The 2025 PPR mock draft season is heating up as fantasy football enthusiasts debate who should be selected first overall. Leading the conversation is Saquon Barkley, but his competition includes Ja’Marr Chase and Bijan Robinson, each offering unique value in PPR formats. The selections reflect a delicate balance of past performance, positional scarcity, and team context that will shape fantasy rosters this year.
Ja’Marr Chase Leads as Top Wide Receiver Choice
Ja’Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals’ standout wide receiver, had an extraordinary fantasy year in 2024. He emerged as the best FLEX option in PPR leagues thanks to his consistent ability to accumulate receptions and yardage. With fellow wideout Tee Higgins returning healthier for the 2025 season, defenses will have to stretch their coverage, preventing them from focusing solely on Chase. This offensive balance cements Chase’s position near the top of PPR drafts, especially in formats that reward high reception totals.
While Saquon Barkley dominates standard scoring formats, Chase holds a distinct edge in PPR due to his volume of catches and explosive playmaking ability. The Bengals’ dynamic offense remains one of the league’s most potent, making Chase a reliable weekly scorer. Fantasy managers eager for a wide receiver with enormous PPR upside will find Chase exceptionally valuable.
Saquon Barkley Shines with Elite Running Back Production
Saquon Barkley recorded one of the most impressive fantasy seasons ever in 2024. As the Philadelphia Eagles’ primary running back, Barkley averaged an impressive 125 rushing yards each game and scored 13 rushing touchdowns, despite changes to quarterback-led short-yardage scoring methods. His involvement in both the rushing attack and passing game ensures high usage, which translates to consistent week-to-week fantasy points.
Though Jahmyr Gibbs gained ground by the season’s end due to his receiving skills, Barkley remained the dominant running back in PPR formats. If opposing defenses are able to contain short-yardage quarterback runs, Barkley’s touchdown totals could climb even higher. This strong workload and multi-dimensional role make him an enticing pick early in PPR drafts.
Bijan Robinson’s Blend of Receiving and Ground Game Builds Value
Bijan Robinson, now with the Atlanta Falcons, ranks just behind Barkley in terms of PPR value. Despite Barkley’s edge in overall talent, Robinson’s receiving skills outpace Barkley’s, offering increased points through catches and yards after catch. While the Falcons’ offense doesn’t command as much confidence as Philadelphia’s, Robinson’s impressive skill set secures him a top-three spot in mock drafts.
Fantasy managers have little risk choosing either Barkley or Robinson in the second slot, but trust in the Eagles’ system and offense tends to tip the scale in Barkley’s favor. Robinson’s versatility as both a runner and receiver gives him the potential to break out and challenge Barkley’s status during the season.
Jahmyr Gibbs Establishes Himself as Lions’ Lead Back
Jahmyr Gibbs is quickly growing into a key PPR asset with the Detroit Lions. He averaged approximately three receptions for 30 yards per game last year, adding roughly six fantasy points each week through catches alone. Healthy competition from David Montgomery exists, but Gibbs has clearly seized the lead back role in Detroit.
Despite Montgomery missing games previously, Gibbs commanded a 75% snap share, and with the Lions’ run-heavy approach supported by a strong offensive line, he is expected to maintain significant rushing attempts. Even with a new offensive coordinator, Detroit’s emphasis on the ground game suggests Gibbs will continue to thrive in PPR settings.
Justin Jefferson’s Talent Remains Unquestioned Amid Offense Changes
Justin Jefferson’s elite ability to produce as a wide receiver is indisputable, although uncertain quarterback play in Minnesota places him slightly lower in PPR mock drafts. With JJ McCarthy slated to start at quarterback, many question how the Vikings’ passing attack will perform, causing Jefferson to fall to the fifth overall pick.
Still, Jefferson ranked third among wide receivers in PPR scoring during the 2024 season and is expected to be the focal point of the Vikings’ offense regardless of personnel shifts. His ability to accumulate receptions and yardage gives him the opportunity to consistently produce at a high level.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson wants to continue “chasing greatness” this season. His goal is to top his 100 reception, 1500 yard and 10 TD season from 2024:(@A_TwiceKSTP)pic.twitter.com/mIU1wspfxd — VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage)
CeeDee Lamb Poised for a Return to Form
Last year was a relative down season for CeeDee Lamb, the Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver, although his talent remains top-tier. Injuries and periods with backup quarterbacks limited his production, but his performance is often underestimated. With Dak Prescott healthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer in place, Lamb’s target share should rebound significantly.
CeeDee Lamb being eight in receiving yards while missing two games, playing injured, sitting out a few times because of said injury and playing with a backup quarterback isnt talked about enough pic.twitter.com/Y8lnUonNkr — a (@DakHOF)
Adding George Pickens to Dallas as a secondary threat further solidifies Lamb’s role as the primary receiver. His skill set and opportunity bode well for a strong 2025 fantasy season.
De’Von Achane’s Explosiveness Enhances Dolphins’ Backfield
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel continues to rely heavily on De’Von Achane, whose explosive speed and impressive reception totals boost his PPR value. Achane averaged 4.6 receptions for nearly 35 yards per game in 2024, making him a major factor in the passing game.
