If you are looking for the perfect way to draft at the third overall pick, this is where you need to be. The perfect draft may not exist in the real world, but in mine, it certainly does, and with the help of the Fantasy Alarm Ultimate Cheat Sheet and our new Mock Draft Simulator, it pretty much looks like what you are about to read.

It is important to remember that this is an updated version of the original article done a month ago. The draft landscape, the player pool, and the ADP (Average Draft Position) of players are continuously changing every day. What worked a month ago in drafts isn't going to work this time around. For example, the Chuba Hubbard hamstring injury has dramatically altered his ADP and that of Jonathon Brooks as well. This is why we do mock drafts, and, again, the Fantasy Alarm Mock Draft Simulator makes it incredibly easy to test out a few different strategies.

Executing our updated fantasy football pick 3 draft strategy requires adaptability. Of course, you can deviate from the cheat sheet blueprint if you really want to, but be careful that you don't overlook strong value, especially at positions you may feel like you already have covered. If there is a player available from an earlier round tier, specifically from either the running back or wide receiver position, consider that player first regardless of what position they play. You can balance out your roster further into the draft. If your league is going to hand you a player who has second-round value in the fourth round, you should take them.

We know the draft is just the first step in a long season, and your waiver wire work and lineup choices need to be on point. But if you start with this overall fantasy football draft position strategy, failure is no longer an option. Let’s dive into the round-by-round updated strategy for fantasy football PPR strategy dominance.

Round 1, Pick 3: Draft a Wide Receiver

Assuming both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are off the board, we're taking the No. 1 wide receiver in the game and a player I've had ranked No. 1 overall in recent seasons because of his fantasy production. I value running backs more, which is why Chase is third on my board, but his value and production surpass the value of everyone else.

Top Target: Ja'Marr Chase, WR Cincinnati Bengals

Chase showed elite volume and high-end efficiency in 2025, leading the entire NFL with a career-high 185 targets while hauling in 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and 8 touchdowns. Averaging 19.5 PPR fantasy points per game and earning a 90.1 PFF receiving grade, his massive floor and game-breaking ceiling make him the undisputed anchor for any fantasy football pick 3 draft strategy. 

Other Targets: Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs

 

 

 

Round 2, Pick 22: Draft a Running Back

While you can't pass up on Chase, you draft him knowing you're likely headed back to the running back position in the next round or two. Sure, you could try out a Zero-RB strategy if you like. Maybe there's another top-10 receiver on the board. But for me, the running back position is our bread-and-butter in fantasy, and I want one here. I'm not saying force it. Don't elevate a third- or fourth-round running back just to grab one here. Be sensible. You can definitely still make it work further into your draft if you did take a second wide receiver. It's just not my ideal.

Top Target: Kenneth Walker, RB Kansas City Chiefs

Walker posted an 88.4 overall PFF grade in 2025 (2nd among qualified RBs), rushing 221 times for 1,027 yards (4.6 YPC) and 5 touchdowns, while adding 31 receptions for 282 yards. He forced 61 missed tackles on the ground and posted 33 explosive runs of 10+ yards, proving that his tackle-breaking talent translates directly into steady, high-end production. His preseason injury unfortunately opened the door for Zach Charbonnet to get some extra work. Had he stayed fully healthy, those totals would have certainly been higher. 

Other Targets: Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry

Round 3, Pick 27: Draft a Wide Receiver

Yes, running backs are our bread and butter, but with one locked in, we can at least explore a Hero-RB strategy and grab some of this tasty value at the receiver position. We still have some WR1 talent available here, and we don't want to pass it up, knowing the RB targets who should be available in the upcoming rounds.

Top Target: DeVonta Smith, WR Philadelphia Eagles

Smith was rock-solid in 2025, recording 77 catches on 112 targets for 1,008 yards and 4 touchdowns across 17 games. With an expanded target share locked in as Philadelphia's primary focal point in the passing game, his 1,000-yard floor and proven week-to-week consistency offer high-end receiver production at a third-round price tag. 

Other Targets: George Pickens, Zay Flowers

Round 4, Pick 46: Draft a Tight End

If there is a running back available from either 3B or 4A in the cheat sheet, that's the move I make here. But if not, then it's time to pivot to the tight end position and grab someone from the elite level. That being Colston Loveland, of course. If he is already gone, then pivot to the receiver position here and lock up your core group. You still have some WR1s from which to choose for your WR3, and that's going to be huge.

Top Target: Colston Loveland, TE Chicago Bears

In his 2025 rookie season, Loveland established himself as a dynamic weapon, catching 58 of 81 targets for 713 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. He ranked third among all NFL tight ends with an 83.3 PFF receiving grade, giving you an elite position-scarcity advantage without sacrificing middle-round draft capital. Even more exciting is that head coach Ben Johnson has been talking about breaking the NFL record for most offensive points per game, and that was after Luther Burden suffered his groin injury.

Other Targets: Mike Evans, Christian Watson

 

 

 

Round 5, Pick 51: Draft a Running Back

At this point, it is imperative to focus on the running back position. There are strong options here in the fifth round, but keep in mind that you also want to minimize risk because this is only your second running back. Don't be blinded by the "upside" pick, and think carefully about the health of the player.

Top Target: David Montgomery, RB Houston Texans

Do we have ourselves a bell-cow in Houston? Maybe. But we expect Woody Marks to still get some work. But last season, Montgomery was highly efficient, averaging a career-best 4.5 yards per carry while rushing for 716 yards and 8 touchdowns on 158 carries. He created consistent yardage on his own by averaging 3.17 yards after contact per attempt and forcing 29 missed tackles. That’s great if we can count on more touches this season. High-volume and goal-line work to boot? Yes, Please.

