2016 fantasy football draft kit: Position rankings, cheat sheets and more

Don't show up to your draft unprepared. Consult our complete collection of rankings, cheat sheets and player profiles as you build the perfect fantasy team.

A summer of preparation and speculation comes down to this moment: the fantasy football draft, where leagues are won and lost long before the first week of the NFL season kicks off. Don’t show up to the first round unprepared. SI.com fantasy writers Michael Beller and Pat Fitzmaurice have been breaking down the season’s biggest questions for weeks, and their collected analysis can be found in the 2016 draft kit. Read on for player rankings, position primers, answers to the year’s biggest questions and more strategies for approaching your league’s most important day. For weekly advice all season long, subscribe to the SI Fantasy Football Podcast to hear Beller and Fitzmaurice’s take on the latest NFL news and how it impacts your team.

• Complete player rankings from SI.com's fantasy experts 

Breakout Players

Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

These players are poised to make a massive leap in 2016. By Michael Beller

Sleepers

Jeffrey Brown/Icon SMI

Whether they’ve been knocked down the rankings by slumps, injuries or simple lack of name recognition, these players are worth a value buy. By Michael Beller

Rookies

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

This season’s crop of rookies is short on sure things, but several newcomers are just a few breaks away from seeing their fantasy value skyrocket. By Michael Beller

Busts

Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI

Beware the misleading hot streaks and overhyped training camp performances. These players should be treated with caution. By Michael Beller

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Position-by-position primers

Quarterbacks

Simon Bruty

How should fantasy owners handle Tom Brady's suspension? And can Kirk Cousins be trusted? By Michael Beller

Running backs

Zach Bolinger/Icon SMI

Hitting on the middle- and late-round picks is as important as ever for a position sure to deliver a few busts. By Michael Beller

Wide receivers

Doug Murray/Icon SMI

Receivers are now fantasy’s glamour position. Who could join the ranks of the elite this year? By Michael Beller

Tight ends

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

After Gronk, which tight end is the safest bet to consistently deliver? By Michael Beller

Defense/Special teams

Robin Alam/Icon SMI

With key free agents departed, will Denver’s defense still bring riches to owners? By Michael Beller

Kickers

Maddie Meyer/Getty

Kickers need to get drafted too. Make sure to target the best option. By Michael Beller

Player profiles

Eddie Lacy | Carson Palmer | Donte Moncrief | DeSean Jackson | Matt Forte | Doug Baldwin | Delanie Walker | Chris Ivory | Alshon Jeffery | Blake Bortles | Drew Brees | Giovani Bernard | Gary Barnidge | Melvin Gordon | Eric Decker

Advice for niche league formats

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

You’re still using snake drafts and rosters with only one quarterback? There’s a bigger fantasy world out there, waiting to be explored. By Michael Beller