The ideal order to pick players in a fantasy football draft generally follows these guidelines, especially for standard or PPR leagues:

• Rounds 1-4: Focus on securing star running backs (RBs) or wide receivers (WRs). These positions are crucial because you start multiple players at these spots and their scoring drops off sharply after the top tier. Elite RBs are often prioritized early due to their dual rushing and receiving roles, but top WRs are also valuable, especially in PPR formats

• Round 1: If you have an early pick, consider a top RB like Christian McCaffrey or a top WR such as Ja'Marr Chase. Avoid drafting quarterbacks (QBs) or tight ends (TEs) in the first round unless they are exceptional talents

• Rounds 2-4: Continue to build your core with a mix of RBs and WRs. You can start considering a top QB or TE around the third or fourth round if the value is right, but generally, wait until you have a solid base of RBs and WRs

• Rounds 5-6: Fill in remaining starting spots and bench depth with RBs, WRs, or a TE. This is also a good time to draft a QB if you haven’t already, especially if an elite option is available

• Rounds 7-9: Target reliable RBs and WRs who may not be stars but have proven production. These picks help with depth and flexibility for weekly matchups

• Rounds 10 and later: Focus on sleepers, backups, and potential breakout players at RB, WR, or TE. Kickers and defenses should be drafted last because of positional scarcity and variability in scoring

Additional tips:

• Prioritize positions with limited depth (positional scarcity), such as RBs and TEs, before selecting kickers and defenses

• Draft enough RBs and WRs to cover your starters and bench, usually around 5-7 RBs and 5-8 WRs depending on your league’s starting requirements

• The best draft position is often early (pick 1 or 2) because you can secure top-tier talent that provides a significant advantage

In summary, the best order to draft is to build a strong foundation with RBs and WRs in the early rounds, then add a QB and TE in the middle rounds, and finally fill out your bench and pick kickers and defenses late