How To DOMINATE Your Fantasy Draft From a Late Draft Position (1.09-1.12)

If the starter goes down, Aaron Jones could become a top-20 running back sooner rather than later; positioned as a high-upside handcuff with significant opportunity if the primary back is injured. Starter with a capable backup; JJ Zachariason notes that if Aaron Jones goes down, the backup could be talking about top 20 running backs sooner rather than later, implying strong handcuff value and potential for top 30-35 weekly finishes if the starter remains healthy.

JJ Zachariason selects Baker Mayfield as a second quarterback in round 14, highlighting that Mayfield is only one year removed from averaging 20+ fantasy points per game, making him a value pick later in drafts. Zachariason also mentions Mayfield as a quarterback option and suggests going 'a little bit earlier' for him, implying he offers value if drafted before his typical ADP.

JJ Zachariason has become less bullish on Bijan Robinson after a conversation with John Shipley, expressing worry about his role or outlook. While Robinson was initially positioned among elite RBs going in the first seven to eight picks alongside Gibbs, CMC, and JT, Zachariason's recent concerns suggest diminished confidence in his top-tier status.

JJ Zachariason initially targets Blake Corum as part of a running back accumulation strategy in the dead zone, aiming for at least four running backs inside the top nine rounds. However, he later dismisses Corum as too expensive relative to his backup value in the Kyrie Murray-led Cardinals backfield, indicating he views Corum's ADP as overpriced for a handcuff role.

JJ Zachariason drafted Bo Nix in round 13 in a recent draft, demonstrating the viability of waiting extremely late on QB; paired with Jared Goff in round 14, this exemplifies the late-QB strategy where opportunity cost of early QB selection is avoided.

Established tight end playing a full-time role; JJ Zachariason groups Strange among the known commodities at tight end, noting that Brettton Strange is playing a full-time role, distinguishing him from the more speculative late-round tight end options.

Brock Bowers is falling to round three in late-draft scenarios, surprising JJ Zachariason who notes 'How about them apples?' at his late availability. Zachariason struggles to click Bowers as a round-two target over running backs, preferring to let him fall to the back half of round two rather than taking him early-to-mid round, citing better RB options at the top.

JJ Zachariason targets Brock Purdy as a late-round quarterback value, describing him as 'a bit of a teardrop' (a late-round value pick). Zachariason selects Purdy at pick 110, stating 'Sign me up there,' and feels comfortable with the selection because of his Mike Evans stack. He draws the line on quarterback selection around Lamar Jackson, with Purdy and Dak Prescott being his last two acceptable options, indicating he prefers waiting on the position and securing Purdy at his late ADP rather than reaching early.

JJ Zachariason highlights Caleb Williams as a mid-round QB option recommended as part of a late-draft quarterback strategy, pairing him with Justin Herbert as a preferred target when building around an elite tight end or multiple early wide receivers, allowing drafters to wait until rounds 9-10 for QB.

Zachariason has soured on CeeDee Lamb due to George Piggins joining the Cowboys, questioning his true top-three league-breaking upside and whether he should be a first-12-pick target in fantasy drafts. The addition of Piggins creates uncertainty about Lamb's role and ceiling.

Zachariason has moved Chase Brown up to 1.08 overall (RB4) in his rankings, citing that he has the fewest questions among top RB options at 1.09. Brown is selected in the mock draft at 1.08 and again at the turn in round 2, demonstrating confidence in his early-round value. He is projected to rank inside the top 10 in week one and pairs with Saquon Barkley to form a two-RB core expected to be a major strength in late-draft-position builds.

JJ Zachariason selects Chris Godwin in round 7, believing the gap between Amon-Ra St. Brown and Godwin is too wide, making Godwin a value pick to exploit the market inefficiency. Zachariason includes Godwin in his starting wide receiver room in a late-draft-position build as a core piece in the RB-RB start strategy.

Chris Rodriguez is mentioned alongside other tight end options (Laqueint Allen) in JJ Zachariason's draft evaluation, but is passed on in favor of a wide receiver-heavy build strategy.

Christian McCaffrey has a clear late-round handcuff available in Kalin Black, making him a good candidate for the handcuff strategy in late-draft scenarios.

