Fantasy Football No. 9 Draft Pick Strategy: How to Draft From the Ninth Overall Position

The article provides fantasy football draft strategy advice for managers selecting from the ninth overall pick. It highlights the challenge at pick No. 9: missing out on top-tier running backs or wide receivers and facing long waits between picks (18 spots from even to odd rounds). A strong strategy is deemed essential for building a competitive roster.

The author's specific strategy starts with Round 1, advocating for selecting Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty with the ninth pick, despite acknowledging risks and alternatives like De'Von Achane or Puka Nacua, citing Jeanty's potential and ranking.

In Round 2 (pick No. 16), the author targets the best available wide receiver, listing A.J. Brown, Garrett Wilson, or Ladd McConkey as options, with Drake London (ADP 15.5) being the preferred choice if available. The author notes that managers wanting elite quarterbacks (Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson) or tight ends (Brock Bowers, Trey McBride) must likely draft them here, as they won't be available later, though the author personally prefers waiting on those positions.

For Round 3 (pick No. 33), the strategy focuses on selecting a second wide receiver, especially under a "Hero-RB" approach. Options mentioned include McConkey, Terry McLaurin, or Tyreek Hill. While tight ends Bowers or McBride would be considered if they fell unexpectedly, their ADP suggests this is unlikely.

In Round 4, the author plans to select the best available player at running back or wide receiver, leaning towards a wideout if comparable value exists, which would mean drafting three consecutive wide receivers after Jeanty. However, the author emphasizes flexibility, stating they would take a running back if a good one unexpectedly fell.