SI Fantasy’s Experts Mock Draft: Justin Jefferson First of Six Receivers Taken in Round 1

Rookie running back Bijan Robinson goes eighth, tight end Travis Kelce goes 10th.

The summer months are almost here, so it’s time to start “fantasy” mocking! In the first of our series of mock drafts, we at Sports Illustrated (with some of our industry pals) got together for a 12-team, 13-round mock. We utilized a basic scoring system with a full point for all receptions (PPR). The starting lineup includes a quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end and a flex (RB/WR/TE). There were no kickers or defense/special teams units in the mock.

As you’ll see in the breakdowns, many managers put a much greater emphasis on wide receiver due to the PPR format, not to mention the trend of that position being more important in the earlier rounds. No matter what your strategy might be this season, this mock can give you an idea about how your roster could look based on some of the different build philosophies our managers used.

Listed below is a breakdown of all 12 teams from yours truly, including everyone’s draft positions and notes on their builds. Who had the best mock, and who might have fallen short at certain positions. Read along and find out!

(Note: You can view the entire draft results in the screenshot below).

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1. Ryan Hallam, Spotlight Sports Group

1.1. Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
2.24. Najee Harris, RB, Steelers
3.25. Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars
4.48. Drake London, WR, Falcons
5.49. George Kittle, TE, 49ers
6.72. Christian Watson, WR, Packers
7.73. Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs
8.96. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings
9.97. Treylon Burks, WR, Titans
10.120. Roschon Johnson, RB, Bears
11.121. Darnell Mooney, WR, Bears
12.144. Juwan Johnson, TE, Saints
13.145. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Giants

Notes: Jefferson was the top pick in the draft, which has been the norm for most mocks this offseason. Hallam went with Harris and Etienne with his next two picks, but then went heavy on receivers with his next three including second-year players London and Watson. Both will project as the top receivers for their respective teams. Hallam waited on a quarterback until Round 8 and landed Cousins, who was the 12th signal-caller selected. I liked the selection of Burks in Round 9, as he’s the lone receiver in Tennessee with fantasy appeal. Johnson, the rookie back out of Texas, went ahead of his new Bears teammate D’Onta Foreman.

2. Dave Seperson, Sports Illustrated

1.2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
2.23. Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
3.26. Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings
4.47. DJ Moore, WR, Bears
5.50. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers
6.71. Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans
7.74. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Jets
8.95. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Patriots
9.98. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Ravens
10.119. Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts
11.122. Elijah Mitchell, RB, 49ers
12.143. Israel Abanikanda, RB, Jets
13.146. Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

Notes: Seperson started his build with McCaffrey, who is the consensus top running back in fantasy football. His next two picks, Andrews and Cooks, were taken higher than their current ADP. Cook, who might not even be in Minnesota this season, has been drafted a few rounds later in best-ball leagues. Waiting to draft his first wide receiver until Round 4, Seperson ended up with Moore, Evans and Smith-Schuster as his top options. Hoping for a bounce back season, he drafted OBJ and Rodgers (ahead of Cousins and Deshaun Watson). Seperson also landed Richardson, who could be a breakout candidate as a rookie in Indianapolis.

3. Craig Ellenport, Sports Illustrated

1.3. Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers
2.22. Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets
3.27. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers
4.46. Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos
5.51. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
6.70. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos
7.75. Jamaal Williams, WR, Saints
8.94. Damien Harris, RB, Bills
9.99. Jameson Williams, WR, Lions
10.118. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins
11.123. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Bills
12.142. Elijah Moore, WR, Browns
13.147. Sam LaPorta, TE, Lions

Notes: Ellenport began his build with Ekeler, who will be back with the Chargers next season. He followed that up with a pair of wideouts in Wilson and Samuel, then took his No. 2 back in Williams (the first of three “J. Williams” picks). Javonte’s ADP in best-ball leagues is significantly lower as questions remain about his return from an injured knee, so this is a risk-reward selection. Ellenport is all in on Lawrence, who he selected ahead of Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields. Jamaal Williams could be a decent bargain if Alvin Kamara is suspended. Ellenport also made a bold move, drafting two rookie tight ends in Kincaid and LaPorta.

