If you are staring down the barrel of the No. 1 or No. 2 pick in your 2026 fantasy football draft, Jamey Eisenberg has a clear-cut directive: Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson are your guys, in that specific order. This isn’t just a suggestion, it is the foundation of your entire early draft strategy, especially with Gibbs poised to explode after David Montgomery’s departure from Detroit. Robinson, coming off an exceptional 2025 season and with Tyler Allgeier gone from Atlanta, is right there too, ready to anchor your roster. This early decision shapes everything, so get ready.
Your Hero RB Strategy Starts Now (And It’s Not What You Think)
Once you grab one of those bell-cow backs, forget about getting another top-tier running back in Round 2. Eisenberg spells it out: it is “unlikely” another top-12 RB makes it back to you. We even have a specific concern in Ashton Jeanty, whose status is totally up in the air after hurting his ankle on August 23. This means your plan shifts immediately to building around your primary weapon. We are talking two receivers in Rounds 2 and 3, or grabbing a receiver and a difference-making tight end like Brock Bowers or Trey McBride. Don’t even think about reaching for a running back here, the options are Kyren Williams, Josh Jacobs, or Jeremiyah Love, and they just are not worth it.
The Blueprint: Who To Target In Rounds 2 & 3
So, who are we actually looking at? Based on CBS Sports Average Draft Position, your receiver targets in those crucial second and third rounds should be Rashee Rice, Nico Collins, Chris Olave, or Malik Nabers. These guys are your ticket to balancing out that Hero RB build. Eisenberg even sketches out how your draft could look. Imagine snagging Jahmyr Gibbs in Round 1, then securing Nico Collins and Chris Olave in Rounds 2 and 3. Boom, you have a potent start! Or, if Bijan Robinson is your guy in Round 1, then Brock Bowers and Malik Nabers could round out your early picks. That’s a solid core, whether you prefer a dominant running back and pass-catching combo or an elite tight end to go with your top receiver.
The Flex Factor and What’s Next
Now, don’t just set it and forget it after Round 3. This Hero RB approach gives you flexibility heading into Rounds 4 and 5. You are going to have more solid choices on the board. We are talking receivers like Jaylen Waddle, D.J. Moore, Terry McLaurin, Davante Adams, Jameson Williams, or Luther Burden III. Need a back for depth? David Montgomery, Quinshon Judkins, Bhayshul Tuten, or Jadarian Price could be there. Even quarterbacks like Drake Maye and Joe Burrow might be available, and if you skipped Bowers or McBride earlier, Tyler Warren could be a solid tight end pick. The message is clear: lock in your top back, build strategically around them, and stay nimble. Your fantasy season hinges on these early decisions, so make them count!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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