2022 fantasy football mock draft: Josh Allen and Justin Herbert start this Superflex PPR draft

With the 2022 fantasy football season coming sharply into focus, mock drafts are becoming more and more important. Doing mock drafts allows you to see how things play out in real-time and mean you can stress test your battle plans ahead of your drafts.

To help you prepare, here at PFN, we’ve not only done our own mock, but we’ve analyzed every pick. By analyzing the entire mock draft, fantasy managers can see not only why we made decisions when we did but also how we built our teams from the ground up.

If you have any questions about this 2022 fantasy football mock draft, come on over to our PFN Discord server, where all our analysts are dropping in throughout the day to answer your questions.

2022 fantasy football mock draft | PPR Superflex

We kept the format of this 2022 fantasy mock draft fairly simple. With the increase in the popularity of both Superflex and PPR, we combined the two. Over the coming weeks, we will also be doing 1QB and non-PPR mocks, so if that’s your format, be sure to keep an eye out for those.

The starting lineup for this mock was: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, Superflex, and flex, with six bench spots. We chose to leave out D/ST and kickers as all four of our analysts are generally of the opinion you select both of those positions in the final two rounds. For more information on the philosophies behind drafting D/STs and kickers, sign up for our draft guide available through the PFN Pass.

The format of this mock saw four of our analysts each selecting for three different teams. Tommy Garrett (TG) had teams 1, 5, and 9. Jason Katz (JK) had teams 2, 6, and 10. Ian Wharton (IW) had teams 3, 7, and 11. Ben Rolfe (BR) had teams 4, 8, and 12.

The pick in parentheses from Round 2 onwards is the overall pick in the draft. 

Round 1

Pick 1: Josh Allen, QB, BUF

TG: Having the 1.01 is one of the easiest picks in the draft. In Superflex, Josh Allen should be the first pick in virtually every draft. The only player in NFL history to record multiple 400-point fantasy seasons, Allen could be on pace for his best season in 2022.

Pick 2: Justin Herbert, QB, LAC

JK: When picking at the front half of a Superflex, I’m always going quarterback. I went Justin Herbert over Lamar Jackson because Herbert is just a little bit safer and offers more stacking options. Herbert is coming off an overall QB2 finish and is still getting better. His ceiling is as high as anyone.

Pick 3: Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND

IW: I wanted to get my hero running back even at the cost of missing out on an elite quarterback. Jonathan Taylor is in for another massive season, even with Matt Ryan joining the Colts. Grabbing Taylor gives me flexibility for the rest of the draft.

Pick 4: Patrick Mahomes, QB, KC

BR: When it comes to an early pick in Superflex, it’s extremely difficult to pass up the consistency of Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ QB may not have lived up to the incredible standard he set in 2018, but he’s been a top-four QB option in each of the past two years. Mahomes is by no means an ironman, having missed three games in the past three years, but of the other options available at QB here, he comes with the best upside to risk balanced based on his playstyle.

Pick 5: Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL

TG: Picking from the fifth slot, my goal is just to come away with one of the top five quarterbacks. They are all in a relatively close tier once you get past Allen, and in this case, Lamar Jackson is available. I expect Baltimore to go back to a more run-focused offense, but we know Jackson is more than capable of operating this while putting up high-level fantasy production, thanks to his rushing upside.

Pick 6: Joe Burrow, QB, CIN

JK: In the top half of a Superflex league, it’s QB all the way for me. Joe Burrow runs one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and this team appears to only be getting better with their offseason acquisitions. Most importantly, the Bengals improved their offensive line, which will only benefit Burrow. Additionally, Burrow hasn’t even reached his peak yet, and the 20.5 ppg he averaged last year feels like his floor.

Pick 7: Kyler Murray, QB, ARI

IW: I had the chance to get an elite dual-threat quarterback, so this was a no-brainer. Kyler has the potential to be QB1 this year if he stays healthy. The only other similar upside still on the board was Jalen Hurts, but he didn’t even last until my next pick.

Pick 8: Christian McCaffrey, RB, CAR

BR: After the run on QBs just before this, it was tempting to continue that. However, the upside of Christian McCaffrey in a PPR format is so vast that it’s tough to pass up the chance to draft him. Of course, there’s a huge risk, but there feels like plenty of opportunities to mitigate that risk in the middle rounds.

The biggest concern with not going for a QB here is if every team then goes for two quarterbacks around the turn. That’s the risk you play with, but the drop-off in QBs here compared to the drop-off in RBs made it a solid risk to take.

Pick 9: Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR

TG: Picking later in the draft, I’m at the mercy of the other players and more inclined to go best player available (BPA) rather than force a position. In this case, since it is a PPR format, I’ll grab the WR1 for the season, Cooper Kupp. Although I don’t expect the Triple Crown winner of last year to repeat his performance, he still has 1,600-yard upside with 120 catches in his range of outcomes.

Pick 10: Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN

JK: When picking at the back end of a Superflex draft, it’s exponentially more difficult. Without one of the elite quarterbacks available, I took my pick to finish as the overall WR1 this season.

Justin Jefferson has been a top-six WR option for fantasy the last two years. He’s on the right path to being the best wide receiver in football and fantasy football. Let’s see how a draft plays out where I don’t double up on QB to start.

Pick 11: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, CIN

IW: Instead of going quarterback with my top two picks at the turn, I decided to grab the last elite receiver in Ja’Marr Chase. I love Chase and think he’ll have a stellar season, but I would probably take this one back if I could. I’d rather have the combination of Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott, for example. But taking Chase also gave me the flexibility to wait on a second running back or receiver until later.

Pick 12: Russell Wilson, QB, DEN

BR: Picking at the turn in a Superflex league presents a real dilemma. If you don’t take QBs with both picks, you face being left with some less-than-desirable choice at the position when it comes back in Round 3. Therefore, in this particular mock, I wanted to demonstrate what a roster might look like with a double-QB pick at the turn.

Both choices here were relatively simple. Russell Wilson has missed just two games in his entire career and has been a top-10 player at the position in all but two seasons. He offers consistency and relative security in terms of health for a redraft league.

Round 2

Pick 1 (13): Tom Brady, QB, TB

BR: The theory here is similar. Tom Brady may not have the QB1 overall upside that QBs who use their legs more have, but he hasn’t missed a game through injury since 2008. Superflex leagues mean the waiver wire options for a QB are thin. Therefore, selecting a player who has both upside and safety is key. That’s why taking the security of Brady over the upside of the likes of Dak Prescott or Jalen Hurts was a simple choice.

Pick 2 (14): Dak Prescott, QB, DAL

IW: Sitting after the turn, I absolutely had to grab a quarterback. I opted for Dak over Hurts because he’s still in an elite passing situation and can scramble for scores occasionally. Another year removed from his nasty injury, the best is yet to come for Dak. I would’ve taken him over Russell Wilson and Tom Brady as well.

Pick 3 (15): Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI

JK: It’s fun to try new things, but I’ll never leave the first two rounds of a Superflex draft without at least one quarterback. Jalen Hurts is legit. I buy him as the Eagles’ long-term answer at quarterback.

Last year, Hurts averaged 21.4 ppg while attempting just 28.8 passes per game. The Eagles added A.J. Brown and are committed to helping him succeed. I expect Hurts to take a step forward as a passer this season, which, when combined with his elite rushing ability, means he has overall QB1 upside.

Pick 4 (16): Travis Kelce, TE, KC

TG: After taking Kupp, I was hoping a quarterback would fall to me, ideally Hurts. Unfortunately, they all went right in a row before the pick came back. So instead, I will flip my strategy and go after mid-tier quarterbacks.

I’ll also grab a positional advantage here and select Travis Kelce to secure my tight end spot. Barring injury, Kelce is all but guaranteed a top-two finish at the position and could see an excess of 130 targets now that Tyreek Hill is no longer on the offense.

Pick 5 (17): Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB

BR: This couldn’t have played out much better. Aaron Rodgers was in consideration as the pick in Round 1, and he fell into this selection. Knowing your league here is crucial. If it tends to be a QB-heavy league, then perhaps you go Rodgers in the first round and see how the draft falls.

If Rodgers still had Davante Adams, then that would have also tipped the scales towards him as a potential first-round pick. However, with uncertainty about the balance of this offense and the pass-catching options available, it pushes that value to a point where it feels more comfortable in Round 2.

Pick 6 (18): Derrick Henry, RB, TEN

IW: I took a risk early passing on another quarterback to pair with Murray, and it backfired a bit. I love Derrick Henry this season after the Titans further stripped their surrounding cast down. He’s in for a monstrous year if he’s healthy. But my gamble on him also ties my team to his health since the hit I took at quarterback is significant.

Pick 7 (19): Matthew Stafford, QB, LAR

JK: Matthew Stafford is one of 14 quarterbacks I’m willing to take in the first two rounds. In Superflex, I want to look for two quarterbacks to open the draft every time, if possible. Stafford is coming off a 41-touchdown season and a Super Bowl victory. While it’s unlikely he has much room to improve, he’s as safe as it gets at this point.

Pick 8 (20): Derek Carr, QB, LV

TG: For some reason, the draft is just falling well for this team, and it’s a trend that will continue. After securing Jackson in the first round, I’ll gladly take Derek Carr as my QB2.

