This upcoming weekend is the biggest fantasy football draft weekend of the year. I, myself, have three drafts. One of them is a 12-team snake draft, the other a 10-team auction draft, and the third is a 16-team guillotine draft. Each draft requires a different approach, though all involving the same players. That’s one of many reasons fantasy football is so great. There are plenty of different ways to play. With that in mind, while this mock draft may not exactly mimic your league’s size, scoring, and rosters, you can hopefully still take away something from my strategy and player discussions.
Every Monday, until the start of the NFL season, I will be completing a fantasy football mock draft on what I like to call “Mock Draft Monday.” This series is a favorite of mine and one of the articles I look forward to the most during fantasy football draft season. I encourage you to review these mock drafts and complete some of your own!
Each week, I will select 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. As I break down the results of each mock draft, I guarantee my reasoning for every pick will help guide your own decision-making process when it comes time to select your teams for the upcoming fantasy football season. So, follow along all summer long!
Picking Eighth Overall in the Eighth 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 eighth overall pick in this mock draft and will make selections from different draft positions each week. For this mock draft, I’m breaking down 14 of 16 rounds. We are in the thick of draft season, so we might as well practice completing a full mock draft. 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- Ja’Marr Chase (CIN WR)
1.07- Justin Jefferson (MIN WR)
1.08- Bijan Robinson (ATL RB)
1.09- Jonathan Taylor (IND RB)
1.10- A.J. Brown (PHI WR)
MY PICK: Bijan Robinson
At this point, it’s important to recognize that there is a consistent top-eight players in just about every draft. You’re looking at it here in this mock draft. There will be some variation, perhaps with A.J. Brown or another preferred player sneaking in, but you really can’t go wrong with any of these players.
Furthermore, it’s important to recognize the importance of getting your guy. If you pick third and want a certain player that slightly goes against consensus, just get your guy! Your draft slot is your draft slot so make sure you leave the first round with a stud you believe in and want to build around this season.
ROUND TWO
2.01 – Saquon Barkley (PHI RB)
2.02- Jahmyr Gibbs (DET RB)
2.03- Garrett Wilson (NYJ WR)
2.04- Puka Nacua (LAR WR)
2.05- Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI WR)
2.06- Kyren Williams (LAR RB)
2.07- Derrick Henry (BAL RB)
2.08- Davante Adams (LV WR)
2.09- Travis Etienne (JAX RB)
2.10- Drake London (ATL WR)
MY PICK: Garrett Wilson
In order of preference, I’m hoping to leave the first three rounds with either 2WR/1RB or 3WR. After selecting Bijan Robinson in the first round of the mock draft, grabbing Garrett Wilson in the second is a no-brainer. The talent is obviously there will Wilson to be a top-10 guy at a minimum. We all know his success rests on the health of Aaron Rodgers.
If Rodgers does miss time, however, we should feel better about Tyrod Taylor backing him up as opposed to Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle from last season. We’re projecting greatness for Wilson with Rodgers, but there’s risk here. It’s just minimized with a better backup quarterback that makes drafting Wilson in the second round easier on the mind.
ROUND THREE
3.01- Brandon Aiyuk (SF WR)
3.02- Isiah Pacheco (KC RB)
3.03- Michael Pittman Jr. (IND WR)
3.04- Travis Kelce (KC TE)
3.05- Cooper Kupp (LAR WR)
3.06- Chris Olave (NO WR)
3.07- Josh Allen (BUF QB)
3.08- De’Von Achane (MIA RB)
3.09- Sam LaPorta (DET TE)
3.10- Jalen Hurts (PHI QB)
MY PICK: De’Von Achane
Well, it didn’t take long to abandon my preferred roster build. Truth be told, I’m not even a huge De’Von Achane guy, at least not at his third-round Average Draft Position. It’s a mock draft, though, so I’m curious to see how my team looks when I do take him as high as most people typically are this season.
There’s plenty to love with Achane. He is one of six running backs in 2023, with a minimum of 100 carries, that averaged 5.0 or more yards per carry. In fact, Achane’s 7.8 yards per carry average ranks first in this small group, 2.4 more yards per carry than the next guy, Christian McCaffrey.
Drafting De’Von Achane is chasing a massive ceiling. I don’t expect him to be as efficient in 2024, but efficient nonetheless with hopefully closer to 15 or so touches per game. Achane’s competition in Miami’s backfield is 32-year-old Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright, who you will see I strategically draft much, much later in this mock draft.
