Clay’s 2026 blueprint: A round-by-round guide to the fantasy football draft

ESPN analyst Mike Clay has published his "Ultimate Draft Board" for the 2026 fantasy football season, offering a structured approach for managers participating in 12-team leagues. The strategy is built on the premise of collecting high-value assets in the early stages of the draft, with a specific emphasis on securing top-tier running backs and wide receivers before the talent pool thins.

Clay advises against overthinking the first round, noting that the 2026 landscape is "tricky" to handicap due to the availability of six running backs and six wide receivers in that tier. For teams with top-two picks, the recommendation is straightforward: select either Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson. Managers in the middle of the round are encouraged to consider Christian McCaffrey or Jonathan Taylor, or to pivot toward elite wide receivers such as Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, or Justin Jefferson.

As the draft progresses into the second round, Clay suggests a shift in focus depending on draft position. Near the turn from the first to the second round, running back De’Von Achane is highlighted as a primary target, despite some uncertainty regarding his offensive line support in Miami. Clay notes that Achane’s workload is expected to be significant, drawing a comparison to prime Alvin Kamara. For later second-round picks, the focus shifts to wide receivers like Drake London and Nico Collins, or high-value tight ends such as Trey McBride and Brock Bowers.

The fourth round is identified by Clay as a particularly advantageous position for value acquisition. He specifically targets wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is viewed as a discount option following an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. The strategy also includes targeting running backs like Cam Skattebo and Quinshon Judkins, as the depth at the position diminishes rapidly after this point.

In the middle rounds, Clay recommends addressing the quarterback position with Jayden Daniels, citing his high ceiling and elite rushing ability. He also suggests securing a second, more proven quarterback option such as Bo Nix or Kirk Cousins, noting that Nix has consistently finished in the top seven in fantasy points and benefits from a strengthened supporting cast.

Late-round selections are reserved for high-upside sleepers and breakout candidates. Clay identifies rookie wide receiver Stribling as a potential league winner due to his physical attributes and the void left by Ricky Pearsall in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense. He also highlights tight end Terrance Ferguson as a "steal" in the later rounds, predicting he could become a primary target in the Los Angeles Rams’ high-scoring attack.

Regarding special teams, Clay advises against reaching for defenses or kickers, citing historical data showing that the top-scoring fantasy defence has finished ninth or worse the following season in seven of the past nine years. Instead, he recommends streaming these positions and using late picks to secure insurance at running back or wide receiver.