Which Draft Build Is BEST? Reviewing Our Pick-by-Pick Teams (09/04 Fantasy Football Podcast)

In a scenario where AJ Brown fell to the 2-3 turn alongside Pickens, Collins, and London, the source favors taking AJ Brown and London, indicating AJ Brown's upside is strong at that draft position.

Wide receiver taken in late round two as part of a three-receiver league build; the source loves the stack of Drake May and AJ Brown together and describes it as a terrific start to the team.

Unlikely to reach the 2-3 turn in drafts; source assesses that AJ Brown probably won't fall to that point, implying he'll be selected earlier.

Adonai Mitchell has been getting buzz all camp long and is viewed as the Jets' number two wide receiver and probably their number two target in the offense. However, the limiting factor is that it's the Jets offense. As a late-round flyer, he ranks toward the bottom of the list compared to other late-round wide receiver options like Stribbling.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is Team Seven's round-one receiver selection. The source describes Team Seven as 'a really good team' with strong quarterback value, and St. Brown anchors the receiving corps alongside Devontae Smith and Marvin Harrison Jr.

Anthony Richardson showed improvement in preseason play and has been working on his mechanics; if he continues this trajectory, he could become a reclamation project elsewhere or compete for a starting job in the future.

Anthony Richardson is the Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback, which is problematic for receivers like Zay Flowers given Richardson's poor passing mechanics and arm talent compared to a starting-caliber QB.

Running back selected as the hero RB in a build that waits on the position; the source notes that if Jamar Chase is taken at pick three instead, Bijon Robinson would still likely be available and would be the preferred RB selection, indicating strong value at that juncture.

Breece Hall was available in the third round but was not selected on Team 6; the source questions whether the team should have considered him instead of Zay Flowers to improve running back depth.

Source expresses concern about Brian Thomas Jr. as a third receiver in a three-receiver PPR league; indicates hesitation about his performance or role.

Source prefers Bowers over Rice in rankings and would take him in a scenario where Nico Pickens and Olave are available; indicates Bowers is ranked higher and preferred as a value pick in early rounds.

Source emphasizes the upside potential of Bowers as a tight end, noting he must be included in the conversation when evaluating receiver-heavy rosters; suggests his ceiling justifies early tight end selection.

Brock Purdy was selected as bench depth on Team 6, providing backup quarterback coverage after Jalen Hurts.

The source identifies Bucky Irving as one of two running backs he would have been comfortable taking in round four as an RB1, which would have changed his draft strategy away from taking Travis Etienne in round three; Irving went two picks before the source's round-four pick.

Source has dropped Tate further in rankings since the draft; indicates declining confidence in his value and would prefer alternatives like Sutton.

The speaker mentions Lamb as one of the Cowboys players he needs to draft more of, but notes that Lamb is going to be tough to acquire.

The source identifies Chase Brown as one of two favorite running backs in the draft (alongside Kenneth Walker), indicating strong approval of his draft capital and role.

Chris Godwin is Team Eight's sixth-round pick, part of the team's receiving corps. The source mentions Godwin as part of the roster but does not provide specific analysis of his value or role.

Godwin was drafted in round six and is cited as a strong value pick that allowed the drafter to skip the ick rounds at running back while maintaining receiver depth.

Source loves Olave as a receiver in a three-receiver PPR league; indicates strong confidence in his performance and role.

The speaker is not the biggest McCaffrey fan but took him in the first round of a Keeper League draft because there were many players off the board and it made the most sense as value; this is the second time the speaker has taken McCaffrey despite not being a fan, viewing it as good value.

Christian Watson is Team Eight's fifth-round pick. The source includes him among the team's first five selections and notes that none of these players are 'catch standouts,' but specific analysis of Watson is not provided in the excerpt.

Watson was drafted in round five and is highlighted as a strong value pick that helped cover receiver needs without taking a high-end WR2 early.

