It’s always great to have stars on your fantasy roster, but to build a championship-caliber team you also need key players up and down the lineup. To dominate the middle and late rounds of your draft, check out Adam Schefter’s fantasy football cheat sheetfor a list of Schefty’s favorite value picks and sleepers to target.
We know deciding on which positions to prioritize is always tricky; so much depends on your league size, draft position and other rules. But can you pick a top-5 QB and top-3 TE and still like your team? Daniel Dopp leans on his wealth of mock draft experience to break down the tough draft-day decisionslike these. Your team-building doesn’t end on draft day, though. Consult Mike Clay’s Playbook Part 3for an expert guide to pickups, trades and how to manage your team day-to-day.
Here are other helpful links to prepare for draft day:
Nix finished as QB7 in his rookie season, thanks in part to his dual-threat skill set and improved accuracy. The Broncos’ offensive line returns all five starters, and is a unit I have projected as a top-5 group this season. With Evan Engram and RJ Harvey joining Courtland Sutton, Nix is a high-upside quarterback.
Swift reunites with new head coach Ben Johnson, who worked with him in Detroit and can maximize his skills. His rushing suffered behind a shaky offensive line, but the Bears upgraded the unit this offseason. Swift is a high-floor flex with upside and projected to handle the majority of touches in Chicago’s backfield.
Despite shaky quarterback play, Ridley caught 64 of 120 targets for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns in his first year with the Titans. Ridley’s elite route running makes his pairing with rookie Cam Ward intriguing on curl routes, slants and digs. Ridley is a great value at WR27 in ESPN leagues, with upside for more.
Henry could be primed for a career season in 2025 as part of a retooled Patriots offense. After a strong 2024 with 66 catches for 674 yards, he benefits from developing chemistry with Drake Maye and a creative offense under Josh McDaniels, positioning him as a reliable red zone target.
McMillan’s size, ball skills and production should lead to a smooth transition into the NFL as he steps into a Panthers offense led by Bryce Young, who improved in the second half of 2024. With Adam Thielen traded and Xavier Legette still unproven, McMillan has a path to the target share typical of a No. 1 receiver.
With Brian Robinson Jr. dealt to San Francisco, there should be expanded opportunity for the 30-year-old Ekeler, who is also active in the passing game. Since the Robinson trade, Ekeler has seen his ADP rise to the 11th round, alongside rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who also figures to be in Washington’s backfield rotation.
Joe Mixon Houston Texans
The Texans placed Mixon on IR, ensuring he’ll miss at least the first four games. Nick Chubb is expected to pick up most of the carries in that time, with Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks in the picture. Mixon can be stashed on your league’s IR spot, but his timetable to return from his ankle injury is unknown.
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