The Perfect 2026 Fantasy Football Draft | The Best Target in Every Round (Ep. 2139)

August 19, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

FantasyPros analysts Pat Fitzmorris and Tarra Roberts each constructed a "perfect" 14-round draft, picking from different draft slots to show how a disciplined, position-aware strategy can survive—and thrive—regardless of where you pick. The exercise is not about predicting a single winning roster; it is about demonstrating a repeatable framework for roster construction that balances safety, upside, and positional scarcity. The conversation reveals that the most important decisions happen before the draft even starts: knowing where the cliffs are, which rounds favor which positions, and when to deviate from your plan.

The Draft Slot Decides Everything

Fitzmorris built his team from the back end of the first round (pick 12 or 13), a spot he prefers because it forces a clean, two-running-back start. He opened with Ashton Jeanty and Kenneth Walker III, betting that both offenses will improve around them—Jeanty’s line is healthier, and Walker now plays for Andy Reid in Kansas City, a coach who has historically turned backs into stars. By going RB-RB, Fitzmorris accepted he would be playing catch-up at wide receiver for several rounds, but he believed the running back depth in rounds 1-2 was too good to pass up.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:44) **Episode Setup & Last Year's Perfect Draft** - Chris Welsh introduces the concept and the two builders, Pat Fitzmorris and Tarra Roberts.
2 (06:19) **The "Ninth Round is Gold" Data Point** - Andrew Erickson's research shows the 9th round has been a hotbed for league-winning value in recent years.
3 (07:49) **Round 1: Fitzmorris (Late) Takes RB Ashton Jeanty** - A bet on a better offensive environment and a generational talent profile.
4 (10:02) **Round 1: Roberts (Mid) Takes WR Amon-Ra St. Brown** - A pick for ultimate stability and a favorable schedule.
5 (12:34) **Round 2: Roberts Takes RB Omarion Hampton** - Locking in a high-volume RB1 in a bounce-back Chargers offense.
6 (15:41) **Round 2: Fitzmorris Takes RB Kenneth Walker III** - Betting on a dynamic back in Andy Reid's offense with a clear path to a massive role.
7 (17:42) **Round 3: Fitzmorris Takes WR Emeka Egbuka** - Grabbing the clear WR1 in a high-volume Bucs offense.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Pat Fitzmorris

Show Notes

There's no hitting pause when on the clock! Join Chris Welsh, Pat Fitzmaurice and Tera Roberts for their favorite fantasy football targets for every single round.

Why is Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty more affordable this season than last? Does a robust running back strategy still work? Plus, should managers be buying the dip on Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka?

The Pros attempt to build the perfect team!

Timestamps (may be off due to ads):

Intro - 0:00:00
The 2025 Perfect Fantasy Draft - 0:03:59
Erickson’s Ninth-Round Data - 0:05:20
Ashton Jeanty (RB - LV) - 0:06:55
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR - DET) - 0:09:19
Omarion Hampton (RB - LAC) - 0:12:00
Kenneth Walker III (RB - KC) - 0:14:55
Emeka Egbuka (WR - TB) - 0:17:02
Zay Flowers (WR - BAL) - 0:19:03
D’Andre Swift (RB - CHI) - 0:20:50
Jaylen Waddle (WR - MIA) - 0:23:22
FantasyPros Cheat Sheet Creator - 0:25:21
Bhayshul Tuten (RB - JAX) - 0:26:02
Terry McLaurin (WR - WAS) - 0:27:40
Parker Washington (WR - JAC) - 0:30:01
Jameson Williams (WR - DET) - 0:32:12
Jonathon Brooks (RB - CAR) - 0:33:40
Trevor Lawrence (QB - JAC) - 0:35:14
Chris Godwin (WR - TB) - 0:36:20
Blake Corum (RB - LAR) - 0:38:04
FantasyPros Discord - 0:39:36
Bo Nix (QB - DEN) - 0:40:36
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB - WAS) - 0:42:09
Dallas Goedert (TE - PHI) - 0:43:37
Pat’s Favorite Rounds 11-14 Targets - 0:45:28
Tera’s Favorite Rounds 11-14 Targets - 0:48:05
Teams Review - 0:50:21
Outro - 0:52:27

Helpful Links:

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