2025 Fantasy Football 2-Round Mock Draft Picks and Strategy Breakdown

One of the keys to any fantasy football league victory is approaching the draft with a strategy. Do you go running back heavy or opt for wide receivers? Is it a standard league or PPR?

When is the appropriate time to grab one of the elite quarterbacks?

Who should you stay away from?

Ahead of the start of the 2025 NFL regular season, and in preparation for fantasy drafts, here are the top picks for the first two rounds of your fantasy football draft, as well as the rhyme and reason for selecting a player. Or not.

Round One Mock Draft

AP Photo

First-round picks are as follows:

1. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
3. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
4. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
5. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
7. Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
8. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
9. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
10. Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
11. Brian Robinson Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
12. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Round one is where the absolute studs in any fantasy draft are found. From top-tier wide receivers and running backs, who are key to victory in PPR leagues, and the occasional league-winning quarterback, the right pick here is the foundation for league victory.

Beware, though, because overestimating the output of a player based on reputation or ignoring their injury history can result in early defeat. One example entering 2025 is Christian McCaffrey, who was an MVP candidate two seasons ago but was plagued by injury and failed to live up to his No. 1 overall billing.

He returns to the field this year, with top 10 expectations, but should be approached with caution or handcuffed with backup Isaac Guerendo. Otherwise, hold off and see if you can get a better value in the second round.

Round Two Mock Draft

AP Photo

Second round picks are as follows:

1. AJ Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
2. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
3. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
4. Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
5. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
6. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
7. Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals
8. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
9. De'Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
10. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
11. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
12. Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Second-year tight end Brock Bowers has first round upside, especially considering the historic rookie season he had, in which he caught 112 balls for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. With that said, there is a reason to hesitate if he is available at the top of the second round.

The Raiders possess one of the weakest receiving corps in the league and while there is some strong upside in rookie Jack Bech, who has emerged as a sleeper of sorts, it is increasingly likely that opposing defenses will key in on Bowers and look to take him out of the passing game, which would limit him and decrease his value for managers.

AJ Brown was banged up last season, but was still elite when it came to yards per reception, averaging 16.1. He only scored seven touchdowns, but he still caught 97 balls and went over 1,000 yards in a run-first offense, while missing three games.

He has not tallied less than 1,000 yards in a season since 2021, which was the only season he scored less than seven touchdowns. An elite receiver with a proven track record, he is a safer pick at or near the top of the round than Bowers, whose ability to follow up last year's output given the circumstances in Las Vegas remains to be seen.

Sleeper: Jaydon Blue, RB, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo

Are JeVonte Williams and Miles Sanders legitimate No. 1 backs who can be difference makers in the Dallas backfield?

Maybe, but there is understandably little to no confidence that will be the case among fantasy managers.

One of the most intriguing players this year will be rookie Jaydon Blue, who enters a backfield with explosive speed and the ability to contribute instantly to the passing game.

He has already taken first-team reps, too, suggesting head coach Brian Schottenheimer has plans for him to be a factor early. An ankle injury suffered in the final preseason game Friday against Atlanta may halt his momentum somewhat but barring any long-term effects, Blue is poised to contribute immediately and be a potential fantasy breakout star, let alone a sleeper candidate.

Blue scored 11 rushing and seven receiving touchdowns in his college career with Texas.

All stats via FantasyPros.com unless otherwise noted.