Coming off a career-best year with 4,800 passing yards, Carr is in a better offense under Josh McDaniels and gets to throw to his old college teammate, who just so happens to be the best wide receiver in the NFL in Davante Adams. Because I feel good about these quarterbacks, my plan now is to wait and get one of the cheapest starting quarterbacks as my QB3.

Pick 9 (21): Austin Ekeler, RB, LAC

BR: It was tempting to grab the last QB in the tier in Kirk Cousins here. However, the upside offered by Austin Ekeler in a PPR format is so high that it’s worth taking the risk of dropping down a tier. Knowing that the fourth pick in the next round means you can likely get someone high up in that tier makes this an easier decision to get the upside of Ekeler over the “security” of Cousins.

Pick 10 (22): Dalvin Cook, RB, MIN

IW: I took a risk by waiting for the turn for my quarterback, and it somewhat backfired. I grabbed Dalvin Cook since both of the next two drafters needed a running back, and he easily has the most upside of anyone left. I thought I could grab Cook and then Kirk Cousins, but Cousins went with the next pick. At least I have two elite backs to build around.

Pick 11 (23): Kirk Cousins, QB, MIN

JK: As long as one of those 14 QBs I’m willing to take was on the board, I was going to take him. In this format, I want to double-up on QBs to open the draft every time, if possible. Cousins has been a low QB1 in each of the past two years and just got gifted a pass-first head coach. He’s going to surprise a lot of people this year.

Pick 12 (24): Joe Mixon, RB, CIN

TG: Sitting here waiting on my pick to come, I was hoping a quarterback would fall to me. Unfortunately, Kirk Cousins’ selection was the end of that QB tier in my rankings. Therefore, instead of reaching for someone in the lower tiers, I’ll go BPA. For me, that’s Joe Mixon at running back to give me a solid RB1 who will now be running behind the best offensive line in his entire career.

Round 3

Pick 1 (25): Stefon Diggs, WR, BUF

TG: Although the quarterbacks didn’t fall right, having pics on the turn allows you to get a little greedy. In this case, I can probably get the best fantasy football stack by Stefon Diggs with Allen.

Pick 3 (27): Trey Lance, QB, SF

IW: With two elite backs already anchoring my team, I have to get my quarterback. Missing out on Trey Lance would have been disastrous for me. The only two quarterbacks available with elite upside left are Lance and Deshaun Watson. I’m glad I grabbed Lance since Justin Fields was taken directly after this.

Pick 4 (28): Justin Fields, QB, CHI

BR: It was not a pretty first season for Justin Fields, but we did see flashes of what he can be for fantasy managers. This is an extremely risky selection and means you will need to back it up with a QB3 you feel good about. Yet, with the security of Mahomes in the first round, this felt like an opportunity to shoot for upside with Fields.

Pick 5 (29): D’Andre Swift, RB, DET

TG: With Jackson and Carr locking down my quarterback situation, I’ll pivot to running back next, as it will be the position that has the quickest drop-off in upside. To get D’Andre Swift in the middle of the third as the eighth running back off the board is a great value.

Despite missing four games, Swift finished fourth in targets last season (78) and tied for the lead amongst RBs in targets per game (six). Averaging 17.6 opportunities per game, 34% of those came via the air, along with 42% of his total yardage per game (34.77). In a PPR league such as this, those extra points and utilization in the passing game will pay dividends for my weekly upside.

Pick 6 (30): Davante Adams, WR, LV

JK: I’m certainly not as high on Davante Adams in Las Vegas as I was in Green Bay. Nevertheless, Derek Carr is a competent QB, and this is a WR whose been a top-two fantasy receiver in four of the past five seasons. Adams is probably more low WR1 than elite WR1, but in his range of outcomes, failure is a very low percentage chance.

Pick 7 (31): Tua Tagovailoa, QB, MIA

IW: Saying I regret passing on a QB last round and landing Tua Tagovailoa here is too strong. I believe in what Miami will do with Tua this season, which is why I took him ahead of Matt Ryan and almost two rounds ahead of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence. I expect another efficient year from Tua with a significant jump in touchdowns. He’s not an ideal QB2 compared to my peers, though.

Pick 8 (32): Deebo Samuel, WR, SF

BR: There were several intriguing options available here, and there was also the potential double-up at QB. But the value wasn’t there at QB, and the depth at RB was nice enough where waiting a round would be fine.

Therefore, it was a case of the best player available at WR. Deebo Samuel finished as the WR3 last year and has added value with how the 49ers have used him in the run game. That dual usage gives him a high floor and an exciting ceiling.

Pick 9 (33): Matt Ryan, QB, IND

TG: Normally, I don’t wait until the third round to select my first quarterback in a Superflex league. However, you need to be flexible in your drafts. I have no issue with Matt Ryan leading my QB2. It’s almost remarkable he threw for nearly 4,000 yards last year in the offense that he had without any key wide receivers.

Now in Indianapolis, he has a running back he can rely on in Jonathan Taylor and a legitimate WR1 in Michael Pittman Jr. All the Colts are asking him to do is to repeat the season Philip Rivers had in 2020. But I think Ryan is going to surpass that.

Pick 10 (34): Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA

JK: Tyreek Hill is going to be just fine in Miami. He was able to turn Alex Smith into a downfield passer in 2017, so chances are he can do the same with Tua. Hill averaged just 11.2 yards per reception last season but still finished as a mid WR1, averaging 17.4 ppg. Mike McDaniel will manufacture Hill touches, and maybe the lack of fear of Mahomes’ arm will open up the downfield bombs to Hill once again.

Pick 11 (35): Nick Chubb, RB, CLE

IW: While Nick Chubb may not have the receiving upside of his peers, he’s arguably the best pure rusher in the NFL. That hasn’t changed, and he will benefit in 2022 from being healthy and having Deshaun Watson … eventually. I’m surprised he was still on the board here, and I think he was the last high-floor, high-upside back taken.

Pick 12 (36): Mark Andrews, TE, BAL

BR: After going double QB in the first two rounds of this 2022 fantasy football mock draft, the temptation here might be to go double RB. However, with Superflex pushing down RB values, there were still many intriguing options available and likely still would be in Round 5. Therefore, pass catchers came into the equation more.

There’s plenty of depth at WR, while TE remains a relatively shallow position. For that reason, selecting the potential TE1 this late was an easy choice. The difference between Andrews and a replacement-level TE is far greater than the difference between either the RBs and WRs available here compared to their replacement levels.

Round 4

Pick 1 (37): Leonard Fournette, RB, TB

BR: It’s tough to start a draft without going RB in the first four rounds. It is doable, but it means you always feel you are chasing the game a little. There was an intriguing group of options available here, but Leonard Fournette offers so much upside it’s hard to say no.

Fournette finished as the RB6 last year with just 250 touches and could feasibly get close to 300 this year. In a PPR league, his 75-100 target potential is also extremely exciting at this point in the draft.

Pick 2 (38): A.J. Brown, WR, TEN

IW: While I’m bullish on the Eagles, I’m not fully bought into Hurts and this passing game. Still, A.J. Brown was too good of a value to pass up. He’s a much different player than the Eagles have had in many years, capable of bullying his way into the end zone if given the opportunity. I’m hoping he’ll continue to be trusted with the ball in his hands like he was in Tennessee.

Pick 3 (39): Saquon Barkley, RB, NYG

JK: When I first did my rankings, Saquon Barkley was RB23. I guess I’ve completed the come around on him this season. I do think Barkley is overrated as a talent, and I don’t think the Giants are going to be particularly good.

Still, no running back in the NFL has more job security and less competition behind him than Barkley. He may see 400 opportunities this season if he can stay on the field. No matter how bad the Giants are, he’ll at least be a low RB1 with that volume.

Pick 4 (40): Alvin Kamara, RB, NO

TG: I’m back on the clock after the short turn, and once again, I will push drafting my next quarterback as they would be a reach at this point. However, I take a player who could be one of the best value in drafts in Alvin Kamara. The question with Kamara is not talent but availability, as there is the potential he will be suspended for the 2022 season.

Yet, reports suggest this case may linger, and Kamara could play either the entire season or miss roughly four games. I’ll roll the dice on a player who would normally be a first-round draft pick.

Pick 5 (41): Aaron Jones, RB, GB

BR: There were three RBs left in my tier here with Aaron Jones, Ezekiel Elliott, and David Montgomery. While Montgomery has the clearer path to being a workhorse, Jones should still have a solid workload simply based on the balance of the Packers’ offense. Even if we see a slight reduction in carries from his 171 last year, we could see 75+ targets, making him very valuable in a PPR league.

Pick 6 (42): James Conner, RB, ARI

IW: Having the chance to stack Murray with running back James Conner is exciting. Conner feasted in the red zone last year, proving to be a wonderful value in this Cardinals offense. More of that is coming now that Chase Edmonds is in Miami. Conner will make up for his lack of yards with rushing scores.

