Before participating in a fantasy football draft with the ninth overall pick in a PPR league, it is suggested to first review preferences regarding wide receivers and create a ranking of top players. Specifically, making a list of at least 16 preferred players can help managers feel prepared for their initial rounds. This approach is particularly recommended for leagues where three wide receivers are required.
At the ninth spot, available options included six of the writer’s top-10 wide receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Nabers, Puka Nacua, Brian Thomas Jr., Drake London, and A.J. Brown. The pool also contained three of his top seven running backs: Ashton Jeanty, Derrick Henry, and De’Von Achane.
The writer noted that in formats such as two-wide receiver leagues or those not using PPR scoring, he would have selected Derrick Henry. However, due to the expected premium on wide receivers in this specific league setup—a three-receiver full-PPR league with a flex position—he chose St. Brown as a reliable starting point.
Contrary to expectations, the opportunity remained to select one of his favored running backs in subsequent rounds:
1.09: Amon-Ra St. Brown
2.04: De’Von Achane
3.09: Omarion Hampton
4.04: Davante Adams
5.09: Breece Hall
6.04: Emeka Egbuka
7.09: Jordan Addison
8.04: Baker Mayfield
9.09: Ollie Gordon
10.04: Evan Engram
11.09: Dalton Kincaid
12.04: Najee Harris
13.09: Chris Rodriguez Jr.
14.04: Kyler Murray
Regarding Achane’s selection early in the draft despite injury concerns, the author stated that Achane’s history of producing strong PPR numbers made him worth the risk even if another wide receiver might have seemed safer.
When considering what his roster could have looked like without selecting any running backs during the first three rounds—a strategy some managers may prefer—he listed an alternative start with Amon-Ra St Brown, A.J. Brown and Marvin Harrison Jr., but acknowledged this approach could present challenges when filling running back slots in later rounds.
The piece highlights individual picks and decision-making factors at various stages:
– Favorite Pick (Omarion Hampton): “The second-best talent in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Hampton is set to lead the Chargers run game…I think he’s in line for a huge workload and finish with numbers close to — or better than — Ashton Jeanty.”
– Pick I Might Regret (Emeka Egbuka): “A year ago we all had Marvin Harrison Jr. pegged as the next great rookie receiver…Now it’s Egbuka’s turn…But if Egbuka struggles in any way…my team will be in trouble because I don’t have very good wide receiver depth.”
– Player Who Could Make or Break My Team (De’Von Achane): “Playing it safe on Draft Day is a choice we can all make…If Achane’s calf issue lingers then of course he’s a terrible choice….Running backs with 20-point potential aren’t easily available after Round 1.”
These comments outline considerations for managers drafting from similar positions and detail how adapting strategies based on format specifics and positional scarcity can influence outcomes during enshrinement weeks for fantasy teams.
