2025 Fantasy Football Draft Guide: Picks 1–4 (Rounds 1–3 Strategy)

This 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Guide covers how to maximize those premium draft slots with a proven strategy for Rounds 1 through 3. Drafting from the top of the board offers an edge — but it also brings pressure. Managers holding picks one through four in 2025 drafts must navigate between the elite wide receivers, the rare workhorse running back, and the chance to secure positional advantages at quarterback or tight end. This guide breaks down the ideal strategy from Rounds 1 to 3 for drafters in those premium spots.

Building From the Top: 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Guide Picks 1–4

Round 1: Chase at the Top

Ja’Marr Chase stands as the unquestioned No. 1 overall pick in 2025 fantasy football drafts. After posting over 1,400 receiving yards with double-digit touchdowns last season, Chase provides the combination of elite volume and explosive playmaking that no other wide receiver can match.

At No. 2, the edge shifts to Bijan Robinson, the only running back worthy of this draft range. Robinson handled 330+ touches in 2024, ranking top-five in both red-zone carries and running back target share. With little competition in Atlanta’s backfield, his profile as a true three-down workhorse locks him in as RB1 overall.

CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson round out the top four. Lamb receives the slight edge in half-PPR formats after ranking second in the league in targets last season. He also benefits from the arrival of George Pickens, whose presence should prevent defenses from focusing exclusively on Lamb — a dynamic that has historically boosted WR1 production (e.g., A.J. Brown after DeVonta Smith joined the Philadelphia Eagles).

Jefferson remains elite, but uncertainty at quarterback lowers him just slightly in these early drafts. Even so, his talent is undeniable, and any manager would be comfortable with him anchoring their wide receiver corps.

Standard formats tip: After Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Saquon Barkley deserve consideration for their rushing-heavy roles and touchdown upside.

Rounds 2–3: Building the Core

The next two rounds define roster construction. Depending on league format and draft board flow, managers can secure an anchor running back, a high-upside WR2, or even lock down positional advantages at quarterback or tight end.

Wide Receivers

If WR1 was not secured in Round 1, it is essential to grab one here. Ladd McConkey headlines this range as the WR1 for the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie wide receivers often surge in Year 2, and McConkey’s projected 25% target share makes him a strong bet to follow that trend.

On the other hand, Tee Higgins presents risk. The Cincinnati Bengals’ passing offense benefited from favorable game scripts in 2024, and Joe Burrow’s durability remains a concern. While Higgins has WR2 talent, his floor is lower than other players in this range.

Tyreek Hill offers league-winning ceiling if Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy, but his Round 2 cost pushes him closer to a high-risk, high-reward pick.

Running Backs

The second and third rounds present several reliable running backs:

• Jonathan Taylor remains a proven asset, averaging over 1,300 scrimmage yards in each of his healthy seasons despite multiple offensive changes in the Indianapolis Colts.

• Bucky Irving flashed explosiveness after taking over late in 2024, ranking top-10 in yards per touch during that span.

• Chase Brown proved he belongs in RB1 territory after scoring 16.2 points per game in Weeks 4-17 in 2024, which ranked RB7 – only behind players that have been drafted before him and Joe Mixon (who is fighting injury issues).

In contrast, Kyren Williams is a fade candidate. Despite finishing as a top-10 back in 2024, his efficiency metrics lagged behind peers (ranking outside the top 20 in yards per carry). Limited passing-game involvement and concerns over Matthew Stafford’s health could cap his upside moving forward.

Quarterback and Tight End Advantage

This is where elite positional value can tilt a league.

• Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen outscored the QB10 by more than 100 fantasy points in 2024, giving managers week-to-week stability and tournament-winning ceilings.

• Trey McBride emerged as the top target in the Arizona Cardinals’ last season, leading the team in receptions and finishing as TE3 overall. His red-zone production lagged expectations, but touchdown regression could propel him into TE1 overall territory in 2025.

Given the scarcity of true difference-makers at quarterback and tight end, this is the optimal window to secure one. If Allen, Jackson, or McBride are available in Round 2, pulling the trigger is justified — especially with RB/WR depth available later.

Key Takeaways Through Round 3

Drafting from the top four offers the chance to pair a generational WR1 or the RB1 overall with a balanced supporting cast. The ideal approach:

• Round 1: Chase or Robinson, followed by Lamb or Jefferson.

• Rounds 2–3: Prioritize locking in elite positional value with Allen, Jackson, or McBride. With the other pick, look for McConkey at WR and Taylor/Irving/Brown at RB.

• Avoid: Overpaying for risk-heavy profiles like Higgins or Williams.

By the end of Round 3, managers drafting from picks 1–4 should leave with a foundation of three studs — one WR1, one RB1/2, and a difference-maker at QB or TE.

Coming Up Next

This concludes Part 1 of our 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Guide for picks 1–4. Part 2 will cover Rounds 4 and beyond — where drafts are often won or lost. Stay tuned.