Pick 7 (43): Kyle Pitts, TE, ATL

JK: I completely buy the Kyle Pitts’ breakout, and while it is baked into his ADP, there’s still room for value at his current price. At this time next year, Pitts may very well be viewed on the same level as where Kelce has been. Pitts had one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time for a tight end. He just didn’t score many touchdowns, scoring just one all season. Marcus Mariota is a downgrade at quarterback, but Pitts is the de facto No. 1 wide receiver.

Pick 8 (44): CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL

TG: I was certainly considering Kyle Pitts here, but with him going one spot before me, I selected my WR6 in my rankings, CeeDee Lamb. He is unquestionably an incredible talent and posted his first 1,100-yard season in the NFL last year.

Due to the trade that sent Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, Lamb could be in line for nearly 140 targets in an up-tempo Dallas Cowboys offense. Combined with his talent and opportunity, Lamb has top-three upside at his position.

Pick 9 (45): David Montgomery, RB, CHI

BR: This was an easy decision because there are just two players left in this tier, and the risk of the next tier is significant. When you look at the Bears’ depth chart, there is simply no one that worries you. Sure, the offensive line is mediocre at best, but so was Harris’ last year, and he finished as the RB3. Montgomery is a somewhat boring pick, but he could volume himself into a top-10 finish at the position.

Pick 10 (46): Mike Evans, WR, TB

IW: This was an easy decision for me to grab one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL. Mike Evans will produce no matter the quarterback but is especially well-set in 2022 since Chris Godwin is coming back from a torn ACL. I traded some upside that may come with DJ Moore or Terry McLaurin just to ensure I make up for Trey Lance’s variance.

Pick 11 (47): Keenan Allen, WR, LAC

JK: Always stack if you can. Always. I won’t reach for stacks, but this one fell right into my lap. Keenan Allen was the top receiver on my board, so I couldn’t pair him with Herbert fast enough. Allen is certainly in the twilight of his career, and his efficiency continues to drop year after year. With that said, he’s still Herbert’s WR1 and is expected to see, at a bare minimum, a 25% target share.

Pick 12 (48): Cam Akers, RB, LAR

TG: It’s back to me at the turn, and ideally, I walk away here with a running back and a quarterback to solidify my two spots. Since the order doesn’t matter, I take Cam Akers first. I’m not entirely sure why people are still down on Akers. Sure, he didn’t look good in the playoffs, but he was never supposed to have even been there.

After a five-carry tuneup in Week 18, the Rams thrust Akers back into the RB1 role, and he saw 67 carries in his four playoff games. 85% of yards came after contact, which means the power was still there. The RB1 in this offense carries 18-to-20-touch upside every single week. In my opinion, he is still undervalued.

Round 5

Pick 1 (49): Deshaun Watson, QB, CLE

TG: I’ve waited long enough on quarterback, and I’m taking a risk but one that has massive upside. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t feel good about drafting Deshaun Watson from a moral standpoint. However, if we knew Deshaun Watson would be playing the entire season, he would be a top-six draft pick.

It seems unlikely that he will miss the entire season, but I expect a suspension. Due to that, I need to get another quarterback for games where he is unavailable.

Pick 2 (50): Darren Waller, TE, LV

Pick 4 (52): DJ Moore, WR, CAR

BR: There were a handful of WR options available here, but again, the prospect of volume won out. The hope is that we see more consistent QB play, allowing DJ Moore to be more efficient while also seeing a similar number of targets to the 160 he had last season. Despite being inefficient, Moore still finished as the WR18 last year. With more consistent QB play, a top-12 finish at the position is highly possible.

Pick 5 (53): Javonte Williams, RB, DEN

TG: I’ve been relatively open in my criticism of where Javonte Williams is ranked. For me, there is still a lot of the pre-Melvin Gordon return baked into his ADP. However, in the middle of the fifth round, I have absolutely zero complaints. I love Williams and his rushing style, and while this will be a committee once again, I’m more than willing to take that on and select the RB1 in a high-powered offense now led by Russell Wilson.

Pick 6 (54): Tee Higgins, WR, CIN

JK: Getting Tee Higgins this late was a gift. Being able to pair him with Burrow in a Bengals’ stack is just icing on the cake. Higgins had a 24% target share last season and averaged 15.7 ppg, finishing as a WR1. The only difference between Higgins and Chase was touchdowns. Higgins only scored six times, compared to 13 for Chase. There’s no reason those numbers can’t even out, or perhaps maybe even flip this season.

Pick 7 (55): Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS

IW: It’s safe to say I’m pleasantly surprised I could land McLaurin at this spot. He’s been highly productive despite playing with awful quarterbacks to this point in his career. Now he gets an average one in Carson Wentz. Wentz’s deep passing will help McLaurin significantly. McLaurin is a high-floor, high-ceiling player in 2022.

Pick 8 (56): DK Metcalf, WR, SEA

BR: Understandably, there’s a concern for the upside of the receivers in Seattle, but DK Metcalf carries so much game-breaking potential that it’s hard to look away. Diontae Johnson was arguably the safer play here, but with Samuel as a potential high-floor option, it gave the luxury to shoot for the stars. The major concern for Metcalf is touchdown regression after having 22 across the past two seasons. Can Geno Smith or Drew Lock support that kind of output?

Pick 9 (57): Jameis Winston, QB, NO

TG: Jameis Winston is my cheat code this year at quarterback. If I cannot make the draft board fall the way I want to early on, I’m targeting Winston on my rosters in a Superflex league. Although he is currently being considered a low-end QB2, Winston has sneaky low-end QB1 upside. The offense is far better this year with actual weapons, and while the ACL is a concern, it wasn’t as if I was expecting much rushing upside from Winston anyway.

Pick 10 (58): Ryan Tannehill, QB, TEN

JK: This is what happens when you don’t take two of the top 14 quarterbacks. Ryan Tannehill as my QB2 is nightmare fuel. Tannehill has been in the NFL for nine seasons. He’s been good for exactly one and a half of them. The other 7½ seasons — that’s more likely the real Tannehill. Nevertheless, he’s a starting quarterback with a bit of mobility, and I needed a QB2. I hate this pick.

Pick 11 (59): Davis Mills, QB, HOU

IW: I waited on taking a second quarterback and landed one I’m fairly happy with. Davis Mills isn’t great, but he was productive enough last season despite being a rookie in a bad situation. That bodes well for Year 2. The only other quarterbacks I would have taken over Mills in this tier were Trevor Lawrence and Jameis Winston, and they were taken earlier in the round. I think this pick does highlight how much I need Chase and Brown to be stars for my team to compete, though.

Pick 12 (60): Ezekiel Elliott, RB, DAL

BR: Getting Ezekiel Elliott at the back end of Round 5 is a great value. Even in a perceived down year in 2021, Elliott was the RB7 in PPR scoring. Therefore, even if we see a reduction in touches to around 250, he should still comfortably be an RB2. Compared to the other options available here, Elliott offers equal amounts of upside with arguably the best floor.

Round 6

Pick 1 (61): Diontae Johnson, WR, PIT

BR: After avoiding a WR through the first five rounds, it was time to jump into the pool. Johnson was a top-10 WR option in PPR last year with the shell of Ben Roethlisberger at QB. Yes, there is concern over who will be throwing him the ball, but Johnson is in a contract year and will be desperate to prove he deserves a big deal to match the market. He has a great chance to see 150 targets again, and his floor is mid-WR2 with WR1 upside.

Pick 2 (62): J.K. Dobbins, RB, BAL

IW: Some may be down on J.K. Dobbins due to the Ravens’ depth and his ACL tear last preseason, but I was thrilled to add their lead back. Dobbins is an explosive talent who made up for low volume (134 carries) with extreme efficiency (6.0 yards per carry). With Baltimore returning to a run-heavy approach, he’ll see plenty of touches and produce like a quality RB2.

Pick 3 (63): Michael Pittman Jr., WR, IND

JK: Fortunately, I followed up my least favorite pick (Tannehill) with my favorite pick. I love Michael Pittman Jr. Ryan’s WR1 has traditionally always been productive, and that is the role Pittman is expected to play this season. He topped 1,000 receiving yards with Carson Wentz. That fact alone means that the sky is the limit for Pittman.

Pick 4 (64): Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX

TG: This team is all about volume, especially targets in the receiving game. Kupp and Kelce are likely to lead their positions in targets. Kamara should be inside the top five, and Travis Etienne shouldn’t be too far behind. Jacksonville desperately needs more explosive plays.

No one did that more in college than Etienne. In his four years at Clemson, he led the NCAA with 55 runs of 20+ yards or more. I don’t expect him to dominate the touches completely. However, I do expect him to be a significant player in the receiving game for a team that will need to throw the ball as they play catchup.

Pick 5 (65): Daniel Jones, QB, NYG

BR: Team 8 was the final team to take their second QB, and it ended up being by design. Jones offers as much potential as any of the other quarterbacks that were available. His ability to use his legs, plus some exciting offensive weapons, gives Jones solid upside at this value. It’s a risky strategy to gamble on such a volatile QB2, but Jones has top-15 upside if it all clicks.

Pick 6 (66): Marquise Brown, WR, ARI

IW: Another Cardinal to go with Kyler and James Conner. I’m thrilled to boast this stack. I think people underestimate Marquise Brown’s talent and what he’ll bring to Arizona. He was a few drops shy of being an NFL leading receiver last year. With DeAndre Hopkins out, expect Brown to be a WR1 until his return and still solid after he’s back.