Source would have taken Sutton over Carnell Tate as a third receiver option; indicates preference for Sutton's value.

Wide receiver taken ahead of Quinshawn Judkins in a three-receiver league build; the source expresses mild buyer's remorse over this selection, noting that in full PPR scoring by season's end the two players will likely be close in value, and the hesitation stems from the team's weak RB2 situation.

Left practice with a cramp; no ranking changes warranted.

The source identifies DeAndre Swift as one of two running backs he would have been comfortable taking in round four as an RB1, which would have changed his draft strategy away from taking Travis Etienne in round three; Swift went mid-round four in the draft discussed.

DeAndre Swift fell in this draft to a value spot; the source states 'I take him in almost every draft' and prefers Swift over Judkins, noting that assuming he's healthy, Swift's draft position was a positive outcome that 'saved him' in the draft.

DeAndre Swift's ADP has stabilized in the middle of round four across multiple sources; real-time Fantasy Pros ADP is 46, CBS ADP is 38, and in-house drafts show him going 38th to 45th. The source notes Swift 'fell a little bit' in their draft but attributes this to health concerns being priced in, which 'saved him' in their view. Swift is being selected ahead of Judkins and is viewed as preferable to Judkins by the source.

Dak Prescott was selected 113th overall by Team Eight, significantly above his ADP of approximately 59. The source identifies this pick as 'ridiculous' and questions whether the team would be better served by Jared Goff at that draft position, suggesting Prescott was overvalued in this draft.

Prescott was drafted at a spot where the source would have loved to take him, indicating strong value at his draft position.

The speaker mentions needing to start drafting more Cowboys players including Dak, Lamb, or Pickens in his remaining three drafts.

Dallas Goedert is Team Four's tight end selection. The source compares Team Four's overall roster construction to Team Six, noting that while Team Four loses some value at tight end compared to Team Six's Sam Laporta, Team Four compensates with superior running back depth.

The source expects Cook to be more involved in his offense catching the ball this year than he was last year, signaling an uptick in pass-game role and receiving opportunities.

Daniel Jones has a history of injury issues in his career; in dynasty and superflex leagues, Anthony Richardson could be a relevant bench stash given Jones's durability concerns.

David Montgomery is expected to be the lead back in Houston's offense and should exceed 600 total yards if healthy; he's positioned in round five but has a clear pathway to being a great pick, though also carries bust risk.

The source describes David Montgomery at 81st overall as insane value, indicating he was acquired significantly below his expected draft position.

Montgomery was drafted 81st overall and is cited as insane value, representing a significant bargain at running back.

Debo Samuel looked good in preseason and the 49ers haven't been shy about giving him carries, indicating continued dual-threat usage.

The source mentions Derrick Henry as a running back option that was passed over in round two in favor of Justin Jefferson, suggesting Henry was in consideration at that draft position.

DeVonta Smith was mentioned as a receiver the source would have preferred over Zay Flowers in round three of Team 6, suggesting better value at that draft position.

Devontae Smith is Team Seven's round-three receiver selection. The source compares two potential round-two/three combinations: Henry and Smith versus A.J. Brown and Javontae Williams. Both the source and co-the source prefer the Henry and Smith pairing, with explicit agreement that 'Henry and Smith is good.'

D.K. Metcalf was available as a flex option on Team 6, part of the bench depth after the starting lineup of JSN, Pickens, Flowers, Swift, Brooks, and Dobbins.

Identified as a player Heath loves and will take early in drafts as part of his conviction-based strategy of targeting his preferred receivers.

Top-three quarterback taken in round six, described as going late relative to typical draft expectations; the source notes Drake May is unlikely to fall to round six in most drafts, making this a value opportunity if he does.

Will be used to some degree in the Seahawks backfield until Zach Charbonnet returns from injury.

Eric All is a late-round name to know for tight end premium leagues with the Bengals, though the source can't imagine people will be drafting him in standard formats.

