The 11th overall pick is both loved and loathed by fantasy football managers. While it means missing out on the top-tier wide receivers and not having the pick of the elite running backs, it offers an opportunity to balance quality with quantity by also securing an early pick in the second round.
If managed wisely, this pick can deliver excellent value. Based on average draft positions, the end of the first round features the established Saquon Barkley and promising newcomers like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, who burst onto the scene last season and turned the waiver wire wizards into fantasy league champions.
Which Players Should You Consider Picking No. 11 Overall?
WHO SHOULD BE WHICH PICK?: 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 12th
Puka Nacua
The waiver wire sensation from the Los Angeles Rams, Nacua, was incredibly productive in his rookie campaign. As a versatile playmaker, he amassed 1,400 receiving yards. His early success in 2023 wasn’t merely a flash in the pan during Cooper Kupp’s hamstring injury; Nacua’s production proved sustainable.
Without Kupp on the field, Nacua averaged 13 targets, nine receptions, and 125 yards per game. Even with Kupp active, Nacua continued to average eight targets and 70 yards per game.
While this level of production may not place him in the elite WR tier, an average of 15 points per game, excluding touchdowns, positions Nacua near the top of Tier 2 fantasy receivers. Selecting this Swiss Army Knife in Sean McVay’s offense is generally a solid strategy if you’re uncertain about your other options.
Saquon Barkley
Outside of the Falcons’ addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, few offseason moves could be as impactful as the Eagles’ signing of Barkley. The versatile RB aligns perfectly with the Eagles’ identity of a physical and punishing ground game while also possessing the finesse and skill to be dynamic on the perimeter and in the passing game.
Barkley offers everything the team hoped to get from their one-year rental — D’Andre Swift — and more. Throughout his career, Barkley has only played in an offense ranked in the top half of the league in passing once. With Kellen Moore’s new offensive scheme and weapons like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert providing support on the outside, there won’t be as much pressure on the rushing attack.
The fit seems more than ideal. Barkley appears poised for a potential career year.
Kyren Williams
Williams enters his third NFL season following a breakout 2024 campaign. His sophomore season was undeniably dominant, as he rushed for over 1,100 yards in just 12 games and recorded 15 total touchdowns.
The highly productive back excelled in the latter half of the season, averaging nearly 115 yards per game down the stretch, and is expected to carry that momentum into 2024.
As the presumptive starter, Williams is set to lead the Rams’ rushing attack. However, Los Angeles also selected standout running back Blake Corum in Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 83 overall), so it will be crucial to monitor the rookie’s development and usage throughout the remainder of training camp.
Who Should Go No. 11?
Barkley offers the best value at pick 11 in fantasy drafts. By this point, the top tier of receivers are likely off the board. While Nacua is a productive playmaker, the gap between him and the third tier of receivers is minimal. He’s a borderline first-round selection, whereas Tier 3 receivers like Deebo Samuel Sr., DJ Moore, Michael Pittman Jr., and Nacua’s counterpart, Cooper Kupp, all have ADPs between 33 and 40.
Once the top wide receivers are gone, it’s wise to focus on securing one of the top running backs and then consider one of the Tier 3 receivers like Samuel or Moore in Round 3.
As for Barkley over Williams, I prefer Barkley due to his more extensive track record of production and his ideal fit in the Eagles’ offensive scheme. He offers both power and versatility, making him effective in Philadelphia’s rushing attack and a viable weapon in the passing game.
As a blue-chip, low-risk, high-reward option, Barkley helps fortify your roster. It’s important to solidify your starting roles with reliable players, which allows you to select some of the high upside boom-or-bust prospects later on.