Pick 7 (67): Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN

JK: Courtland Sutton and the Broncos receivers, in general, are a very polarizing topic. Sutton was wildly ineffective last season, but his QB play couldn’t have been much worse. With Wilson in town, I’m banking on the guy who had over 1,100 receiving yards in 2019 becoming Wilson’s new Metcalf.

Pick 8 (68): Mike Williams, WR, LAC

TG: I’m not going to lie; this one hurt. I really wanted Courtland Sutton on my roster. But that is the problem when you play with people who know the guys you like. While I miss out on him, I can’t be upset about landing Mike Williams. The question with Williams is always consistency. He would be unstoppable if he could string out what he did over the first five weeks of last season. Could 2022 be the year this happens? It very well might.

Pick 9 (69): Josh Jacobs, RB, LV

BR: We’ve seen Josh Jacobs’ role in the passing game increase throughout his career. However, the concern is that the primary RB in New England didn’t have a big role in the passing game while Josh McDaniels was there. However, that should be made up for with a creative run game and the potential for a lot of goal-line usage and the touchdowns that come with it.

Pick 10 (70): Elijah Mitchell, RB, SF

IW: I saw several receivers who I like come off the board right before my pick, but I also like a potential elite Flex option in Elijah Mitchell. Even though I have Taylor and Cook already, Mitchell will be the star of the 49ers’ offense if he can stay healthy. Plus, I like stacking him with Lance. I’ll start addressing the receiving corps next round.

Pick 11 (71): Allen Robinson, WR, LAR

JK: Allen Robinson falling to me as my WR2 to pair with Allen was perfect. I prefer taking real-life WR1s in this spot as they’re more likely to be fantasy WR1s, but ARob is an exception. Robinson averaged a paltry 7.3 PPR fantasy points per game last season, but he was a WR1 the previous two years. The WR2 role in a Sean McVay offense has always been valuable. Robinson might be the best one he’s had.

Pick 12 (72): Dalton Schultz, TE, DAL

TG: Back up on the turn and having already selected two RBs, two QBs, and one wide receiver, it’s time to fill out the other spots on my roster. Starting with tight end, I grab a guy who will not make it back to me in Dalton Schultz. If you want a top-five tight end, you need one of two things: 90+ targets or 10+ touchdowns. Every top-five tight end in PPR scoring since 2003 has hit one of these markers, including Schultz as the TE3 last year with 103 targets.

Round 7

Pick 1 (73): Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA

TG: This pick would’ve been Allen Robinson, but the people in this league don’t want to let me be great. Oh well. With that said, if the consolation prize for missing out on Robinson is the get the NFL rookie reception record holder, I can live with that.

Pick 3 (75): Amari Cooper, WR, CLE

IW: I would have preferred Allen Robinson, but I believe Amari Cooper will have a monstrous year with Deshaun Watson at some point this season. Cooper has posted elite red-zone numbers over the last few seasons and will continue to get a large volume of targets in Cleveland. Like with Evans, I wanted consistency over an inconsistent performer.

Pick 4 (76): Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET

BR: With the start for this team through six rounds, we’re now looking for upside at the WR position. That is certainly the case with Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was the WR21 in PPR last year. We saw Brown’s role develop late last year, but one concern would be a potential efficiency regression.

Last year, St. Brown caught 75.6% of his targets, which feels unsustainable. But if he can repeat close to those numbers, we could easily have the next pass-catching star on our hands. At this point in the draft, the upside is worth the price.

Pick 5 (77): George Kittle, TE, SF

TG: This roster has been fairly balanced in its approach so far during the draft. The only position I haven’t tackled yet has been tight end. That changes right here with George Kittle. “The People’s Tight End” doesn’t carry the same upside as he did in 2018 or 2019, but he is still certainly well within the top five. He is a critical cog in this offense. The only question that we don’t know is how often Trey Lance will utilize him.

Pick 6 (78): AJ Dillon, RB, GB

JK: AJ Dillon is my top middle-round RB target this season. Last year, he overtook Aaron Jones as the primary runner and goal-line back. He’s going to have standalone RB2 value with elite RB1 upside in the event of a Jones injury. Dillon is the exact type of middle-round running back you should be targeting.

Pick 7 (79): Antonio Gibson, RB, WAS

IW: I was sniped for AJ Dillon with the previous pick, but I am still happy to land the final complete running back in the draft. Gibson is a rock solid RB who should be utilized more in the passing game. Washington won’t do it, but I know Gibson will get the majority of touches on the ground. Like McLaurin, expect Gibson to see a boost from Wentz being on the team.

Pick 8 (80): Brandin Cooks, WR, HOU

BR: We’ve reached an area of potential value at the WR position in this draft. Brandin Cooks is such a talented player, but the inconsistency of the offense around him limits his upside, making him an intriguing value in drafts this year. Given the risk of Metcalf in the fifth round, Cooks is a really nice third WR to have with the potential to be a solid starter that can finish as a WR2.

Pick 9 (81): Darnell Mooney, WR, CHI

TG: I was targeting three different wide receivers in this spot. One of them was Brandin Cooks, who went the pick before me. With the choice seemingly made for me, I will gladly select Darnell Mooney in the seventh round. With a philosophy of gathering as much volume as possible, Mooney stands unopposed in the Bears’ offense. Coming off a 140-target season, I wouldn’t be surprised if that even goes higher in 2022 and pushes above 150.

Pick 10 (82): JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, KC

JK: There’s a gaping, unfillable void in the Chiefs’ offense in the wake of Hill’s departure. Multiple players will try and fill it. I’ll roll the dice on a guy with a 111-catch, 1,426-yard season on his résumé. He’s also the fourth wide receiver on my roster behind Jefferson, Hill, and Pittman, so at worst, I just need him to be a bye-week fill-in.

Pick 11 (83): T.J. Hockenson, TE, DET

IW: Seeing George Kittle finally go off the board earlier in the round made me want to grab one of the few higher-end talents left at the position. Hockenson is perfect for the Lions’ offense, which now has more speed around him. He’s a solid red-zone threat, and Jared Goff likes utilizing his tight ends. I’m hoping Jameson Williams and DJ Chark create more scoring opportunities for Hockenson to take advantage of.

Pick 12 (84): Drake London, WR, ATL

BR: With the depth available at WR later in the draft, this felt like a chance to shoot for upside. Kyle Pitts and Drake London should be the clear top-two pass-catching options in this offense. London could easily absorb the 94 vacated targets from Russell Gage and a significant portion of the 52 that Calvin Ridley saw. Sure, banking on a rookie is risky, but the upside here is mouth-watering.

Round 8

Pick 1 (85): Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, ATL

BR: A back-to-back selection of Falcons in what should be a rebuilding year may seem bold. However, in PPR formats, Cordarrelle Patterson is dripping with upside. Despite reports he might not be a workhorse back, Patterson could easily see a similar role to last year with around 200 touches. Additionally, his receiving prowess and potential for 50+ targets give him a relatively safe floor for an RB3 in the eighth round.

Pick 2 (86): Miles Sanders, RB, PHI

IW: While we know Hurts will take away some opportunities from Miles Sanders, the slashing tailback also established himself as the primary star in a run-heavy backfield. He’ll lose opportunities to teammates, but the sheer volume bodes well for another solid season. Like Dobbins, Sanders is someone I’m very happy to land at this point in the draft.

Pick 3 (87): Devin Singletary, RB, BUF

JK: Devin Singletary is another favorite target of mine despite the fantasy community largely writing him off following the Bills drafting of James Cook. Singletary likely won’t see much in the way of receiving work, but he should be the early-down and goal-line back on one of the league’s best offenses. At this price, high RB3 production is enough. For a guy that was a top-five scorer over the final month of last season, I’m confident he’ll at least be an RB2.

Pick 4 (88): Rashod Bateman, WR, BAL

TG: This is one of the best feelings when drafting a fantasy football team. Rashod Bateman was one of the three wide receivers I was considering in the previous round. So to still be able to draft him after passing on him earlier doesn’t get any better. I will gladly take Jackson’s No. 1 WR target as my third wide receiver.

Pick 5 (89): Tony Pollard, RB, DAL

BR: Starting with McCaffrey and Jones in the first four rounds somewhat offers the luxury of not having to chase RBs. However, with the concerns over McCaffrey’s durability, there does need to be a consideration of a backup plan.

Tony Pollard is a fantastic option for that because his potential as a pass catcher gives him an intriguing floor. If early reports are right and Pollard sees snaps out of the slot, he has very real potential to be an RB2 this year.

Pick 6 (90): Michael Thomas, WR, NO

IW: This is all about the upside, baby. If Michael Thomas is healthy, which is a big if, he’s going to be a superstar once again. Jameis Winston is the perfect quarterback for Thomas to show he’s more than just a savant on slants. Thomas has an unbelievable skill set for his size. He’ll be an insanely good Flex for my roster.

Pick 7 (91): Adam Thielen, WR, MIN

JK: Adam Thielen has been left for dead by the fantasy community, and I’m not sure why. Sure, he’s 32 years old, but he’s a young 32, given how late he broke out. Thielen averaged 15.4 ppg last season in 13 games. It seems he’s being written off because of age and injuries. He only missed four games last season and five in the last two years. If I get 2021 Thielen for even just half a season, he was well worth this pick.