JJ Zachariason selects Christian Watson as a core wide receiver in multiple draft scenarios. Watson is paired with Mike Evans to establish elite receiver depth that allows waiting on running back and tight end; included in a five-wide-receiver core (Jefferson, Smith, Waddle, Evans, Watson) projected to rank inside the top 20 as early as week two; Zachariason notes Watson 'kind of is' calling out to him in the mid-rounds and drafts him in round 5 as part of a strategy to build wide-receiver depth after securing top-tier running backs; Watson contributes to strong receiver room depth across multiple builds.

JJ Zachariason explicitly states he does not want Chuba Hubbard as his RB2 in rounds 5-6 when pursuing a hero running back strategy. Zachariason emphasizes 'I don't want Chuba Hubra as my RB2' and explains the reasoning: 'If I go superhero RB or hero RB I should say just really make wide receiver a strength man. I don't want to be playing catchup with just these lame freaking running backs in rounds five and six.' This reflects a preference to avoid mid-round RB selections and instead build wide-receiver depth in rounds 8-12.

Colston Loveland is a round-three or round-four tight end target in RB-RB draft strategies for late-draft-position teams. JJ Zachariason targets him as the ideal fit for the round three-four turn, positioning him as an elite tight end option that allows flexibility at WR in subsequent rounds. He previously drafted Loveland in round four and is comfortable with late-round tight end strategies in subsequent drafts.

DJ Moore is highlighted as a strong wide receiver option going at the round five to six turn, representing good value in that range for late-draft-position teams.

JJ Zachariason ranks DeAndre Swift among the top three offensive options for the Chicago Bears in round four alongside Travis Akin and David Montgomery, noting that while these backs don't come without warts, this is typical for running backs outside the top four or five. Zachariason indicates Swift would have been an excellent acquisition at the round 5 ADP, suggesting he represents strong value at that draft position in the running back dead zone.

JJ Zachariason identifies D'Andre Swift as a running back he would have preferred to acquire in the round 5 dead zone, suggesting he would have been an excellent value pick at that ADP.

Established tight end playing a full-time role; JJ Zachariason groups Goedert among the known commodities at tight end, noting that Dallas Goedert is playing a full-time role, distinguishing him from the more speculative late-round tight end options.

JJ Zachariason indicates elite quarterbacks like Daniel Jones are not his preference at this draft stage, suggesting he would pass on them in favor of other positional priorities.

JJ Zachariason suggests DeVante Adams may be undervalued in pre-season rankings; ranked lower heading into the season but positioned for upside once play begins.

JJ Zachariason ranks David Montgomery among the top three offensive options for the Chicago Bears in round four alongside Travis Akin and DeAndre Swift, noting that while these backs don't come without warts, this is typical for running backs outside the top four or five. Montgomery was selected in round 5 in the draft scenario discussed, illustrating the challenge of finding value at the RB position in rounds four and five.

Derrick Henry is among the elite RBs regularly going at the turn (picks 9-12), part of the 'great wall of RBs' alongside James Cook, Evan Engram, Devon Achane, Saquon Barkley, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Chase Brown. He is available as a top RB option at the 1.09 pick in mock drafts.

DeVonta Smith is highlighted as a potential late-round-three target in RB-RB draft strategies and is projected inside the top 15 at WR. Zachariason has drafted him as part of elite WR cores (alongside Jefferson, Waddle, Evans, Watson) projected to rank inside the top 20 as early as week two. He is a core piece in late-draft-position builds, though Zachariason avoids stacking him with Saquon Barkley on the same Eagles team.

JJ Zachariason drafted George Kittle at tight end after the top four tight ends went off the board; noted that the tight ends he was hoping would fall back to him had already been selected. Kittle represents a fallback option when preferred tight end targets are unavailable earlier in the draft.

JJ Zachariason targets Isaiah Likely as a potential number two tight end option on the Giants, willing to wait on the position and use Likely as a late-round selection. In a hero RB build, Zachariason drafts Likely as a late-round tight end, noting 'could we have perhaps improved quarterback or tight end? I'd guess, but I got pretty unlikely inside my top 10 anyway. I don't think we missed out that much by waiting as long as we did,' indicating Likely provides acceptable value at his late-round ADP. Zachariason views Likely as a top-10 tight end despite waiting longer than typical.

Isiah Pacheco is injured, creating uncertainty in the Kansas City Chiefs backfield and making it difficult to identify a clear handcuff strategy.

