Draft position strategy varies depending on your pick in each round, league size, and scoring format, but here are general guidelines and optimal approaches for a 12-team PPR league:
Early Rounds (1-3)
- Round 1: Prioritize a top-tier running back (RB) or wide receiver (WR), depending on your draft position. Early picks (1-3) often favor elite RBs, while picks near the turn (e.g., 11th or 12th) may lean WR first
- Round 2: Fill the other key skill position (RB or WR) or consider a top tight end (TE) if value is high. Some strategies suggest waiting on TE until mid rounds, but grabbing a high-upside player early can pay off
- Round 3: Continue building RB/WR depth; if a top quarterback (QB) is available and your league values QBs highly (e.g., superflex), consider drafting one here. Otherwise, prioritize RB/WR depth
Mid Rounds (4-7)
- Focus on adding depth at RB and WR, as these positions have positional scarcity and volume.
- Consider drafting a QB around rounds 6-7 if you have not yet, especially if top QBs are still available.
- Wait on TE if you haven't drafted one yet, aiming for mid-round value picks or upside TEs in later rounds
Late Rounds (8+)
- Target upside players, handcuffs (backup RBs who can become starters), and sleepers.
- Draft backup QBs or TEs if needed.
- Avoid early picks on kickers or defenses; wait until the final rounds to select these positions
Draft Position-Specific Tips
- Picks 1-2: Best chance to secure elite RBs; build around them with WRs and TEs in rounds 2-3
- Picks near the turn (e.g., 11th or 12th): Consider WR-RB-WR or RB-WR-WR to maximize value since you pick twice quickly and then wait longer for the next pick
- Flexibility is key: Adapt your picks based on what players fall to you and positional scarcity as the draft progresses
Summary Table Example for First 3 Rounds (12-team PPR)
Round| Recommended Position to Draft
---|---
1| RB (early picks) or WR (late picks)
2| WR or RB, sometimes TE or QB if value
3| RB or WR, or QB if league format demands
This approach balances positional scarcity, upside, and value based on your draft slot and league settings
. In essence, draft RBs and WRs heavily in the first five rounds, wait on TE and QB until mid rounds unless exceptional value appears early, and always stay flexible to adapt to your league's flow and player availability