Pick 8 (92): Gabriel Davis, WR, BUF

TG: Yes, I am absolutely buying the Gabriel Davis hype. I’ve been on this train since he was at UCF, and I’m sure not getting off now. Unquestionably, his 200-yard and four-touchdown performance created lofty expectations. However, he should have a more expanded role in 2022 and is a field stretcher for one of the strongest arm quarterbacks in the NFL. Davis could absolutely blow up this year. And if he does, I will be insufferable.

Pick 9 (93): Treylon Burks, WR, TEN

BR: Another upside swing at the WR position for this team. If there’s any concern that St. Brown could see a drop in usage as Jameson Williams develops, then you can somewhat try to negate that with another rookie who might develop and be strong in the second half.

That could be the case for Treylon Burks, who may need a few weeks to get into the speed of the NFL, but then has the potential to be a huge fantasy weapon. With uncertainty on the rest of the WR depth chart for the Titans, Burks’ potential for a big target share is very exciting.

Pick 10 (94): Dallas Goedert, TE, PHI

IW: With my starting lineup almost set, I wanted to grab one of the few impact tight ends still on the board. In retrospect, I probably could have waited until my next pick to get Dallas Goedert after the turn. But I’m happy to get a big piece of a strong Eagles offense. Goedert has the upside to score touchdowns in droves.

Pick 11 (95): Mac Jones, QB, NE

JK: I was the first team to grab a third QB. At this point in the draft, I had all of my starters except the final flex. The receivers and running backs available were all very flat to me — meaning I didn’t value them much differently. Instead of just taking one, I locked up my QB3 slot and banked on getting a viable starting flex player later.

Pick 12 (96): Melvin Gordon, RB, DEN

TG: Melvin Gordon is the best value at running back in all of fantasy. Period. I don’t care what I have done in the early rounds; if Gordon is there, I will draft him. I was just as surprised as any when he returned to Denver, but he did so knowing there was a role for him.

Although I think the split goes from a dead even 50/50 as it was last year to more of a 60/40. That’s still plenty of volume. Gordon remains underpriced, and I don’t see it changing anytime between now and the start of the season.

Round 9

Pick 1 (97): Jerry Jeudy, WR, DEN

TG: On the turn, I’m double tapping that good air in the Mile High city. While I have been very openly pro-Sutton, I’m not denying Jerry Jeudy. He was one of the best route runners coming out of college, but we need to see further development in the NFL. He also needs to stay healthy.

Pick 3 (99): Hunter Renfrow, WR, LV

IW: With a solid, consistent starting lineup set, I want more variance and upside on my bench. Hunter Renfrow doesn’t have the upside he did last season with Davante Adams added and Darren Waller healthy, but the Raiders will continue to feature him in key moments. Josh McDaniels has a ton of experience with similar but lesser talents in his archetype.

Pick 4 (100): Zach Wilson, QB, NYJ

BR: Having Fields as the QB2 on this roster meant that when the third QB run starts, you cannot risk missing on it. There are two options at that point, play it “safe” with the likes of Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, or go aggressive with another high-upside QB.

In this case, I wanted to see how I felt about a pairing of Fields and Zach Wilson with Mahomes as the QB1. It’s certainly a dangerous decision with a lot of volatility, but the strong trio of backs on this roster makes it a move worth the risk, given the upside it presents.

Pick 5 (101): Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA

TG: I didn’t feel great when I made this pick, and I still don’t now. Kenneth Walker III is likely the best pure running back in this class. From a talent standpoint, I think he is incredible. The reason I say I don’t feel great about it is we’re not even sure who is going to be the lead back in Seattle. And given that Rashaad Penny goes over a round later in this draft, you have to wonder who got the better value.

I’m not worried about the receiving capabilities of Walker, and we also know Penny‘s injury history. While the Seahawks are likely a bad team, they are one that’s going to run the ball a ton, so Walker should still have plenty of volume in this offense.

Pick 6 (102): Chase Edmonds, RB, MIA

JK: Well, it seems I stumbled upon a zero RB strategy here. That was not my intention, as it should never be anyone’s intention to go zero RB. It may not be the strategy I wanted, but it was the strategy I needed. A big part of quality drafting is adapting to what the room gives you. Chase Edmonds is not anyone’s ideal RB2, but he’s a starting running back with a pretty high ceiling if he takes more of the rushing than many are projecting.

Pick 7 (103): Carson Wentz, QB, WAS

IW: I accidentally created a Commanders-centric lineup, which is not necessarily ideal because Wentz is capable of hitting a disastrous cold streak at any point. But he has more of a ceiling than Jared Goff and a less recent history of injuries than Baker Mayfield. The good news is he’s my third QB. So it’s not a big deal that I’ve stacked him with two other Commanders, even if they all go cold.

Pick 8 (104): Jared Goff, QB, DET

BR: With Jones as the QB2 on this roster, when the run on third QBs started, we had to react. The group of options available are all somewhat similar, so the group is something to react to as opposed to being proactive.

Jared Goff is a perfectly fine option, with the ability to provide value on a cheap ADP in Superflex formats. He’s a nice companion for Jones because while he’ll never be exciting, he can finish as a QB2 without doing anything special.

Pick 9 (105): Baker Mayfield, QB, CAR

TG: When I saw Mac Jones go in the back end of the eighth, I said in chat that I felt a QB run was about to happen, and I was right. Guys are now starting to take their third quarterbacks, something I always advise in a Superflex league.

Baker Mayfield is one of the cheapest starting quarterbacks you can grab in fantasy right now. He also has the biggest chip on the shoulder of anyone lacing up a pair of cleats this fall. Although I expect to start Ryan and Winston, Mayfield is excellent protection in case something happens to either of them during the year.

Pick 10 (106): Marcus Mariota, QB, ATL

JK: I definitely should’ve taken a QB sooner. It’s okay to have a very weak QB3 when your top two quarterbacks are studs, but my QB2 in this fantasy football mock draft is Tannehill.

I’m more confident that Marcus Mariota is going to start Week 1 than any of the other remaining quarterbacks. As a result, I had to take him even though there’s a very real chance he’s not very good and that Desmond Ridder makes starts at some point.

Pick 11 (107): Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, SF

IW: Where will Jimmy G even play next year? I don’t know! But I could have done worse for my third quarterback in terms of talent. Either Garoppolo will be a backup in San Francisco or be traded into a starting role. I’m not too worried about losing this gamble since he’s so much better than anyone left on the board, and I don’t have to start him.

Pick 12 (108): Chris Godwin, WR, TB

BR: Current indications are that Chris Godwin could start the season on the PUP list and miss the first six weeks. However, with the high-floor options on this roster at QB, RB, and TE, there are opportunities to be bold at WR.

Taking Godwin here offers a high-floor option to pair with Johnson while also offering a nice Buccaneers stack. Assuming this team is still in contention when Godwin returns, it could be a juggernaut with plenty of safety baked in across the second half.

Round 10

Pick 1 (109): Tyler Lockett, WR, SEA

BR: There’s no denying that having Tyler Lockett on your roster can be frustrating. His inconsistent performances drive managers nuts on a weekly basis. However, Lockett was the WR16 last season in PPR formats and is available in Round 10 this year. Sure, there’s a QB downgrade, but Lockett is talented enough that you can buy the upside at his current price.

Pick 2 (110): Elijah Moore, WR, NYJ

IW: The Jets have so many cooks in the kitchen that it’s difficult for me to want any of their playmakers outside of Breece Hall. However, Elijah Moore’s red-zone efficiency was tremendous, and they learned how to utilize him more towards the end of the year. We need Zach Wilson to be an NFL-level passer for this pick to pay off, but it’s possible he hits in his second season.

Pick 3 (111): Kareem Hunt, RB, CLE

JK: This feels really late for Kareem Hunt. Chubb’s backup has been a consistent, floor-based RB2 for the past three seasons. He also still possesses upside in the event of a Chubb injury. On a team that took the hero RB strategy (Barkley in the fourth) in this 2022 fantasy football mock draft, Hunt makes a ton of sense.

Pick 4 (112): Damien Harris, RB, NE

TG: Running back is starting to dry up, and I need to grab my third RB, especially given the circumstances surrounding Kamara and Etienne’s uncertainty. I would’ve preferred Kareem Hunt in this spot, but Damien Harris will undoubtedly do the job.

No one likes drafting a New England Patriots running back, but Harris is the most likely to lead this committee. We’ll see what New England wants to do after drafting two more running backs this offseason, but I will likely try to drum up a trade after the first time Harris has a big game.

Pick 5 (113): DeVonta Smith, WR, PHI

BR: When looking for a WR4 in this part of the draft, there are some intriguing options. There is the boom-or-bust nature that someone like Christian Kirk or Kadarius Toney offers. Alternatively, a player like DeVonta Smith presents somewhat more of a balance. He might not be the “sexiest” pick, but the arrival of A.J. Brown should shift some focus off of Smith. It does limit the upside for a significant increase in target share, but it could repay itself in efficiency.