JJ Zachariason drafts JK Dobbins as part of his running back accumulation strategy in the dead zone, targeting at least four running backs inside the top nine rounds. However, he notes a significant concern: with Pacheco and Stanvaky injured, Dobbins lacks a clear handcuff option, making the handcuff strategy less viable for securing his backfield and reducing the appeal of the Ravens' running back room.

JJ Zachariason indicates elite quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts are not his preference at this draft stage, suggesting he would pass on them in favor of other positional priorities.

James Cook is a foundational RB pick from late draft positions (1.09), part of the 'great wall of RBs' regularly going at the turn (picks 9-12). Zachariason selected him at 1.09 alongside Chase Brown to solidify the running back room early. Cook has a clear late-round handcuff available in Ray Davis, making him a good candidate for handcuff strategy in late-draft scenarios.

Jameson Williams is highlighted as a strong wide receiver option going at the round five to six turn, representing good value in that range for late-draft-position teams.

JJ Zachariason drafted Jared Goff in round 14 in a recent draft as part of late-QB strategy; highlighted as a QB with proven QB1 success when drafted late. Zachariason also describes Goff as his 'break glass in case of emergency' quarterback option, indicating Goff is a reliable late-round fallback at the position. Goff is presented as a viable mid-round quarterback alternative to Trevor Lawrence when concerned about opening schedule matchups, suggesting good value at the position.

JJ Zachariason discusses Javante Williams as the lead back in Dallas, with Jaden Blue and Mike Washington as potential handcuff options; the context suggests Williams is the primary back but his backup situation is fluid and worth monitoring.

JJ Zachariason selects Jaden Reed in round 9 over Josh Downs, expressing concern about the Colts offense and preferring the Packers offense, making Reed the better value pick between the two WR options. Zachariason includes Reed as a backup wide receiver in his late-draft-position build and later identifies him as a bench option 'just one injury away' from being a starter.

JJ Zachariason selects Jaylen Waddle in round four as one of his favorite wide receivers available, noting minor practice concerns but preferring him over Lab Mcconi; Zachariason projects Waddle inside the top 15 wide receivers and includes him as part of an elite five-receiver core (Jefferson, Smith, Waddle, Evans, Watson) that could rank inside the top 20 as early as week two.

If starter Najee Harris goes down, Warren could become a top-20 running back sooner rather than later; positioned as a high-upside handcuff with significant opportunity if the primary back is injured. Backup running back with significant upside if the starter goes down; JJ Zachariason notes that if Warren goes down, he could be talking about top 20 running backs sooner rather than later, implying strong handcuff value and potential for top 30-35 weekly finishes if the starter remains healthy.

JJ Zachariason expresses significant uncertainty about the Jeremiah Love backfield situation, noting multiple possible handcuff options including Tyler Aier, James Connor, and Trey Benson, indicating a muddled depth chart with no clear backup.

JJ Zachariason indicates elite quarterbacks like Joe Burrow are not his preference at this draft stage, suggesting he would pass on them in favor of other positional priorities.

JJ Zachariason targets Jonathan Taylor at pick 1.11 despite concerns with the Colts offense, viewing the ADP as a value opportunity in late-first-round draft scenarios; Zachariason uses Taylor as the RB1 anchor in a hero RB build strategy, pairing him with multiple elite wide receivers (Justin Jefferson, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Mike Evans, Christian Watson) to create a balanced roster with strong receiving depth.

JJ Zachariason loves getting Jonathan Brooks at his current value, noting he could be the potential 1A or 1B in Carolina's running back situation. In a hero RB build, Zachariason projects Brooks as a top 30-35 option most weeks if starter Trouba stays healthy, with top 20 upside if the starter goes down. Brooks is positioned as 'just one injury away' from being a league-winner, emphasizing his injury-dependent upside as a bench option.

JJ Zachariason selects Jordan Mason in round 10 as RB3, noting he had a good training camp and fell back to him as expected, though Zachariason expresses skepticism about big bruising RBs' training camp performance metrics. Zachariason targets Mason as a 'flex with benefits' guy in a hero RB build, projecting him as a top 30-35 running back in most weeks if Aaron Jones stays healthy, with potential for top 20 upside if Jones goes down. Mason is positioned as a bench option 'just one injury away' from being on the cover of Waiver Wire articles.

