Forget what you think you know about first-round fantasy picks, because James Cook is about to blow up your draft board. One fantasy contributor is hyping the Bills running back, with an average draft position of pick 9, as a stronger play than even Christian McCaffrey in 10-team leagues. Yes, you read that right. While McCaffrey brings incredible upside, this expert pegs him as the riskiest first-round option. Cook, the 2025 rushing champion at age 26, is still in his prime, has a moderate career workload with 842 carries, and plays in a Josh Allen-led offense that gives him a much higher floor than someone like Jonathan Taylor, who apparently missed 16 games over the past four seasons. This is the kind of insight that wins leagues.
Running Backs Lead the Charge Early
The plan for 2026? Start with running backs, and grab Chase Brown in Round 2. This guy’s heavy usage in that explosive Bengals passing game gives him a seriously high floor. We’re talking 123 catches and nine receiving scores over the past two seasons! Brown is 26, and he’s not just a receiver, he’s got rushing upside too. Joe Burrow is not a threat to steal goal line scores, collecting just 13 rushing touchdowns over the past two years. Honestly, unless you are sweating Burrow’s durability, Brown belongs in the same tier as those first-round guys like Taylor and Cook. What a value for Round 2!
Big Plays From Receivers and Tight Ends
Moving into the middle rounds, get ready to dominate your opponents with some serious pass-catching talent. In Round 3, Brock Bowers from the Raiders, or even Trey McBride from the Cardinals, are absolute steals. We’re talking about players who are good bets for 1,000-yard seasons. That’s a massive weekly advantage right there! The advice is clear: go early or late at tight end, avoid that middle tier with all the QB questions or injury concerns.
Then, Round 4 brings us Zay Flowers, my personal favorite receiver in a stacked tier. The Ravens are expected to throw more this season, and who else are they throwing to? Isaiah Likely is gone, Mark Andrews only had 422 yards last year, Ja’Kobi Lane is a rookie, Rashod Bateman has been a bust, and Derrick Henry rarely catches passes. Flowers is set up to absolutely smash his 86-catch, 1,211-yard effort from 2025.
In Round 5, you cannot pass up Ladd McConkey. This third-year veteran already balled out as a rookie in 2024 with 82 catches and 1,149 yards. His role was limited last season in a Chargers offense that just lacked creativity, plus they battled offensive line injuries all year. But listen up: Mike McDaniel is in town! That guy is a play-calling wizard, he even made Tua an NFL passing leader. McDaniel is gonna unleash the Chargers offense, and McConkey is going to be the main beneficiary. You have to love that kind of projection!
So, what are you waiting for? Get these names etched into your brain before your draft. These picks are all about finding that hidden value, snagging players who will outperform their ADP, and giving your fantasy team the edge it needs right from the start of the 2026 season. Get ready to draft like a champ!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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