Securing the 12th pick in your fantasy football draft offers a strategic advantage, allowing you to select two elite players consecutively before a long wait. To optimize a Derrick Henry fantasy football draft, focusing on premier running backs and wide receivers early is essential, especially since top quarterbacks are usually off the board by this stage.
During the first two rounds, prioritizing a running back or wide receiver is the prevailing wisdom. In recent simulations, running backs like Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and De’Von Achane frequently fall to the 12th selection. Complementing a first-round RB pick with a wide receiver such as Drake London, Ladd McConkey, or AJ Brown in the second round forms a well-rounded foundation for your squad.
If participating in a tight end premium league, acquiring top tight ends like Trey McBride or Brock Bowers early is advisable, although their availability is uncertain. In standard points per reception (PPR) leagues, waiting on tight ends is viable unless you seek volume players like McBride or Bowers at the turn.
Approach for Mid-Draft Selections: Rounds Three and Four
The third-round pick from the 12th slot is critical for targeting high-upside players who could break out based on recent team changes. Assess offseason moves and depth chart shifts to identify rookies or players stepping into expanded roles. This pick should balance risk and reward carefully.
By the fourth round, depending on your league format, selecting a quarterback becomes more attractive. In super flex leagues where teams start two quarterbacks weekly, it’s prudent to draft one now. In single-QB leagues, you may afford to delay this decision if strong options persist beyond your next turn.
Adding Depth and Value Between Rounds Five and Ten
Rounds five through ten focus on strengthening your roster and identifying value picks that might have dropped due to injury concerns or off-field issues. Securing a handcuff for your primary running back provides insurance against injuries that could derail your season.
If a quarterback remains unselected at this stage, it’s a good opportunity to pick one such as Dak Prescott, CJ Stroud, or Jared Goff, who offer high ceilings. Building a solid bench while monitoring bye weeks ensures your team maintains depth without overlapping off weeks for starters and their backups.
Strategic Moves in Late Rounds and Bench Building
The later rounds are ideal for drafting players with high potential, including rookies like Cam Skateboo and Emeka Egbuka. Veterans who have transitioned to new teams, such as Cooper Kupp and Nick Chubb, also represent valuable late-round targets.
Embracing familiarity can be an effective strategy in these rounds, as drafting players from your favorite team can provide reliable flex options and insight-driven confidence in their playing time and role.