As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, the buzz surrounding player selections intensifies. This year’s mock draft, conducted by a group of ESPN Fantasy experts, showcased trends and insights that can be pivotal for fantasy managers. One of the standout narratives is the early selection of Jonathan Taylor in the second round and the strategic value of quarterbacks in the late rounds.
The Landscape of the Mock Draft
In a 10-team mock draft with half-PPR scoring held recently, the participants—who included fantasy football authorities like Daniel Dopp, Joe Kaiser, Eric Karabell, and others—highlighted various player preferences and positional trends. The draft started with heavy-hitting first-round selections featuring some of the league’s elite talents, like Ja’Marr Chase, Bijan Robinson, and Christian McCaffrey.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1 featured top-tier wide receivers and running backs. Notable selections included Ja’Marr Chase and Bijan Robinson topping the list. The quick succession of wide receivers reflects a strategic shift where managers are opting for proven playmakers.
- Round 2, however, is where we see Taylor make a significant impression. His selection at 2.2 shows faith in his recovery and production potential in the Indianapolis Colts’ reshaped offense. After a year plagued by injury issues, Taylor’s situation remains of interest as fantasy managers are eager to capture his explosive potential if he returns to form.
Jonathan Taylor’s Value
Jonathan Taylor’s early second-round selection speaks volumes about the confidence in his role within the Colts’ offense. Despite his injury history, fantasy managers are banking on his pedigree as a top-tier running back. In this draft, he was picked up right after prominent stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and just before Derrick Henry.
Taylor’s ability to command touches, especially in a run-first approach, can deliver immense value, particularly in half-PPR scoring formats where his potential for receptions can also factor into his overall point totals.
Late-Round Quarterback Strategy
Equally intriguing is the value seen in selecting quarterbacks later in the draft. Teams were comfortable waiting until the fourth round or beyond to secure their signal-callers. This year, noted QBs like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts went in an advantageous range, allowing teams to load up on premium running backs and wide receivers early.
Selecting quarterbacks in the late rounds seems to allow for a more balanced team approach. Fantasy managers may often find that tiered depth at running back and wide receiver often outweighs the need for an elite quarterback early.
Top Quarterback Selections
Some noteworthy quarterback selections and their round placements include:
- Josh Allen: Picked at 4.3
- Jalen Hurts: Picked at 4.6
- Lamar Jackson: Picked at 4.5
This trend reveals a changing mindset, demonstrating a willingness to invest in offensive depth before focusing on the quarterback position.
Positioning for Value
Mid-to-late round selections can be treasure troves for compelling players, especially in fluctuating backfields. As coaches finalize their roster compositions and depth charts become clearer, there’s potential for hidden gems.
For instance, players who may slide into favorable roles due to injuries or organizational changes could present value picks. The mock draft includes interesting placements like Brock Bowers at TE, or Caleb Williams at QB, who may serve as solid backend investments.
Strategies Moving Forward
Monitor Player Developments: Keep an eye on team training camps and injury reports leading up to the season. Players like Jonathan Taylor may provide significant returns if healthy.
Depth over Stars: In a half-PPR setup, the value of possession-based running backs and high-target receivers should not be underestimated.
Late QB Value: Prioritize building a running back and wide receiver core before heading into the later rounds for a quarterback. This allows for flexibility and mitigates risk.
- Embrace the Mock: Conducting practice drafts, such as what the ESPN team did, highlights various strategies and potential outcomes for your draft plan, ensuring preparedness for situational adjustments on draft day.
Conclusion
As we gear up for the 2025 fantasy football season, strategies surrounding player selection are continuously evolving. The early selection of Jonathan Taylor in round two solidifies a strategy focused on maximizing value at skill positions. Furthermore, the value found in selecting quarterbacks later in the draft reflects a strategic shift towards depth in critical areas.
Fantasy football success often hinges on one’s capability to adapt to trends and capitalize on undervalued players. Ensure you’re well-prepared and take advantage of the latest data and player evaluations leading into draft season. With thoughtful preparation and a keen eye for value, you may find yourself at the top of your league come playoff time.
