ESPN fantasy expert Tristan H. Cockcroft outlines optimal first- and second-round picks for every draft slot in 10-team PPR leagues. The guide aims to reduce draft-day stress by identifying ideal player combinations and warning against reaches.

From the No. 1 slot (picks 1 and 20), Cockcroft prefers Bijan Robinson over Jahmyr Gibbs in Round 1, citing Robinson's consistency and central role in the Atlanta offense. His Round 2 target is A.J. Brown, though elite tight ends like Trey McBride or Brock Bowers are also viable. For the No. 2 slot (picks 2 and 19), the remaining top back — Gibbs or Robinson — is the clear Round 1 choice. In Round 2, rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is the optimal pick if available, with Kenneth Walker III as a fallback.

The analysis includes "Unlocked" players for each slot to prevent overdrafting. At No. 1, Gibbs, Ja'Marr Chase, Breece Hall, and Josh Jacobs are unlocked in Round 1; at No. 2, Puka Nacua unlocks in Round 1, with Garrett Wilson, Tetairoa McMillan, and Chris Olave in Round 2. Cockcroft emphasizes that while you cannot win a league in the first two rounds, poor decisions there can certainly lose it.