Mike Clay’s Ideal Fantasy Football Draft Strategy for 2026: Round-by-Round Picks to Build a Championship Roster

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  Mike ClayAug 22, 2026, 07:45 AM ET

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  Mike Clay is a senior writer for fantasy football and the NFL at ESPN. Mike is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. His projections power the ESPN Fantasy Football game, and he also appears on “Fantasy Football Now” and the Fantasy Focus Football podcast.

Fantasy football drafts are ultimately about securing the best possible value, yet there are always those standout players whom we desperately want on our roster.

Whether it’s the promising young wide receiver on your favorite team, an overlooked sleeper running back, or this season’s breakout tight end, these selections add an extra layer of excitement to the roster-building process.

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This round-by-round breakdown will walk you through my draft-day thought process, highlighting the players I’ve circled on my cheat sheet. To keep this guide relevant for as many of you as possible, I used average draft position (ADP) data from Draft Sharks’ Market Index Tool.

Here it is: my personal blueprint for winning a 2026 fantasy football championship in a 12-team league.

Building the Core

When I’m evaluating my picks, I often ask myself: “Am I drafting this player at his ceiling?” If the answer is “yes,” I typically lean toward someone with more upside. That said, most of the players available in the first round are at or near their ceiling, so it’s usually best not to overthink it and simply take the top player on the board.

Round 1: Best Available RB or WR

My first-round selection will largely depend on my draft slot. For this exercise, it’s another tricky year to project, as six running backs and six wide receivers are currently being selected in the opening round.

If I land one of the top two picks, it’s a straightforward decision: Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson. I’m also comfortable taking Christian McCaffrey or Jonathan Taylor in the middle of the round, or grabbing a wide receiver like Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, or Justin Jefferson.

Don’t overcomplicate the first round. The talent pool is deep, so just take the best player available and move on.

Round 2: De’Von Achane

As with Round 1, the available players depend heavily on my draft position. If I’m near the Round 1-2 turn, I’ll likely target a running back, with Achane as my top choice and Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Kenneth Walker III as appealing alternatives.

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Achane is a divisive prospect. On the positive side, the 24-year-old has finished as a top-five fantasy running back in each of the past two seasons. He’s scored 11 or 12 touchdowns in all three of his NFL campaigns, and he leads all qualified running backs with 5.62 yards per carry since entering the league.

On the other hand, he lost his RB-friendly playcaller when Mike McDaniel departed, and the rebuilding Miami offense could struggle to move the ball in 2026. Ultimately, as coach Jeff Hafley mentioned in early August, Achane is expected to handle a massive workload. That’s enough for me to pounce on him at the Round 1-2 turn. He reminds me a lot of Alvin Kamara in his prime.

The mid-to-late portion of Round 2 leans more toward wide receiver, with Drake London, Nico Collins, A.J. Brown, and George Pickens available. I have no major issue with selecting one of the “Big 2” tight ends — Trey McBride or Brock Bowers — but I believe you can find better value later.

Round 3: Jeremiyah Love

Love is my “guy” in 2026. I have him ranked well above consensus and often take him late in the second round when possible. However, he typically comes off the board near the Round 2-3 turn, and he may now slip into the third round as he recovers from an ankle injury suffered in his preseason debut. At worst, he’s expected to miss one game, but he could easily be ready for Week 1.

Even if Love starts slowly, he’s a strong bet to outperform his ADP. The No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft, Love is looking to become the 10th consecutive running back selected in the top 12 to finish as a top-12 fantasy scorer as a rookie. He looked impressive in his debut and is effective as a rusher, receiver, and blocker. I expect RB1 production whenever he’s on the field.

If Love isn’t available, Malik Nabers and Rashee Rice are my primary targets. Nabers has been a value pick and appears poised to play in Week 1 after recovering from last season’s torn ACL. Rice may still face league discipline, but that’s already reflected in his price tag. He was productive when active last season, averaging 9.8 targets per game and posting top-12 fantasy outings in five of his eight games.

My RB6 through RB15 form one large tier, so any remaining backs from that group are also in play here, including Breece Hall and Josh Jacobs (though Jacobs requires monitoring for a potential suspension).

Round 4: Garrett Wilson

My favorite round this season? The fourth. My favorite pick in this round? Wilson.

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We’re getting a discount on the fifth-year receiver after an injury-marred 2025 campaign in which he missed 10 games. When healthy, he averaged 14.2 fantasy points per game on a massive 33% target share. Wilson is primed for a career year with Geno Smith under center. While not a massive upgrade, Smith helped DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Smith-Njigba post top-16 fantasy campaigns during the 2022-24 seasons.

If Wilson is off the board, I’m likely targeting one of Cam Skattebo or Quinshon Judkins, as they’re two of my favorite running back values this year, and the position thins out quickly after this round. Second-year wide receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Emeka Egbuka are also appealing, and I’m willing to take a shot on second-year tight end Colston Loveland.