Pick 6 (114): Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, DEN

IW: Albert O had similar production to every other tight end in this range but is walking into the best situation of his career. Russell Wilson has shown a willingness to feature talented tight ends in the past but hasn’t had one in years. That changes in 2022, and Okwuegbunam could be a sneaky overperformer. Cole Kmet was the other player I considered taking here.

Pick 7 (115): Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, KC

JK: I don’t know if I will ever dislike a pick I make more than this one. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is barely a replacement-level talent. At best, he’s “fine.” But “fine” in the Chiefs offense could be gold.

With Hill gone, this team needs playmakers. Perhaps CEH actually sees more than the 6.8% target share he saw last season. Worst case, this is a wasted pick. Best case, I’ve got an RB2. When going zero RB, these are swings you have to make.

Pick 8 (116): Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ

TG: We’re getting into the rounds where starting lineups have been set, and you can take a few more gambles. In this case, I’ll roll the dice on a rookie receiver with tons of upside in Garrett Wilson. Knowing that Zach Wilson is trying to impress all of his mom’s friends, I want a piece of this passing game. I still believe Elijah Moore, who went earlier this round, leads the team in targets. But if we’re looking for explosive plays and a deeper aDOT. Garrett Wilson has the edge.

Pick 9 (117): Christian Kirk, WR, JAX

BR: There is every chance the strategy here at WR is too bold. Pairing the explosiveness of Kirk with the uncertainty around St. Brown and Burks has the potential to be a messy group where you never know who to trust when setting lineups. This might be a better trio for Best Ball rather than a standard redraft. Somewhere in this group, more security would have been a wise move.

Pick 10 (118): Kadarius Toney, WR, NYG

IW: Numerous receivers with higher floors but lower ceilings went right in this range. I’m happy to have landed Toney because he’s the most talented playmaker on the Giants’ offense. He has a lot of competition, but if Toney can earn Brian Daboll’s trust and stay healthy, he can be a high-end WR2.

Pick 11 (119): Rashaad Penny, RB, SEA

JK: At the very end of the 10th round, I drafted a starting RB in the NFL. I’ll take that every time. Rashaad Penny will certainly get pressed by Walker, but I believe Penny will be the guy until he inevitably gets hurt. Given how I’ve structured my team, I only need him to make it six weeks.

Pick 12 (120): Russell Gage, WR, TB

TG: If Penny had been available here, there’s a good chance he would’ve been on my roster. But going into this pick, I knew one of my players needed to be a quarterback at the turn. So with the other option, I’ll grab Russell Gage.

With Chris Godwin still trying to recover from his ACL tear and Rob Gronkowski announcing his retirement, Gage opens the year as Tom Brady‘s No. 2 target. While he will shift to the No. 3 role once Godwin returns, the Buccaneers were No. 1 in passing attempts and tempo last year, so I’m not worried about the volume.

Round 11

Pick 1 (121): Jacoby Brissett, QB, CLE

TG: As I said, I needed a quarterback. And while he certainly won’t wow anyone, Jacoby Brissett is an integral part of this roster. He represents protection for the Watson pick as he is the quarterback who will take his spot if Watson is suspended. He’s a decent spot-starter in the NFL, and in a league that doesn’t penalize incompletions or inconsistencies, I feel much better about selecting Watson earlier in the draft.

Pick 2 (122): Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF

Pick 4 (124): J.D. McKissic, RB, WAS

BR: Having three solid backs in Montgomery, Jacobs, and Ekeler allows you to be bold here. The Commanders went above and beyond to convince J.D. McKissic to come back for 2022. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect they have a clear plan. We could see McKissic used both out of the backfield and in the slot. A repeat of his 100-target season from 2020 is not out of the question, in which case he becomes a solid flex option most weeks.

Pick 5 (125): Rachaad White, RB, TB

TG: I didn’t know Eddie Lacy came out of retirement? I also didn’t know he changed his name to Leonard Fournette and played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That’s what every beat reporter is trying to tell me. In all seriousness, I’m not worried about Fournette.

This is me just being higher on Rachaad White. In my opinion, White is the direct backup to Fournette, but he will also have his own role in this offense as an accomplished receiving running back and dynamic rusher.

Pick 6 (126): James Cook, RB, BUF

JK: I’m big on Singletary this season. With that said, this pick is kind of a hedge on myself. It’s foolish to assume every take I have will be correct. What if I’m wrong and James Cook takes a lot more of the work than I expect? Playing in arguably the best offense in football with the best quarterback in fantasy, Cook’s upside is considerable. That’s all I care about at this point in a draft.

Pick 7 (127): Chris Olave, WR, NO

IW: I might be totally wrong on Michael Thomas, but even if I’m right, Chris Olave is an excellent depth piece for my roster. Olave complements Thomas perfectly and should fit right in with Jameis Winston as a vertical threat. At worst, I have the top receiver in this offense.

Pick 8 (128): Cole Kmet, TE, CHI

BR: Once you get to this point in the draft, it becomes very much a case of picking your poison at TE. When you look at the depth chart for the Bears, Cole Kmet’s upside is huge. He could easily be second on the team in targets and has very little competition at tight end with Ryan Griffin and James O’Shaughnessy on the roster.

Pick 9 (129): Allen Lazard, WR, GB

TG: I’m not going to lie to you and try to say that I know exactly how the Green Bay wide receiver room will shake out. But if I were a betting man, I’ll place my money on Allen Lazard being Aaron Rodgers’ No. 1 target.

Over the final five weeks, Lazard was the WR8 in PPR scoring, reeling in 21 receptions for 290 yards and five touchdowns to close the year out. If that momentum carries into 2022, we’re looking at one of the best values in drafts so long as you were bold enough to take on the risk.

Pick 10 (130): Ronald Jones, RB, KC

JK: Did I mention I don’t like Clyde Edwards-Helaire? Ronald Jones is a more efficient runner and very possibly could be the goal-line back. If Jones even gets half the early-down and goal-line work, he’ll be worth this pick as my RB4.

Pick 11 (131): Michael Gallup, WR, DAL

IW: My insurance policy for Moore and others is a good one. I’m shocked Michael Gallup is going so late, even off a torn ACL. I’m not buying that the NFL’s best scoring offense will have a rookie or journeyman receiver take Gallup’s place. Once he’s back on the field, Gallup will turn in his best pro season yet.

Pick 12 (132): James Robinson, RB, JAX

BR: This is very much a selection in response to getting two high-floor backs in the first five rounds. With Fournette and Elliott offering security, if Robinson is not ready to go in Week 1, it doesn’t matter too much. Meanwhile, when he returns to the field, Robinson offers RB2 upside, even if Etienne is on the field. His versatility as a pass catcher is also nice in PPR formats.

Round 12

Pick 1 (133): Gus Edwards, RB, BAL

BR: While Dobbins outperformed Gus Edwards when both were on the field in 2020, the gap was not so large that Edwards should be available six rounds later. The biggest concern with Edwards is consistency if the Ravens ride the hot hand. However, if Dobbins struggles on his return from injury, Edwards has some nice upside. For a player who could provide RB3 value, the value here is simply too good to pass up.

Pick 2 (134): Nyheim Hines, RB, IND

IW: There’s not a more defined backup than Nyheim Hines. We know exactly what he’ll contribute to the Colts, and there’s beauty in consistency. He’s a PPR champion when I need him to enter the lineup. His rushing upside isn’t as good as his peers, but I was willing to take that trade-off.

Pick 3 (135): Zach Ertz, TE, ARI

JK: I feel like Zach Ertz just fell through the cracks in this draft. There’s no way he should’ve been available this late. Ertz was Murray’s favorite target after Hopkins went down last season, and Hopkins is now set to miss the first six weeks of the 2022 season. Ertz is not the guy he used to be, but he should be a top-12 tight end that I just got in Round 12.

Pick 4 (136): Michael Carter, RB, NYJ

TG: In the 12th round of drafts, all we are doing is adding depth. Although the Jets drafted Breece Hall, Michael Carter will still have a role in his offense. Totaling nearly 1,000 yards last year, Carter is likely to combine the roles of Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson into one. It’s also not the first time Carter has been in a timeshare. Back in college at UNC, he topped 1,000 rushing yards in his final two years despite splitting carries with Javonte Williams.

Pick 5 (137): Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE

BR: The Patriots’ backfield is a head-scratching situation at the best of times. Now to add to the confusion, we don’t even know who will be calling the plays and what that might mean for RB usage and scheme.

Rhamondre Stevenson looked good as a rookie, and there’s a chance we might see Harris traded in a contract year. Therefore, despite not being overly enthusiastic about Stevenson, this value in the 12th round makes a lot of sense. If Harris is moved, Stevenson could see a 40% workload in the Patriots’ backfield.

Pick 6 (138): Isaiah Spiller, RB, LAC

IW: The backup running back roulette game is a tough one to judge. I liked Spiller out of college, and Austin Ekeler has a hard time staying healthy. With Hines gone, I’ll take a swing on the rookie taking some snaps from Ekeler or winning the job if he goes down for an extended period of time.

