Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Streaming Defense Strategy & Picks

In this article, I’m going to try out a streaming defense strategy with a fantasy football mock draft. Honestly, I almost always go into drafts planning on streaming defenses. The top fantasy defenses are so unpredictable, and defensive production is so dependent on matchups that it just makes sense.

The overall idea behind streaming defenses is pretty straightforward. You wait until late in your draft to pick a defense, ideally one with a good Week 1 matchup. Then, you figure out Week 2 when you get there, and keep going like that. If you happen to stumble upon a breakout defense for the year, great! If not, just keep streaming.

Today, I’ll be putting this approach to the test using the FantasyPros Mock Draft Wizard. I’ll be doing a draft in a 12-team, Half-PPR format with standard lineup settings. I randomly got the first overall pick, and I’ll share my analysis of each pick below.

1.01: Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
I’m happy to take Ja’Marr Chase as my first pick. He’s a top talent in a great situation, coming off an outstanding fantasy season last year.

2.12: Trey McBride (TE – ARI)
Trey McBride might be a bit underrated compared to some other tight ends, but he put up some impressive stats in 2024. Taking him in the second round might set me back at other positions, but I think he’ll be a game-changer at tight end.

3.01: Kyren Williams (RB – LAR)
With a need for a running back, Kyren Williams seems like the clear choice here. He’s been the lead back for the Rams and should continue to be a strong fantasy player this season.

4.12: James Conner (RB – ARI)
Going for the veteran option in James Conner over some exciting rookie RBs might seem boring, but Conner has consistently performed well. He’ll be a solid RB2 on my team.

5.01: Xavier Worthy (WR – KC)
Xavier Worthy has some red flags in his profile, but he showed a lot of promise at the end of last season. With more opportunities coming his way this year, he could be a valuable asset.

6.12: Travis Hunter (WR – TEN)
Travis Hunter has a lot of upside as a rookie with some risks. I’m willing to take a chance on his potential to be a league-winner in the late rounds.

7.01: Kyler Murray (QB – ARI)
Adding Kyler Murray as my quarterback was an easy decision. He’s a strong fantasy option, and his potential to run more this year is exciting.

8.12: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WAS)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been getting some hype as a potential breakout player this year. With opportunities opening up in Washington, he could be a great late-round pick.

9.01: Matthew Golden (WR – GB)
Matthew Golden, a highly rated rookie, has a chance to shine early on in Green Bay. With Jayden Reed possibly sidelined, Golden could step up as a top receiver.

10.12: Jerome Ford (RB – CLE)
Jerome Ford is set to start as the Browns’ running back, making him a valuable pick this late in the draft. He’s a strong option heading into the season.

That wraps up my streaming DST strategy fantasy football mock draft. It’ll be interesting to see how this team performs throughout the season!