ROUND FOUR
4.01- James Cook (BUF RB)
4.02- Deebo Samuel (SF WR)
4.03- Mike Evans (TB WR)
4.04- Jaylen Waddle (MIA WR)
4.05- Rachaad White (TB RB)
4.06- DK Metcalf (SEA WR)
4.07- Patrick Mahomes (KC QB)
4.08- Josh Jacobs (GB RB)
4.09- Nico Collins (HOU WR)
4.10- Mark Andrews (BAL TE)
MY PICK: Mike Evans
I said this in the last mock draft and I’ll take time again to reiterate: Jerry Rice holds the record for most consecutive seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards with 11 straight. Mike Evans has 10. If I know that, I’m sure Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also know that. Evans will be 31 years old this week, but if last year taught us anything, wide receivers north of 30, including Evans, can still get it done.
I’m much more interested in drafting Mike Evans as my WR3 typically with two wide receivers on the roster at this point. In hindsight, I probably would have liked a player such as Nico Collins here instead. Truthfully, I wrongfully assumed Collins had been drafted the round prior. Let this be a lesson to check and double-check which players are available as your turn approaches and especially when you are on the clock.
ROUND FIVE
5.01- Zay Flowers (BAL WR)
5.02- Lamar Jackson (BAL QB)
5.03- Kenneth Walker (SEA RB)
5.04- Stefon Diggs (HOU WR)
5.05- Alvin Kamara (NO RB)
5.06- DeVonta Smith (PHI WR)
5.07- Joe Mixon (HOU RB)
5.08- D.J. Moore (CHI WR)
5.09- Amari Cooper (CLE WR)
5.10- Christian Kirk (JAX WR)
MY PICK: D.J. Moore
I’m of the belief that Caleb Williams is going to take the league by storm immediately as a rookie. After watching even just a small sample of him in the preseason, I think more people are starting to agree, if they haven’t already.
After signing the largest contract in the Chicago Bears’ franchise history, D.J. Moore is poised to be Williams’ WR1 for years to come. I have him inside my top-12 wide receivers for the 2024 season which is significantly higher than consensus. Needless to say, I consider it a steal that I’m able to draft him as the WR24 in this mock draft. Moore was the WR9 on a fantasy points per game basis last season.
ROUND SIX
6.01- George Pickens (PIT WR)
6.02- Malik Nabers (NYG WR)
6.03- Tee Higgins (CIN WR)
6.04- Trey McBride (ARI TE)
6.05- Anthony Richardson (IND QB)
6.06- Chris Godwin (TB WR)
6.07- Tank Dell (HOU WR)
6.08- C.J. Stroud (HOU QB)
6.09- Dalton Kincaid (BUF TE)
6.10- James Conner (ARI RB)
MY PICK: Tee Higgins
Since 2021, when Joe Burrow has both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the field, Higgins sits behind Chase in target percentage (27% v. 23%), yards per route run (2.41 v. 1.90) and air yard percentage (38% v. 35%). We’ve seen both succeed greatly without the other on the field. Specifically, in five games without Ja’Marr Chase in 2023, Tee Higgins logged 31 receptions for 511 yards and three touchdowns. That’s an average of 102 yards per game and, more importantly, 17.0 points per game.
Ja’Marr Chase isn’t going anywhere. He will sign an extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. Until then, he remains sidelined waiting to get paid while Higgins continues to get more reps with Burrow. I really love Tee Higgins’ value in this mock draft. The expectation of Chase returning is baked in, but Higgins carries a ton of upside at this ADP.
ROUND SEVEN
7.01- Rhamondre Stevenson (NE RB)
7.02- Keenan Allen (CHI WR)
7.03- Terry McLaurin (WAS WR)
7.04- Aaron Jones (MIN RB)
7.05- Joe Burrow (CIN QB)
7.06- Kyle Pitts (ATL TE)
7.07- Rashee Rice (KC WR)
7.08- David Montgomery (DET RB)
7.09- Calvin Ridley (TEN WR)
7.10- Zamir White (LV RB)
MY PICK: David Montgomery
At this point in the mock draft, I have 4WR and 2RB. I’m always keeping an eye on quarterback and tight end but, to this point, 70% of this 10-team mock draft league has it’s starting quarterback. Meanwhile, 60% of the league has their starting tight end. As the demand decreases, so does the quality of the supply of each position, but there are still players at each I like.
