Some fantasy football drafters are willing to defy the status quo and make unconventional selections in hopes of attaining glory. Those bold selections typically don't happen with the first pick. A video from one league's in-person draft has surfaced across social media and sparked debate over draft strategy.
Peers reacted incredulously to one drafter going off the board to select Ashton Jeanty at No. 1 overall. It's certainly not the way most drafts have started this summer. Managers who draw the top choice usually choose between star running backs Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson.
Jeanty isn't even a first-round lock, as he has an average draft position of No. 13 overall in Yahoo Sports drafts, via FantasyPros data. Seventeen non-quarterbacks scored more fantasy points than Jeanty under ESPN's default points-per-reception format last season. The Las Vegas Raiders running back finished 125.7 points behind Robinson and 129.9 points behind Gibbs, so the 22-year-old must take a substantial second-year leap to justify the gambit.
As a result, some fantasy football players mocked the move on social media. "If you want to ruin your chances at winning your fantasy league this year, draft Ashton Jeanty as the 1.01," a fantasy analyst declared. "People like this shouldn't be in serious leagues," a social media user wrote.
However, most people defended the bold drafter for ignoring ADP and getting his preferred target. He could get the last laugh if Jeanty flourishes under new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak. "This genuinely isn't crazy," a commenter argued.
"He loves Jeanty, he's not getting Jeanty on the 2/3 turn. It's supposed to be fun." "Nothing wrong with taking a player you really believe in that won't be available with your second pick," another X user said. I would have tried to trade back though if possible." "This is better and more fun than just following the exact order that everyone is expected to," a fan said.
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