Whom to take No. 1? That’s a good question

There are several options available if you have the No. 1 pick in your fantasy draft. Sports Editor Mark Podolski looks at the top picks, starting with Le’Veon Bell.

Those who landed the No. 1 overall pick in their fantasy football draft have plenty of options, but some argue no clear-cut choice.

It could be an agonizing decision by fantasy owners deciding among the bigfour running-back group of Todd Gurley, Le’Veon Bell, Ezekiel Elliott and David Johnson.

Those in point-percatch leagues might just say heck with a running back, go the wide-receiver route and take the Steelers’ Antonio Brown first overall.

That strategy could leave an owner grasping for any running back by the time he/she make their second- and thirdround picks.

With Brown in the mix, one thing is for sure on draft days: predicting which player goes No. 1 overall isn’t clear-cut.

Let’s break down the five candidates for the No. 1 overall pick (in alphabetical order):

Le’Veon Bell, RB, Steelers

FANTASY LOWDOWN » Similar to last season, Bell has missed all of Pittsburgh’s training camp, and similar to last season, he’s expected to report next week. So, like last season, don’t expect huge production from Bell early in the season. In Weeks 1 through 3, Bell averaged 60 rushing yards per game, scored one touchdown before finding his traction. Like most running backs considered at the top spot, Bell can turn a bad day rushing the ball into a good fantasy day with production as a receiver. PROJECTION » Bell carried the ball at least 24 times in a game last season seven times, including three with at least 32. That wear and tear can catch up to an NFL back in a hurry, but Bell will be a free agent at the end of the year. That means he’s looking for a huge payday in the offseason. Bell always wants the ball, so expect another 300-plus carries, and 70 to 80 receptions. FINAL VERDICT » Bell’s 321 carries in 2017 was the first time in his five-year career he surpassed the 300-carry mark, so consider that factor, but Bell is a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall pick.

Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers

FANTASY LOWDOWN » Brown has been a PPR monster with at least 100 receptions, 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns the last five seasons. Last season was his lowest number of catches (101) since 2012, but he still had 165 targets. Brown also had six games in 2017 with at least 10 receptions. PROJECTION » The Steelers’ offense is one of the most fantasy friendly for owners, especially with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger running the show, but consider that age could be catching up with Big Ben and maybe even Brown, who’s 30 and entering his ninth year in the league. Still, it would be shocking if Brown didn’t get his 100-plus catches. FINAL VERDICT » For anyone to consider Brown at No. 1, he must continue his streak of at least 100plus catches in 2018.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys

FANTASY LOWDOWN » Elliott missed six games last season with a suspension, but when he was in there, he was mega productive. Save a 9-carry,8yard game vs. Denver in Week 2 last season, Elliott had at least 21 carries in nine games, and never had fewer than 80 yards. PROJECTION » Elliott has not been huge in the passing game (78 receptions his first two season), but with Dez Bryant and Jason Witten gone, that could change this season. Elliott is arguably the best goal-line back for fantasy, and will get a ton of touches. FINAL VERDICT » The biggest question for Elliott’s production is how fast the passing game progresses with QB Dak Prescott and his young receivers. If it struggles, it could affect Elliott’s fantasy value.

Todd Gurley, RB, Rams

FANTASY LOWDOWN » Gurley was the top back in fantasy last season with 2,093 total yards and 19 touchdowns. He also added 64 receptions and six touchdowns as a receiver. PROJECTION » Expecting more than 2,000 yards and close to 20 TDs could be fool’s gold. The 2017 season might have been Gurley’s career year, but even a bit of a drop-off in 2018 would make him worth a No. 1 pick. FINAL VERDICT » The Rams are on the rise with QB Jared Goff, and Gurley is the hot choice for the No. 1 overall pick in most drafts.

David Johnson, RB, Cardinals

FANTASY LOWDOWN » In 2016, Johnson was the 2017 version of Gurley — 2,000-plus yards, 20 TDs, and 80 receptions. Last season was a lost one after a Week 1 wrist injury, but don’t forget about this do-it-all bruising back. PROJECTION » Expect 300-plus touches and at least 1,500 total yards for Johnson if ... FINAL VERDICT » Arizona’s QB situation is stable. Sam Bradford will start the season, but if Arizona struggles and turns to rookie Josh Rosen, it could affect the offense and Johnson’s production.

Contact Podolski at mpodolski@news-herald. com; On Twitter: @mpodo.