Round 5: Tyler Warren

Warren is my favorite tight end value. The second-year player had a strong rookie season — and it could have been even better. In 12 games with a healthy Daniel Jones, he scored five touchdowns and averaged 13.1 fantasy PPG. In five games without Jones, he failed to reach the end zone and averaged just 6.3 PPG. Warren finished his debut season ranked in the top five among tight ends in both targets and end zone targets, and he also handled three goal-line carries.

If I don’t take a tight end here, I like the value at wide receiver. Terry McLaurin, Jameson Williams, and Davante Adams are all on my radar.

Round 6: Rome Odunze

Although teammate Luther Burden III is generating buzz, Odunze is well-positioned for a Year 3 breakout. He could lead a talented Chicago offense in both targets and fantasy points. We saw his ceiling early last season when he scored five touchdowns and posted 15-plus fantasy points over his first four games. A return to that WR1 level is possible now that he’s nearing full health.

I’m also considering Carnell Tate in this range, though I’ll feel better about him if Cam Ward shows progress this preseason. Parker Washington has been one of my favorite targets throughout the offseason, but his ADP has climbed to the sixth round, making him expensive. I haven’t drafted a quarterback yet in this exercise, and this is a reasonable spot to take Jayden Daniels.

Filling Out the Middle Rounds

With my core in place, it’s time to fill gaps and add depth. I want players with upside, but I also need guys I can confidently place in my Week 1 lineup. We’ll save the high-risk fliers for later.

Round 7: Courtland Sutton

Sutton has been one of my favorite targets for years, and he continues to deliver. The veteran has posted 1,000-plus yards and a top-20 fantasy campaign in each of the past two seasons. He’ll face more target competition with Jaylen Waddle in the mix, but he’ll remain one of Bo Nix’s go-to receivers, especially in the red zone. Sutton ranks third in the league in end zone targets over the past four seasons.

If I don’t take a receiver here, Rico Dowdle is a solid RB3/flex option. If I still need a tight end, I’d target Sam LaPorta or Kyle Pitts Sr.

Round 8: Michael Pittman Jr.

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The middle-round wide receiver run continues with Pittman. Like Sutton, he continues to pay off as a reliable mid-round pick. The former Colt finished four of his six seasons in Indianapolis as a top-20 fantasy receiver and has reached 800 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons. He may not post big touchdown numbers, but he’s a strong bet to lead the Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers in both targets and receptions.

If I want a higher ceiling than Pittman, his former teammate Alec Pierce is a fun “lottery ticket” in this range. Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract in the offseason, but his ADP has dipped as he recovers from ankle/heel surgery. I’ll keep drafting him as long as his expected return remains Week 1. If I don’t take a receiver, Jonathon Brooks is a strong target, as he could lead the Carolina backfield this season.

Round 9: Jaxson Dart

Finally, a quarterback! Dart is one of my most-drafted players this season, offering excellent value with a substantial fantasy ceiling. As a rookie, he played the majority of Giants snaps in 12 games and was a top-10 fantasy scorer in eight of those weeks — only four quarterbacks had more top-10 outings. With John Harbaugh now in charge and Nabers back (Dart threw him only three passes last season), Dart has an improved supporting cast along with elite rushing ability. The 2025 first-round pick is a sleeper to lead all quarterbacks in fantasy points.

If Dart isn’t available, I’m looking at running backs Kenny Gainwell and Jordan Mason, or tight end George Kittle. Kittle would normally come off the board much earlier, but he’s available at a discount while recovering from a torn Achilles. He’s expected back in either Week 1 or 2.

Round 10: Bo Nix or Brock Purdy

I’m usually content to draft just one quarterback. However, especially when I wait this long at the position (as in this exercise), I have no issue grabbing a second. That’s even more sensible in 2026, given the deep tier of fringe-QB1 options.

In this case, I took a bit of a risk with Dart, so I’m following up with a more proven option in Nix or Purdy. Nix often slips to the 10th round despite finishing exactly seventh in fantasy points in each of his two NFL seasons. His supporting cast is even stronger now with Waddle on board. Purdy missed significant time due to injury last season, but he was excellent when active, scoring 17-plus fantasy points in seven of nine games. He’s aiming for his fourth consecutive top-10 finish in fantasy PPG.

If I’m not targeting a quarterback here, second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt and veteran tight end Jake Ferguson are on my radar.

Late-Round Fliers

At this stage, my starting lineup is likely complete, so it’s time to find value and upside for my bench.

Round 11: Matthew Golden

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Packers wideouts haven’t been kind to me in the past (including Golden last season), but this value is too good to pass up. Golden played a limited role as a rookie and didn’t find the end zone, but he showed flashes, including a 4-84-1 receiving line in the playoff loss to Chicago. Coach Matt LaFleur appears intent on narrowing the target tree this season. With both Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks gone, that’s great news for Golden, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed. Golden, a 2025 first-round pick, is a Year 2 breakout candidate you can snag in the double-digit rounds. Count me in!

I also like rookie KC Concepcion and post-hype Xavier Worthy in this range. I’ve also taken fliers on Zach Charbonnet, who will eventually return from a torn ACL to potentially lead a strong Seattle run game, and Dallas Goedert.

