Have you taken part in any fantasy football mock drafts? They provide you an opportunity to experiment with different draft strategies and positions. This 2021 Fantasy Football Mock Draft setup was a 12-team half-PPR league with 18 rounds. The roster requirements were 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex, 1 K, and 1 DST. Let’s dive into some of my observations as we head into the final week of draft season.
2021 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Early-round selections
It is important to use the early rounds to build a solid foundation for your fantasy football team.
For analysis on the players listed below, be sure to check out our fantasy football player profiles and cheat sheet.
Rounds 1-2
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
1-2
|
Christian McCaffrey RB – CAR |
Dalvin Cook RB – MIN |
Alvin Kamara RB – NO |
Derrick Henry RB – TEN |
Davante Adams WR – GB |
Ezekiel Elliott RB – DAL |
| Darren Waller TE – LV |
Patrick Mahomes QB – KC |
DK Metcalf WR – SEA |
A.J. Brown WR – TEN |
Justin Jefferson WR – MIN |
Calvin Ridley WR – ATL |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| Jonathan Taylor RB – IND |
Aaron Jones RB – GB |
Tyreek Hill WR – KC |
Saquon Barkley RB – NYG |
Austin Ekeler RB – LAC |
Antonio Gibson RB – WAS |
|
| Najee Harris RB – PIT |
DeAndre Hopkins WR – ARI |
Stefon Diggs WR – BUF |
Nick Chubb RB – CLE |
Travis Kelce TE – KC |
Joe Mixon RB – CIN |
Wide receiver Davante Adams’ average draft position (ADP) has risen now that fantasy managers know quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be under center in 2021. As a reminder, Adams has averaged 22 PPR fantasy points per game since 2018.
It was interesting to see Austin Ekeler and Antonio Gibson be selected at the tail end of the first round. Both players are in great offensive situations where they have a good chance to outperform their respective ADPs.
Saquon Barkley continues to divide fantasy managers. I’m not concerned about his knee injury from last season. Barkley has averaged 22.6 opportunities and 21 PPR fantasy points per game since his rookie season in 2018.
Another underrated running back in drafts is Joe Mixon. He averaged 24.2 opportunities, 94.3 total yards, and 17 PPR fantasy points per game in six active games before his foot injury in 2020. Now, Mixon is reunited with running backs coach and run-game coordinator Frank Pollack. He had the best statistical season of his career when Pollack was with the Bengals in 2018.
If you miss out on elite tight end Travis Kelce, then you should prioritize Darren Waller. He led the Raiders in targets (146), receptions (107), receiving yards (1,195), and touchdowns (9).
Rounds 3-4
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
3-4
|
Keenan Allen WR – LAC |
George Kittle TE – SF |
Allen Robinson WR – CHI |
Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB – KC |
Terry McLaurin WR – WAS |
David Montgomery RB – CHI |
| Tee Higgins WR – CIN |
Josh Jacobs RB – LV |
Miles Sanders RB – PHI |
DJ Moore WR – CAR |
Diontae Johnson WR – PIT |
Tyler Lockett WR – SEA |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| CeeDee Lamb WR – DAL |
Julio Jones WR – TEN |
Josh Allen QB – BUF |
Mike Evans WR – TB |
James Robinson RB – JAX |
Robert Woods WR – LAR |
|
| Adam Thielen WR – MIN |
D’Andre Swift RB – DET |
Chris Carson RB – SEA |
Chris Godwin WR – TB |
Cooper Kupp WR – LAR |
Amari Cooper WR – DAL |
Jaguars running back James Robinson has seen a steady rise after Travis Etienne’s season-ending Lisfranc injury. Last season, Robinson averaged 21.4 opportunities and 18 PPR fantasy ppg in a featured role.
Allen Robinson, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and David Montgomery are my favorite targets in Round 3 of drafts. Robinson has averaged 9 targets and 15 PPR fantasy ppg since joining the Bears in 2018. He has the opportunity to have a significant upgrade at quarterback with the arrival of rookie Justin Fields. While Chris Carson continues to be underrated, since 2018, he’s averaged 19 opportunities and 15.5 PPR fantasy points per game.
