Fantasy football season is getting closer by the day, and soon enough, it will be time to draft for real. One month from today, every team will be done their first three preseason games, so it would probably be safe to have your fantasy drafts (waiting until after Week 4 of the preseason would be better, but you should at least wait until after Week 3). It’s never too early for a mock draft, though. Here’s the first one of the summer, using a 10-team, standard (non-PPR) scoring format. [Editor’s Note: this is a ‘mock’ draft, so the players are ordered by how they likely will be selected in most leagues based on ADP and consensus rankings, not how they ‘should’ be selected according our rankings, which will be released next month.]
Round 1 (1-10)
Team 1: David Johnson, Cardinals RB
Team 2: Le’Veon Bell, Steelers RB
Team 3: Antonio Brown, Steelers WR
Team 4: Julio Jones, Falcons WR
Team 5: LeSean McCoy, Bills RB
Team 6: Odell Beckham Jr., Giants WR
Team 7: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys RB
Team 8: A.J. Green, Bengals WR
Team 9: Melvin Gordon, Chargers RB
Team 10: Mike Evans, Buccaneers WR
Analysis: Most leagues are drafting Johnson, Bell, and Brown in that order; all three are worthy of the top spot. Zeke falls to seventh overall because of concerns about a suspension, but he will likely be a first-round pick as long as it’s no more than a couple games.
Round 2 (11-20)
Team 10: Jay Ajayi, Dolphins RB
Team 9: DeMarco Murray, Titans RB
Team 8: Jordy Nelson, Packers WR
Team 7: Jordan Howard, Bears RB
Team 6: Devonta Freeman, Falcons RB
Team 5: T.Y. Hilton, Colts WR
Team 4: Todd Gurley, Rams RB
Team 3: Dez Bryant, Cowboys WR
Team 2: Leonard Fournette, Jaguars RB
Team 1: Amari Cooper, Raiders WR
Analysis: The tier below Johnson/Bell/Elliott consists of Melvin Gordon, Jay Ajayi, Jordan Howard and others. Gordon went in the first, but Ajayi and Howard aren’t far behind. In PPR leagues, Devonta Freeman could go ahead of all of them. Also, rookie Leonard Fournette goes off the board at pick #19.
Round 3 (21-30)
Team 1: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots TE
Team 2: Michael Thomas, Saints WR
Team 3: Lamar Miller, Texans RB
Team 4: Alshon Jeffery, Eagles WR
Team 5: DeAndre Hopkins, Texans WR
Team 6: Brandin Cooks, Patriots WR
Team 7: Aaron Rodgers, Packers QB
Team 8: Marshawn Lynch, Raiders RB
Team 9: Doug Baldwin, Seahawks WR
Team 10: Tom Brady, Patriots QB
Analysis: Whether they should or shouldn’t go this high, quarterbacks usually start getting selected around now. There’s a good chance Rodgers and Brady are the top two overall fantasy players in 2017, so it’s hard to criticize it. Beast Mode will probably get some second-round consideration because of his name, but we’ll have to see how he looks this preseason.
Round 4 (31-40)
Team 10: Christian McCaffrey, Panthers RB
Team 9: Demaryius Thomas, Broncos WR
Team 8: Isaiah Crowell, Browns RB
Team 7: Sammy Watkins, Bills WR
Team 6: Drew Brees, Saints QB
Team 5: Joe Mixon, Bengals RB
Team 4: Travis Kelce, Chiefs TE
Team 3: Jordan Reed, Redskins TE
Team 2: Keenan Allen, Chargers WR
Team 1: Jarvis Landry, Dolphins WR
Analysis: Speaking of name recognition, Christian McCaffrey and Joe Mixon will probably go a little higher than maybe they should, as neither guy will have the backfield to themselves. Still, the talent is there to make a year-one impact. Similar to quarterback, tight ends go off the board early.
Round 5 (41-50)
Team 1: Carlos Hyde, 49ers RB
Team 2: Matt Ryan, Falcons QB
Team 3: Dalvin Cook, Vikings RB
Team 4: Andrew Luck, Colts QB
Team 5: Allen Robinson, Jaguars WR
Team 6: Mark Ingram, Saints RB
Team 7: Greg Olsen, Panthers TE
Team 8: Davante Adams, Packers WR
Team 9: Ty Montgomery, Packers RB
Team 10: Michael Crabtree, Raiders WR
Analysis: Dalvin Cook is selected right behind McCaffrey and Mixon, and he will likely climb up boards if Latavius Murray (ankle) is slow coming back. Andrew Luck’s status after shoulder surgery is something to keep an eye on, but we know he puts up numbers.
