Top Fantasy Football Draft Picks for 2025: Rounds 1 and 2 Insights

As the fantasy football season approaches, players in 10-team leagues are focusing on their draft strategies. The draft position can significantly influence a team’s success, leading to anxiety about making the right picks. With many managers concerned about whether their preferred players will still be available, understanding the best selections for each draft slot becomes crucial.

This guide outlines optimal choices for the first two rounds of drafts, specifically tailored for 10-team ESPN standard leagues with PPR scoring. Below, you will find insights into candidate selections based on their draft positions, along with recommended pairings to kickstart your fantasy team effectively.

Draft Slot 1: Strong Start with Ja’Marr Chase

In the first round, the standout choice is Ja’Marr Chase. Coming off a remarkable season, Chase scored a total of 403.0 fantasy points, making him one of the top wide receivers in history. At just 25 years old, he remains a central figure in the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense. His past performance, which includes three games over 40 fantasy points, solidifies his position as the first overall pick.

Players unlocked for this slot include Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley. In the second round, with the 20th pick, managers could find great value in players like Josh Jacobs or even a combination of top-tier running backs and receivers if available. Selecting Jacobs here provides a solid foundation for a winning team.

Draft Slot 2: Prioritizing Running Backs

Drafting second presents an opportunity to select either Bijan Robinson or Saquon Barkley, both of whom are recognized for their significant contributions to their teams. Robinson’s impressive performance last season places him among the top choices. This slot allows for flexibility in the second round, where managers might consider taking a quarterback or tight end, although sticking to running backs like Josh Jacobs or Jonathan Taylor is advisable.

In this case, Tristan’s ideal picks from slot two would be Robinson and Taylor. Their potential to secure high fantasy points makes them prime selections to build a competitive team.

As the draft continues, effective strategies can vary based on personal preferences and available talent. The key is to maximize your picks and adapt to the evolving landscape of player performance as the season approaches. Following these guidelines can alleviate some of the stress associated with drafting and help ensure a strong start for your fantasy football team.

Whether you are new to fantasy football or a seasoned veteran, these insights aim to provide clarity and direction for managing your draft effectively in 2025.