Perfect 10-team, Pick 3 2025 fantasy football draft strategy, round by round 2.0

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Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

This perfect draft strategy for 10-team, single quarterback, redraft, PPR fantasy football leagues uses a consensus of current average draft positions (ADPs) from ESPN, Sleeper and Yahoo! to deliver a round-by-round guide for managers picking third overall. To find more information about any player mentioned in this article, click on the player’s name to find their fantasy football player profile.

Last updated: Wednesday, August 20

Round 1, Pick 3: Draft a running back

Ja’Marr Chase has the highest ADP at ESPN, Sleeper, and Yahoo!, which means he is the only player likely to be off the board at this point. There is some level of risk to every other wide receiver on the board. Justin Jefferson is playing with a new quarterback, and CeeDee Lamb is coming back due to injury with a quarterback who is also returning from injury and wasn’t playing well last season before the injury. This means that picking the top running back is the best option. Typically, Saquon Barkley is picked second overall, allowing you to pick the top running back in our rankings, Bijan Robinson. However, if Robinson is picked second, it’s better to pivot to Jahmyr Gibbs instead of Barkley.

Top Target: Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson was a rare top-10 NFL draft pick at running back, leading to hefty expectations. He began meeting those expectations over the second half of 2024, consistently playing over 70% of the Falcons’ offensive snaps and running at least 17 times in all but one game. This led to 22.4 fantasy points per game over the last nine weeks. He didn’t see as many 15-plus-yard carries as other great running backs, even though he’s got the talent and speed to have those runs. It’s possible some positive regression could greatly help his fantasy production this season. He lost Drew Dalman at center and still has an elite backup in Tyler Allgeier, so there is also some room to lose fantasy value.

Possible Targets: Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, Ashton Jeanty, Bucky Irving, De’Von Achane

Round 2, Pick 18: Draft a quarterback

In 10-team leagues, it can be easier to end up with both a quarterback and tight end that you’re happy with, while still ending up with a well-rounded lineup. However, all of the top quarterbacks and tight ends will be gone by the 38th pick, so the only way to end up with an elite quarterback and tight end is by drafting them with these picks. If you’re looking for a strategy that involves waiting longer for an initial quarterback, you can check out the perfect 10-team draft strategy for Pick 2.

Top Target: Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels averaged 23.7 fantasy points per game last season in games he both started and finished, which ranked third-best among all quarterbacks. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were the two quarterbacks ahead of him, but they both set career lows in rushing attempts per game. Those rates typically decline with age. The Commanders gave Daniels significant upgrades with Deebo Samuel Sr. at wide receiver and Laremy Tunsil at left tackle. Those moves could be enough to move Daniels to the top of the quarterback ranks by the end of the season.

Possible Targets: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes

Round 3, Pick 23: Draft a tight end

As mentioned above, to add both a quarterback and a tight end early, they need to be selected with these two picks.

Top Target: Trey McBride

McBride became the Cardinals’ primary tight end in the middle of the 2023 season, and he’s been an elite fantasy option at the position ever since. He averaged at least 15 PPR points in both seasons once he became the starter. McBride led the league in both receptions per game (6.9) and receptions per route (0.21) last season. His yards per game (71.6) and targets per game (8.7) were both second-best. The Cardinals kept the coaching staff and players on the offense essentially the same as last season, making it easier to expect more of the same from McBride. If anything, we can expect a few more touchdowns after his low touchdown total from last season.

Possible Targets: George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, Sam LaPorta, David Njoku, Tucker Kraft

Round 4, Pick 38: Draft a wide receiver

After passing on a wide receiver in the first three rounds, it makes sense to finally pick a wide receiver and likely pick several in a row.

Top Target: Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison’s first season was full of big expectations, which he didn’t fully live up to. He was the fourth overall pick in the draft, making him the earliest a wide receiver was selected in a decade, but he only exceeded 65 receiving yards in three games. Luckily, his target rate was high, and his target competition remains limited. He received the 19th-most targets, and the top of the Cardinals‘ running back, wide receiver and tight end depth chart is identical to last season. He should finish among the top-20 wide receivers in targets again, and he needs to improve his chemistry with Kyler Murray so his fantasy value can also be among the top-20 wide receivers. His 45 uncatchable targets last season led the league, and some regression to the mean should lead to more completions for more fantasy points.

Possible Targets: Terry McLaurin, Davante Adams, Travis Hunter, D.J. Moore, Jameson Williams

Round 5, Pick 43: Draft a wide receiver

As mentioned above, this team needs several wide receivers, so it makes sense to pick another one here with plenty of top options on the board.

Top Target: Terry McLaurin

McLaurin has been a consistent fantasy option throughout his career. He’s always finished among the top-31 wide receivers in fantasy points while staying healthy, not missing a game in the last four seasons. McLaurin’s stats were elevated to another level with Jayden Daniels as quarterback and Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. His contested catch rate was the best for any wide receiver in the last six seasons at 70.6%, which led to nine of his 13 touchdowns. The touchdown rate left McLaurin among the top-10 fantasy wide receivers for the first time in his career. His touchdown total will likely regress a little bit this season, but he remains a safe option to finish among the top 20 wide receivers again.

Possible Targets: Travis Hunter, D.J. Moore, Jameson Williams, Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Worthy

Round 6, Pick 58: Draft a running back

R.J. Harvey and Travis Hunter were two of the biggest winners of the NFL draft for fantasy purposes, and their ADP was always a little low relative to their potential. The first week of the preseason showed their teams have big plans for these two players, and they remain two of the biggest steals of the draft. The goal with these next two picks is to pick those two players.

Harvey’s ADP is earlier on Yahoo! and Sleeper, while Hunter’s ADP is earlier on ESPN, which should play into your decision. There are also other excellent wide receiver options to pivot to, like Jameson Williams and Tetairoa McMillan, while there is a larger gap between Harvey and the other running backs. This leads to Harvey being the first pick here, but it’s worth considering Hunter first, particularly on ESPN.

Top Target: R.J. Harvey

Harvey was arguably the biggest winner in the draft at running back because he landed on a team where his skill set could lead to fantasy stardom. Denver Broncos running backs have caught 214 passes over the past two years, which is more than any other team, and Harvey is projected to be the Broncos’ primary receiving back. A top-ten season is within the realm of possibility if he dominates the passing down role and also averages at least eight carries per game. However, the Broncos’ backfield could remain volatile despite the addition of Harvey.

Possible Targets: Jordan Mason, Jaylen Warren, Isiah Pacheco, TreVeyon Henderson, Aaron Jones Sr.

Round 7, Pick 63: Draft a wide receiver

As mentioned above, this is the time to take either a high-upside young wide receiver option or R.J. Harvey.

Top Target: Travis Hunter

The sky is the limit for Hunter, a truly unique athlete. He is arguably the best wide receiver and best cornerback in the 2025 draft class. That uniqueness makes it difficult to project how much he can help a fantasy manager at the wide receiver position. Fantasy-relevant wide receivers are consistently playing a minimum of 75% of offensive snaps, and there is a chance Hunter falls below that threshold. His role on offense could be restricted in a way that makes Hunter unstartable, but Hunter could also become the top wide receiver in the NFL and fantasy. He is arguably the most risky player to pick in fantasy drafts, offering both significant risk and reward.

Possible Targets: Jameson Williams, Tetairoa McMillan, Chris Olave, Jaylen Waddle, George Pickens

Round 8, Pick 78: Draft a wide receiver

The strength of this point of the draft is at wide receiver, as all of the clear-cut top running backs are no longer on the board, and every other running back is either fighting for the starting job, in a committee, or there is some uncertainty around their usage. On the other hand, the wide receivers available in this range are obvious starters, with either experience of being a fantasy starter or risky starters who haven’t proven themselves in the NFL yet but have the upside to be top-10 players.

Top Target: Chris Olave

Olave has the talent to be a top-15 fantasy wide receiver. He scored the 16th-most fantasy points in 2023, and his PFF receiving grade has been at least 82.0 each season. The Saints added Kellen Moore as their head coach, and his slot receivers have been a consistent value in fantasy football. Olave is the wide receiver best suited to line up in the slot. However, Olave has five documented concussions. This makes him both more likely than the typical player to suffer another concussion and more likely to miss significant time if he suffers another one. After Derek Carr’s retirement, the Saints are stuck between three young and unproven quarterback options, which is also working against Olave.

Possible Targets: Rome Odunze, Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel, Jakobi Meyers, Jauan Jennings

Round 9, Pick 83: Draft a wide receiver

As mentioned above, wide receiver is the strength of the draft, and you can never have too many wide receivers.

Top Target: Ricky Pearsall

Ricky Pearsall was a first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. After missing the first six weeks of the season, Pearsall became the team’s slot receiver over the rest of the season. He showed some sparks in his first few games, finishing with three to four receptions in his first three games. He was a non-factor in his next five games but ended the season strong with 14 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns in his final two games. The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel but have Brandon Aiyuk coming back from injury. The 49ers should have one of the best offenses in the league, but it will be crucial for Pearsall to surpass either Aiyuk or Jauan Jennings on the depth chart to have enough volume to be fantasy relevant. He is a fine late-round lottery ticket given the 49ers’ offense and Pearsall’s talent.