Pick 7 (139): Geno Smith, QB, SEA

JK: Yuck. Good thing I have two rock-solid starting QBs because I clearly waited too long to take a third. Geno Smith was the last remaining quarterback I’m confident will be starting in Week 1. While there is very little expectation that Smith starts the entire season, this is about putting a third starter on my roster and hoping to figure it out by the time Burrow or Stafford is on bye.

Pick 8 (140): Robert Woods, WR, TEN

TG: There is a reason Robert Woods is being selected in the 12th round. He is on the wrong side of 30 and is coming off a torn ACL he suffered in Week 9 of last season. With that said, according to Titans beat reporters, it would take a setback for Woods not to be ready for Week 1.

While I do believe in Treylon Burks’ skills, I also wouldn’t be surprised if Woods ends up being the No. 1 option for Ryan Tannehill. For me, this is a low-risk, high-reward play as Woods is my WR5.

Pick 9 (141): Mike Gesicki, TE, MIA

BR: After Kmet went in the previous round, it all became very much a group of similar options here. With 112 targets last year, Mike Gesicki’s opportunities are certainly enticing. Additionally, the acquisition of Hill could help open up the middle of the field for Gesicki. Equally, it will draw another of the opponent’s best coverage options away from him.

There’s enough potential here to where getting Gesicki this late could pay off in a big way. Expecting him to be the Kelce to Hill in Kansas City would be overly optimistic. However, a fringe top-five finish is not completely out of the question.

Pick 10 (142): Darrell Henderson, RB, LAR

IW: With Cam Akers not playing especially well in his return last year, I felt like Darrell Henderson has decent value as a backup here. I’m loaded at running back but could need someone to step in for a few weeks, and Henderson has been fine when needed. Sony Michel is also out of LA, so Henderson could get more red-zone snaps.

Pick 11 (143): Kenneth Gainwell, RB, PHI

JK: If you’ve followed me for the past three years or so, you know I’m not exactly Miles Sanders’ biggest fan. Kenneth Gainwell played behind Boston Scott and Jordan Howard last season, but he was also a rookie. I’m banking on him winning the RB2 role this season and possibly pushing Sanders for the RB1 role.

Pick 12 (144): Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU

TG: I’m not sure anyone knows what will happen with the Houston Texans backfield. But I’ll throw a dart on Dameon Pierce as the more valuable fantasy asset. I’m still trying to figure out why Florida refused to utilize Pierce. He’s not a home-run hitter, but he is okay in the receiving game and an absolute bulldozer on the ground. I like drafting talented players in backfields with a lot of ambiguity. Pierce fits that mold.

Round 13

Pick 1 (145): Tyler Boyd, WR, CIN

Pick 3 (147): Alexander Mattison, RB, MIN

IW: I might as well handcuff Dalvin Cook with Alexander Mattison. Even if Cook goes down, Mattison is far from a sure thing since Kene Nwangwu has been earning some praise. But I like him more than any other back on the board.

Pick 4 (148): Kenny Golladay, WR, NYG

BR: I’m a huge fan of Kenny Golladay and his potential, but in hindsight, this was the wrong move for this roster. A better option in PPR would have been Jakobi Meyers, who gives you a safer floor in the format. Golladay is exciting but combined with Kirk, Burks, and St. Brown puts a lot of risk on that WR2 position behind Moore.

Pick 5 (149): Tim Patrick, WR, DEN

TG: Fresh off back-to-back 700-yard seasons, Tim Patrick accounted for 27% of the WR targets in 2020 and 31% in 2021. When all three receivers were on the field, Patrick consistently outplayed them while receiving an 18.1% target share.

No doubt Sutton will get the deep, game-breaking targets in a similar role to DK Metcalf and is a top-12 caliber option for fantasy. However, the best value for fantasy managers who want a piece of the pie is unquestionably Patrick, who could very well outperform Jeudy in 2022. He is one of “my guys” for this year.

Pick 6 (150): Jarvis Landry, WR, NO

JK: With my last two picks, I wanted a combination of floor and ceiling. Jarvis Landry is the quintessential floor play, and he will nearly always be useful in some capacity. That may simply be to go 4 for 40, but if I need to start him, that’ll do.

Pick 7 (151): Rondale Moore, WR, ARI

IW: I grabbed one more stack with Rondale Moore proving to be my highest-rated receiver on the board. Moore earned a bigger role as a rookie than I expected and will benefit from DeAndre Hopkins being out. Moore might fade as the season progresses, but I like the depth for now.

Pick 8 (152): Darrel Williams, RB, ARI

BR: While Conner should be the starter for the Cardinals, it’s hard to imagine them leaning entirely on him throughout the season. Darrel Williams is a low-cost way to get a piece of a backfield where the presence of Murray opens up the field. His RB19 finish on just 191 touches in PPR last year demonstrated what he can do for fantasy managers if the opportunities are there.

Pick 9 (153): Mark Ingram, RB, NO

TG: Out of all the draft picks I have made, this might be one of the better ones, as Mark Ingram is drastically undervalued right now. And this was always the plan since I hit draft nine rounds ago on Kamara. Ingram averaged 13.3 rushing attempts and 5.7 targets for 82.3 scrimmage yards and 11.4 fantasy points per game in games Kamara missed last year. He scored over 12 fantasy points twice and finished as the RB36, RB10, and RB13 along the way.

Ingram has a role when Kamara is there, but with the possibility Kamara is suspended, Ingram is a massive steal. Rather than fight it out with league-mates over waivers and spend a bulk of your FAAB, draft Ingram at a significant discount, as his ADP is not in line with his actual value.

Pick 10 (154): Jakobi Meyers, WR, NE

JK: After taking a bunch of swings at RB2s and drafting my tight end, it’s time to close things out with some undervalued wide receivers. Meyers is still the WR1 in New England. He averaged 11 ppg last season despite scoring just two touchdowns. If he repeats that, then this is a value pick. But there’s also upside for his 24.4% target share to be of a larger pie with Mac Jones another year more experienced.

Pick 11 (155): Skyy Moore, WR, KC

IW: The Chiefs will throw the ball a lot once again this year. Though JuJu is a better option, maybe Skyy Moore will find a big role because of his reliability. This is a low-floor, medium-upside flier since I have several other receivers I already like.

Pick 12 (156): Mecole Hardman, WR, KC

BR: The player in mind here was Meyers, but when he went two picks earlier, it was pivot time. Mecole Hardman is a risky option, but we simply don’t know how the situation in Kansas City will shape up. Hardman has Mahomes’ trust entering the season and could easily be his No. 2 target behind Kelce. The upside here is huge, so this is worth a last-minute selection.

Round 14

Pick 1 (157): Drew Lock, QB, DEN

BR: You will notice that after going Wilson and Brady early, there was no desperation to chase a third QB for this team. With a solid build on the rest of the roster, there’s no harm in taking the gamble on Drew Lock reinvigorating his career in Seattle. If he isn’t the starter or plays poorly, then he’s a simple drop with next to no investment having been made.

Pick 2 (158): Jamaal Williams, RB, DET

IW: Like Hines, Jamaal Williams fills a specific role for his offense. Williams has more rushing potential if D’Andre Swift gets injured. He’s worth the late flier for my roster since I wasn’t prioritizing the position super early.

Pick 3 (159): Jamison Crowder, WR, BUF

JK: Gabriel Davis is the talk of the town, but Jamison Crowder should see targets as well. I would be surprised if a healthy Crowder didn’t eclipse 100 targets. He’s a younger, better version of Cole Beasley. In 2020, Beasley was the WR27 in PPR, and in 2021, he still managed to be the WR39. That should be a realistic floor for Crowder.

Pick 4 (160): Jalen Tolbert, WR, DAL

TG: Jalen Tolbert is likely better than you think. I think he’s good, and even I might be underselling him. According to Matt Harmon’s Reception Perception, Tolbert had a 70% or above success rate against man, zone, press, and double-teams. He was in the 74th percentile when facing press coverage.

Tolbert is able to win at multiple phases of the route, and until Michael Gallup returns, Tolbert is likely the No. 2 option for Prescott. Even when Gallup returns, I don’t see Tolbert fading away. As my final pick, give me all the upside possible.

Pick 5 (161): Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, KC

BR: It’s never a bad idea to try and get a piece of the Chiefs offense. We know how explosive they can be, and there’s a void for someone to step up and be the WR1. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has the talent to be that player, and if he can be consistent, he has a chance to be a top-40 WR at an extremely low cost.

Pick 6 (162): Raheem Mostert, RB, MIA

IW: I had been eyeing Jamaal Williams with my final pick, but he went a few selections before me. Maybe this is the year Raheem Mostert stays healthy? If so, he’s a superstar pick. Worst case, I have a low-risk, high-upside final selection that will be churned.

Pick 7 (163): Christian Watson, WR, GB

JK: Picking Christian Watson this late in this 2022 fantasy football mock draft is all about upside as his floor is, well, take a look at Amari Rodgers’ rookie season stat line. At worst, Watson fails to earn meaningful playing time, and I drop him. At best, he becomes Aaron Rodgers’ new WR1 and is one of the best values in all of fantasy football.

Is that a likely outcome? No. But the fact that it exists at all makes him worth taking a shot on in the final round.

