Perfect Fantasy Football Draft: 5th in a 12-Team ESPN PPR League
If you are one to second guess and question every choice, the fifth spot in fantasy football drafts is for you. With a consensus top-five pretty much locked in, you don’t have to face the pressure of the wrong pick to kick off your roster. There may be a difference in preference between one or two guys among industry rankings, however, generally speaking, you can let the draft fall to you.
This article will step through the perfect draft from the fifth spot in a 12-team ESPN PPR league. Each pick was optimized using projections and value-based rankings from the 4for4 Draft Hero tool.
More Perfect Drafts: 6th in a 12-Team ESPN PPR League | 1st in a 12-Team Superflex League | 2nd in a 12-Team ESPN PPR League | 1st in a 12-Team Yahoo! Half-PPR | 9th in a 12-Team ESPN PPR League
Draft Hero Settings
- Roster Settings: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 Kicker, 1 DEF, 6 bench spots
- No QB restrictions: In a one-quarterback league I typically like to wait on a quarterback until after Round 6 However, for this draft, I won’t limit myself to that rule. I’ll stay fluid and if there is a good value at the position before round seven, I will jump on that opportunity.
- No Kicker or D/ST until the last two rounds: I implement this rule no matter what draft I’m in. There is too much uncertainty when it comes to kickers and defenses. Save these late-round picks for dart throws and players with high upside. There is no reason to draft a kicker and defense before round 15.
- Limit 1 QB, K, D/ST: I like to limit my roster to one of each of these positions. More likely than not, you will end up streaming a kicker and defense based on matchups. Therefore, drafting a backup for either is not recommended. As for quarterbacks, if you find yourself with a top-10 guy, the only time you will bench this quarterback is on the bye. Don’t waste a roster spot on a backup quarterback that you will only use for one week.
Jump to Pick: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | Draft Recap
Round 1, Pick 5 (5) – WR Justin Jefferson, Vikings
With the fifth overall pick, I went with Justin Jefferson. As previously noted, this draft spot allowed me to sit and select whichever of the top five ranked players fell to me. In this case, my top five were Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey, Cooper Kupp, Justin Jefferson, and Ja’Marr Chase. Three of those five players got drafted before it was my pick. I had my choice of Jefferson and Chase. Based on 4for4’s wide receiver rankings, Jefferson was the correct selection.
Draft Hero also suggested players such as Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, Dalvin Cook, and Travis Kelce. Typically, with an early pick, I like to go with an elite running back, so their suggestions made perfect sense. However, in this draft, I played it a bit safer electing to go with an elite wide receiver instead of two aging running backs coming off of injuries and another running back who has question marks surrounding him on the offensive line and quarterback.
In each round, Draft Hero also offers the top available suggestion along with four alternatives, as shown at the top of this section. Throughout the rest of the article, I will note those suggestions as well as my top alternative to the player that I actually selected.
Suggested Alternatives: Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, Dalvin Cook, Travis Kelce
My Top Alternative: Ja'Marr Chase
Round 2, Pick 8 (20) – RB Saquon Barkley, Giants
After securing my WR1, I watched seven running backs get drafted. I wanted to lock down my RB1 as there was a tier drop that would occur if I had waited until Round 3. Insert Saquon Barkley. Taking him as the 11th running back off the board, I love the value here. Coming into the season fully healthy in what looks to be an improved offense, Barkley is going to be the focal point of this offense. It would not shock me if he ended up finishing as the overall RB1.
Two of the four suggested alternatives were running backs so Draft Hero’s recognition of team needs lined up perfectly with my own. In fact, if Barkley was not available, the next running back that I wanted to get was one of Draft Hero’s recommendations in Aaron Jones. Not wanting to wait on a running back any longer, Josh Allen and Mark Andrews, although great suggestions, were never in consideration.
Suggested Alternatives: Aaron Jones, Josh Allen, Mark Andrews, Javonte Williams
My Top Alternative: Aaron Jones
Round 3, Pick 5 (29) – WR A.J. Brown, Eagles
Entering the running back dead zone, I was mostly interested in going with a wide receiver here. It was a toss-up between A.J. Brown and Tee Higgins, but I went with the no-doubt top target on his team. A.J. Brown could be in line for his best season yet. With the expectation that the Philadelphia Eagles will pass more and quarterback, Jalen Hurts, levels up, Brown could easily finish as a top-12 wide receiver.