Knowing I have another pick five spots away from this one, I also have the ability to see what the two teams making the four picks before my next one may need. Monitoring your league’s needs can be an advantage, just don’t obsess over it and let their plans dictate your draft.
Both teams have a starting tight end while one has a quarterback. Knowing this, I decide to punt both for at least this pick and grab David Montgomery. In the event either Bijan Robinson or De’Von Achane miss time, Montgomery should be a serviceable RB2 with touchdown upside in a similar role to last season.
ROUND EIGHT
8.01- Jayden Reed (GB WR)
8.02- D’Andre Swift (CHI RB)
8.03- Kyler Murray (ARI QB)
8.04- Najee Harris (PIT RB)
8.05- Jaylen Warren (PIT RB)
8.06- Diontae Johnson (CAR WR)
8.07- Xavier Worthy (KC WR)
8.08- Raheem Mostert (MIA RB)
8.09- Rome Odunze (CHI WR)
8.10- Jordan Love (GB QB)
MY PICK: Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray makes it back my way after guessing correctly what the two teams ahead of me may do. Murray is one of the last mobile quarterbacks left on the board. I know only two teams other than mine need a starter at this point, but I have Murray as QB6 ahead of C.J. Stroud and Joe Burrow so selecting him here is notable.
Murray is adding rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and rookie running back Trey Benson to his arsenal. That already includes tight end Trey McBride, running back James Conner, and others. The Arizona Cardinals’ defense is one of the league’s worst, so Murray could be one of the busiest quarterbacks this season playing most of the year in a negative game script.
ROUND NINE
9.01- Christian Watson (GB WR)
9.02- Tony Pollard (TEN RB)
9.03- Hollywood Brown (KC WR)
9.04- Ladd McConkey (LAC WR)
9.05- Devin Singletary (NYG RB)
9.06- Javonte Williams (DEN RB)
9.07- Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS RB)
9.08- DeAndre Hopkins (TEN WR)
9.09- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA WR)
9.10- Nick Chubb (CLE RB)
MY PICK: DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins is returning from a preseason knee injury. Hopkins is 32 years old so his age with an already existing injury presents red flags. Reports suggest the veteran will be ready by Week 1, though, and I like the two-round discount from his teammate Calvin Ridley.
DeAndre Hopkins led the entire league in air yards last season. In what should be a pass-heavier Titans offense under a new regime, Hopkins should maintain his consistent big-play ability with plenty of volume, as well. I have four wide receivers ahead of him on this mock draft roster so I can take a “wait and see” approach with Hopkins.
ROUND 10
10.01- Zack Moss (CIN RB)
10.02- Austin Ekeler (WAS RB)
10.03- Jonathon Brooks (CAR RB)
10.04- Tyjae Spears (TEN RB)
10.05- Chase Brown (CIN RB)
10.06- Courtland Sutton (DEN WR)
10.07- Tyler Lockett (SEA WR)
10.08- Keon Coleman (BUF WR)
10.09- Ezekiel Elliott (DAL RB)
10.10- Jerome Ford (CLE RB)
MY PICK: Jonathon Brooks
I’m not too happy with myself for drafting two already injured players with back-to-back picks, even if it is a mock draft. Simply put, I want to minimize my risks this fantasy football season. Hopkins and Brooks do the opposite of that.
Even though head coach Dave Canales suggests Brooks could return in Week 3 or 4, he’s still a rookie running back who will not have played in a football game since tearing his ACL in November of 2023. Brooks’ return doesn’t mean he becomes an automatic start on fantasy rosters in most formats. With that in mind, spending a 10th-round pick on a running back you have to wait four or more weeks to play requires a lot of patience.
ROUND 11
11.01- Jordan Addison (MIN WR)
11.02- Khalil Shakir (BUF WR)
11.03- George Kittle (SF TE)
11.04- Blake Corum (LAR RB)
11.05- Evan Engram (JAX TE)
11.06- Chuba Hubbard (CAR RB)
11.07- Gus Edwards (LAC RB)
11.08- Jake Ferguson (DAL TE)
11.09- Curtis Samuel (BUF WR)
11.10- David Njoku (CLE TE)
MY PICK: Jake Ferguson
If other managers are “zigging”, I will often tend to “zag” in drafts. This mock draft is not one of those times. By the time I’m back on the clock, myself and one other team are the only ones without a starting tight end. With consideration of the options left, Jake Ferguson has a legitimate chance to be second in targets on the Dallas Cowboys behind CeeDee Lamb. That’s assuming Lamb takes the field any time soon amidst a contract dispute.
