ESPN releases comprehensive 2026 fantasy football draft guide ahead of season
The publication includes projections from Mike Clay, bounce-back candidates identified by Eric Karabell and strategic advice across multiple league formats.
ESPN has published its 2026 Fantasy Football Draft Guide, offering a consolidated resource for managers preparing for the upcoming season. The release coincides with the ramp-up of draft season, providing rankings, mock drafts, player projections and strategic analysis across various league formats.
The guide serves as a central hub for ESPN’s fantasy analyst team, including Mike Clay, Eric Karabell, Tristan H. Cockcroft, Matt Bowen, Eric Moody, Liz Loza and Stephania Bell. It covers casual redraft leagues, deep dynasty formats, Superflex and Individual Defensive Player (IDP) competitions, ensuring content is tailored to different strategic approaches.
Key components of the publication include cheat sheets, sortable player projections and mock draft results from 10 expert simulations. The mock draft data spans multiple formats, with results for 10-team PPR leagues released in May and 12-team Superflex simulations published in August.
Analysts have identified specific players for the annual 'Do Not Draft' list, citing the Giants' young trio as overvalued. Eric Karabell has also highlighted 12 players who disappointed in 2025 but are poised to bounce back, while Mike Clay has projected which players are expected to score more or fewer touchdowns in 2026.
The guide addresses recent NFL landscape changes, including the fantasy impact of the A.J. Brown trade on Eagles and Patriots players. Matt Bowen has identified eight players, including Ashton Jeanty, who may benefit from new coaching schemes, while Eric Moody has analysed running backs based on offensive line performance.
Injury outlooks provided by Stephania Bell highlight Patrick Mahomes, Kyren Charbonnet and Wan'Dale Robinson as players to monitor. Liz Loza has listed six big-name players she plans to pass on in drafts this season, and the publication includes strategic advice on drafting quarterbacks and managing dynasty trades.
The resource is designed to be updated throughout the summer, allowing managers to access the latest information as the season approaches. It includes tips on avoiding common draft mistakes, identifying sleepers and busts, and navigating nontraditional league formats.
