Projecting 2017's first-round PPR fantasy draft
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PPR scoring always has a notable impact on where players are drafted. In comparison to standard drafts, pass-catching backs and wideouts see a big boost in draft stock. Last year in PPR formats, only one running back cracked the top six in ADP (Todd Gurley), per FantasyPros. That's compared to an even split of three RBs to three WRs in standard formats.
While our standard draft projection has been released, the PPR projections below have a few notable changes. Though the overall reversion to running backs as first-round options remains similar in both formats, the ordering of the trio is different, and the final few selections, like most PPR drafts, are filled by wideouts.
| PICK | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| 1 | Le'Veon Bell (PIT) |
| 2 | David Johnson (ARI) |
| 3 | Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) |
| 4 | Antonio Brown (PIT) |
| 5 | Julio Jones (ATL) |
| 6 | Mike Evans (TB) |
Bell and Johnson should undoubtedly be the No. 1 and 2 picks in any PPR format next year. They provide similar rushing totals to that of Elliott but have substantially more appeal because of their receiving skills. Through Week 10 this year, Bell leads all running backs with 7.5 catches per games. Johnson ranks third at 4.4, while Elliott comes in far behind at 2.0.
Brown and Jones will be the WR1 and WR2 regardless of format. It's the presence of Evans that should be noted, however. The Buccaneers wideout has made huge strides this year, and there is nobody set to challenge his hold on Tampa's passing game. Beckham could be selected as the WR3 instead, but the race is tighter than ever.
| PICK | PLAYER |
|---|---|
| 7 | DeMarco Murray (TEN) |
| 8 | Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) |
| 9 | A.J. Green (CIN) |
| 10 | LeSean McCoy (BUF) |
| 11 | Amari Cooper (OAK) |
| 12 | Jordy Nelson (GB) |
Murray has clearly re-established himself as a dominant running back in standard formats, and he has been an even bigger force in PPR scoring. The maligned ex-Eagle has a receiving line of 37-259-2 through 10 games this season. In combination with his rushing stats (930 yards and eight scores), he's firmly back in the RB1 discussion.
Beckham and Green fall to eight and nine, though there's an argument to rank them ahead of Murray. Both dominate targets for their respective teams and will likely finish in the top-five among WR scoring again next season. The reason they're behind Murray here is the simple lack of RB depth.
Finishing out the round with Cooper and Nelson speaks to the influence of the PPR format. RB options like Jay Ajayi, Lamar Miller, and Melvin Gordon will be available at this point, but their 2017 roles and projections are somewhat cloudy. Cooper and Nelson, on the other hand, are locked into WR1 roles and serve as the best way to exploit the PPR scoring system.