Round 6 (51-60)
Team 10: Terrelle Pryor, Redskins WR
Team 9: Russell Wilson, Seahawks QB
Team 8: Adrian Peterson, Saints RB
Team 7: Golden Tate, Lions WR
Team 6: Martavis Bryant, Steelers WR
Team 5: Jimmy Graham, Seahawks TE
Team 4: Tyreek Hill, Chiefs WR
Team 3: Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos WR
Team 2: Eddie Lacy, Seahawks RB
Team 1: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals WR
Analysis: How high or too high for Martavis Bryant? He could go a round earlier or two rounds later. Adrian Peterson will be hotly debated leading up to drafts, but someone in every league will probably take him fairly early based on the name.
Round 7 (61-70)
Team 1: Cam Newton, Panthers QB
Team 2: Julian Edelman, Patriots WR
Team 3: Frank Gore, Colts RB
Team 4: Spencer Ware, Chiefs RB
Team 5: Pierre Garcon, 49ers WR
Team 6: Delanie Walker, Titans TE
Team 7: Stefon Diggs, Vikings WR
Team 8: Brandon Marshall, Giants WR
Team 9: Jamison Crowder, Redskins WR
Team 10: C.J. Anderson, Broncos RB
Analysis: Some really good middle-round skill position players here, including veteran Frank Gore, Pierre Garcon, and Brandon Marshall. Spencer Ware and C.J. Anderson will look to seize the majority of the backfield work on their respective teams this preseason.
Round 8 (71-80)
Team 10: Tyler Eifert, Bengals TE
Team 9: LeGarrette Blount, Eagles RB
Team 8: Bilal Powell, Jets RB
Team 7: Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers WR
Team 6: Mike Gillislee, Patriots RB
Team 5: Tevin Coleman, Falcons RB
Team 4: Danny Woodhead, Ravens RB
Team 3: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers QB
Team 2: Kyle Rudolph, Vikings TE
Team 1: Donte Moncrief, Colts WR
Analysis: Team 3 pairs Ben Roethlisberger with Antonio Brown, and Big Ben could be a strong QB1 if Martavis Bryant can get on the field. Danny Woodhead’s stock sees a big boost with Kenneth Dixon’s injury knocking him out until 2018, but and he should go even higher in PPR leagues.
Round 9 (81-90)
Team 1: Ameer Abdullah, Lions RB
Team 2: Paul Perkins, Giants RB
Team 3: Robert Kelley, Redskins RB
Team 4: DeSean Jackson, Buccaneers WR
Team 5: Dak Prescott, Cowboys QB
Team 6: Willie Snead, Saints WR
Team 7: Matt Forte, Jets RB
Team 8: Martellus Bennett, Packers TE
Team 9: Theo Riddick, Lions RB
Team 10: Corey Davis, Titans WR
Analysis: Two Lions backs go in the 9th round, and health will be an important factor for both of them. Paul Perkins and Robert Kelley both go, too, but will need to hold off rookies this season.
Round 10 (91-100)
Team 10: Doug Martin, Buccaneers RB
Team 9: Zach Ertz, Eagles TE
Team 8: Derek Carr, Raiders QB
Team 7: DeVante Parker, Dolphins WR
Team 6: Kirk Cousins, Redskins QB
Team 5: Denver Broncos D/ST
Team 4: Seattle Seahawks D/ST
Team 3: Houston Texans D/ST
Team 2: Mike Wallace Ravens WR
Team 1: Jameis Winston, Buccaneers QB
Analysis: Anyone drafting Doug Martin is hoping he is able to get the starting job back upon his return from suspension. Defenses start to go off the board—which will undoubtedly happen in many leagues—but that’s probably a mistake.
Round 11 (101-110)
Team 1: Randall Cobb, Packers WR
Team 2: Eric Decker, Titans WR
Team 3: Marcus Mariota, Titans QB
Team 4: Matthew Stafford, Lions QB
Team 5: Jeremy Maclin, Ravens WR
Team 6: Kansas City Chiefs D/ST
Team 7: Terrance West, Ravens RB
Team 8: Minnesota Vikings D/ST
Team 9: Darren Sproles, Eagles RB
Team 10: Kenny Britt, Browns WR
Analysis: Eric Decker and Jeremy Maclin could both provide great value as late-signing veteran wideouts. Like Danny Woodhead, Terrance West benefits from Kenneth Dixon’s unfortunate injury.
