It’s never too early to start pumping out fantasy football mock drafts. In past years, you might’ve hit on Zero RB, Robust RB, or a safer, more balanced strategy. Last year saw an unusual number of wide receiver injuries, so if you loaded up on running backs early, you probably did well. Still, you don’t want to force a strategy. Play the board based on how your draft unfolds.
Assuming this is a 12-team, 1QB, PPR league with a starting lineup of 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex, and no kickers or defenses, here’s how your draft could look from the No. 4 spot.
1.04) Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
I expect this to be a common pick if Jahmyr Gibbs is still there. There’ll be hesitation from some fantasy managers after the Detroit Lions lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and center Frank Ragnow, so Gibbs might fall closer to the middle of Round 1. But I won’t hesitate.
RB Leaders by Explosive Run Percentage (2024)
1. Jahmyr Gibbs (10.0%) 2. Derrick Henry (7.7%) 3. Saquon Barkley (7.2%) 4. James Conner (6.8%) 5. Bucky Irving (6.8%) … 26. David Montgomery (2.7%) 27. Kyren Williams (1.9%) pic.twitter.com/sE1JoCnURk
— Fantasy Points Data (@FantasyPtsData) June 10, 2025
Now entering his third year, Gibbs might be more of a focal point than ever. Other options here were Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb, but if I get the chance to land an elite RB, I’m taking it. Only Ja’Marr Chase would make me change my mind.
Starting with a running back gives you flexibility later in 1QB leagues. It was tough seeing Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson already off the board, but Gibbs is still my favorite choice in that range.
2.09) Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
I like to land a player from a strong offensive mind like Sean McVay, and that’s what you get with Kyren Williams. He’s been a workhorse the last two years, yet still doesn’t get the love he deserves in fantasy drafts.
I passed on Malik Nabers and A.J. Brown here. Both would’ve brought balance and top-tier WR upside. It wasn’t easy, but I leaned on the safer path and opted for the Los Angeles Rams’ backfield over the New York Giants’ QB mystery.
3.04) Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
I needed a wide receiver and took the best available. Terry McLaurin felt like the right pick.
There was a little regret seeing James Cook on the board (he could’ve been my RB2 had I gone WR earlier), but I still felt good about landing McLaurin.
Terry McLaurin’s opening 5 seasons: 11 redzone TDs
Terry McLaurin’s 2024 season: 10 redzone TDs pic.twitter.com/LKsXpnWnnp
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) June 10, 2025
He finally delivered the breakout season we’ve been waiting for and now enters Year 2 with Jayden Daniels and a familiar offense under Kliff Kingsbury.
4.09) Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
I usually avoid going quarterbacks early in 1QB formats, but this one made sense. Daniels was the last of the elite rushing QBs on the board, and I liked pairing him with McLaurin.
Chuba Hubbard and Trey McBride were tempting here. I’m high on Hubbard, but I didn’t need him at the time. McBride might’ve been a better value given the drop-off at tight end after him. Still, Daniels was too good to pass on; he raises my floor and gives me a strong stack.
5.04) Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers
Like I said, I didn’t expect Hubbard to fall. I wasn’t at the turn, so I lucked out. He gives me RB3/Flex flexibility and lets me hammer WR the rest of the way.
6.09) Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers
We finally address WR2. Jayden Reed isn’t the safest pick, but he’s got youth, a good offense, and flashed last year.
If we survive the early stretch, we might hit big. Matthew Golden’s arrival could scare people off Reed, but even if the former starts slow, Reed fills a different role and could see more red-zone targets.
7.04) Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
Some might say I’ve gone overboard with Washington Commanders players, but I liked Brian Robinson Jr.’s value here. He’s in a contract year, and I’m not worried about Austin Ekeler’s presence.
With better line play and another year in the same system, Robinson is a safe mid-round grab.
8.09) Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Now we hammer wide receiver. Jakobi Meyers isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable. Coming off his best season, he gets a QB upgrade with Geno Smith and limited target competition. With Brock Bowers drawing attention, Meyers could thrive in a steady role.
9.04) Stefon Diggs, WR, New England Patriots
This would’ve been a steal a couple years ago. Now? Not so much.
Nevertheless, this late, Stefon Diggs is worth a shot. If he connects with Drake Maye, he could be a sneaky value. If not, you cut bait early. It’s a low-risk play with a possible payout.
10.09) Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
I passed on McBride earlier, so I had to wade through the TE pool. Dalton Kincaid is a young player tied to Josh Allen, and that’s a fine dart throw. The Buffalo Bills say Kincaid played hurt last year, so maybe there’s a breakout coming.
11.04) Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
This is a dart throw. Cam Skattebo could be stuck in a timeshare or behind Tyrone Tracy Jr. entirely. But he’s got goal-line appeal and might win the job. As my RB5, he’s worth stashing to see what happens.
12.09) Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers
One more swing at TE. Kraft could start the season for me over Kincaid, and I’d be fine with that. He flashed last year and now gets another shot in Year 3. With eyes on Golden, Kraft might quietly be the Green Bay Packers’ most consistent target.