The source views Garrett Wilson's ADP as being in the appropriate range for his talent level; no upside or downside is implied.

Wilson was selected in the running back-receiver-running back-receiver draft pattern as part of a balanced build.

Per Andrew Destin of The Athletic, will be the third-down back and also handle short-yardage and goal-line work early in the season; source has been drafting him late as a dart throw to monitor the Seahawks backfield situation, noting he remains a good late-round stash option, especially if you have an IR spot or a player you want to drop.

Helani is widely available and can be stashed early in the season as the Seahawks backfield is in a discovery phase; however, his role is uncertain given the presence of Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet's eventual return.

George Kittle won't play his usual 95% of snaps in week one but could still play around 80% snap share, indicating a potential snap count management situation early in the season.

George Kittle is Team Eight's tight end, selected in round eight. The source highlights Team Eight's roster construction, noting that the team features 'nothing but running backs and receivers in the first seven rounds' before pivoting to Kittle, suggesting strong positional value and a disciplined draft strategy.

George Pickens paired with Jackson Smith-Njigba as the first two receivers in Team 6 is described as a great duo that no one will complain about; the source notes this is a strong foundation for a receiver-heavy build despite the running back depth concerns that follow.

The speaker likes Pickens and really wants to draft him, but has never taken him in any league; he identifies Pickens as the Cowboys player he really needs to start drafting in his remaining three drafts.

J.K. Dobbins was selected as one of three running backs on Team 6 (alongside DeAndre Swift and Jonathan Brooks), part of a receiver-heavy build that left the team with running back depth concerns.

Source took Chase instead of B.J. Robinson in round one; source notes that taking a running back like Robinson in round one is likely to feel more comfortable because running backs dry up quickly in the draft.

Source selected Chase as a wide receiver in an early round (round two based on context), supporting a wide receiver-heavy build strategy. Source discusses Chase as part of a potential elite stud core alongside Rice and McBride.

Wide receiver expected to be taken at pick three in most leagues; the source notes that in a scenario where Chase is taken at three instead of Bijon Robinson, the drafter would still take AJ Brown in late round two, indicating Chase's value and the flexibility of the build around him.

Expected to get the majority of touches in the Seahawks backfield early in the season, though George Helani will handle some third-down, short-yardage, and goal-line work; source recommends drafting him as a low-end number two running back, potentially as early as round five.

Price is a first-round pick with plenty of talent and upside but faces significant uncertainty: he has been a part-time running back who must prove himself; the Seahawks backfield has 400 vacated touches available, but Price's role is unclear given George Helani's presence and Zach Charbonnet's eventual return; there is bust potential if Charbonnet reclaims his prior goal-line and two-minute drill role, similar to how he limited Kenneth Walker's touchdown opportunities.

Jalen Hurts was selected as the quarterback on Team 6 in round eight, following a receiver-heavy build in the first three rounds.

James Cook is Team Eight's first-round pick. The source notes that in a PPR league, Cook is among the team's first five selections (Cook, Barkley, Higgins, Kyron Williams, Watson) and points out that 'none of those guys are catch standouts.' However, the source expects Cook to be 'more involved in their offenses catching the ball this year than they were last year,' suggesting improved PPR value.

Jared Goff is mentioned as a potential alternative to Dak Prescott at the 113th overall pick for Team Eight. The source suggests Goff would have been a better selection at that draft position, implying superior value compared to Prescott.

Source prefers Williams' value over Travis Etienne in round three, noting that Williams went after Etienne in ADP and represents a better running back selection.

The source identifies Javante Williams as the running back he would have selected if committed to taking an RB in round two, indicating Williams is a preferred early-round running back option in draft strategy.

The source rates Javante Williams as an early round three running back talent, and notes that his late round three ADP in this draft represents good value relative to his true tier.

Javante Williams was available in the third round but was not selected on Team 6; the source questions whether the team should have considered him instead of Zay Flowers, noting he could have been paired with DeAndre Swift to improve running back depth.