Realizing that this upcoming batch of running backs was mediocre, Draft Hero’s suggested alternatives were spot on. Michael Pittman Jr., D.J. Moore, and Tee Higgins were all great suggestions. I gave serious thought to each of them and have them all ranked closely behind Brown.
Suggested Alternatives: Michael Pittman Jr., D.J. Moore, Tee Higgins, Ezekiel Elliott
My Top Alternative: Tee Higgins
Round 4, Pick 8 (44) – WR Brandin Cooks, Texans
Still not loving any of the running backs here, I decided to avoid the position until a bit later in the draft. I ended up continuing to build my wide receiver room with Brandin Cooks. I did consider going quarterback here but seeing as only three have been drafted up to this point, I figured I would wait another round.
Cooks is the perfect WR3 to have. The top target on his team, Cooks should remain productive in an offense that will find themselves trailing and needing to pass more often than not. Finishing as a solid WR2 in both of his seasons with the Houston Texans, I expect this trend to continue. Pencil Cooks in for yet another 1,000-yard season.
Three of the four suggested alternatives by Draft Hero were quarterbacks. Once again, this was Draft Hero reading my team and providing insightful recommendations based on value.
Suggested Alternatives: Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, Marquise Brown
My Top Alternative: Lamar Jackson
Round 5, Pick 5 (53) – QB Jalen Hurts, Eagles
After considering going quarterback in Round 4, I decided to grab one in Round 5. While being a suggested alternative last round, Jalen Hurts made it back to me and I pounced all over this opportunity. Not only do I get the stack with A.J. Brown but Hurts has legitimate top-five upside given his rushing ability. Under center behind a top offensive line, Hurts can easily put up double-digit rushing touchdowns once again. On a points-per-game basis, Hurts was the QB6. He managed to do this while throwing just 16 touchdowns. Give me that rushing floor all day.
I did think about going with another high-ceiling, dual-threat running back in Travis Etienne as Draft Hero suggested, but ultimately I wanted to secure my quarterback and cash in on the stack.
Suggested Alternatives: Travis Etienne, Dalton Schultz, Tom Brady, T.J. Hockenson
My Top Alternative: Travis Etienne
Round 6, Pick 8 (68) – RB Kareem Hunt, Browns
Having already three wide receivers, it was time to draft a new position. While Draft Hero suggested mostly tight ends, I was curious to see which running backs were on the board. Draft Hero made it easy to quickly look up the running back rankings with one simple click. Seeing Kareem Hunt still available, I was locked in.
Since joining the Cleveland Browns, Hunt has been as reliable as they come. Finishing as the RB10 in 2020 and ranking as the RB8 from Weeks 1-6 before getting injured in 2021, Hunt is being criminally undervalued. Producing fantasy points on a weekly basis, he would get an immediate boost if teammate Nick Chubb were to miss any time. Hunt has potential league-winner written all over him.
Suggested Alternatives: T.J. Hockenson, Zach Ertz, Allen Robinson, Adam Thielen, Pat Freiermuth
My Top Alternative: Rashod Bateman
Round 7, Pick 5 (77) – WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens
Still needing a tight end, Draft Hero wisely suggested three of them. However, if I wasn’t getting an elite top-three option, I wanted to just wait until double-digit rounds before drafting one. Having my starting running backs and wide receivers plugged in, it was time to fill my flex. With this pick, I just went with the best available player in Rashod Bateman. Fully healthy entering year two, and the WR1 on the Baltimore Ravens, Bateman is poised to make that year two leap.
Suggested Alternatives: Allen Robinson, Zach Ertz, Pat Freirmuth, Dallas Goedert
My Top Alternative: AJ Dillon
Round 8, Pick 8 (92) – WR Elijah Moore, Jets
Continuing the theme of year two leaps, I decided on Elijah Moore in Round 8. My first bench spot and my WR5, I couldn’t be happier with this pick. Coming on strong in the middle of the season before getting hurt, Moore is in line to have a productive season on a much-improved offense in the New York Jets.
Suggested Alternatives: Cole Kmet, Pat Freiermuth, Dawson Knox, Noah Fant, Mike Gesicki
My Top Alternative: Rhamondre Stevenson
Round 9, Pick 5 (101) – RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots
Rostering five wide receivers compared to two running backs, I knew I had to build that running back depth. Rhamondre Stevenson flashed when given the opportunity last season. Reports out of training camp have been saying he is set to take the James White role in New England. Given this standalone value and top0-24 upside if he manages to take on a larger rushing role, having Stevenson as my RB3 is a win.