Rounds 5-6
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
5-6
|
Brandon Aiyuk WR – SF |
Chase Claypool WR – PIT |
Kyler Murray QB – ARI |
Robby Anderson WR – CAR |
Mike Davis RB – ATL |
JuJu Smith-Schuster WR – PIT |
| Dak Prescott QB – DAL |
Brandin Cooks WR – HOU |
T.J. Hockenson TE – DET |
Antonio Brown WR – TB |
Gus Edwards RB – BAL |
Courtland Sutton WR – DEN |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| Ja’Marr Chase WR – CIN |
Mark Andrews TE – BAL |
Myles Gaskin RB – MIA |
Kyle Pitts TE – ATL |
Jerry Jeudy WR – DEN |
Darrell Henderson RB – LAR |
|
| DeVonta Smith WR – PHI |
D.J. Chark WR – JAX |
Kenny Golladay WR – NYG |
Lamar Jackson QB – BAL |
Michael Thomas WR – NO |
Odell Beckham Jr. WR – CLE |
Mike Davis carries more risk than he did a few weeks ago. Wayne Gallman signed with the Falcons after being released by the 49ers during final roster cuts. His presence could negatively impact Davis’ opportunity share this upcoming season. This preseason, Gallman totaled 153 rushing yards and averaged 4.5 yards per rushing attempt in three games. He filled in admirably for Barkley last season with the Giants.
Brandin Cooks continues to be a nice value for fantasy managers who prioritized the RB position in the early rounds. He enters this season as one of five active WRs to exceed 1,000 receiving yards in at least five seasons since 2015. Cooks has prospered with multiple quarterbacks.
Courtland Sutton, Kenny Golladay, and DeVonta Smith are also excellent receivers projected to see 100+ targets that you can prioritize in drafts.
Rounds 7-8
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
7-8
|
Kareem Hunt RB – CLE |
Michael Pittman WR – IND |
Tyler Boyd WR – CIN |
Javonte Williams RB – DEN |
Logan Thomas TE – WAS |
Aaron Rodgers QB – GB |
| Trey Sermon RB – SF |
Curtis Samuel WR – WAS |
Zack Moss RB – BUF |
Noah Fant TE – DEN |
Michael Carter RB – NYJ |
Damien Harris RB – NE |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| Russell Wilson QB – SEA |
Deebo Samuel WR – SF |
Chase Edmonds RB – ARI |
Jaylen Waddle WR – MIA |
Laviska Shenault WR – JAX |
Corey Davis WR – NYJ |
|
| Will Fuller WR – MIA |
Melvin Gordon RB – DEN |
Raheem Mostert RB – SF |
Jarvis Landry WR – CLE |
Justin Herbert QB – LAC |
Jonnu Smith TE – NE |
Last year, Logan Thomas caught 72 of 110 targets for 670 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns on 74% of offensive snaps. He finished as a TE1 in 56% of his games in PPR formats and will play in the same offense for a second season for the first time in his NFL career. Thomas will also be catching passes from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. If you miss out on some of the top-tier tight ends like Kelce, Waller, or Kittle earlier in your draft, then you should pivot to Thomas.
The Patriots open the season with rookie Mac Jones as the starting quarterback. This provides running back Damien Harris with an even higher ceiling. Now, he won’t have to worry about Cam Newton siphoning away rushing attempts. Harris got off to a slow start in 2020 because of an ankle injury. In 10 games played, he averaged nearly 14 rushing attempts and 69 rushing yards per game. Rookie Rhamondre Stevenson’s marvelous preseason resulted in Sony Michel being expendable, but Harris is still the Patriots back to have on your roster.
Rounds 9-10
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
9-10
|
Nyheim Hines RB – IND |
Los Angeles Rams DST – LAR |
Mike Williams WR – LAC |
Ryan Tannehill QB – TEN |
Jamaal Williams RB – DET |
Marquez Callaway WR – NO |
| Elijah Moore WR – NYJ |
James Conner RB – ARI |
Devin Singletary RB – BUF |
David Johnson RB – HOU |
Jalen Hurts QB – PHI |
DeVante Parker WR – MIA |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| Michael Gallup WR – DAL |
Kenyan Drake RB – LV |
Cole Beasley WR – BUF |
Leonard Fournette RB – TB |
Ronald Jones RB – TB |
Tom Brady QB – TB |
|
| Marquise Brown WR – BAL |
Darnell Mooney WR – CHI |
Henry Ruggs WR – LV |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers DST – TB |
AJ Dillon RB – GB |
Marvin Jones WR – JAX |
Jamaal Williams and Kenyan Drake are solid RB3s who will see a larger opportunity share in 2021 than many fantasy managers expect.
Jalen Hurts averaged an astounding 26.3 fantasy ppg from Weeks 14 to 17 once he took over as the starting quarterback for the Eagles last season. He only played three quarters in Week 17 and finished as a QB1 in Weeks 14-16. His dual-threat ability provides him a high fantasy ceiling.
Fantasy Football Mock Draft: The importance of maximizing the later rounds
The double-digit rounds are great to identify sleepers or players who will outperform their ADP.