Williams was selected in the running back-receiver-running back-receiver draft pattern as part of a balanced build.

Kept as a keeper by Spencer (Brett Frankel's 15-year-old son) in a keeper league draft.

The source identifies Jaylen Waddle as a potential alternative receiver option at 34th overall instead of Luther Burden, suggesting he makes sense as a comparable pick.

Source prefers Love's upside over Travis Etienne in round three, noting that Love went after Etienne in ADP and represents better value at the running back position.

The source considers Jeremiah Love as a preferred running back option in early-round selections, suggesting he would have been the choice if committed to taking a running back in round two, positioning him as a value alternative to other early-round RB targets.

The source calls Joe Burrow an absolute steal in round seven, indicating the quarterback was acquired well below his expected ADP and represents strong value.

Burrow was drafted 81st overall and is cited as insane value, representing a significant bargain at quarterback.

Taylor was selected first overall in a draft build, paired with Justin Jefferson in a running back-receiver-running back-receiver pattern.

The source believes Jonathan Taylor should go before ninth overall in drafts, indicating he is undervalued at his current ADP and represents strong value in the first round.

Jonathan Brooks was selected as one of three running backs on Team 6 (alongside DeAndre Swift and J.K. Dobbins), part of a receiver-heavy build that left the team with running back depth concerns.

Jonathan Brooks is Team Six's RB2, part of a roster that includes Sam Laporta at tight end. The source compares Team Six's running back depth unfavorably to Team Four's, which features Ramondre Stevenson as RB2.

Josh Allen was taken in round four of a draft, with the source noting he felt Allen 'fell too far' and was worth the early quarterback selection.

Josh Allen was selected 42nd overall in round four by Team Seven (Jamie's team), which the source identifies as 'the only quarterback you would have taken there.' This represents strong value for a top-tier quarterback at that draft position.

Allen was drafted early at quarterback, but the source expresses regret about the position selection timing rather than the player choice itself.

The source views Justin Jefferson as good value in the round-one-to-round-two range where he is currently being drafted; while acknowledging he has been seen as late round one or early round two, the source considers this range appropriate and a solid pick.

Jefferson was selected second overall in a draft build, but the source questions whether he was the right pick over Barkley and Henry at that position.

Juwan Johnson is Team Eight's backup tight end, selected to support George Kittle. The source mentions Johnson as part of the team's tight end depth but does not provide specific analysis of his value or role.

Walker finished as RB 28 overall and RB 28 per game last season despite averaging 4.6 yards per carry over a full season; his limited touchdown share (only five) relative to Zach Charbonnet's dominance in the red zone explains his mid-tier finish despite solid efficiency.

The source identifies Kenneth Walker as one of two favorite running backs in the draft (alongside Chase Brown), indicating strong approval of his draft capital and role.

Drafted by Heath in the IDP draft instead of Laporta, showing diversification in his tight end selection across multiple drafts.

Kyren Williams was available in the third round but was not selected on Team 6; the source questions whether the team should have considered him instead of Zay Flowers to improve running back depth.

Kyron Williams is Team Eight's fourth-round pick. The source includes him among the team's first five selections (Cook, Barkley, Higgins, Kyron Williams, Watson) and notes that none of these players are 'catch standouts,' but the analysis is cut off before providing specific commentary on Williams.

The source identifies Kyron Williams as amazing value in round four, with his fall to that spot representing a significant draft opportunity.

The source praises getting Lad McConkey in round four as amazing value, and notes he would have preferred McConkey over the receivers selected earlier in the draft.

The source notes that Luther Burden at 34th overall could have been replaced by alternative receivers like McMillan, Waddle, or McConkey, and that McConkey in round four would have been preferable; this suggests Burden may not be the optimal pick at that spot.

