- Drake London had a breakout 2024 season: A new coaching staff and quarterback led London to go from a borderline fantasy starter to a must-start and potential top-10 option.
- Pick a quarterback like Jayden Daniels early: By adding one or more players who are the best at their position, it’s easier to stockpile players at other positions.
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Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
This perfect draft strategy for 12-team, single quarterback, redraft, PPR fantasy football leagues uses current average draft positions (ADPs) specifically from Sleeper to deliver a round-by-round guide for managers picking at the late middle of the draft — specifically from Picks 7, 8 or 9. To find more information about any player mentioned in this article, click on the player's name to find their fantasy football player profile.
Last updated: Friday, August 8
Round 1, Picks 7-9: Draft a wide receiver
Anyone picking from the middle of the first round to the end is either selecting their top available wide receiver or a running back, such as Christian McCaffrey, Ashton Jeanty or Derrick Henry. There are six wide receivers ranked third to eighth, where seemingly no two analysts have the receivers in the same order. All of them could end up as the top overall wide receiver if everything goes well, but all are going through some changes with some combination of new play-callers, new quarterbacks and new competition for targets. In Brian Thomas Jr.’s player profile, I detail why I believe he is the best option of the group, but there are legitimate reasons to pick a different receiver.
Top Target: Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. had a strong start to his rookie season and ended it among the league’s best fantasy receivers. In his final seven games, he gained at least 13 PPR points each week and averaged 21.5 points, third behind only Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua. He played at least 84% of his team’s offensive snaps in all but one of those games. The team added Travis Hunter in the draft, and he will see a decent target rate, but typically, two great wide receivers can co-exist as long as there isn’t much more competition for targets. Thomas led all wide receivers in yards per route run out of the slot with 3.12, and new offensive coordinator Liam Coen has found a lot of success with his slot receivers in the past. An increased role in the slot could lead Thomas to remain among the top wide receivers in fantasy football.
Possible Targets: Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Nabers, Drake London
Round 2, Picks 16-18: Draft a wide receiver
It’s too early to draft a quarterback at this pick. The first- and second-tier running backs are typically gone, so it’s unlikely there is a value at that position. That means the decision is between a top wide receiver and Brock Bowers, if he’s still available. The best value at this point is at wide receiver, as George Kittle will likely be available in Round 3 if you want to pick a tight end early. While this is a little early for London’s ADP, there is at least a chance one of the top eight running backs falls to this pick.
Top Target: Drake London
Drake London was the eighth overall pick in the 2022 draft, but failed to be a regular fantasy football starter in his first two years due to limited quarterback play, Arthur Smith’s run-first offense, and a rotation at wide receiver. In 2024, the Falcons were still a run-first team thanks to Bijan Robinson, but he was on the field more often, the quarterback play was much better, and he played in the slot more often. London was playing like a top-three fantasy wide receiver in three games with Michael Penix Jr. last season, but Penix was also throwing to London at an unsustainable rate. Penix’s quality of play will determine if London can finish among the top 10 fantasy wide receivers.
Possible Targets: A.J. Brown, Ladd McConkey, Tee Higgins, Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin
Round 3, Picks 31-33: Draft a quarterback
Jayden Daniels’ ADP is a little later on Sleeper compared to other platforms, making him a complete steal at this pick. Even if Daniels is off the board, Jalen Hurts is an acceptable option. While running back is the biggest need for this team, Kenneth Walker III is the best option available, and he should also be around in the fourth round.
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