Hey guys! Fantasy football season is fast approaching, and if you're anything like me, you're already itching to start prepping for your drafts. One of the best ways to get ready is by participating in mock drafts. 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. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's get to it!

Round 1: The Elite of the Elite

In the first round of a 10-team PPR league, you're looking for a true difference-maker. These are the guys who are likely to be consistent week-in and week-out performers, setting the foundation for your team. Usually, running backs and wide receivers dominate the top of the draft board.

Running Backs: Guys like Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, and Bijan Robinson are often the first few names off the board. McCaffrey is a PPR machine, catching tons of passes in addition to his rushing workload. Ekeler, despite some age concerns, remains a focal point of the Chargers' offense and a reliable target in the passing game. Robinson, as a rookie last year, had a learning curve but still showed some excellent upside and has proven himself as a focal point of the offense. All of these guys are expected to score big points. Consider that these players come with little to no risk and all the reward, so drafting any of them would not be a bad choice.

Wide Receivers: On the receiver side, Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase are usually the top dogs. Jefferson is a target hog in Minnesota, while Chase is the clear-cut WR1 for Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. These guys have incredible ceilings and are capable of winning you weeks on their own. You may also see names like Tyreek Hill and CeeDee Lamb in this range, depending on personal preference. These guys have shown that they can perform at the top level and are on offenses that love to pass, allowing them to have many opportunities to make big plays. In the past, wide receivers were seen as risky high picks, but they are now proving to be some of the most consistent players in fantasy football.

Strategy: In the first round, don't overthink it. Take the best player available based on your rankings and trust your gut. It's crucial to start strong with a player who can anchor your team throughout the season. PPR (point per reception) will always be the focus, so wide receivers should also always be considered. A good strategy would be to pick up a consistent running back and then follow it up with a big-play wide receiver in the second round.

Rounds 2 & 3: Building Your Core

The second and third rounds are where you start to solidify your team's core. You're looking for players who offer a blend of upside and stability. Ideally, you want to address your running back and wide receiver positions in these rounds, but don't be afraid to zig if everyone else zags.

Running Backs: If you didn't grab a running back in the first round, now's the time. Guys like Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, and Travis Etienne might be available. Henry is a volume monster, while Taylor, when healthy, has elite upside. Etienne is the lead back in a potentially explosive Jacksonville offense. All of these players are solid picks and can become the backbone of your team.

Wide Receivers: If you went running back in the first round, target wide receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, or Davante Adams. St. Brown is the clear-cut WR1 in Detroit, while Brown is a big-play threat in Philadelphia. Adams, even with a change at quarterback, should still see a high volume of targets. These wide receivers have all proven themselves to be consistent players who can win you your week if you are lucky.

Tight Ends: It might be tempting to grab Travis Kelce in the second round, but tight end is deep this year. Waiting until later rounds to address the position can allow you to snag value elsewhere. Players such as Mark Andrews or Darren Waller are typically not worth the high draft pick and can usually be picked up later in the draft.

Strategy: Consider your roster construction. If you started with a running back, grab a top-tier wide receiver. If you went wide receiver, consider securing a workhorse running back. Also, pay attention to positional scarcity. If running backs are flying off the board, it might make sense to grab one earlier than expected to avoid being stuck with subpar options later. Wide receivers are usually plentiful, so you are safe to wait a round on the position.

Rounds 4 & 5: Upside and Value

In the middle rounds, you're looking for players with upside who might be undervalued. These are the guys who could outperform their draft position and become key contributors to your team. This is where you can start to take a few more risks, betting on talent and opportunity.

Quarterbacks: This is often a good range to target a quarterback. Players like Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, or Josh Allen might be available if they slip a bit. While waiting on a quarterback is a viable strategy, securing a top-tier option can give you a significant advantage at the position. Guys such as Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert could be considered here as well. These players have a good history and are likely to outperform their draft position.

