The author recently took part in a 12‑team PPR mock draft that brought together CBS Sports staff and listeners of the Fantasy Football Today podcast. The exercise served as a testing ground for strategies that might translate to the upcoming 2026 season.
Building the Core
The draft began with a focus on elite playmakers, securing running back James Cook and wide receiver Justin Jefferson as the foundation of the roster.
Mid‑Round Additions
In the third and fourth rounds the author added Zay Flowers and Tetairoa McMillan, reinforcing the receiving corps with players who have shown the ability to stretch the field and create mismatches.
Quarterback and Tight End
Lamar Jackson remained available into the fifth round, and the author snapped him up, later selecting Tyler Warren at the sixth spot to give the offense a dynamic dual‑threat at quarterback and tight end.
Addressing the Running Back Depth
Concern over a reliable No. 2 running back led to the selection of Chuba Hubbard in the seventh round, a move intended to provide a steady backup option.
Late‑Round Picks
Rounds seven through eight saw the addition of Rhamondre Stevenson, projected as the top Patriots back for 2026, and a series of bench‑eligible backs including J.K. Dobbins, Isiah Pacheco, Tyler Allgeier and George Holani.
Bench Construction
The final stages of the draft filled out the bench with receivers Michael Pittman and Tre Tucker in rounds ten and eleven, rounding out a squad that blends high‑upside starters with depth pieces.