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4. Bob Harris, Football Diehards

1.4. Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams
2.21. Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders
3.28. DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks
4.45. Chris Olave, WR, Saints
5.52. Darren Waller, TE, Giants
6.69. James Conner, RB, Cardinals
7.76. Miles Sanders, RB, Panthers
8.93. Deshaun Watson, QB, Browns
9.100. Marquise Brown, WR, Cardinals
10.117. Michael Thomas, WR, Saints
11.124. Daniel Jones, QB, Giants
12.141. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Titans
13.148. Kendre Miller, RB, Saints

Notes: The wily veteran, Harris put together a balanced team starting at the top with Kupp and Jacobs. His next three picks were receivers in Metcalf, Olave and Waller, but he still landed a decent No. 2 back in Conner in Round 6. Adding to his running back depth, Harris grabbed Sanders in Round 7. That could be a steal, as Sanders is going in the mid-50s in best-ball leagues. He was able to wait on a quarterback and still get Watson, who will be backed up by Jones on this roster. Harris also took a chance on Thomas in Round 10, and I like Okonkwo late.

5. John Pluym, Sports Illustrated

1.5. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
2.20. Nick Chubb, RB, Browns
3.29. Tony Pollard, RB, Cowboys
4.44. Mike Williams, WR, Chargers
5.53. Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons
6.68. Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys
7.77. David Montgomery, RB, Lions
8.92. Allen Lazard, WR, Jets
9.101. Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings
10.116. Adam Thielen, WR, Panthers
11.125. Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks
12.140. CJ Stroud, QB, Texans
13.149. Irv Smith Jr., TE, Bengals

Notes: Pluym smartly began his build with Chase, who has been picked as high as No. 2 in some PPR formats. He then landed a strong duo of backs in Chubb and Pollard. Williams might have been a reach in Round 4, though, as receivers like Olave and Calvin Ridley were still available. Montgomery could be a nice value in Round 7, however, and Addison was the first rookie wideout off the board. As a Vikings fan, Pluym showed his purple and yellow colors with Addison and former Vikes Thielen and Smith Jr. He also landed Geno Smith, who still doesn’t get the respect he deserves after last year’s QB5 finish.

6. Doug Vasquez, Sports Illustrated

1.6. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts
2.19. Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals
3.30. Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers
4.43. Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
5.54. D’Andre Swift, RB, Eagles
6.67. Evan Engram, TE, Jaguars
7.78. AJ Dillon, RB, Packers
8.91. Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos
9.102. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks
10.115. Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, Falcons
11.126. Jared Goff, QB, Lions
12.139. Hunter Renfrow, WR, Raiders
13.150. Cole Kmet, TE, Bears

Notes: Vasquez started his build with last year’s consensus top pick, Taylor, and followed that up with two receivers in Higgins and Allen. He then created a nice stack with Burrow, who of course will connect with Higgins often. Waiting until the fifth round for his second back, Vasquez took a chance on Swift. Maybe he’ll be better in Philadelphia without the Curse of Barry Sanders hanging over his head. (I kid, I kid. Well, kinda.) His backs could be a problem, as he’ll need Dillon to step up as his No. 3 option. I like the selection of Sutton at this point in the draft, and Smith-Njigba was well worth a look in Round 9.

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7. Lindsay Rhodes, SiriusXM

1.7. Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
2.18. DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles
3.31. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
4.42. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Vikings
5.55. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions
6.66. Diontae Johnson, WR, Steelers
7.79. Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers
8.90. Alexander Mattison, RB, Vikings
9.103. Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders
10.114. Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks
11.127. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Browns
12.138. Zach Ertz, TE, Cardinals
13.151. Leonard Fournette, RB, free agent

Notes: Rhodes, who swore at me on text for taking “her players” more than once, began her build with a pair of stud receivers in Hill and Smith. She followed that up with Mahomes and then grabbed Hockenson in Round 4. That’s right, Rhodes went without a back until the fifth round, where she grabbed Gibbs. This will be the way plenty of folks begin their build this season, and the fact that she still got Gibbs and White shows it can work out. Both have upside heading into the season. Mattison could be a steal, too, if the Vikings part with Cook (as has been rumored). I also like getting Dotson, who scored seven touchdowns as a rookie.

8. Michael Fabiano, Sports Illustrated

1.8. Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons
2.17. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Lions
3.32. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Cardinals
4.41. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots
5.56. Calvin Ridley, WR, Jaguars
6.65. Justin Fields, QB, Bears
7.80. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers
8.89. James Cook, RB, Bills
9.104. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Steelers
10.113. Devon Achane, RB, Dolphins
11.128. Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs
12.137. Jakobi Meyers, WR, Raiders
13.152. Greg Dulcich, TE, Broncos

Notes: I began my build with Robinson, who is locked in as a first-rounder in most mocks and best-ball leagues. I followed that with two wideouts, St. Brown and Hopkins, and still landed Stevenson in Round 4. If I can have this kind of start to every draft, sign me up! Grabbing Ridley as a WR3 was a surprise, but I’ll take it. I was also able to get Fields in Round 6 and Aiyuk in the seventh. Both could be better than their respective draft positions. I also took chances on a pair of upside backs in Cook and Achane, and McKinnon could be a steal. The weakest part of the roster is tight end, but otherwise I like this final result.