Round 12 (111-120)
Team 10: James White, Patriots RB
Team 9: Derrick Henry, Titans RB
Team 8: Philip Rivers, Chargers QB
Team 7: Darren McFadden, Cowboys RB
Team 6: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots K
Team 5: John Brown, Cardinals WR
Team 4: Kareem Hunt, Chiefs RB
Team 3: Latavius Murray, Vikings RB
Team 2: Corey Coleman, Browns WR
Team 1: Cardinals D/ST
Analysis: Handcuff round here with Derrick Henry, Kareem Hunt, and Latavius Murray all being scooped up. Kickers start to go off the board, too…
Round 13 (121-130)
Team 1: Justin Tucker, Ravens K
Team 2: Thomas Rawls, Seahawks RB
Team 3: Samaje Perine, Redskins RB
Team 4: Jonathan Stewart, Panthers RB
Team 5: Jack Doyle, Colts TE
Team 6: Cameron Meredith, Bears WR
Team 7: John Ross, Bengals WR
Team 8: Adam Thielen, Vikings WR
Team 9: Eric Ebron, Lions TE
Team 10: Rishard Matthews, Titans WR
Analysis: A couple teams pickup backup tight ends, which might not be a bad idea in a pretty deep year for the position. Cameron Meredith might slip based on the name and team, but he was impressive in 2016.
Round 14 (131-140)
Team 10: Jordan Matthews, Eagles WR
Team 9: New England Patriots D/ST
Team 8: C.J. Prosise, Seahawks RB
Team 7: Jamaal Charles, Broncos RB
Team 6: Tyrell Williams, Chargers WR
Team 5: Jacquizz Rodgers, Buccaneers RB
Team 4: Marvin Jones, Lions WR
Team 3: Eric Ebron, Lions TE
Team 2: Giovani Bernard, Bengals RB
Team 1: Duke Johnson, Browns RB
Analysis: Jamaal Charles in the 14th round doesn’t seem like something that would ever happen, but he’s not even a lock to make the team. Jacquizz Rodgers will likely have three weeks as the starter for Tampa Bay’s explosive offense.
Round 15 (141-150)
Team 1: Joe Williams, 49ers RB
Team 2: Carolina Panthers D/ST
Team 3: Quincy Enunwa, Jets WR
Team 4: Sterling Shepard, Giants WR
Team 5: Jeremy Hill, Bengals RB
Team 6: Ted Ginn, Saints WR
Team 7: New York Giants D/ST
Team 8: Jamaal Williams, Packers RB
Team 9: Tyrod Taylor, Bills QB
Team 10: Dan Bailey, Cowboys K
Analysis: Joe Williams is a clear Kyle Shanahan guy, but he is probably just a handcuff to start the season with Carlos Hyde and Tim Hightower on the roster. Not to be confused with Joe, Jamaal Williams could push Ty Montgomery for early-down work after being picked in the 4th round of the NFL Draft.
Round 16 (151-160)
Team 10: Los Angeles Rams D/ST
Team 9: Matt Bryant, Falcons K
Team 8: Mason Crosby, Packers K
Team 7: Adam Vinatieri, Colts K
Team 6: Breshad Perriman, Ravens WR
Team 5: Cairo Santos, Chiefs K
Team 4: Matt Prater, Lions K
Team 3: Steven Hauschka, Bills K
Team 2: Will Lutz, Saints K
Team 1: Josh Doctson, Redskins WR
Analysis: This should be all kickers in your draft.
TEAM ROSTERS
Team 1
QB: Cam Newton (CAR)
RB: David Johnson (ARI)
RB: Carlos Hyde (SF)
WR: Amari Cooper (OAK)
WR: Jarvis Landry (MIA)
TE: Rob Gronkowski (NE)
FLEX: Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
D/ST: Arizona Cardinals
K: Justin Tucker (BAL)
BE: WR Donte Moncrief (IND)
BE: RB Ameer Abdullah (DET)
BE: QB Jameis Winston (TB)
BE: WR Randall Cobb (GB)
BE: RB Duke Johnson (CLE)
BE: RB Joe Williams (SF)
BE: WR Josh Doctson (WAS)
Team 2
QB: Matt Ryan (ATL)
RB: Le’Veon Bell (PIT)
RB: Leonard Fournette (JAC)
WR: Michael Thomas (NO)
WR: Keenan Allen (LAC)
TE: Kyle Rudolph (MIN)
FLEX: Eddie Lacy (SEA)
D/ST: Carolina Panthers
K: Will Lutz (NO)
BE: WR Julian Edelman (NE)
BE: RB Paul Perkins (NYG)
BE: WR Mike Wallace (BAL)
BE: WR Eric Decker (TEN)
BE: WR Corey Coleman (CLE)
BE: RB Thomas Rawls (SEA)
RB: RB Giovani Bernard (CIN)
Team 3