JJ Zachariason explicitly avoids drafting Josh Allen at pick 13, finding it very unlikely the quarterback will fall back to the round three-four turn, making him a poor value at that draft position in a late-pick strategy.

Josh Jacobs carries significant legal and suspension risk that JJ Zachariason flags as a major concern. Zachariason notes 'That legal situation not going away everyone. Adam Schefter even said today there could be a suspension risk going on,' indicating ongoing uncertainty about Jacobs' availability. This risk context makes Jacobs a fade despite his talent, as potential suspension could dramatically impact his draft value and fantasy utility.

JJ Zachariason highlights Justin Herbert as a mid-round QB option recommended as part of a late-draft quarterback strategy, pairing him with Caleb Williams as a preferred target when building around an elite tight end or multiple early wide receivers, allowing drafters to wait until rounds 9-10 for QB.

Zachariason has soured on Justin Jefferson, expressing concern about how close the Kyler Murray competition was throughout the process and questioning whether the answer between Kyler and JJ could be no, suggesting uncertainty about his role and production outlook. However, he still uses Jefferson as an example of a high-value WR in balanced draft scenarios and has drafted him as part of elite WR cores projected to rank inside the top 20 as early as week two.

JJ Zachariason suggests Katon Mitchell may function as a change-of-pace back in Los Angeles (similar to Tai Johnson in Buffalo) rather than the direct handcuff to the lead back, implying limited upside if the starter goes down.

JJ Zachariason identifies Kamani Vidal as a potential late-round handcuff option in the Los Angeles Chargers backfield. Zachariason states 'Kamani Vidal could be the real handcuff in Los Angeles,' positioning him as a value play with upside if the lead back becomes unavailable. Zachariason presents Vidal as one of 'a lot of really good options late' in the running back dead zone, making him an attractive late-round target for handcuff value.

JJ Zachariason selects Kyler Murray as the first quarterback in round 13, noting this is taken when other teams are drafting kickers and backup running backs, positioning it as a strategic value move. Zachariason designates Murray as QB1 in his late-draft-position mock draft build and identifies him as a late-round quarterback pivot option if concerned about Trevor Lawrence's tough opening schedule.

JJ Zachariason identifies Lamar Jackson as the cutoff point for quarterback selection in late-position drafts, indicating he would not draft a quarterback before this tier. He considers Brock Purdy and Dak Prescott as his last two acceptable options, establishing Lamar Jackson as the threshold above which he avoids taking quarterbacks early.

Selected in round 3 at mid-round ADP; JJ Zachariason ranks him 23rd overall and views him as a bargain at this draft position. Nabers avoided PUP designation and is expected to play Week 1 Sunday Night Football against Dallas, removing injury risk concerns and supporting early WR investment.

Mike Evans is highlighted as a strong wide receiver option going at the round five to six turn, representing good value in that range for late-draft-position teams. JJ Zachariason selects Evans as part of his wide receiver-heavy build strategy, pairing him with Christian Watson to establish elite receiver depth. Despite acknowledging he's older and has warts, Zachariason notes Evans will rank higher in week-one rankings than pre-season rankings, similar to DeVonta Adams. Evans is part of a five-wide-receiver core (Jefferson, Smith, Waddle, Evans, Watson) projected to rank inside the top 20 as early as week two.

Mike Washington is JJ Zachariason's preferred late-round handcuff to Ashton Genty in the Dallas backfield. Zachariason uses a hypothetical suspension scenario to illustrate Washington's upside: 'Where do you think Mike Washington goes in drafts if Ashton Genty...he's suspended for eight games?' This framing emphasizes Washington's conditional value. Zachariason explicitly recommends: 'Ashton Genty teams, absolutely look at Mike Washington late,' positioning him as one of his most confident handcuff plays alongside other late-round running back options.

JJ Zachariason describes Parker Washington as a 'training camp hall of famer' and likely WR1 in Jacksonville, selected in round 6 as a value pick with clear offensive role and opportunity. Zachariason includes Washington in his starting wide receiver room in a late-draft-position build and drafts him in round 8 as part of a wide-receiver stack with Trevor Lawrence, building a five-wide-receiver core (Waddle, Smith, Evans, Watson, Washington) to create positional strength.