Running Backs/Wide Receivers: Continue to address these positions, looking for players with upside. Guys like Javonte Williams, Rachaad White, or James Conner could be solid running back options. At wide receiver, look for players like DeAndre Hopkins, Terry McLaurin, or Christian Watson. These players might have some question marks, but they also have the potential to be weekly starters. The goal in these rounds should be to get players who could become consistent players who can start on your team every week.

Strategy: Don't be afraid to reach a bit for players you believe in. This is the range where you can start to differentiate your team from others in your league. Also, pay attention to bye weeks and try to avoid drafting too many players with the same bye week. In some instances, it is unavoidable, but you can always trade them for someone else who has a different bye week.

Rounds 6-10: Depth and Sleepers

These rounds are all about building depth and finding potential sleepers. You're looking for players who might not be starters right away but could emerge as valuable contributors due to injuries or improved performance. It is also a good time to look at players who are in the last year of their contract or are trying to prove themselves. Those players could become huge sleepers.

Running Backs/Wide Receivers: Continue to add depth at these positions. Look for players who are one injury away from a significant role. Guys like Khalil Herbert, Jerick McKinnon, or Samaje Perine could be valuable handcuffs. At wide receiver, target players with upside like Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, or Marquez Valdes-Scantling. These players might be inconsistent, but they have the potential to deliver big games. Typically, it is a good idea to secure at least two handcuffs for your starting running backs, as those players can win you your league in the playoffs.

Tight Ends/Quarterbacks: If you waited on these positions, now's the time to address them. Look for tight ends with upside like Dalton Schultz, Cole Kmet, or Tyler Higbee. At quarterback, consider players like Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, or Aaron Rodgers. These quarterbacks might not be elite, but they can provide solid production at a reasonable cost. A good strategy is to draft a quarterback who has a consistent floor but is not likely to have a huge ceiling.

Strategy: Focus on upside and potential. These rounds are about taking risks on players who could become valuable contributors. Also, pay attention to team situations and try to identify players who might benefit from a change in scenery or a coaching change. Consider drafting players that you may not need that you can then trade to other teams for players that are useful for your team.

Rounds 11-15: Lottery Tickets and Kickers/Defense

The late rounds are where you take shots on high-upside players who are unlikely to be drafted in most leagues. These are your lottery tickets – players with the potential to be league winners if everything breaks right. Also, it is the time to draft your kicker and defense, usually with the last two picks.

Running Backs/Wide Receivers: Target players with intriguing skill sets or favorable situations. Guys like Deuce Vaughn, Tank Bigsby, or Jayden Reed could be worth a late-round flier. These players might be buried on the depth chart, but they have the potential to surprise. You are looking for players who may be unknown that may have the potential to break out.

Tight Ends/Quarterbacks: If you're still looking for a tight end or quarterback, grab a player with upside. Guys like Irv Smith Jr. or Daniel Jones could be worth a look. At this point, you're simply hoping to strike gold with a late-round pick. These picks are not likely to make or break your team, so there is little to no risk in picking up these players.

Kicker/Defense: Don't overthink these positions. Simply draft a kicker with a good leg and a defense with a favorable early-season schedule. Streaming these positions is also a viable strategy. It is not worth it to draft a good defense early, as defenses are extremely volatile. The same is true for kickers. You can usually find a good kicker who is available on the waiver wire.

Strategy: Embrace the chaos. These rounds are all about taking risks and hoping for the best. Don't be afraid to draft players you like, even if they're not highly ranked. Also, pay attention to news and injuries, as late-round picks can quickly become valuable if they're thrust into a bigger role. You want to look at players who could be hidden gems that can help your team reach the next level.

Key Takeaways

A 10-team PPR mock draft is a great way to prepare for your upcoming fantasy football season. By understanding player values and draft strategies, you can increase your chances of building a winning team. Remember to focus on building a strong core in the early rounds, targeting upside in the middle rounds, and finding sleepers in the late rounds. And most importantly, have fun! Fantasy football is all about enjoying the competition and camaraderie with your friends. Good luck, guys, and may the best team win!