QB: Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
RB: Lamar Miller (HOU)
RB: Dalvin Cook (MIN)
WR: Antonio Brown (PIT)
WR: Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE: Jordan Reed (WAS)
FLEX: Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)
D/ST: Houston Texans
K: Steven Hauschka (BUF)
BE: RB Frank Gore (IND)
BE: RB Robert Kelley (WAS)
BE: QB Marcus Mariota (TEN)
BE: RB Latavius Murray (MIN)
BE: RB Samaje Perine (WAS)
BE: TE Eric Ebron (DET)
BE: WR Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)
Team 4
QB: Andrew Luck (IND)
RB: Todd Gurley (LAR)
RB: Spencer Ware (KC)
WR: Julio Jones (ATL)
WR: Alshon Jeffery (PHI)
TE: Travis Kelce (KC)
FLEX: Tyreek Hill (KC)
D/ST: Seattle Seahawks
K: Matt Prater (DET)
BE: RB Danny Woodhead (BAL)
BE: WR DeSean Jackson (TB)
BE: QB Matthew Stafford (DET)
BE: RB Kareem Hunt (KC)
BE: RB Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
BE: WR Marvin Jones (DET)
BE: WR Sterling Shepard (NYG)
Team 5
QB: Dak Prescott (DAL)
RB: LeSean McCoy (BUF)
RB: Joe Mixon (CIN)
WR: T.Y. Hilton (IND)
WR: DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)
TE: Jimmy Graham (SEA)
FLEX: Allen Robinson (JAC)
D/ST: Denver Broncos
K: Cairo Santos (KC)
BE: WR Pierre Garcon (SF)
BE: RB Tevin Coleman (ATL)
BE: WR Jeremy Maclin (BAL)
BE: WR John Brown (ARI)
BE: TE Jack Doyle (IND)
BE: RB Jacquizz Rodgers (TB)
BE: RB Jeremy Hill (CIN)
Team 6
QB: Drew Brees (NO)
RB: Devonta Freeman (ATL)
RB: Mark Ingram (NO)
WR: Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)
WR: Brandin Cooks (NE)
TE: Delanie Walker (TEN)
FLEX: Martavis Bryant (PIT)
D/ST: Kansas City Chiefs
K: Stephen Gostkowski (NE)
BE: RB Mike Gillislee (NE)
BE: WR Willie Snead (NO)
BE: QB Kirk Cousins (WAS)
BE: WR Cameron Meredith (CHI)
BE: WR Tyrell Williams (LAC)
BE: WR Ted Ginn (NO)
BE: WR Breshad Perriman (BAL)
Team 7
QB: Aaron Rodgers (GB)
RB: Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)
RB: Jordan Howard (CHI)
WR: Sammy Watkins (BUF)
WR: Golden Tate (DET)
TE: Greg Olsen (CAR)
FLEX: Stefon Diggs (MIN)
D/ST: New York Giants
K: Adam Vinatieri (IND)
BE: WR Kelvin Benjamin (CAR)
BE: RB Matt Forte (NYJ)
BE: WR DeVante Parker (MIA)
BE: RB Terrance West (BAL)
BE: RB Darren McFadden (DAL)
BE: WR John Ross (CIN)
BE: RB Jamaal Charles (DEN)
Team 8
QB: Derek Carr (OAK)
RB: Marshawn Lynch (OAK)
RB: Isaiah Crowell (CLE)
WR: A.J. Green (CIN)
WR: Jordy Nelson (GB)
TE: Martellus Bennett (OAK)
FLEX: Davante Adams (GB)
D/ST: Minnesota Vikings
K: Mason Crosby (GB)
BE: RB Adrian Peterson (NO)
BE: WR Brandon Marshall (NYG)
BE: RB Bilal Powell (NYJ)
BE: QB Philip Rivers (LAC)
BE: WR Adam Thielen (MIN)
BE: RB C.J. Prosise (SEA)
BE: Jamaal Williams (GB)
Team 9
QB: Russell Wilson (SEA)
RB: Melvin Gordon (LAC)
RB: DeMarco Murray (TEN)
WR: Doug Baldwin (SEA)
WR: Demaryius Thomas (DEN)
TE: Zach Ertz (PHI)
FLEX: Ty Montgomery (GB)
D/ST: New England Patriots
K: Matt Bryant (ATL)
BE: WR Jamison Crowder (WAS)
BE: RB LeGarrette Blount (PHI)
BE: RB Theo Riddick (DET)
BE: RB Darren Sproles (PHI)
BE: RB Derrick Henry (TEN)
RB: TE Hunter Henry (LAC)
BE: QB Tyrod Taylor (BUF)
Team 10
QB: Tom Brady (NE)
RB: Jay Ajayi (MIA)
RB: Christian McCaffrey (CAR)
WR: Mike Evans (TB)
WR: Michael Crabtree (OAK)
TE: Tyler Eifert (CIN)
FLEX: Terrelle Pryor (WAS)
D/ST: Los Angeles Rams
K: Dan Bailey (DAL)
BE: RB C.J. Anderson (DEN)
BE: WR Corey Davis (TEN)
BE: RB Doug Martin (TB)
BE: WR Kenny Britt (CLE)
BE: RB James White (NE)
BE: WR Rishard Matthews (TEN)
BE: WR Jordan Matthews (PHI)
Howard 14… reasonable!
team 3 starting lineup FTW
garbage except for ab nd dez