Drafting from pick 9 feeling tricky? Our latest fantasy football mock draft breaks down a perfect PPR strategy, landing elite players like Nico Collins and a surprisingly available Christian McCaffrey. See how we built a championship-contending roster and if you agree with these early-round steals! What’s your go-to strategy?

The thrill of fantasy football draft season is officially upon us, with countless managers honing their strategies through crucial mock practice sessions. This particular exercise focuses on a PPR snake draft from the challenging yet rewarding No. 9 spot, where the initial plan was to meticulously target players renowned for their high reception volume, a fundamental asset in a full-point per reception format. The goal was clear: secure sure-fire number one wide receivers and versatile dual-threat running backs from the outset, aiming for a perfectly balanced and high-scoring roster.

A dream scenario unfolded with the very first pick, securing Nico Collins, a rising star who currently ranks as the fourth wide receiver according to consensus ADP. Collins has consistently demonstrated his prowess, averaging an impressive 85.3 receiving yards per game over his last two seasons and accumulating a total of 15 touchdowns. Despite being limited to just 12 games last season, he still managed to finish as the 23rd-ranked PPR WR, signaling a significant upside. A full season of health in 2025 could easily catapult him into elite top-four status, making him an invaluable anchor for any fantasy football team.

The second round brought an unexpected gift: the legendary Christian McCaffrey, available as a monumental steal. While there might be some apprehension following his 2024 injury and missing 13 games, whispers from training camps suggest he is returning to his vintage form. His 2023 campaign, where he amassed an astounding 2,023 total scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns, serves as a powerful reminder of his ceiling. Should he approach even a fraction of those figures, McCaffrey represents an unparalleled value as a second-round pick in any PPR mock draft scenario, instantly elevating the team’s championship aspirations.

The third pick presented another opportunity too good to pass up, leading to the selection of Las Vegas rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. With an ADP of 13th in PPR leagues and ranked as the 6th running back, Jeanty offers an irresistible combination of current value and immense future potential. Following this, veteran Alvin Kamara, a consistent PPR leagues gem known for his exceptional pass-catching ability and reliable yardage, became a crucial addition. Averaging 71.6 receptions and 1,442.6 total scrimmage yards per season throughout his career, Kamara’s impact hinges on his health, but new starting quarterback Spencer Rattler is expected to utilize him heavily.

The draft continued to bolster the receiving corps with Xavier Worthy, a speedster who showcased remarkable versatility in his rookie season, contributing 20 rushes and three touchdowns alongside 59 catches for 638 yards and six receiving scores. With Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games, Worthy is poised for an explosive start. At quarterback, Bo Nix, who finished as the seventh-ranked fantasy quarterback in 2024, was a strategic pick. His dual-threat capabilities—ranking sixth in passing touchdowns and eighth in rushing yards—provide consistent weekly production, further enhanced by the addition of tight end Evan Engram.

Calvin Ridley, currently an appealing WR29 with an ADP of 65.3, was brought in as a key target for rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Ridley is coming off a career-high 15.9 yards per reception in 2024, and a resurgence in his touchdown output, akin to his 2023 numbers, could solidify him as a potent WR3 or flexible play for managers. The aforementioned Evan Engram, a two-time Pro Bowler, also joins the Denver offense alongside Nix. Ranked as PPR’s eighth tight end, his connection with Nix promises to significantly boost his touchdown production, which saw only one score in nine games last season with Jacksonville. This draft strategy prioritizes both proven talent and high-upside players.

Rounding out the roster involved securing valuable depth and high-upside sleepers. Jordan Mason, entering his first year in Minnesota, is projected to eventually lead the backfield over veteran Aaron Jones, offering a potential late-season surge given his career 5.3 yards per carry and past performance when Christian McCaffrey was injured. Rashid Shaheed, a promising New Orleans receiver with a career 16.6 yards per reception, was a productive pick before his injury in 2024, and a healthy season could see him surpass 1,000 yards. Chicago’s rookie tight end Colston Loveland, ranked TE12, offers solid backup utility.

The later rounds also saw the addition of promising rookie running backs Jaydon Blue (Giants) and Ollie Gordon II (Dolphins), both with significant upside potential. Blue could emerge as a starter, while Gordon’s ADP has surged after an impressive preseason. The Detroit Lions’ defense, a top-10 unit in 2024, was a reliable pick for team defense. Finally, rookie Tory Horton (Seahawks) offers potential as a number two receiver, and Houston’s C.J. Stroud was drafted as a stellar backup to Nix, providing strategic stacking potential with Nico Collins. This comprehensive mock draft showcases a winning approach from pick 9.