Fantasy Football Mock Draft Round 1: PPR Leagues

Yesterday, I did a Round One mock for non-PPR leagues.  Now it’s time for my first look at first round selections for fantasy football PPR 12-team drafts.

1.  Adrian Peterson:  AP’s hold on No. 1 isn’t as firm in PPR leagues, but I still believe he brings too much to the table to go with anybody else.  He’s capable of ripping off a 2000-yard season, which would put him in some elite company.

2.  Maurice Jones-Drew: I can justify him as the No. 2 pick in non-PPR leagues, so sliding him to No. 2 in a PPR league makes complete sense.  Drew should catch 40+ passes to go along with double-digit TDs and 1500+ total yards. 

3.  Matt Forte: Forte holds down the No. 3 spot in both formats.  He could lead all RBs not named Reggie Bush in receptions this year.  Add that to his stellar running and you’ve got a great PPR back.

4.  LaDainian Tomlinson: LT remains a force in PPR leagues.  He may catch fewer passes with an increase role for Darren Sproles, but he still should grab at least 35.  Like I said before, LT’s “down year” was pretty solid.  He should bounce back nicely.

5.  Larry Fitzgerald: Fitz moves up into the top five in PPR leagues for me.  I like sure things in the first round, and Fitz is pretty much it.  He showed a burst in his second Super Bowl TD that I didn’t know he had.  Makes him even scarier.

6.  Steven Jackson:  S-Jax is a real solid pick in PPR leagues if he stays healthy.  I hate having that fear with a first round pick, but the reward is worth the risk here.  He’s capable of 50 receptions with solid rushing numbers.

7.  Michael Turner: It’s amazing how a simple format change plummets a guy from No. 2 to No. 7.  To me, there isn’t a lot of difference between picks 2-7 this year anyway.  Turner won’t catch a ton of passes, but should produce on the ground.

8.  Andre Johnson: With the 100+ receptions Andre should have this year, he moves up a slot to No. 8.  Combine that with 1400+ yards and 8+ TDs and you have a valuable commodity.

9.  Chris Johnson: Johnson caught his share of passes last year (43), and that number should go up with his increased role in 2009.  On the ground, Johnson should approach 1300 yards.

10.  Randy Moss: I don’t think he’ll catch nearly as many passes as he caught in his record-breaking 2007 season, but Moss should grab 80+ passes with 12+ TDs thanks to Tom Brady back under Center.

11. Calvin Johnson: Megatron retains the 11th slot in PPR leagues as well.  He should continue to progress into one of the top WRs in the game.  Daunte Culpepper should be better than last year and Matthew Stafford has a big arm when he finally gets his shot.

12.  Steve Smith: As long as he doesn’t miss time for breaking a teammate's nose, Smith should be a first round talent in PPR leagues, bumping Drew Brees out of the 12 slot.  His production with those two missed games and spotty QB play was remarkable.  He can score anytime he touches the football.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.