NFL football is kicking off THIS week in August, and if you’re like me, your fantasy draft prep is hitting full throttle. Jacob Gibbs just dropped his definitive “do not draft” list for 2026, and his Round 1 fade pick is going to make some serious waves: **De’Von Achane**. This isn’t just about a guy to avoid; it’s about rethinking your top-tier strategy based on a pro’s gut calls.
Jacob Gibbs Is All Out on Jonathan Taylor
While Achane might be the final Round 1 name to get the “do not draft” label, Gibbs’ initial pick for that spot was actually **Jonathan Taylor**. And let me tell you, Gibbs isn’t messing around with JT this year. He expects to have *zero* shares of Taylor on any of his season-long managed teams. That’s a bold statement for a guy who might legitimately be the best running back in the league when he’s on. Gibbs is straight-up ranking other guys like Ashton Jeanty and Chase Brown ahead of Taylor in any PPR format. He even puts Amon-Ra St. Brown above him. This isn’t just a fade; it’s a complete avoidance, and that should make any fantasy manager pause.
The “Ages Ago” Stat and Offensive Worries
Why the hard pass on Taylor, even with his undeniable talent? Gibbs is really nervous about the right side of the Colts’ offensive line. That’s a huge red flag when you’re talking about a running back’s success. He also mentioned concerns about the right side of Daniel Jones’ body, specifically his surgically repaired Achilles tendon, as another reason to be wary of betting on certain offenses. Remember, Taylor put up nearly 30 PPR points per game across the first eight games of the 2025 Colts season. Thirty points! But Gibbs says that “feels like ages ago” and he’s just not willing to bet on that Colts offense getting “humming like that again.” It’s clear that past performance, even elite performance, isn’t enough to sway him if the current situation feels unstable. He’s also not betting on an offense that’s paying a combined $66.8 million to its unit when the NFL average fo…
So as you’re gearing up for your own drafts, remember Gibbs’ hard stance on Achane and his firm avoidance of Jonathan Taylor. Will Achane defy the fade? Will JT prove the doubters wrong? The real action is just about to kick off, and we’ll see soon enough.
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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