Leaning Into the Turn | How to Draft from the 1.12 in 2026

by Wyatt Bertolone · Featured
Wyatt Bertolone tells you how to have the perfect draft from the 1.12 in 2026 -- just embrace into the turn and dominate from the edge!

Drafting from the end has its pros and cons. On one hand. you have more time between picks to analyze the draft as it’s happening and plan accordingly. However, having to wait so long between your picks means you’re unlikely to catch as many falling values, and occasionally have to reach on players you want.

Depending on the season, how good the 1.12 draft slot is will vary. In 2026, I like drafting at this pick, and have a roadmap for the position. We’re using Sleeper ADP for this 12-team, PPR draft.

For more best-laid plans, be sure to check out Drafting from the 1.01 and Drafting from the 1.06

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Turn Your Tears into a Tsunami Sea

Round 1.12/2.01 | Saquon Barkley, RB Eagles / Kenneth Walker III, RB Chiefs

Picking at the turn, your advantage is locking in two great running backs. Ashton Jeanty was my preferred pick here, but with his preseason injury, I’m looking elsewhere.

Saquon Barkley had a down season in 2025, but he is still a dynamic workhorse who could easily have a bounce-back season with coordinator Sean Mannion at the helm of the offense.

My second pick on the turn, Kenneth Walker, finds himself in the best situation of his career now with the Chiefs, and they’ve expressed their desire to rely on him. 

Round 3.12/4.01 | Tetairoa McMillan, WR Panthers / Zay Flowers, WR Ravens

With us already locking in two running backs we feel good about, we can avoid any of the dead zone profiles in this area and attack wide receivers.

Coming off a Rookie of the Year performance, Tetairoa McMillan is primed for an even bigger season in 2026. The Panthers plan to use him more in the slot in his second season, which will unlock his full profile.

Zay Flowers is coming off WR12 in FPPG last season, and could have an improved situation with Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator.

Round 5.12/6.01 | Jameson Williams, WR Lions / Christian Watson, WR Packers

The draft can open up a bit here, allowing you to go in different directions if certain players fall.

Normally in drafts, the 5/6 turn is right after a tier of running backs, and a round before the next. Additionally, it’s between tight end tiers, and with late-round quarterbacks being so good this year, it’s best to keep attacking the wide receiver pocket.

Jameson Williams and Christian Watson are two dynamic playmakers on great offenses who could each have more volume than people realize in 2026. 

Round 7.12/8.01 | Rhamondre Stevenson, RB Patriots / Tony Pollard, RB Titans

We dip back into running back here as the position will soon dry up, and these are good prices that oppose both Rhamondre Stevenson and Tony Pollard‘s projections.

Stevenson is expected to split the Patriots backfield with TreVeyon Henderson, but the offense is so great he can still produce.

Pollard is on a much worse offense, but has a bigger projected workload. Even on a bad offense in 2025, he had almost 1,300 total yards and finished just outside the top 24 RB range. These two add serious depth. 

Round 9.12/10.01 | Josh Downs, WR Colts / Jonathon Brooks, RB Panthers

Maybe the two most discounted players you’ll find on Sleeper. Without Michael Pittman (and Alec Pierce on the mend), Josh Downs finally has the chance to play a large number of snaps and let his talent shine. Newly-signed Keenan Allen doesn’t help him, but he should stop Downs from having a larger role.

Jonathon Brooks‘ stock has been on the rise all offseason. The Panthers’ moves have all pointed towards Brooks having a large role in the offense. He’s had a lot of time to recover from his injuries, and looks to be back in form. It’s important to remember that he was a highly thought-of prospect entering the NFL. 

Round 11.12/12.01 | Mark Andrews, TE Ravens / Romeo Doubs, WR Patriots

The tight end prices on Sleeper are all pretty aggressive, so it’s best to wait and take two shots on upside. We take our first here with Mark Andrews. He’s certainly not in his prime anymore, but he will still be a preferred red zone threat for Lamar Jackson.

Additionally, our wide receiver depth is rounded out with Romeo Doubs. The newly acquired Patriot has shown the ability to play across the formation and will benefit from playing with Drake Maye and A.J. Brown getting more of the defense’s attention.

Round 13.12/14.01 | Kyler Murray, QB Cardinals / Greg Dulcich, TE Dolphins

There are plenty of great options for your late-round quarterback, and my favorite is Kyler Murray. Even counting his down season in 2025, Murray is top 8 all-time in FPPG among quarterbacks. Now he gets to play in the best situation of his career with the Vikings.

Greg Dulcich is our second shot at finding tight end value. With the Dolphins’ pass-catching corps being so weak, Dulcich has a chance to lead the team, and he was efficient when given the opportunity in 2025, finishing with 2.54 Yards per Route Run.

Round 15.12/16.01 | Cam Little, K Jaguars / Rams Defense

I always wait until the final round to select my kicker and defense. There isn’t enough advantage to be gained by selecting them earlier. If your league mates have already been drafting them, you’ll want to look towards which kickers and defenses have the best early schedules, as you’ll likely have to stream the position. But that’s ok; you can easily be competitive at these positions while streaming them.


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