Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) runs past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (7) on a 36-yard touchdown catch during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

We've got you covered with a lot of the stuff you need for fantasy football drafts: A list of sleepers, a look at the DO NOT DRAFT list (we'll have a DO DRAFT list coming), it's time to talk fantasy football draft strategy for 2025.

In the past few years, we've helped you with that every thing: This is a breakdown of each of the first-round picks you might have in a snake draft as a guide to what you should do with them in the first three rounds. After that? Good luck! You’re on your own — the rules of your league may be different and your strategy may change.

So let's run through what to do from picks No. 1 to 12:

1. Who to draft with the first overall pick

You might pause and debate over WR Ja'Marr Chase or Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. I'll go with Chase.

At picks No. 24 and 25 in a twelve-team league, let's go with a running back in Bucky Irving and then, it could be a tight end if there's George Kittle or Brock Bowers available. I'm probably leaning a reach for Chase Brown, who I'm high on.

2. Who to draft with the second overall pick

With Chase off the board, I'm going with Bijan Robinson, the best all-around back who doesn't have the wear and tear of other RBs available.

With 23 and 26, I'll go with at least one receiver like Ladd McConkey and then probably Brown. If you like Kyren Williams (I'm a little nervous), you could lock up another top RB.

3. Who to draft with the third overall pick

Personally, I'm thinking Saquon Barkley won't live up to last year's bonkers season. Instead, I like the safety of Justin Jefferson.

With picks 22 and 27, I'm leaning Bucky Irving and Brown or the ever-reliable but still aging Mike Evans.

4. Who to draft with the fourth overall pick

If you disagree with my Barkley take, grab him here. Or you can get Jahmyr Gibbs, who is explosive as heck.

At 21 and 28, I'm for sure drafting a wideout or the top tight end in Brock Bowers, followed by a receiver (if you took a tight end) or a running back (Brown, if you took a WR with your second pick).

5. Who to draft with the fifth overall pick

Gibbs or Barkley will do.

With my next two picks, I'm leaning Bowers and Evans.

6. Who to draft with the sixth overall pick

Is THIS the year Derrick Henry slows down? Are you cool with CeeDee Lamb being his usual productive self? Do you believe in Nico Collins again? Any of them will work here in my opinion. I'm leaning either one of the wideouts, with Lamb just on top.

At 19 and 30, you could take Josh Jacobs or De'Von Achane if they're there, and then Trey McBride.

7. Who to draft with the seventh overall pick

Henry or Collins. I'll say Henry for now, given that I can get a quality receiver with my next pick.

At 18 and 31: Let's take Drake London and either McBride or James Cook.

8. Who to draft with the eighth overall pick

Give me Collins here.

At 17 and 32, I'll take Achane and McBride or Cook.

9. Who to draft with the ninth overall pick

If you're worried about Matthew Stafford's health -- I am! -- I'm trying to avoid Puka Nacua. So I'll take Malik Nabers here.

At 16, let's go with Ashton Jeanty, Jonathan Taylor or Achane. Whoever's left! At 33, I guess I'll roll the dice on Jaxon Smith-Njigba in PPR leagues. If not, and you like drafting QBs high up (I don't), Jayden Daniels will work.

10. Who to draft with the tenth overall pick

Brian Thomas Jr. is a star, even with Travis Hunter around. I'll take him here.

You've got 15 and 34, so take a running back with the first pick and a wideout at 34.

11. Who to draft with the eleventh overall pick

Stafford might be OK and Nacua might get a billion targets no matter who the QB is. So let's draft him here.

At 14 and 35, take Jeanty and... how about Omarion Hampton? Two rookie RBs could run you all the way to a title.

12. Who to draft with the twelfth overall pick

I'll take Amon-Ra St. Brown, but if you think Christian McCaffrey's health will hold up, go for it.

At 13 and 36, let's go with McCaffrey or Jeanty, then Garrett Wilson or Hampton.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Fantasy football draft strategy 2025: How to approach each first-round pick

Reporting by Charles Curtis, For The Win / For The Win

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