In any standard draft—whether for professional sports, fantasy leagues, or corporate hiring—no single position is always selected first or at all. The only position that is always selected in a draft is the one at the top of the draft order, which is determined by the draft’s rules, not by position. This means the first pick is always a player, not a position, and the specific position chosen varies by team need, talent pool, and strategy. The phrase “always selected” more accurately refers to the fact that every draft has a first pick, and that pick is always a specific player occupying a specific position, but that position is not predetermined. To understand why, it helps to look at how drafts work across different contexts.
What Does “Always Selected” Actually Mean?
When people ask which position is always selected in a draft, they often mean which position is guaranteed to be picked first overall. The answer is none. In the NFL, for example, quarterbacks are frequently taken first overall (e.g., in 2023, Bryce Young was the first pick), but offensive tackles, defensive ends, and even kickers have been first picks in other years. In the NBA, centers and power forwards dominated early drafts, but guards have been number one picks in recent years. In fantasy football, the first pick is almost always a running back or wide receiver, but even that changes based on scoring rules. The only constant is that the draft order determines who picks first, and that pick is always a player, not a position.
How Draft Order Works
Draft order is established before any selections are made. In professional sports, it is often based on the previous season’s standings, with the worst team picking first (as in the NFL and NBA). In fantasy leagues, the order is usually randomized or based on a snake format where the last pick in the first round gets the first pick in the second round. In corporate or academic contexts, a draft might be used to assign projects or candidates, and the order could be determined by seniority, lottery, or rotation. The key point is that the order is set first, and the selection follows that order. No position is guaranteed to be taken at any specific spot because the pick is about the player, not the role.
Why Position Is Not Predetermined
Teams draft based on needs, best available talent, and long-term strategy. A team with a weak quarterback might draft a quarterback first overall, while a team with a strong offense but weak defense might draft a defensive player. The concept of “best player available” (BPA) is a common strategy: regardless of position, you take the player you believe will have the most impact. For example, in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders selected JaMarcus Russell, a quarterback, first overall, even though some analysts argued a wide receiver or offensive lineman was the better pick. In contrast, the 2013 NFL Draft saw the Kansas City Chiefs select Eric Fisher, an offensive tackle, first overall because they needed offensive line help. There is no rule or tradition that mandates a specific position for the first pick.
Common Misconceptions About Drafts
A common misconception is that quarterbacks are always drafted first in the NFL. While quarterbacks are often first overall picks because they are considered the most valuable position, it is not always the case. In fact, from 2010 to 2020, six of the eleven first overall picks were quarterbacks, but the others were defensive ends, offensive tackles, and a defensive tackle. Another misconception is that fantasy football drafts always start with a running back. In PPR (points per reception) leagues, wide receivers are often taken first because they score more consistently. The idea that any position is “always” selected first is simply not supported by data. Drafts are dynamic, and the first pick is a reflection of the specific circumstances of that year and that team.
How Teams Decide Who to Pick
The decision of who to pick first involves extensive scouting, player evaluations, and sometimes trades. Teams consider a player’s physical attributes, college or previous performance, injury history, and character. They also project how that player will fit into their system. For example, a team with a mobile quarterback might draft a mobile quarterback to fit their scheme, while a team with a pocket passer might draft a different style. The position is secondary to the player’s overall value. In fantasy drafts, managers use projections, average draft position (ADP), and their own rankings to decide. They might target a running back early because running backs tend to score more points, but if a top wide receiver is available and they already have a strong running back, they might switch. The process is fluid and situational.
Draft Variations Across Sports and Leagues
Different leagues have different rules that affect which positions are more likely to be selected early. In the NFL, quarterbacks are highly valued because they touch the ball on every offensive play. In the NBA, a dominant center or forward can change a team’s fortunes, but guards like Stephen Curry have also been first overall picks (though Curry was actually drafted seventh in 2009). In the NHL, defensemen and goaltenders are often drafted later because they take longer to develop. In fantasy baseball, starting pitchers are often drafted in the first round because they accumulate strikeouts and wins. There is no universal “always” position because each sport and league has its own positional value. Even within a single sport, the value changes over time as the game evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the first pick in a draft always a quarterback? No. While quarterbacks are often first overall in the NFL, it is not guaranteed. In the NBA, the first pick is often a forward or center, and in fantasy football, it is typically a running back or wide receiver. The first pick is always a player, not a position.
What does “best player available” mean? It means that a team selects the player they believe is the most talented, regardless of position, rather than drafting for positional need. This strategy is used to avoid reaching for a lesser player just because they play a position of need.
Can a team trade the first pick? Yes, teams can trade draft picks, including the first overall pick. For example, in 2016, the Los Angeles Rams traded multiple picks to the Tennessee Titans to move up to the first spot and select quarterback Jared Goff. Trades are common and add another layer of unpredictability.
Why do fantasy drafts use a snake order? A snake order reverses the draft order each round (e.g., 1-12 in the first round, 12-1 in the second) to balance the advantage of picking early. This system is used in many fantasy leagues to make the draft fairer, but it does not affect which position is selected first.
Is there any draft where a position is always selected first? No. Even in niche drafts like fantasy cricket or esports, the first pick is always a player, and the position depends on the game’s rules and the manager’s strategy. The only constant is that the first pick is always a specific individual, not a role.
What if a team has no need for a certain position? If a team already has a strong player at every position, they might still draft the best available player to trade later or to secure depth. Drafting for need is common, but it is not the only strategy. Teams often draft the best player and figure out the roster later.
The Only True Constant in Drafts
The only thing that is always selected in a draft is the player at the top of the order. That player will have a position, but the position is not predetermined. Whether it’s a quarterback in the NFL, a point guard in the NBA, or a running back in fantasy football, the choice is made based on a complex mix of factors. So, to answer the question directly: no position is always selected in a draft. The first pick is always a player, and the position varies. Understanding this helps fans and participants appreciate the strategy and unpredictability that make drafts exciting.
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