The mock draft was conducted on the Draft Champion simulator, with the author beginning from the fourth overall slot under a points‑per‑reception scoring format.
Early Elite Targets
The early selections prioritized elite upside: Ja'Marr Chase was taken first for his consistency and league‑winning potential, followed by Derrick Henry, whose touchdown equity and proven ceiling make him a cornerstone in any PPR league. In the third round, George Pickens was chosen despite being the second wide receiver on his team, reflecting confidence in his breakout trajectory.
Mid‑Round Upside
Mid‑round picks focused on players with high ceiling: Cam Skattebo was selected for his week‑to‑week upside and touchdown potential, while Mike Evans was added for his red‑zone equity and ability to string together multi‑TD weeks. D'Andre Swift was included as RB2 insurance, given his fit in the Ben Johnson offense, and Dak Prescott was drafted for his underappreciated value and synergy with Pickens.
Tight End Targets
At the tight end position, Oronde Gadsden was targeted for his TE1‑range upside under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, and Juwan Johnson was secured for his career‑year performance and key role in the Saints’ passing attack.
Late‑Round Depth
Late‑round selections added depth: Stefon Diggs was picked for his reliable FLEX production and solid floor, while Travis Hunter was included as a speculative piece that could push Jacksonville’s offense to another level.
The author advocates flexibility with kickers and defenses, recommending that they be finalized right before Week 1 to adapt to late‑summer news and emerging opportunities.