The Athletic’s flagship football podcast recently staged a live fantasy draft that gathered a handful of writers and analysts to pick players in real time. The exercise was not a mock; it was meant to capture the way ordinary league participants approach the draft, a contrast to the tidy, expert‑driven simulations that dominate fantasy coverage.
Five distinct archetypes emerged from the session. Some participants leaned heavily on college allegiances, others waited until the last possible moment to make a selection, while a few let the conversation around a name dictate their choice. One manager openly ignored the average draft position rankings, and another claimed novice status while actually demonstrating deep knowledge of sleeper prospects.
Archetypes in the Draft
Michael Beller, a writer for the show, illustrated the college‑fandom approach by prioritizing Wisconsin alumni such as running back Jonathan Taylor and tight end Jake Ferguson. His picks were framed less by projected points and more by personal loyalty to his alma mater, a strategy that many fantasy players adopt when their heart outweighs statistics.
Courtney Cronin arrived late to the draft but immediately seized on high‑profile names, auto‑selecting quarterback Saquon Barkley and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Her rapid, instinctive choices underscored how timing and exposure to hype can override careful planning, a pattern that mirrors the unpredictable nature of live drafts.
Kevin Fishbain’s method was equally impulsive: after hearing a name mentioned in the chat, he reached for players like tight end Harold Fannin and receiver Jakobi Meyers. The behavior highlighted a tendency to act on fleeting cues rather than on pre‑ranked lists, a habit that can both surprise and delight league mates.
Carmen Vitali took a different route by deliberately ignoring ADP, the standard draft guide, and chose Colston Loveland in the 17th round as a tight end — a position typically addressed much earlier. Meanwhile, Dave Helman, who introduced himself as a newcomer, drafted Dalton Kincaid and KC Concepcion, two players who are often selected in the middle rounds, revealing a strategic depth that belied his self‑deprecating claim.
The exercise demonstrated that fantasy football is as much about personality and timing as it is about statistical projections. By exposing these five manager types, The Athletic’s live draft offered a snapshot of the diverse decision‑making processes that shape real leagues, reminding participants that strategy can be as varied as the fans who play.