9. Bill Enright, Sports Illustrated

1.9. Stefon Diggs, WR, Bills
2.16. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins
3.33. Amari Cooper, WR, Browns
4.40. Josh Allen, QB, Bills
5.57. Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints
6.64. Cam Akers, RB, Rams
7.81. Khalil Herbert, RB, Bears
8.88. Kadarius Toney, WR, Chiefs
9.105. Rashaad Penny, RB, Eagles
10.112. Samaje Perine, RB, Broncos
11.129. David Njoku, TE, Browns
12.136. Josh Downs, WR, Colts
13.153. Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys

Notes: Enright went wild for wide receivers, grabbing Diggs, Waddle and Cooper with his first three picks. That’s a solid trio. He then grabbed Allen to stack with Diggs in Round 4. Enright didn’t take a back until Round 5, and it was a risky one in Kamara. He could be a steal, but he could also be a nightmare if he’s banned by the NFL for a period of time. As most managers who go heavy wideout early will do, Enright took several upside running backs in the middle rounds, including Akers, Herbert, Penny and Perine. Njoku could be a headache at tight end, but he’s not a bad option considering he went in the 11th round.

10. Kyle Wood, Sports Illustrated

1.10. Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
2.15. Derrick Henry, RB, Titans
3.34. Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles
4.39. Aaron Jones, RB, Packers
5.58. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks
6.63. Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers
7.82. Christian Kirk, WR, Jaguars
8.87. Brandin Cooks, WR, Cowboys
9.106. Antonio Gibson, RB, Commanders
10.111. Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens
11.130. D’Onta Foreman, RB, Bears
12.135. Russell Wilson, QB, Broncos
13.154. Mike Gesicki, TE, Patriots

Notes: Wood grabbed Kelce in Round 1, which is going to be the norm in most drafts. In fact, Kelce has been going in the top five in some best-ball formats. He also landed Henry, who comes with some risk due to his age and workload but is still a nice pick in Round 2. Hurts is a solid choice in the third round, and Jones is a good value in the fourth. His backfield depth behind Henry and Jones could be an issue, though. Since he waited on wideouts, Wood went with four in a row in Lockett, Godwin, Kirk and Cooks. I don’t love Lockett as a WR1, but if Godwin is better than projected, this could be a nice group of fantasy receivers.

11. Jen Piacenti, Sports Illustrated

1.11. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys
2.14. Davante Adams, WR, Raiders
3.35. Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals
4.38. Breece Hall, RB, Jets
5.59. Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers
6.62. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens
7.83. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Colts
8.86. Dalton Schultz, TE, Texans
9.107. Gabe Davis, WR, Bills
10.110. Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers
11.131. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, free agent
12.134. Kareem Hunt, RB, free agent
13.155. Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals

Notes: Piacenti had a nice start to the draft, landing a pair of stud wideouts in Lamb and Adams. She might have stolen Mixon in Round 3, too, and grabbing Hall in the fourth could be a great bargain. Of course, that all depends on his recovery from an ACL repair. She also landed Herbert, taking him ahead of Lamar Jackson and Fields at quarterback. Grabbing Dobbins as a No. 3 back was a nice move, and Pittman Jr. should be a decent third wideout. Piacenti also took the fourth rookie wideout in Johnston, and she finished her build with a pair of free-agent backs in Elliott and Hunt. Murray could be a steal in Round 13 as well.

12. Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated

1.12. Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
2.13. A.J. Brown, WR, Eagles
3.36. Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks
4.37. Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders
5.60. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
6.61. Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles
7.84. George Pickens, WR, Steelers
8.85. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Commanders
9.108. Zay Jones, WR, Jaguars
10.109. Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens
11.132. Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs
12.133. Tyler Allgeier, RB, Falcons
13.156. Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders

Notes: Barkley lasted until the final pick of the first round, so he could be a bargain for Manzano. The build was a balanced one, grabbing two backs, two wideouts, a quarterback and a tight end in the first six rounds, including Walker as an RB2. He likes McLaurin, who went in Round 4 ahead of Olave, Ridley and London. I loved getting Goedert at the end of Round 6, and taking a chance on Pickens was well worth it in the seventh. Manzano also cornered the market on “Zays,” taking both Flowers and Jones with back-to-back picks. Grabbing upside players in the second half of the mock, he also picked Robinson and Moore.

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Complete round0by-round mock draft: