I always like drafting with different Fantasy managers that I don't know. You get a different perspective on players and strategies.
In our latest 12-team, PPR mock draft to raise money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we had a unique first round compared to most of our analyst drafts. For example, Breece Hall and Bijan Robinson were both top-five overall picks. Both went ahead of Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, which could become the norm.
Chase is dealing with a contract situation that has kept him out of practice. And Jefferson just lost quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) for the season, meaning he's stuck with Sam Darnold, which is a little concerning.
We also had six running backs drafted in Round 1 with Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley following Christian McCaffrey, Hall and Robinson. I don't mind Taylor and Barkley in Round 1, but Gibbs (hamstring) makes me nervous since he's hurt. These running backs also pushed A.J. Brown into Round 2, which isn't something you'll see often.
I encourage you to study this draft and see how these teams were built by some dedicated and passionate Fantasy managers. We're doing several of these mock drafts to raise money for St. Jude, and it would be awesome if you could participate as well.
You can donate to St. Jude here, and you'll see various Fantasy Football activities we're doing as part of our Draft-A-Thon. Last year, we raised more than $100,000, hoping to increase that total in 2024.
As a reference point for this mock draft, all touchdowns are worth six points, and we award one point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving and one point for every 25 yards passing. We also award one point for every reception. We feature a starting lineup of QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, TE and FLEX (RB/WR/TE) with six reserves for a 14-round draft.
Our draft order is as follows:
1. Luis Mendoza
2. John Zarick
3. Jamey Eisenberg
4. Trevor Paul
5. Pat Schafer
6. Kevin Canovali
7. Carlos Mendoza
8. Carl Price
9. Michael Taylor
10. Brody Jackson
11. Mike Gorton
12. Andrew Baumhor