Hey guys! Fantasy football season is fast approaching, and what better way to prepare than with a mock draft? Today, we're diving into a 10-team PPR mock draft on ESPN, giving you a sneak peek at potential draft strategies and player values for the 2024 season. Let's get started and break down each round, highlighting key picks and potential sleepers.

Round 1: Elite Running Backs and Wide Receivers

In the first round of a 10-team PPR league, securing an elite player who can provide consistent, high-end production is crucial. Running backs and wide receivers dominate this round, with drafters prioritizing players expected to have significant volume and scoring opportunities. Typically, the top running backs such as Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler (if his situation clears up), and Bijan Robinson are highly sought after due to their dual-threat capabilities in the passing game. These backs not only rack up yards on the ground but also contribute heavily through receptions, which is particularly valuable in PPR formats.

Top Wide Receivers: On the receiver front, Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and CeeDee Lamb are usually the first off the board. Their proven ability to command a high target share in their respective offenses makes them extremely reliable week-to-week starters. Drafting one of these elite receivers gives you a significant advantage at the position, providing a solid foundation for your team. The decision between a top running back and a top receiver often depends on personal preference and the perceived depth at each position later in the draft.

Draft Strategy Considerations: Some drafters might also consider Travis Kelce, given his unique positional advantage at tight end. However, in a 10-team league, the opportunity cost of passing on a top-tier running back or receiver is substantial. It's generally advisable to build your foundation with players who have the highest projected touch and target volume. Keep an eye on ADP (Average Draft Position) to gauge when certain players are likely to be drafted and adjust your strategy accordingly. If a player you highly value falls to you, don't hesitate to pounce, even if it wasn't your initial plan. The goal is to secure the best available talent and build a roster that can consistently score points each week.

Round 2: Building a Strong Core

As we move into the second round, the focus shifts towards solidifying your roster with reliable players who offer a blend of upside and consistency. This is where you can address your second running back or wide receiver position, depending on what you did in the first round. If you went with a running back in Round 1, targeting a top-tier receiver like A.J. Brown, Stefon Diggs, or Amon-Ra St. Brown can provide you with a formidable duo at the wide receiver position. Conversely, if you started with a receiver, grabbing a running back like Tony Pollard, Derrick Henry, or Josh Jacobs (depending on his contract situation) can give you a strong foundation in the backfield.

Value and Risk: This round also presents an opportunity to take a calculated risk on a player with high upside but some level of uncertainty. For example, a player returning from injury or joining a new team might offer significant potential if they pan out. However, it's important to balance these riskier picks with more stable options to avoid putting your team in a precarious position early in the draft. Pay attention to player news and training camp reports to get a better sense of player values and potential breakout candidates. Remember, the key is to find players who can exceed their draft position and provide you with a competitive edge.

Positional Considerations: Tight end becomes a more viable option in the second round, especially if you missed out on Travis Kelce in the first. Players like Mark Andrews and George Kittle can offer a significant advantage at the position, but it's important to weigh their value against the available running backs and receivers. Quarterback is generally not a priority in the second round of a 10-team league, as there are usually plenty of viable options available later in the draft. However, if a top quarterback like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen falls to you, it might be worth considering, especially if you believe in the positional advantage they can provide.

Rounds 3 & 4: Identifying Value and Upside

Rounds 3 and 4 are crucial for identifying value and upside in your draft. This is where you can find players who are being slightly undervalued due to factors such as injury concerns, competition for targets, or changes in their team's offensive scheme. These rounds are an excellent opportunity to target running backs and wide receivers who have the potential to outperform their ADP (Average Draft Position) and become key contributors to your team.

Running Back Strategies: In these rounds, look for running backs who have a clear path to significant touches but may be available later due to concerns about their team's overall offense or the presence of other backs on the roster. Players who are strong pass-catchers can be particularly valuable in PPR formats, as they offer a higher floor due to their receiving contributions. Keep an eye on running backs who are expected to have a role in the passing game, even if they are not the primary ball carriers.

Wide Receiver Targets: At wide receiver, focus on players who are the clear number two option on their team or who have the potential to emerge as a top target. These players often come with less risk than the more established stars but still offer significant upside. Look for receivers who have a favorable matchup schedule or who are playing with a quarterback known for targeting the position heavily. Also, consider rookies who have generated buzz during training camp, as they may quickly become important parts of their team's offense.

Quarterback and Tight End Considerations: While it's generally not advisable to draft a quarterback or tight end too early in a 10-team league, these rounds can be a good time to start considering those positions if you feel the value is right. If a quarterback like Lamar Jackson or Justin Herbert falls to you in the fourth round, it might be worth grabbing them. Similarly, if you missed out on the top tight ends, targeting a player like Darren Waller or Evan Engram can provide you with a solid option at the position without overspending.