Pick 8 (164): Kenny Pickett, QB, PIT

TG: Did I wait too long to draft my third quarterback? Yeah, probably. But considering Jimmy Garoppolo went in the ninth round, and he isn’t even starting, I don’t feel that bad about taking Kenny Pickett in the 14th. We will see who starts for Pittsburgh.

Given that we have nearly two months until the start of the season, we will find out who will win the starting job by then. I’ll take a dart throw on Pickett now, as quarterbacks are never cheaper than they are during the draft.

Pick 9 (165): Kenyan Drake, RB, LV

The news that Kenyan Drake will be back for training camp is very intriguing. We know he is talented, and we also know that McDaniels likes to mix and match backs. The presence of Brandon Bolden complicates things a little, but Drake is the more talented player. Drake will likely serve as the primary backup to Jacobs. Therefore, this is a handcuff, but Drake could also have fantasy value on his own accord in a McDaniels offense.

Pick 10 (166): K.J. Osborn, WR, MIN

IW: I don’t love having three Vikings on my roster, especially when two are backups. But I believe K.J. Osborn is in for a solid year as the Vikings open up their passing game more. Osborn averaged 13.1 yards per catch and totaled seven scores last season. It’s feasible he could really break out in 2022 as the offense expands.

Pick 11 (167): DJ Chark, WR, DET

JK: Once upon a time, DJ Chark averaged 14.9 ppg as the Jaguars’ WR1. After two down years, he’s looking for a fresh start in Detroit. With St. Brown, Hockenson, and Swift, There’s no shortage of target competition, but Chark should open the season as the starting outside receiver. I’ll see how the first couple of weeks go, and if it’s not well, I’ll just cut him loose.

Pick 12 (168): Alec Pierce, WR, IND

TG: The Indianapolis Colts needed a field stretcher. They got one in Alec Pierce during the 2022 NFL Draft. Pierce was a solid receiver for the Cincinnati Bearcats, and his metrics say the same. He posted a 75% or above success rate on slant, post, go, flat, and comeback routes. He was even above 70% on curls.

Why is it important? Because that’s an NFL route tree that is expected from an X receiver. Outside of Michael Pittman, the Colts don’t have a locked-in WR2. As my last pick in this draft, I’ll roll the dice that Pierce secures this role.

2022 fantasy football mock draft | Final rosters

The full draft board from this 2022 fantasy mock is available from Sleeper. 

Team 1 – TG

R1: Josh Allen, QB, BUF
R2: Joe Mixon, RB, CIN
R3: Stefon Diggs, WR, BUF
R4: Cam Akers, RB, LAR
R5: Deshaun Watson, QB, CLE
R6: Dalton Schultz, TE, DAL
R7: Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA
R8: Melvin Gordon, RB, DEN
R9: Jerry Jeudy, WR, DEN
R10: Russell Gage, WR, TB
R11: Jacoby Brissett, QB, CLE
R12: Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU
R13: Tyler Boyd, WR, CIN
R14: Alec Pierce, WR, IND

Team 2 – JK

R1: Justin Herbert, QB, LAC
R2: Kirk Cousins, QB, MIN
R3: Najee Harris, RB, PIT
R4: Keenan Allen, WR, LAC
R5: Darren Waller, TE, LV
R6: Allen Robinson, WR, LAR
R7: Breece Hall, RB, NYJ
R8: Mac Jones, QB, NE
R9: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, ARI
R10: Rashaad Penny, RB, SEA
R11: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF
R12: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, PHI
R13: Chase Claypool, WR, PIT
R14: DJ Chark, WR, DET

Team 3 – IW

R1: Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND
R2: Dalvin Cook, RB, MIN
R3: Trey Lance, QB, SF
R4: Mike Evans, WR, TB
R5: Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAX
R6: Elijah Mitchell, RB, SF
R7: Amari Cooper, WR, CLE
R8: Dallas Goedert, TE, PHI
R9: Hunter Renfrow, WR, LV
R10: Kadarius Toney, WR, NYG
R11: Mitch Trubisky, QB, PIT
R12: Darrell Henderson, RB, LAR
R13: Alexander Mattison, RB, MIN
R14: K.J. Osborn, WR, MIN

Team 4 – BR

R1: Patrick Mahomes, QB, KC
R2: Austin Ekeler, RB, LAC
R3: Justin Fields, QB, CHI
R4: David Montgomery, RB, CHI
R5: DJ Moore, WR, CAR
R6: Josh Jacobs, RB, LV
R7: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET
R8: Treylon Burks, WR, TEN
R9: Zach Wilson, QB, NYJ
R10: Christian Kirk, WR, JAX
R11: J.D. McKissic, RB, WAS
R12: Mike Gesicki, TE, MIA
R13: Kenny Golladay, WR, NYG
R14: Kenyan Drake, RB, LV

Team 5 – TG

R1: Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL
R2: Derek Carr, QB, LV
R3: D’Andre Swift, RB, DET
R4: CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL
R5: Javonte Williams, RB, DEN
R6: Mike Williams, WR, LAC
R7: George Kittle, TE, SF
R8: Gabriel Davis, WR, BUF
R9: Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA
R10: Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ
R11: Rachaad White, RB, TB
R12: Robert Woods, WR, TEN
R13: Tim Patrick, WR, DEN
R14: Kenny Pickett, QB, PIT

Team 6 – JK

R1: Joe Burrow, QB, CIN
R2: Matthew Stafford, QB, LAR
R3: Davante Adams, WR, GB
R4: Kyle Pitts, TE, ATL
R5: Tee Higgins, WR, CIN
R6: Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN
R7: AJ Dillon, RB, GB
R8: Adam Thielen, WR, MIN
R9: Chase Edmonds, RB, MIA
R10: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, KC
R11: James Cook, RB, BUF
R12: Geno Smith, QB, SEA
R13: Jarvis Landry, WR, NO
R14: Christian Watson, WR, GB

Team 7 – IW

R1: Kyler Murray, QB, ARI
R2: Derrick Henry, RB, TEN
R3: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, MIA
R4: James Conner, RB, ARI
R5: Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS
R6: Marquise Brown, WR, ARI
R7: Antonio Gibson, RB, WAS
R8: Michael Thomas, WR, NO
R9: Carson Wentz, QB, WAS
R10: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, DEN
R11: Chris Olave, WR, NO
R12: Isaiah Spiller, RB, LAC
R13: Rondale Moore, WR, ARI
R14: Raheem Mostert, RB, MIA

Team 8 – BR

R1: Christian McCaffrey, RB, CAR
R2: Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
R3: Deebo Samuel, WR, SF
R4: Aaron Jones, RB, WR
R5: DK Metcalf, WR, SEA
R6: Daniel Jones, QB, NYG
R7: Brandin Cooks, WR, HOU
R8: Tony Pollard, RB, DAL
R9: Jared Goff, QB, DET
R10: DeVonta Smith, WR, PHI
R11: Cole Kmet, TE, CHI
R12: Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE
R13: Darrel Williams, RB, ARZ
R14: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, KC

Team 9 – TG

R1: Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR
R2: Travis Kelce, TE, KC
R3: Matt Ryan, QB, IND
R4: Alvin Kamara, RB, NO
R5: Jameis Winston, QB, NO
R6: Travis Etienne, RB, JAX
R7: Darnell Mooney, WR, CHI
R8: Rashod Bateman, WR, BAL
R9: Baker Mayfield, QB, CAR
R10: Damien Harris, RB, NE
R11: Allen Lazard, WR, GB
R12: Michael Carter, RB, NYJ
R13: Mark Ingram, RB, NO
R14: Jalen Tolbert, WR, DAL

Team 10 – JK

R1: Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN
R2: Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI
R3: Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA
R4: Saquon Barkley, RB, NYG
R5: Ryan Tannehill, QB, TEN
R6: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, IND
R7: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, KC
R8: Devin Singletary, RB, BUF
R9: Marcus Mariota, QB, ATL
R10: Kareem Hunt, RB, CLE
R11: Ronald Jones, RB, KC
R12: Zach Ertz, TE, ARI
R13: Jakobi Meyers, WR, NE
R14: Jamison Crowder, WR, NYJ

Team 11 – IW

R1: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, CIN
R2: Dak Prescott, QB, DAL
R3: Nick Chubb, RB, CLE
R4: A.J. Brown, WR, PHI
R5: Davis Mills, QB, HOU
R6: J.K. Dobbins, RB, BAL
R7: T.J. Hockenson, WR, DET
R8: Miles Sanders, RB, PHI
R9: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, SF
R10: Elijah Moore, WR, NYJ
R11: Michael Gallup, WR, DAL
R12: Nyheim Hines, RB, IND
R13: Skyy Moore, WR, KC
R14: Jameson Williams, WR, DET

Team 12 – BR

R1: Russell Wilson, QB, DEN
R2: Tom Brady, QB, TB
R3: Mark Andrews, TE, BAL
R4: Leonard Fournette, RB, TB
R5: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, DAL
R6: Diontae Johnson, WR, PIT
R7: Drake London, WR, ATL
R8: Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, ATL
R9: Chris Godwin, WR, TB
R10: Tyler Lockett, WR, SEA
R11: James Robinson, RB, JAX
R12: Gus Edwards, RB, BAL
R13: Mecole Hardman, WR, KC
R14: Drew Lock, QB, SEA