Other Targets: Quinshon Judkins, D'Andre Swift

Round 6, Pick 70: Draft a Running Back

Again, the RB position is something we want to stay focused on right here, with plenty of good options still on the board. If you want to go "upside," you can, as this is your RB3, but there's nothing wrong with a stable high-floor option either. I'm following scheme and potential touches with my pick here. Just remember to handcuff later on.

Top Target: Jonathon Brooks, RB Carolina Panthers

With Chuba Hubbard dealing with a hamstring injury that disrupted Carolina's backfield depth chart, Brooks' projection for early-season usage and high-value touches makes him a target here. His explosive vision and receiving capability provide immediate RB3 production with a league-winning ceiling if he captures full workload share.

Other Targets: Tony Pollard, Rhamondre Stevenson

Round 7, Pick 75: Draft a Quarterback

This is the QB tier I prefer to hang out in for most of my leagues. Guys who have some mobile upside but also possess the tools for strong passing volume. The floor is extremely safe, and the ceiling can rival that of the top tier. Not to mention, if you don't act here, you're likely to miss out and be forced into figuring out just how far you can actually wait on the position—and that's just not my style.

Top Target: Justin Herbert, QB Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert delivered consistent fantasy value in 2025 by pairing top-tier passing efficiency with functional rushing usage near the goal line. Though Jim Harbaugh is his coach, Mike McDaniel is now his OC, and we know how well the QB does in his system. Remember when Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards? Herbert’s potential high-volume passing output ensures a top-10 fantasy floor every single week while maintaining the ceiling needed to win high-scoring matchups.

Other Targets: Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams

 

 

 

Round 8, Pick 94: Draft a Wide Receiver

This is where we fall into a Choose Your Own Adventure moment. If you took Loveland in Round 4, then yes, take a wide receiver here. This is a great spot to grab your third wideout, as the options on the board offer some decent upside, but, more importantly, still have the high floor you need for a core group. If you went receiver back in Round 4 because Loveland was gone, then this is where you pivot to TE and take Sam LaPorta. But for this article, we'll grab a WR here.

Top Target: Stefon Diggs, WR Washington Commanders

Diggs continued to demonstrate crisp route-running and reliable target-earning in 2025, compiling a safe floor built on intermediate volume. As your WR3, his steady targets and red-zone involvement make him an incredible value in any fantasy football PPR strategy.

Other Targets: Jordan Addison, Jayden Higgins

Round 9, Pick 99: Draft a Wide Receiver

We want one more high-floor receiver here to give us our first man up off the bench. Or maybe a flex play if the matchup is right. We want targets here. Obviously, we know that targets aren't guaranteed, but if you know the schemes, then you know there are some guys at this tier who can help move the chains.

Top Target: Jayden Reed, WR Green Bay Packers

Reed demonstrated exceptional per-touch efficiency in 2025, generating fantasy points as both a slot receiver and a manufactured-touch runner. His involvement in high-value offensive plays makes him an ideal WR4 to slot into Flex plays during heavy bye weeks.

Other Targets: Jayden Higgins, Romeo Doubs, Khalil Shakir

Round 10, Pick 118: Draft a Running Back

At this stage, you are building insurance depth, and the most critical position to hoard is running back. There will be plenty of late-round swings to take on wide receivers, but if you can grab an RB with a clear path to touches, pull the trigger every time.

Top Target: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB Washington Commanders

Croskey-Merritt's late-season production in 2025 showcased his combination of power and pass-blocking stability, positioning him well in Washington's backfield rotation. Grabbing a back with a direct path to double-digit carries in Round 10 provides optimal roster depth.

Other Targets: Tyrone Tracy, Jordan Mason

 

 

 

Round 11, Pick 123: Draft a Wide Receiver

When looking to build up your receiver room, you need to decide between safe floor or maximum ceiling. This is what the whole yin-yang draft strategy is all about. With plenty of late-round flyers remaining on the board, grabbing a heavily targeted pass-catcher who is currently undervalued by the consensus is the sharp play.

Top Target: KC Concepcion, WR Cleveland Browns

Concepcion showed impressive separation traits and run-after-catch playmaking during his 2025 collegiate season, earning high targeted-rate metrics when on the field. He’s also put these skills on display during training camp. His ceiling makes him a high-reward asset to add to your bench at this stage of our updated fantasy football draft position strategy.

Other Targets: Jalen Nailor, Jalen Coker

Round 12, Pick 142: Draft a Wide Receiver

Take a look at your receiver room and decide if this is a swing-for-the-fences upside pick or do you need more of a high-floor, safe guy? Make your determination and stack up that WR depth.

Top Target: Rashid Shaheed, WR Seattle Seahawks

Shaheed's deep-threat profile yielded massive big-play production in 2025, averaging high yards-per-reception numbers and offering multi-touchdown upside in favorable matchups. He is the ultimate late-round bench option to round out an elite updated fantasy football pick 3 draft strategy.

Other Targets: De'Zhaun Stribling, Malik Washington

Round 13–18: Fill Depth

Use any additional picks to draft a kicker and team defense if required; otherwise, stock up on running backs and wide receivers unless you waited on tight end. If you did, then a second TE never hurts. It's all about the Yin-Yang draft philosophy and our Dynamic Tiers.