A Bold Experiment in Wide Receiver Dominance
The author decided to step outside his comfort zone and test a WR‑WR draft strategy, beginning the mock draft with Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown as the first two selections. Both players were chosen for their high target volumes and proven ability to sustain production even when quarterbacks face deep‑ball competition.
Early rounds saw the strategy force the author to confront the scarcity of running backs and tight ends, leading to unconventional picks such as Javonte Williams over Breece Hall and Terry McLaurin in the fifth round, each selected for their projected target share and role in emerging offensive schemes.
Mid‑draft decisions continued to prioritize wide receivers, with D'Andre Swift taken in the sixth round for his consistent scrimmage yards and Ben Johnson's offensive philosophy, while Marvin Harrison Jr. lingered into the seventh round despite concerns about a sophomore letdown.
Later selections included Trevor Lawrence in the eighth round, banking on his upside and a favorable playoff schedule, followed by Blake Corum for RB depth in the ninth round, and Oronde Gadsden in the tenth round, a gamble on target share despite question marks.
The author rounded out the roster with Alvin Kamara in the eleventh round, Jayden Higgins as a twelfth‑round dart throw for the Texans' passing game, and Tyjae Spears ahead of Woody Marks in the thirteenth round, citing higher projected targets. Greg Dulcich was also considered in the fourteenth round for his potential role in Miami's offense.
Ultimately the experiment delivered a mixed assessment: while the wide receiver‑centric approach secured several high‑upside players, it also forced the author to chase running backs and tight ends later than usual, highlighting both the promise and the pitfalls of the WR‑WR model.
What This Means for Upcoming Drafts
The exercise underscores how a WR‑WR foundation can reshape traditional draft hierarchies, compelling managers to adapt quickly as the pool of elite wideouts expands. It also reveals the risk of over‑relying on target projections, especially when injuries or scheme changes arise. For future drafts, the lesson is clear: balance boldness with contingency planning, and keep an eye on late‑round handcuffs and sleepers who might outperform their ADP.