It all comes down to this. After a summer’s worth of mock drafts, this is the final “Mock Draft Monday” of the 2024 preseason. The regular season kicks off this Thursday. If you still have a fantasy draft left to complete, you’re in the right place. It’s beneficial to wait until the week of the start of the season to have the most information as possible before making picks.
Each week, I’ve selected a mock draft team selecting players from a different draft spot with an analysis as to why I picked each player where I did and when I did. While breaking down the results of each mock draft, my reasoning for every pick should help guide your own decision-making process when it comes time to select your teams for the upcoming fantasy football season if you’re drafting this week. Thanks for following along all summer and good luck this season!
Picking 10th Overall in the Tenth Mock Draft
The following mock draft was completed, simulating my strategy and results for a 10-team, 1 quarterback, Points Per Reception league. The hypothetical roster consists of 3 wide receivers, 2 running backs, 1 tight end, and 1 RB/WR/TE Flex position. I drafted from the tenth overall pick in this mock draft and have made selections from different draft positions each week. For this mock draft, I’m breaking down 14 of 16 rounds. As always, I spend my final two picks on a Defense/Special Teams and Kicker so they won’t be included as we focus on individual player analysis.
ROUND ONE
1.01- Christian McCaffrey (SF RB)
1.02- CeeDee Lamb (DAL WR)
1.03- Tyreek Hill (MIA WR)
1.04- Breece Hall (NYJ RB)
1.05- Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET WR)
1.06- Bijan Robinson (ATL RB)
1.07- Justin Jefferson (MIN WR)
1.08- Jonathan Taylor (IND RB)
1.09- Ja’Marr Chase (CIN WR)
1.10- A.J. Brown (PHI WR)
MY PICK: A.J. Brown
A.J. Brown is one of six wide receivers in 2023 to average more than 18.0 points per game. In 2022, he was just shy with 17.9 points per game. He’s still the WR1 on the Eagles with Jalen Hurts as his quarterback. The ceiling should be higher with Kellen Moore as the new offensive coordinator while maintaining a high floor. I would’ve taken A.J. Brown over Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase if given the choice. Jefferson has the obvious talent, but Sam Darnold as his quarterback. Ja’Marr Chase could miss Week 1 and beyond while he waits for a contract extension.
ROUND TWO
2.01 – Garrett Wilson (NYJ WR)
2.02- Saquon Barkley (PHI RB)
2.03- Jahmyr Gibbs (DET RB)
2.04- Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI WR)
2.05- Travis Etienne (JAX RB)
2.06- Puka Nacua (LAR WR)
2.07- Derrick Henry (BAL RB)
2.08- Davante Adams (LV WR)
2.09- Drake London (ATL WR)
2.10- Kyren Williams (LAR RB)
MY PICK: Garrett Wilson
While tempting to select Saquon Barkley and load up on Eagles, I am more than willing to invest in Garrett Wilson again. The upside remains the same as last year, if Aaron Rodgers is healthy, but if Tyrod Taylor comes in at any point, we can assume there’s a higher floor for Wilson than with the Jets’ quarterbacks of last season.
Kyren Williams is falling ever so slightly after reports that Sean McVay expects him to return punts this season. I don’t think the punt returner role is what should worry those drafting Kyren Williams. What should worry fantasy managers about Williams is the Rams’ third-round pick, Blake Corum, who profiles very similarly to Williams.
ROUND THREE
3.01- Travis Kelce (KC TE)
3.02- Chris Olave (NO WR)
3.03- Josh Allen (BUF QB)
3.04- Isiah Pacheco (KC RB)
3.05- Jalen Hurts (PHI QB)
3.06- Sam LaPorta (DET TE)
3.07- De’Von Achane (MIA RB)
3.08- Nico Collins (HOU WR)
3.09- Brandon Aiyuk (SF WR)
3.10- Mike Evans (TB WR)
MY PICK: Mike Evans
I like starting with two wide receivers in the first two rounds because of the options I have at either wide receiver or running back in the third round. There are a lot of wide receivers who can finish inside the top 12 at either position. However, since I have two wide receivers at this point, getting another with that potential, like Mike Evans, stacks my team.
Then comes drafting at the turn. It’s a blessing and a curse to have back-to-back picks. While it’s nice to know you get to make two picks in a row with no competition between them, you have to choose very wisely knowing you’re not back on the clock for a while. That said, I absolutely need to draft a running back in Round Four of this mock draft following a 3WR start.
ROUND FOUR
4.01- Josh Jacobs (GB RB)
4.02- Michael Pittman Jr. (IND WR)
4.03- James Cook (BUF RB)
4.04- Patrick Mahomes (KC QB)
4.05- Deebo Samuel (SF WR)
4.06- Cooper Kupp (LAR WR)
4.07- Lamar Jackson (BAL QB)
4.08- Jaylen Waddle (MIA WR)
4.09- Rachaad White (TB RB)
4.10- DeVonta Smith (PHI WR)
MY PICK: Josh Jacobs
As mentioned before, while I don’t always give in to the pressure to draft a certain position, drafting at the turn sometimes leaves you no choice. While it would be great to add Michael Pittman Jr. or Deebo Samuel here, the odds of a running back with RB1 upside coming back my way are slimmer.
Josh Jacobs is set up for a massive year with the Green Bay Packers. Not only are they a better offense than his previous team, the Las Vegas Raiders, but he lacks a legitimate competition for touches, at least right away. A.J. Dillon is going to miss the entire season on Injured Reserve. So, Jacobs’ backup is rookie MarShawn Lloyd. He’s missed most of his first NFL training camp with injuries of his own.
While Jacobs signed a four-year/$48 million deal, only $12.5 million is guaranteed. Realistically, the Packers could feed Jacobs a typical heavy workload and move on from him in the off-season. Jacobs has a chance to lead the league in carries so getting him in the fourth round of this mock draft feels like a steal after the start I had.
ROUND FIVE
5.01- DK Metcalf (SEA WR)
5.02- Alvin Kamara (NO RB)
5.03- Joe Mixon (HOU RB)
5.04- Stefon Diggs (HOU WR)
5.05- Kenneth Walker (SEA RB)
5.06- D.J. Moore (CHI WR)
5.07- Malik Nabers (NYG WR)
5.08- Amari Cooper (CLE WR)
5.09- Mark Andrews (BAL TE)
5.10- James Conner (ARI RB)
MY PICK: James Conner
James Conner is the best running back available on the board at this point in the mock draft. It feels like there is a tier break, however slight, between Conner and the next group of backs. It appears this mock draft league agrees considering there isn’t a single running back selected in the following round.
I do know Conner has a lengthy history of missing games. He’s played just 13 games in each of the last two seasons in Arizona. I’ll keep that in mind as the draft progresses by prioritizing his backup Trey Benson or targeting high-upside backs on other teams. It’s good to make a note like this next to players like Conner once you draft them. There can be a lot of distractions during drafts so put yourself in a position to combat them.
ROUND SIX
6.01- Tee Higgins (CIN WR)
6.02- Zay Flowers (BAL WR)
6.03- C.J. Stroud (HOU QB)
6.04- Trey McBride (ARI TE)
6.05- Dalton Kincaid (BUF TE)
6.06- Terry McLaurin (WAS WR)
6.07- George Pickens (PIT WR)
6.08- Rashee Rice (KC WR)
6.09- Jordan Love (GB QB)
6.10- Tank Dell (HOU WR)
MY PICK: Tee Higgins
I don’t know when Ja’Marr Chase is going to suit up for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. With Week 1 upon us, I won’t believe he’s playing until I see him in uniform. Tee Higgins is playing on the franchise tag and will be a highly coveted free agent wide receiver next off-season. He’s had all summer to strengthen his rapport with quarterback Joe Burrow. I would’ve been happy with Higgins inside the top-50 picks so this feels like the steal of this mock draft so far.
ROUND SEVEN
7.01- Christian Kirk (JAX WR)
7.02- Chris Godwin (TB WR)
7.03- Rhamondre Stevenson (NE RB)
7.04- George Kittle (SF TE)
7.05- Aaron Jones (MIN RB)
7.06- Calvin Ridley (TEN WR)
7.07- Keenan Allen (CHI WR)
7.08- Evan Engram (JAX TE)
7.09- D’Andre Swift (CHI RB)
7.10- David Montgomery (DET RB)
MY PICK:
I’m not overly excited about the wide receivers on the board at this point of the mock draft. My wide receivers already on my roster are also every week starters who, hopefully, don’t miss any time other than for their bye weeks. David Montgomery is a great hedge to betting on James Conner this season. While everyone rightfully expects a big season from Jahmyr Gibbs, the Detroit Lions are a Super Bowl hopeful team that run the ball well. Montgomery will still have a role and should maintain an RB2 floor.
ROUND EIGHT
8.01- Javonte Williams (DEN RB)
8.02- Zamir White (LV RB)
8.03- Jayden Reed (GB WR)
8.04- Najee Harris (PIT RB)
8.05- Anthony Richardson (IND QB)
8.06- Diontae Johnson (CAR WR)
8.07- Xavier Worthy (KC WR)
8.08- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA WR)
8.09- Raheem Mostert (MIA RB)
8.10- Kyler Murray (ARI QB)
MY PICK: Javonte Williams
I’m expecting a big season from Javonte Williams in 2024. He’s nearly two years removed from a season-ending ACL tear and looked great when active in the preseason. As the lead back in Denver, Williams can play a three-down role for the Broncos this season. In fact, I’m making a bold prediction that Javonte Williams is a top-five running back in receptions this season. As this mock draft team’s RB4, I can get a look at Williams early on without having to start him.
ROUND NINE
9.01- Jonathon Brooks (CAR RB)
9.02- Tony Pollard (TEN RB)
9.03- DeAndre Hopkins (TEN WR)
9.04- Rome Odunze (CHI WR)
9.05- Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS RB)
9.06- Christian Watson (GB WR)
9.07- Zack Moss (CIN RB)
9.08- Keon Coleman (BUF WR)
9.09- Joe Burrow (CIN QB)
9.10- Kyle Pitts (ATL TE)
MY PICK: Kyle Pitts
I don’t know how or why Kyle Pitts fell this far, but I need a tight end so I’m taking value where I can get it. Most of the teams in the mock draft have their starting tight so the managers remaining, including myself, may have just made the subconscious decision to leave Pitts on the board until now.
If not now for Pitts then when? He’s not a top target of mine at the tight end position this season where he typically goes, three or rounds higher, but I’ll take a swing on Pitts here. It’s important to remember that every player is draftable…at the right price.
ROUND 10
10.01- Courtland Sutton (DEN WR)
10.02- Jaylen Warren (PIT RB)
10.03- Ladd McConkey (LAC WR)
10.04- Nick Chubb (CLE RB)
10.05- Devin Singletary (NYG RB)
10.06- Tyjae Spears (TEN RB)
10.07- Hollywood Brown (KC WR)
10.08- Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX WR)
10.09- Jake Ferguson (DAL TE)
10.10- Jordan Addison (MIN WR)
MY PICK: Courtland Sutton
I regret not selecting Hollywood Brown with this pick. Brown is recovering from a preseason injury to his collarbone/chest so after drafting him, I can immediately place him on Injured Reserve. Then, I can pick up a high-upside player off of free agency to hold onto until Brown is back. This is a good strategy to use with players like Brown, Jonathon Brooks, Nick Chubb, and others who we know are going to miss at least Week 1 if not more. I’m not just drafting injured players to implement this strategy; I expect them to come back and hopefully contribute to my team, of course. Hollywood Brown could return as Patrick Mahomes’ WR1 before month’s end.
ROUND 11
11.01- Austin Ekeler (WAS RB)
11.02- Chase Brown (CIN RB)
11.03- Jerome Ford (CLE RB)
11.04- Ezekiel Elliott (DAL RB)
11.05- Tyler Lockett (SEA WR)
11.06- Jameson Williams (DET WR)
11.07- Trey Benson (ARI RB)
11.08- Gus Edwards (LAC RB)
11.09- J.K. Dobbins (LAC RB)
11.10- Blake Corum (LAR RB)
MY PICK: Blake Corum
Don’t be afraid to draft the handcuff running back to players you don’t have on your roster. Case and point here drafting Blake Corum without Kyren Williams on my roster. There are a few handcuffs I would prioritize this season, Trey Benson being one of them for James Conner. Unfortunately, I missed out on Benson by a few picks.
No sweat! Now I’m diversifying the upside on my bench. Drafting your players’ handcuff is nice security, but that player may never play. That said, I like having a handful of running backs, especially early on, who may never play…but may also be one injury away from putting up weekly RB1 numbers. Blake Corum fits that mold.
ROUND 12
12.01- Jayden Daniels (WAS QB)
12.02- Dak Prescott (DAL QB)
12.03- David Njoku (CLE TE)
12.04- Curtis Samuel (BUF WR)
12.05- Chuba Hubbard (CAR RB)
12.06- Joshua Palmer (LAC WR)
12.07- Khalil Shakir (BUF WR)
12.08- Jakobi Meyers (LV WR)
12.09- Brandin Cooks (DAL WR)
12.10- Brock Purdy (SF QB)
MY PICK: Jayden Daniels
My mock draft team is the last to draft a quarterback. If I’m not one of the first teams to get a quarterback, at the right cost, then I’m typically one of the last, especially in a 10-team league. There are so many options to go with as a starter, so much so that you can draft two if you wait this long just to be safe.
Jayden Daniels is the most mobile player left on the board. Albeit a rookie, his upside is higher than those left because of the points he can rack up just from running the ball. I don’t end up drafting a safe player to pair with him because there are plenty of them still available after the mock draft in free agency.
ROUND 13
13.01- Romeo Doubs (GB WR)
13.02- Jerry Jeudy (DEN WR)
13.03- MarShawn Lloyd (GB RB)
13.04- Dontayvion Wicks (GB WR)
13.05- Pat Freiermuth (PIT TE)
13.06- Rashid Shaheed (NO WR)
13.07- Mike Williams (NYJ WR)
13.08- Tyler Allgeier (ATL RB)
13.09- Isaiah Likely (BAL TE)
13.10- Rico Dowdle (DAL RB)
MY PICK: Rico Dowdle
Dowdle is worth the late-round investment. Ezekiel Elliott is 29 years old with 2,168 career rush attempts. Rico Dowdle is 26 years old with just 98 career rush attempts. If Dowdle seizes the lead-back role, he will be one of the best values of the 2024 season on the Dallas Cowboys. We should have an idea of this backfield early on, too. If things look bleak for Dowdle and you want to cut him for a higher upside player on an early waiver wire, then do so.
ROUND 14
14.01- Jaylen Wright (MIA RB)
14.02- Brock Bowers (LV TE)
14.03- Ray Davis (BUF RB)
14.04- Jordan Mason (SF RB)
14.05- Antonio Gibson (NE RB)
14.06- Zach Charbonnet (SEA RB)
14.07- Greg Dortch (ARI WR)
14.08- Braelon Allen (NYJ RB)
14.09- Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN RB)
14.10- Xavier Legette (CAR WR)
MY PICK: Jaylen Wright
The Dolphins traded a 2025 third-round pick to select Wright in this year’s fourth round. That’s a significant investment and I believe it’s for a reason. Raheem Mostert is 32 years old. De’Von Achane missed six games due to injury. The two backs in front of Wright are riskier than most making him an extremely enticing bench stash. Jaylen Wright is my favorite player to use one of my last picks on.
STARTING LINEUP
QB – Jayden Daniels
RB – Josh Jacobs, James Conner
WR – A.J. Brown, Garrett Wilson, Mike Evans
TE – Kyle Pitts
FLEX – Tee Higgins
BENCH: David Montgomery, Javonte Williams, Courtland Sutton, Blake Corum, Rico Dowdle, Jaylen Wright
Mock Draft 10.0 CONCLUSION
After a full summer of mock drafts, investing heavily in wide receivers early on is my favorite strategy. I often find myself waiting for a quarterback, as well. When it comes to tight ends, I want one of the top-eight players in most consensus rankings. As for the running backs, I try to leave every draft with five or six of them.
Above all else, drafting, setting lineups, and paving your way to a championship comes down to the decision you make as a manager. Hopefully the discussions and advice I’ve given and will continue to give this season help you make some of those decisions.
Who’s your favorite dark horse QB1? Drop some names in the comments below and then make sure to check out our 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit for more great rankings and analysis.