Round 12: De’Zhaun Stribling

Stribling’s ADP is currently in the 13th round, but I don’t love the other options here, so I’m willing to reach a bit for a potential league winner. The No. 33 pick in April’s draft, Stribling offers good size (6-foot-2, 207 lbs.) and speed (4.36 40-yard dash). He’s also impressed in preseason action.

With Ricky Pearsall out for the season, the rookie will compete with Mike Evans (33 years old), Deebo Samuel Sr. (30, just re-signed), and Kittle (torn Achilles recovery) for targets in a 49ers offense that has finished sixth or better in passing yards in each of the past three seasons. Additionally, his uncle is WWE Hall of Famer Don “The Magnificent” Muraco. Stribling is an easy selection in the later rounds.

If I don’t take Stribling, Rashid Shaheed is a fine lottery ticket, as are a handful of running backs, including Woody Marks, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Tyler Allgeier, and Tyjae Spears.

Rounds 13-14: High-Ceiling Insurance and Breakout Candidates

ADP becomes less relevant late in the draft, so this is the time to target your favorite sleepers and breakout candidates.

Here are some players I’ll be considering with my final picks:

Quarterback fliers: I generally draft just one quarterback, as many solid QB2 options go undrafted in most formats. However, in deeper leagues, I’m open to targeting a sneaky veteran or breakout candidate like Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, or Cam Ward.

Running back insurance: Several popular insurance running backs will already be off the board, but plenty remain, including Brian Robinson Jr., Keaton Mitchell, Isiah Pacheco, Jonah Coleman, Tank Bigsby, Ray Davis, Dylan Sampson, Mike Washington Jr., Braelon Allen, and MarShawn Lloyd. Pick your favorite!

Wide receiver upside fliers: As I covered in Part 1 of my Playbook, young receivers drafted in the early rounds are excellent upside targets. Top late-round options who fit that mold in 2026 include rookies Stribling, Denzel Boston, Caleb Douglas, Ja’Kobi Lane, Germie Bernard, Zachariah Branch, and Omar Cooper Jr., as well as youngsters Travis Hunter, Jalen McMillan, Tre’ Harris, and Adonai Mitchell. As a general rule, keep your eyes on first- and second-year receivers who were selected on Day 1 or 2 of the NFL draft.

Tight end options: There are always a few interesting late-round tight end fliers. Available options this season include veterans T.J. Hockenson, Hunter Henry, and Juwan Johnson, as well as young breakout candidates Terrance Ferguson, Kenyon Sadiq, and Gunnar Helm. Ferguson feels like an absolute steal at this range, as he could easily finish third in targets in the high-scoring Rams offense. Sadiq is looking to become the sixth consecutive tight end drafted in the first round to finish as a top-12 fantasy scorer as a rookie.

Rounds 15-16: Kicker and D/ST… or More Breakout Candidates!

We’re assuming a 16-round draft here, so this is where league rules come into play. If you’re drafting at ESPN, you’ll be required to select both a defense and a kicker. However, if your league offers flexibility, this is a spot where you can gain an edge. Most leaguemates will draft at least one kicker and defense and let them rot on their roster until Week 1.

Why? I have no idea. Don’t do that!

Instead, I’ll stockpile insurance at other positions (especially running back) and wait for injuries to strike during the preseason. If I roster the Ravens defense and Saquon Barkley goes down for the season, I have the Ravens defense. If I instead have Tank Bigsby rostered when Barkley goes down, I’ve got myself a potential RB2.

Plus, I can always drop two players and pick up a defense with a good matchup, along with a decent kicker, just before Week 1. If your league is hosted at ESPN, one workaround is to cut your kicker and defense immediately after the draft in favor of adding more high-upside stashes.

Defense/Special Teams

History has shown us repeatedly that we should never reach for a D/ST. In fact, the No. 1-scoring fantasy defense has finished ninth or worse the following season in seven of the past nine years. Additionally, four defenses that finished 27th or worse in 2024 rebounded with a top-10 finish in 2025.

The Texans, Broncos, Steelers, Seahawks, and Rams sit atop my D/ST rankings. However, since I prefer to stream the position, I’ll also be monitoring the Jaguars, Jets, and Chargers — each has a relatively light Week 1 opponent.

Kicker

This position is as simple as selecting the top available player. Brandon Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, and Jason Myers top my rankings, but don’t reach for any of them. Daniel Carlson finished as fantasy’s top kicker in 2021 and 2022. Did that convince you to reach for him in your 2023 draft? If so, you ended up with fantasy’s No. 24 kicker. In fact, the top scorer at the position has finished eighth or worse the following season in six of the last eight years. Myers, an 11-year veteran, had never finished better than fourth in fantasy points before leading the position in 2025.

So there you have it: my game plan for a 2026 fantasy football championship. Keep in mind, this article should not be your only draft board. It’s simply a list of players I’ve been targeting and, with ADP in mind, those I’d love to have on my roster this year.

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