Possible Targets: Deebo Samuel, Jakobi Meyers, Jauan Jennings, Stefon Diggs, Jordan Addison

Round 10, Pick 98: Draft a running back

After focusing on wide receivers in multiple rounds, it’s time to turn back to the running back position. You can ideally draft three backs who are in committees with high upside, and the first comes at this pick.

Top Target: Jordan Mason

Jordan Mason quickly went from undrafted rookie to the top backup running back for the 49ers, despite the team consistently spending mid-to-late round draft picks on running backs. An injury to Christian McCaffrey allowed Mason to be a starter to begin the 2024 season, and he was sixth in fantasy points per game over five weeks before he started dealing with injuries. Mason was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where Aaron Jones Sr. is the main running back. The two will likely be in a committee that includes Mason receiving significant work in rushing situations while Jones gets more in passing situations. Jones is over 30 years old and has dealt with multiple injuries over the last two seasons. While Mason might not score enough weekly to start in fantasy in normal situations, if Jones is dealing with an injury or is showing more signs of age, we could see Jones as a weekly player to start.

Possible Targets: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rhamondre Stevenson, Javonte Williams, Cam Skattebo, Tank Bigsby

Round 11, Pick 103: Draft a running back

There are only a few running backs left who are expected to lead their team in carries, so it makes sense to add yet another running back before these players are no longer available.

Top Target: Rhamondre Stevenson

Rhamondre Stevenson has spent the last four seasons with the Patriots and has been an every-down lead back with a capable veteran backup most of the time. His quality of play is very dependent on the offensive line, and the line had the worst team run-blocking grade last season. He reunites with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was his offensive coordinator in his first season. In 17 of McDaniels’ 18 seasons, the running back who leads his team in rushing attempts is not the same one who leads his backfield in third-down snaps. The Patriots spent the 38th overall pick on TreVeyon Henderson, who was arguably the best receiving back in this draft class. That means Stevenson will likely lose most of his passing-down work. He should still receive double-digit carries most weeks, and the Patriots made multiple changes to the offensive line, which should help his production.

Possible Targets: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Javonte Williams, Tank Bigsby, Braelon Allen, Jaydon Blue

Round 12, Pick 118: Draft a wide receiver

This team is very balanced at this point, and the goal should be to keep on adding running backs and wide receivers. There is a clear tier gap after the first few top wide receivers from this round are no longer available, making wide receiver the position to target first.

Top Target: Darnell Mooney

Darnell Mooney had a strong start to his career with the Chicago Bears for a fifth-round pick, but then Chicago moved him to the slot, which didn’t end up working out. The Atlanta Falcons signed him in free agency prior to the 2024 season, moving him back to the outside, which caused him to be a frustrating WR3 option for fantasy teams. He had seven games with 80 or more receiving yards, and his career-high five touchdowns occurred during those seven games. However, he was held to three receptions for less than 40 yards in six of his games. Michael Penix Jr. has taken over as the Falcons’ starting quarterback, and his quality of play will determine Mooney’s fantasy value. In a small sample, Penix has thrown deep at a high rate with high deep accuracy, which could lead to a huge season by Mooney, but if Penix regresses, then Mooney will be a fantasy backup.

Possible Targets: Marvin Mims Jr., Christian Kirk, DeMario Douglas, Brandon Aiyuk, Wan’Dale Robinson

Round 13, Pick 123: Draft a running back

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the top player with this pick. His ADP is currently much later than this on most sites, but he is also potentially getting drafted earlier than this in a lot of drafts, just depending on how up-to-date your leaguemates are with NFL news. Even if Croskey-Merritt isn’t available, it would be good to add another running back.

Top Target: Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Jacory Croskey-Merritt has consistently improved as a running back from his time at Alabama State to New Mexico, where he significantly improved in both the run and passing game, averaging a first down on 37.2% of his runs and breaking long runs at a ridiculously high rate. After a brief stint at Arizona, he impressed at the Shrine Bowl with 97 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. He further cemented his potential at the combine, finishing in the 80th percentile or better in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical jump and broad jump. Selected by the Washington Commanders, he quickly moved up the depth chart in the preseason, even playing ahead of Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr., suggesting he could be the primary early-down back, especially with trade rumors swirling around Brian Robinson Jr. While his role is likely to be primarily as an early-down runner in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, his talent makes him worthy of being one of the top 32 running backs drafted, though you may not have to draft him that high.

Possible Targets: Tank Bigsby, Braelon Allen, Jaydon Blue, Nick Chubb, Tyjae Spears

Round 14–18: Fill Depth

Use any additional picks to draft a kicker and team defense if required; otherwise, stock up on running backs and wide receivers.

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