ROUND 12
12.01- Jameson Williams (DET WR)
12.02- Dak Prescott (DAL QB)
12.03- Trey Benson (ARI RB)
12.04- Zach Charbonnet (SEA RB)
12.05- Dallas Goedert (PHI TE)
12.06- J.K. Dobbins (LAC RB)
12.07- Tyler Allgeier (ATL RB)
12.08- Rico Dowdle (DAL RB)
12.09- Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN RB)
12.10- Khalil Herbert (CHI RB)
MY PICK: Trey Benson
Trey Benson remains one of the more enticing running back handcuffs. James Conner has played in more than 13 games just twice in seven seasons. I like filling my bench with running backs who have an opportunity to start a handful of games or even take over completely for whatever reason during the season.
ROUND 13
13.01- Caleb Williams (CHI QB)
13.02- Brock Bowers (LV TE)
13.03- Ty Chandler (MIN RB)
13.04- Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX WR)
13.05- Antonio Gibson (NE RB)
13.06- Braelon Allen (NYJ RB)
13.07- Jakobi Meyers (LV WR)
13.08- Joshua Palmer (LAC WR)
13.09- Jayden Daniels (WAS QB)
13.10- T.J. Hockenson (MIN TE)
MY PICK: Joshua Palmer
There are always a few teams that fantasy football managers fade more than others when it’s time to draft. After significant draft capital was used selecting Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Justin Herbert this time last year, nobody on the Los Angeles Chargers is coming off of the board before the 10th Round in 2024.
That’s not to suggest we’re all wrong and the Chargers are going to be good with plenty of fantasy football relevant players. Rather, there could be value in their skill positions if Justin Herbert is able to stay healthy this season. Joshua Palmer is a low-risk, high-reward player I like targeting here for this reason.
ROUND 14
14.01- Romeo Doubs (GB WR)
14.02- Jordan Mason (SF RB)
14.03- Jaylen Wright (MIA RB)
14.04- Pat Freiermuth (PIT TE)
14.05- Dontayvion Wicks (GB WR)
14.06- Dalton Schultz (HOU TE)
14.07- Jerry Jeudy (DEN WR)
14.08- Cole Kmet (CHI TE)
14.09- Mike Williams (NYJ WR)
14.10- Greg Dortch (ARI WR)
MY PICK: Jaylen Wright
After selecting De’Von Achane in the third round of the mock draft, Jaylen Wright becomes more of a priority add for this team. Wright is the Miami Dolphins’ 2024 fourth round selection. It’s important to note, though, that the Dolphins traded a 2025 third-round pick to select Wright where they did. Wright’s size, speed, burst and more could elevate him ahead of Raheem Mostert if not both he and Achane this season. At the very least, if Achane misses time, Wright is a high-upside handcuff on a successful offense.
STARTING LINEUP
QB – Kyler Murray
RB – Bijan Robinson, De’Von Achane
WR – Garrett Wilson, Mike Evans, D.J. Moore
TE – Jake Ferguson
FLEX – Tee Higgins
BENCH: David Montgomery, DeAndre Hopkins, Jonathon Brooks, Trey Benson, Joshua Palmer, Jaylen Wright
Mock Draft 8.0 CONCLUSION
I’m consistently waiting to be one of the last teams to draft a quarterback in most mock drafts. It tends to work out well in 1QB formats especially knowing players like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Jared Goff, and more are essentially free at the end of drafts.
Tight end is a different story. Once one of the big names goes, a few more are quick to follow. If it makes sense at the time, sometimes I lock that player in, but it hasn’t been a focus of mine to acquire a top guy.
This mock draft team feels like it has a ton of upside, but carries plenty of risk. Achane, Hopkins, and Brooks are all either injured or missed significant time from an injury last season. It’s okay to take on risks, but if they pile up, your season can come crashing down in an instant.
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be confident in your convictions. Go get your guy! Rankings are merely a guideline, especially for the first round. Make sure you start your draft off with a player you’re excited about, not just one some list says you should take.
Above all else, if you are drafting this weekend, have fun and good luck!
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.