JJ Zachariason selects Quentin Johnston in round 8 as the Chargers #2 WR option, acknowledging past criticism (dropped passes as rookie) but backing him based on conviction that the Chargers offense will be strong, making him a value pick as the team's second option. Zachariason includes Johnston as a backup wide receiver in his late-draft-position build.

Ray Davis is JJ Zachariason's preferred late-round handcuff to James Cook in the Bills backfield. Zachariason emphasizes that with Cook already drafted earlier, the Bills RB1 spot is well-locked down, making Davis a valuable depth piece and injury-away sleeper. Zachariason explicitly recommends: 'James Cook teams, absolutely look at Ray Davis late.' Davis is positioned as one of Zachariason's most confident handcuff plays, appearing in multiple mock builds as a bench option 'just one injury away from being on the cover of all the Waverwire articles and into our lineup.'

JJ Zachariason targets Rico Dowdle in the running back dead zone, noting he could very well be the 1A in the wide-open Pittsburgh Steelers backfield. Zachariason identifies Dowdle as a 'flex with benefits' running back in a hero RB build strategy, projecting him as a top 30-35 option in most weeks if starter Jaylen Warren remains healthy, with potential to reach top 20 if Warren is injured.

JJ Zachariason evaluates Sam LaPorta as a tight end option but passes on him, choosing instead to double down on wide receiver as his positional strength in a late-draft-position strategy.

Saquon Barkley is among the elite RBs regularly going at the turn (picks 9-12) and is projected to rank inside the top 10 in week one. Zachariason drafted him at the turn in round 2 as part of a late-position strategy, expressing strong conviction with 'we'll get Saquon Barkley cuz why the hell not?' He pairs Barkley with Chase Brown to form a two-RB core expected to be a major strength, with both projected inside the top 10 at their positions early in the season.

Stefon Diggs (Waddle reference appears to be Devonta Smith based on context) is part of the wide receiver room filled out in the draft strategy, contributing to strong receiver depth.

Late-round handcuff to Saquon Barkley; JJ Zachariason identifies Bigsby as a clear handcuff play available late and successfully drafted him in the mock, exemplifying the strategy of securing handcuffs late to shore up RB depth when only taking two early RBs. Bigsby is positioned as injury-dependent upside—just one injury away from being a featured back and waiver-wire priority.

JJ Zachariason explicitly targets Terrence Ferguson as a late-round tight end sleeper with significant breakout potential. Ferguson could emerge as a top-10 tight end if he gets early-season snap share with the Rams, similar to how a tight end running on 75% of dropbacks would immediately become a top-10 option.

JJ Zachariason expresses strong conviction in Terence Ferguson as a late-round tight end target, emphasizing he wants to wait on the position and secure Ferguson specifically; indicates Ferguson is undervalued relative to other late-round tight end options. Zachariason states 'I would like Terence Ferguson later' and explicitly warns 'please, for the love of God, no one take Terren Ferguson from me. I'm going to be furious if they do,' signaling high confidence in Ferguson's value at his ADP.

JJ Zachariason is more comfortable with Travis Etienne's ADP in round five compared to round four. He drafted Etienne at pick 54 in an earlier draft and doesn't hate the player, only the ADP—suggesting round five represents a better value window. Etienne is a potential round-three target in RB-RB draft strategies for late-draft-position teams.

Established tight end playing a full-time role; JJ Zachariason groups Kelce among the known commodities at tight end, noting that Kelsey is playing a full-time role, distinguishing him from the more speculative late-round tight end options.

JJ Zachariason drafted Trevor Lawrence in round 8 stacked with Parker Washington; acknowledged Lawrence has a tough opening schedule but noted the flexibility to pivot to Jared Goff or Kyler Murray if concerned about the matchup. Zachariason states 'Trevor Lawrence, who I know he has a tough opening schedule, but guess what? we can loop back around and get Jarro Goff or even someone like Calum Murray if we're actually concerned about that.' Later, Zachariason notes 'Trevor Lawrence was someone where again I wanted to go a little more early mid round, but just things got away from me... Trevor Lawrence good value,' indicating he views Lawrence as good value despite the late selection and opening schedule concern.

JJ Zachariason evaluates Tucker Kraft as a tight end option but passes on him, choosing instead to double down on wide receiver as his positional strength in a late-draft-position strategy.