I am relentlessly drafting De’Von Achane in Round 2 in 2023, the Dolphins backfield produced the RB3 and RB4 in ppg in 2024, they were 31st in EPA per rush. Couldn’t block a soul. Yet Achane still finished as the RB11 because of rec consistency if the blocking goes from awful… pic.twitter.com/vEzXJhZ2qV — Josh Norris (@JoshNorris)
Now that fellow running back Raheem Mostert has departed, the Dolphins’ backfield clearly centers on Achane, amplifying his potential to deliver consistent fantasy points in PPR formats.
Derrick Henry Defies Age Norms Among Running Backs
The continued fantasy relevance of Derrick Henry, now 31, is unusual in an NFL landscape where most running backs decline after age 27. Henry has demonstrated remarkable durability, credited by some to his diet regimen similar to that of Novak Djokovic. Now with the Baltimore Ravens, Henry is part of a projected top-three team boasting a strong running game.
His lack of versatility as a receiver slightly lowers his PPR ranking, but his ability to consistently generate rushing yards and touchdowns keeps him firmly within the top 10 picks in mock drafts. Managers willing to buck conventional wisdom might draft Henry even higher.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Continues Steady PPR Production
Amon-Ra St. Brown exemplifies focus and consistency as a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions. Despite operating in a run-first offense, he finished as the third-highest scoring wide receiver in PPR leagues last season. Personnel changes have been minimal, indicating that St. Brown is set to maintain his high production in 2025.
Concerns about the Lions’ play-calling are generally dismissed by those who trust St. Brown’s ability to find success regardless of offensive scheme adjustments.
Ashton Jeanty’s Rookie Season Brings High Expectations
Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty enters the Las Vegas Raiders offense as a likely workhorse back. Comparisons to Marshawn Lynch suggest a heavy rushing workload, with projections estimating 20 or more carries per game combined with 3 to 5 receptions. Jeanty’s role will be pivotal given the Raiders’ limited depth at skill positions.
While the offense may struggle to reach the end zone consistently, Jeanty’s volume alone should produce respectable touchdown totals and fantasy points in PPR leagues.
Puka Nacua Emerges as High-Impact Wide Receiver
Puka Nacua, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, is a bold draft pick ahead of veteran Davante Adams in some mock drafts. Though injury concerns exist, Nacua’s productivity when healthy is impressive—accumulating nearly 1,000 yards in only 11 games as a rookie.
WR Leaders in YPRR When Lined Up Out-Wide [2024]@FantasyPtsData 1. AJ Brown (3.67) 2. Puka Nacua (3.65) 3. Nico Collins (3.22) 4. Ladd McConkey (3.16) 5. Amon-Ra St. Brown (2.95) Ladd is a phenom wherever he lines up. pic.twitter.com/y9QD03ogI1 — Fantasy Points Data (@FantasyPtsData)
Nacua’s catch rate and ability to make plays confirm his status as a high-target receiver in the Rams’ pass-heavy offense. He is positioned to be one of the league’s most efficient wide receivers in 2025.
Nico Collins Offers Versatility Despite Quarterback Uncertainty
Wide receiver Nico Collins has impressed fantasy evaluators with his all-around receiving skills, including sharp route running, reliable hands, and quickness. Collins posted a 29% target share last season and ranked 15th in yards per catch, highlighting his efficiency. Although Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud faces questions about his sophomore season performance, feeding Collins remains a logical focus for the team’s offense.
Looking Ahead: How These Picks Shape Fantasy Draft Strategies
As fantasy managers map out their drafts, selecting players like Saquon Barkley who offer consistent, high-volume usage is central to building championship-caliber teams. However, the close proximity of other explosive players such as Ja’Marr Chase and Bijan Robinson adds both excitement and uncertainty to early-round decisions. Variables like team offensive schemes, quarterback changes, and player health will continually influence player value throughout the season.
Although Barkley holds the edge in many PPR formats today, the dynamic skill sets of wide receivers and hybrid running backs make mock drafts particularly fluid. Managers must weigh the balance between talent, opportunity, and durability carefully to maximize their roster’s potential.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Saquon Barkley a millionaire?
A. Saquon Barkley Net Worth 2025: His Salary, Career, and Investments Explained.
Saquon Barkley’s financial success reflects his accomplishments in the NFL. Experts estimate his net worth to be around $32 million.
Q. Is Saquon Barkley a humble guy?
A. Saquon Barkley is known for his modest attitude, which is gaining a lot of positive attention. A person’s attitude reveals a lot about them. It shows their personality but also speaks about their background, social position, and ability to lead.
Q. Is Saquon Barkley the highest paid running back?
A. Saquon Barkley, a running back for Penn State Football, can lift 405 pounds in a power clean exercise.
Q. Is Saquon Barkley a humble person?
A. Saquon is a refreshing presence, showing respect and kindness in all his interactions. Even as a celebrity, he inspires hope. Saquon demonstrates that there are decent individuals in prominent positions every time we see him.