RBs take 13 of first 20 picks in ESPN mock draft
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- The 10-team PPR mock draft featured ESPN personalities in this order: Adam Schefter, Eric Moody, Mike Clay, Liz Loza, Field Yates, Joe Fortenbaugh, Daniel Dopp, Keiana Martin, Dan Graziano, and Tyler Fulghum
- Running backs went with 13 of the first 20 picks, which the article notes created value at wide receiver in early rounds
- Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) was the No. 1 overall pick by Schefter, followed by Bijan Robinson (Pick 2) and Ja'Marr Chase as the first WR off the board at Pick 3
- Tight ends were an early-round priority, with Brock Bowers (Pick 24) and Trey McBride (Pick 25) the only two taken inside the top 25
- Josh Allen (BUF) was the first quarterback selected at Pick 40 (Round 4), with only three signal-callers off the board entering Round 7
- The draft ran 16 rounds, with kickers filling Rounds 10-16 alongside DSTs and backup RBs/WRs
Why it matters: With 13 of the first 20 picks going to RBs in a PPR format, fantasy drafters face a clear early-round positional run that compresses WR value into the mid-rounds. The QB wait (Allen at Pick 40) and tight-end premium (two TEs in the top 25) define this room's draft strategy and signal how ESPN's analysts are valuing positions heading into the season.
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