The source expresses strong preference for Marshawn Lloyd, stating he would have taken him even as a fourth running back in round six if he had made it back, indicating high conviction on his value.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is Team Seven's third receiver, part of a balanced roster that the source describes as 'a really good team' with strong quarterback value and no issues with the early-round selections.

Michael Wilson signed a three-year $70 million extension with $47 million guaranteed from the Cardinals. Wilson and Parker Washington had similar career arcs in their first 36-38 games (both did basically nothing early) before finishing with an absolute blitz of production, suggesting Wilson could be poised for a breakout.

Ian Rappaport has been steadily reporting that Mike Washington Jr. will be a significant contributor this year, suggesting emerging breakout potential.

Running back drafted in round seven as a handcuff/backup option; the source notes that if Ashton Gentry does not play in week one, Mike Washington would become the team's RB2, indicating contingency value in the selection.

Running back drafted in round 13 as part of a late-round running back accumulation strategy; included in the source's plan to find depth at the position through volume late-round selections in a build that intentionally weakens the RB2 position early.

Wide receiver included in the starting lineup as part of a terrific trio of receivers (AJ Brown, DJ Moore, Parker Washington) in a three-receiver league build; the source describes this receiving corps as terrific.

Source drafted Judkins as a running back in a pick-by-pick team; part of a roster built around high-end potential at running back, tight end, and receiver positions.

Source suggests Judkins as a late round four option in a zero RB approach, indicating he represents good value when running backs are hammered later in the draft after securing elite wide receivers and tight ends.

The source explicitly states he did not want Quinchon Judkins to be his RB1, indicating a lack of confidence in Judkins as a primary running back option in his draft strategy.

Running back passed over for DJ Moore in the draft but expected to be close in value by season's end in full PPR scoring; the source's hesitation to take Judkins was driven by the team's weak RB2 situation rather than a knock on Judkins' talent or projection.

Rice is discussed as part of a team build alongside either Jamar Chase and Travis Etienne or B.J. Robinson and Devante Smith, indicating Rice as a consistent early-round wide receiver selection in the draft strategy being reviewed.

Stevenson is now in the conversation with other uncertain mid-round running backs (rounds five through seven), but Trevion Henderson is still looming as a potential threat to his role.

Travion Henderson was not seen at practice, which strengthens Ramondre Stevenson's lead-back role heading into week one against Seattle and New England—two of the NFL's best run defenses from last year.

Stevenson has passed Travion Henderson in ADP; however, week one matchups against Seattle and New England—two of the NFL's best run defenses from last year—present a challenging early-season outlook.

Ramondre Stevenson is Team Four's RB2, contributing to that team's superior running back depth compared to Team Six, which has Jonathan Brooks as RB2. The source notes that Team Four 'has better running back depth' overall despite other roster trade-offs.

Listed as flex option on source's roster; indicates depth chart position and potential playing time role.

Sam LaPorta was selected as the tight end on Team 6 in round seven, part of a receiver-heavy build that prioritized three receivers in the first three rounds.

Sam Laporta is Team Six's tight end selection. The source indicates Laporta represents better tight end value than Team Four's Dallas Goedert, though Team Six sacrifices running back depth to achieve this.

The source mentions Saquon Barkley as a running back option that was passed over in round two in favor of Justin Jefferson, suggesting Barkley was in consideration at that draft position.

The source expects Barkley to be more involved in his offense catching the ball this year than he was last year, indicating an expanded pass-game role.

Saquon Barkley is Team Eight's second-round pick. The source notes that in a PPR league, Barkley is among the team's first five selections and observes that none of the top five are 'catch standouts.' However, the source expects Barkley to be 'more involved in their offenses catching the ball this year than they were last year,' indicating improved PPR production potential.

The speaker likes Barkley but has not taken him in any league because he usually ends up taking Walker and Hampton ahead of him; he was planning to draft Barkley in a recent draft but McCaffrey was the better value in the first round.