Suggested Alternatives: Chase Edmonds, Robert Woods, Brandon Aiyuk, Cole Kmet
My Top Alternative: Brandon Aiyuk
Round 10, Pick 8 (116) – TE Cole Kmet, Bears
After building depth at running back and wide receiver, I wanted to draft my starting tight end. I knew I had the luxury of waiting a few rounds because up to this point, only one other team was without a tight end. Cole Kmet fell into my lap. Set to have a massive target share on an offense lacking weapons and due for positive touchdown regression, Kmet was one of the later-round players I was targeting.
Suggested Alternatives: Melvin Gordon, Skyy Moore, James Cook, Nyheim Hines
My Top Alternative: Khalil Herbert
Round 11, Pick 5 (125) – RB Khalil Herbert, Bears
With four bench spots left, I am solely looking for upside here. Khalil Herbert has that. When called upon last season in the absence of David Montgomery, Herbert showed the fantasy football world why he should be rostered. In his two starts last season in Weeks 6 and 7, Herbert was the RB8. Although a small sample size, it is proof he can produce when on the field. Herbert is a prime handcuff to roster in all leagues.
Suggested Alternatives: Nyheim Hines, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, J.D. McKissic, K.J. Osborn
My Top Alternative: K.J. Osborn
Round 12, Pick 8 (140) – RB J.D. McKissic, Commanders
Adding on to my running back room, J.D. McKissic is a late-round player that possesses standalone value. Catching at least 40 passes and rushing at least 40 times in back-to-back seasons, McKissic is someone who I can plug into my lineup for a week when I’m in a pinch.
Suggested Alternatives: George Pickens, Marvin Jones, DeVante Parker, Robbie Anderson
My Top Alternative: DeVante Parker
Round 13, Pick 5 (149) – WR DeVante Parker, Patriots
With my bench consisting of three running backs and just one wide receiver, I wanted to even the score. When searching for wide receivers this late in the draft, I am looking for guys that are making noise in training camp or have a clear path to targets. DeVante Parker has been getting a lot of buzz this summer. The aging veteran could have some splash weeks if quarterback Mac Jones looks his way in the red zone.
Suggested Alternatives: Tyler Bass, Buffalo Defense, Ryan Succop, Brandon McManus, Matt Prater
My Top Alternative: Nico Collins
Round 14, Pick 8 (164) – WR Nico Collins, Texans
Wanting another wide receiver, I had to scroll a bit down on Draft Hero’s rankings. Nico Collins is a deep dart throw that could pay off. On a Houston Texans team lacking weapons outside of Cooks, Collins is set to be the next man up. He has the potential to be a major value.
Suggested Alternatives: Buffalo Defense, Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Succop, George Pickens, Michael Gallup
My Top Alternative: Jalen Tolbert
Round 15, Pick 5 (173) – Buffalo Defense
I don’t put much thought into it when selecting a defense. I typically just go with the best available. Given that the Buffalo Bills defense is ranked at the top of 4for4’s rankings, I consider this a good pick.
Suggested Alternatives: Ryan Succop, Matt Prater, Robbie Gould, Cade York
My Top Alternative: Matt Prater
Round 16, Pick 8 (188) – K Greg Joseph, Vikings
Always drafting my kicker in the final round of drafts, I like to go with one that is on a top offense that I know will march the ball down the field and be able to score often. Greg Joseph fits this criterion as the Minnesota Vikings were in the top half of the league in scoring last season.
Suggested Alternatives: Ryan Succop, Robbie Gould, Rodrigo Blankenship, Cade York
My Top Alternative: Ryan Succop
Draft Recap
Lessons Learned: Unsure of how the draft would end up after going with a wide receiver in Round 1, I am thrilled about my team. Locking in a top-three wide receiver, another top-12 wide receiver, and a running back and quarterback who each have top-five upside at their respective positions, this team can certainly do some damage. Waiting on a tight end allowed me to build much-needed depth at running back and wide receiver. With that said, since I waited on my tight end, I would feel more comfortable with another late-round tight end on my bench in case Kmet doesn’t pan out. Overall, this roster out of the five spot looks well-rounded and in a position to make a title run.