Rounds 11-12
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
11-12
|
Jakobi Meyers WR – NE |
T.Y. Hilton WR – IND |
Russell Gage WR – ATL |
Rondale Moore WR – ARI |
Giovani Bernard RB – TB |
Sony Michel RB – LAR |
| Latavius Murray RB – NO |
Tarik Cohen RB – CHI |
Alexander Mattison RB – MIN |
Kenneth Gainwell RB – PHI |
Tevin Coleman RB – NYJ |
Tyler Higbee TE – LAR |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| Tony Pollard RB – DAL |
Matthew Stafford QB – LAR |
Robert Tonyan TE – GB |
Phillip Lindsay RB – HOU |
Mecole Hardman WR – KC |
J.D. McKissic RB – WAS |
|
| Dallas Goedert TE – PHI |
James White RB – NE |
Washington Football Team DST – WAS |
Rashod Bateman WR – BAL |
Pittsburgh Steelers DST – PIT |
Gabriel Davis WR – BUF |
Multiple reports have mentioned that Jakobi Meyers has been the Patriots’ most reliable and consistent receiver in training camp, picking up right where he left off last season. Meyers led New England in targets (81), receptions (59), and receiving yards (729). He also had the second-most receiving air yards (826) in 2021.
Rounds 13-14
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
13-14
|
Joe Burrow QB – CIN |
Sterling Shepard WR – NYG |
Mike Gesicki TE – MIA |
Amon-Ra St. Brown WR – DET |
Bryan Edwards WR – LV |
Hunter Henry TE – NE |
| Jalen Reagor WR – PHI |
Todd Gurley RB – FA |
Emmanuel Sanders WR – BUF |
Marlon Mack RB – IND |
Carlos Hyde RB – JAX |
Ty’Son Williams RB – BAL |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| Baltimore Ravens DST – BAL |
Nelson Agholor WR – NE |
Rhamondre Stevenson RB – NE |
Randall Cobb WR – GB |
Trey Lance QB – SF |
Salvon Ahmed RB – MIA |
|
| Rashaad Penny RB – SEA |
New Orleans Saints DST – NO |
Jared Cook TE – LAC |
Chuba Hubbard RB – CAR |
Terrace Marshall Jr. WR – CAR |
Jamison Crowder WR – NYJ |
Rounds 15-16
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
15-16
|
Parris Campbell WR – IND |
A.J. Green WR – ARI |
Matt Ryan QB – ATL |
John Brown WR – FA |
Tyrell Williams WR – DET |
Trevor Lawrence QB – JAX |
| Indianapolis Colts DST – IND |
Darrel Williams RB – KC |
Buffalo Bills DST – BUF |
Larry Rountree RB – LAC |
Malcolm Brown RB – MIA |
San Francisco 49ers DST – SF |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| Evan Engram TE – NYG |
Justice Hill RB – BAL |
Mark Ingram RB – HOU |
Rob Gronkowski TE – TB |
Tony Jones RB – NO |
Wayne Gallman RB – ATL |
|
| Damien Williams RB – CHI |
Kadarius Toney WR – NYG |
Darius Slayton WR – NYG |
Baker Mayfield QB – CLE |
Christian Kirk WR – ARI |
Tre’Quan Smith WR – NO |
Rounds 17-18
| Rounds | Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 | Team 6 |
|
17-18
|
Justin Tucker K – BAL |
Gerald Everett TE – SEA |
Justin Jackson RB – LAC |
New England Patriots DST – NE |
Cleveland Browns DST – CLE |
Jerick McKinnon RB – KC |
| Cole Kmet TE – CHI |
Jason Myers K – SEA |
Jason Sanders K – MIA |
Wil Lutz K – NO |
Ryan Succop K – TB |
Greg Zuerlein K – DAL |
|
| Team 7 | Team 8 | Team 9 | Team 10 | Team 11 | Team 12 | |
| Kirk Cousins QB – MIN |
Darrynton Evans RB – TEN |
Boston Scott RB – PHI |
Sammy Watkins WR – BAL |
Devontae Booker RB – NYG |
Kansas City Chiefs DST – KC |
|
| Rodrigo Blankenship K – IND |
Marquez Valdes-Scantling WR – GB |
Daniel Carlson K – LV |
Tyler Bass K – BUF |
Younghoe Koo K – ATL |
Harrison Butker K – KC |
Closing Remarks
My recommendation is to take part in as many fantasy football mock drafts as possible in the short time remaining. You will get a much better feel for players’ ADP (average draft position), sleepers, late-round steals, and the chance to experiment with different draft strategies. It’s also important to start mock drafting in your league format.
Additionally, you should use all of the resources at Pro Football Network to conduct research and build personalized fantasy cheat sheets. Mock drafting won’t guarantee a fantasy football championship, but it’s better to learn your lessons in a mock instead of your live draft.
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