8 (8.12): WR Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Thomas is back and healthy and should be a target monster in this offense.

Round 9 (9.01): RB Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders

He’s underrated as a receiver and Washington is going to try to give him 15-20 touches per game. Plus, he’s their man on the goal line.

Round 10 (10.12): QB Daniel Jones, New York Giants

I don’t normally take a second QB this early, but I could not let Jones remain available. His upside is too great and I need to make sure that the rest of the league does not benefit.

Round 11 (11.01): RB Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars

Bigsby’s fumble this past weekend was all over social media. I hope all my league mates see it and downgrade him on their draft boards so I can get him.

Round 12 (12.12): TE Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

The rookie is already the Lions' new TE1 and looking great in practice.

Round 13 (13.01): TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

Johnson has a way of scoring two TDs one week and disappearing the next. If he can develop consistency he could blow up.

Round 14 (14.12): K Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens

Tucker is the best kicker in NFL history.

Round 15 (15.01): Miami Dolphins Defense

They have a Week 10 Bye and are aggressive. I expect more sacks this season too.

Round 16 (16.12): WR Jonathan Mingo, Carolina Panthers

A Panthers insider I spoke with thinks that Mingo could be in line for 50+ receptions as a rookie.

Final 12-Team PPR Mock Draft Analysis

I really like how this team turned out with one major exception: I should have passed on Daniel Jones and taken another wide receiver at that pick. I didn’t need Jones and I really took him not to let anyone else get him. While it’s important to play defense, playing offense is what wins fantasy championships! All in all this is an example of a great, balanced roster that can be built from the first overall pick.