Rounds 5-7: Filling Needs and Adding Depth

Rounds 5 through 7 are all about filling needs and adding depth to your roster. By this point in the draft, you should have a solid core of running backs and wide receivers, so you can start to address other positions such as quarterback, tight end, and flex. This is also a good time to target players who have the potential to be sleepers or breakout candidates.

Quarterback Selection: If you haven't already drafted a quarterback, this is the range where you should start to consider it seriously. In a 10-team league, you don't need to spend a premium pick on a quarterback, as there are usually plenty of viable options available later in the draft. Look for quarterbacks who have a favorable matchup schedule, a strong supporting cast, or who are known for their rushing ability, as that can provide a significant boost to their fantasy production. Players like Tua Tagovailoa, Kirk Cousins, and Dak Prescott can often be found in this range.

Tight End Options: Tight end is another position where you don't need to overspend in a 10-team league. However, it's still important to find a player who can provide you with consistent production. Look for tight ends who are the primary target in their team's passing game or who have a proven track record of success. Players like Dalton Schultz, Pat Freiermuth, and Cole Kmet can be solid options in this range.

Flex and Depth: As you continue to fill out your roster, focus on adding depth at running back and wide receiver. These positions are prone to injury, so it's important to have backups who can step in and contribute if needed. Look for players who have a clear role in their team's offense or who have the potential to earn more playing time as the season progresses. Also, consider drafting players who have dual eligibility (e.g., running back/wide receiver), as they can provide you with additional flexibility in your lineup.

Rounds 8-10: High-Upside Sleepers and Handcuffs

Rounds 8 through 10 are the sweet spot for finding high-upside sleepers and securing valuable handcuffs. At this stage, you've likely addressed your starting lineup's primary needs and can afford to take some risks on players with significant potential but uncertain roles. These rounds are about swinging for the fences and potentially uncovering a league-winning asset.

Targeting Sleepers: Sleepers are players who are being drafted later than their potential production would suggest. These could be rookies who are flying under the radar, veterans in new situations, or players poised for a breakout season due to changes in their team's offensive scheme or coaching staff. Look for players with clear paths to playing time and opportunities to make an impact. Some examples might include: Khalil Shakir, Tank Bigsby, or Zamir White.

Securing Handcuffs: Handcuffs are running backs who serve as the primary backup to a team's starting running back. In the event of an injury to the starter, the handcuff steps into a significant role and can provide valuable fantasy production. Identifying and drafting these players can be a shrewd move, as they offer insurance against potential disaster. Obvious handcuffs include: Alexander Mattison, AJ Dillon, or Jaylen Warren.

Strategic Rationale: The rationale behind targeting sleepers and handcuffs in these rounds is simple: the potential reward outweighs the risk. If a sleeper hits, you've gained a valuable asset that can significantly improve your team's chances of success. If a handcuff is needed, you're covered in case of an injury to your starting running back. Even if these picks don't pan out, the cost is minimal, as you're not sacrificing a high draft pick.

Late Rounds: Kickers, Defense, and Lottery Tickets

The late rounds of your mock draft, typically rounds 11 onwards in a 10-team league, are reserved for kickers, defenses, and those final lottery ticket players. While these picks may not seem as crucial as your earlier selections, they can still contribute to your overall team success and shouldn't be overlooked.

Kicker and Defense Strategy: When it comes to kickers and defenses, the general strategy is to stream them based on matchups throughout the season. Instead of investing a high draft pick in a top-rated kicker or defense, wait until the very end of your draft to select these positions. Look for kickers who play in high-scoring offenses and defenses that have favorable matchups against struggling offenses. Streaming these positions allows you to maximize your points each week without sacrificing valuable draft capital.

Lottery Ticket Players: The final rounds are also an opportunity to take some fliers on players with significant upside but low floors. These could be rookies, undrafted free agents, or players returning from injury who have the potential to surprise. The key is to identify players who have a clear path to playing time and could become valuable contributors if things break their way. These picks are essentially free rolls, as there is little risk involved, but the potential reward could be substantial.

Final Thoughts: As you wrap up your mock draft, take a moment to review your roster and assess your strengths and weaknesses. Identify any areas where you may need to make adjustments in future drafts. Remember, mock drafts are a valuable tool for preparing for your real draft, so don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies and player combinations. With careful planning and a little bit of luck, you can build a team that is capable of competing for a championship in your 10-team PPR league. Good luck, and happy drafting!