Fantasy Football 12-team non-PPR mock draft: Here's why you can't wait on running back in this format

It’s fun when you see different things happen in Fantasy drafts. And we had something unique happen in our latest 12-team, non-PPR mock draft featuring members of our CBS Sports staff.

In this format, running backs are more valuable because receptions don’t count. And in this draft, the first five players selected were running backs — with Breece Hall at No. 1 overall.

I’ve seen some PPR drafts where CeeDee Lamb or Tyreek Hill go at No. 1 overall ahead of Christian McCaffrey. But I haven’t seen Hall in the top spot until now.

Understandably, some Fantasy managers are concerned about McCaffrey. He’s 28, just had more than 400 total touches last season (including the playoffs) and is currently dealing with a calf injury. Also, the 49ers best offensive lineman, Trent Williams, is dealing with a holdout.

I would have still selected McCaffrey first because he should be fine for Week 1, hopefully Williams will get his contract settled soon, and I’m confident McCaffrey can remain elite for at least one more year. But Hall was exceptional last season, and now he’s two years removed from the torn ACL he suffered in 2022, gets Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) back and has a revamped offensive line.

Hall is my No. 2 overall player in this format, so I can’t really fault Will Brinson for passing on McCaffrey for Hall. Only time will tell if Will is proven right with this move.

I was also surprised by Tommy Tran, who selected Justin Jefferson at No. 7 overall ahead of Hill. While I’m still excited about Jefferson this season, even with Sam Darnold the potential full-time starting quarterback with J.J. McCarthy (knee) hurt, I would have selected Hill here.

Hill is my No. 1 receiver, and he should be better than Jefferson in this format, especially because of the touchdown potential. Hill has three seasons on his resume with at least 12 touchdowns, and Jefferson’s best year was 10 touchdowns in 2021.

I drafted Jonathan Taylor with the No. 4 overall pick, and my strategy was to lean toward running backs early in this mock. Puka Nacua was my selection in Round 2, but then I drafted Kenneth Walker III in Round 3 and Najee Harris in Round 4.

Walker is one of my favorite breakout candidates with the new offense in Seattle, and Harris’ value is on the rise with Jaylen Warren (hamstring) potentially out for the start of the season. I can start Taylor, Walker and Harris in this lineup, and I’m fine being thin at receiver in non-PPR.

I was excited to get Malik Nabers in Round 5, but I didn’t prioritize my No. 3 receiver spot. Jameson Williams will start there, and he’s a breakout candidate in Year 3. But I’ll also use Josh Palmer, Darnell Mooney and Ja’Lynn Polk in that spot. Palmer is a solid sleeper as the potential No. 1 receiver for the Chargers.

Running back is the strength of this team with Taylor, Walker and Harris, along with Rico Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard and Jamaal Williams. Dowdle could be the best running back for the Cowboys, and Hubbard will open the season as the starter for the Panthers with Jonathon Brooks (knee) hurt.

I also have Kyler Murray at quarterback and Kyle Pitts at tight end. This team should be a playoff contender in this league.

In this league, all touchdowns are worth six points, and we award one point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving and one point for every 25 yards passing. We feature a starting lineup of QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, TE and FLEX (RB/WR/TE) with six reserves for a 14-round draft.

Our draft order is as follows:

1. Will Brinson, Senior NFL Writer

2. Jake Grogins, CBS Sports HQ Production Staff

3. R.J. White, Managing Editor, SportsLine and CBS Fantasy

4. Jamey Eisenberg, Senior Fantasy Writer

5. Chris Towers, Senior Editor, Fantasy Sports

6. Daniel Schneier, Senior Fantasy Editor

7. Tommy Tran, CBS Sports HQ Host

8. Heath Cummings, Senior Fantasy Writer

9. Rob Thomas, FFT Facebook Moderator

10. Joel Cox, CBS Sports VP Business Development

11.Adam Aizer, FFT Podcast Host

12. Zach Brook, FFT Social Media Coordinator