The source mentions Stefon Diggs as a potential alternative receiver option in the draft, suggesting he was available and could have been selected instead of Luther Burden or other receivers.

Drafted by Heath over some other receivers that might be considered better, as an example of Heath's conviction-based strategy of taking his guys.

If healthy, Higgins will offset some reception issues with his touchdown production, suggesting strong scoring upside when available.

Source likes McLaurin as a receiver in a three-receiver PPR league; indicates confidence in his performance.

Taken in round three ahead of ADP; source questions whether this was a mistake, noting that Jeremiah Love and Javante Williams both went after Etienne and represent better value. Source prefers Love's upside over Etienne despite acknowledging Etienne was a productive running back in Jacksonville last year and should be a feature back for the Saints.

The source took Travis Etienne in round three but would not have done so if he felt confident that DeAndre Swift or Bucky Irving would be available in round four; the source believed those two RBs would be taken earlier than ADP suggested, forcing the round-three Etienne selection.

Source took Kelce a little bit ahead of his ADP in the draft; indicates he was selected earlier than typical market expectations.

Trey Tucker was selected as bench depth on Team 6, part of the overall roster construction.

Henderson is looming as a potential threat to Ramondre Stevenson's role in the Patriots backfield.

Source drafted Lawrence as quarterback in a pick-by-pick team; indicates his selection as the team's signal-caller.

Source believes McBride is a difference-making tight end for fantasy, ranking him real close to or ahead of Bowers in full PPR scoring. Source suggests McBride should have been selected in round three instead of Travis Etienne, as part of a zero RB approach with elite wide receivers.

Early round three tight end selection in a draft build that pairs an elite tight end with a top-three quarterback (Drake May) in the first six picks; the source notes this is a team construction that works but acknowledges a slight preference for waiting until round six or later before taking both a top-tier tight end and top-tier quarterback, as it provides more roster-building flexibility.

The source would have selected Trey McBride at tight end in round two as a differentiator strategy, planning to find running back depth later in round four rather than taking an early-round RB, positioning McBride as a premium tight end target.

Treylon Burks is mentioned as a late-round flyer option, though the source doesn't provide specific details about his role or upside in this segment.

The source hated the Tucker Kraft pick from last year but it ended up being one of his best picks in a Super Flex League, illustrating how conviction picks can work out despite initial skepticism.

The source highlights Tyler Warren as a 57th overall pick and describes it as really good value, indicating the tight end was acquired well below his expected ADP.

Marks could be in an even split with Montgomery in the backfield, creating uncertainty for both backs in that situation.

Woody Marks will not have an even split with David Montgomery in carries; he's expected to operate primarily on passing downs and in no-huddle situations, with minimal goal-line usage. The source would be shocked to draft Marks unless in a very late round.

Woody Marks was selected as bench depth on Team 6, part of the running back group after the receiver-heavy start.

Expected to return to the Seahawks backfield at some point; currently out, with Jadarian Price, George Helani, and Emmanuel Wilson sharing duties in the interim.

If Helani is used early and Charbonnet returns to his prior role as the primary touchdown back and goal-line back (as he was last season), there is clear bust potential for Jadarian Price; Charbonnet's historical usage pattern (receiving most touchdowns while Walker had only five) suggests Price could face similar touchdown scarcity.

Running back drafted in round 10 as part of a late-round running back accumulation strategy in a build that intentionally weakens the RB2 position early; included in the source's plan to find depth at the position through volume late-round selections.

Zay Flowers was seen practicing, indicating no current injury concerns heading into the season.

Zay Flowers was taken in round three of Team 6, but the source would have preferred a running back or a different receiver like DeVonta Smith or T. Higgins in that spot, suggesting Flowers was a reach given the team's later running back depth concerns.

Taken in the middle of round three, slightly early but ahead of other receivers expected to go before him in most drafts; the source notes this as an example of Heath's strategy of taking his guys early.