Now that the fantasy season is over let’s have some fun.
Here’s how I’d draft the 1st round of 2026 drafts as of right now:
#1 Bijan Robinson
Bijan finished as RB3 but averaged nearly 30 fantasy points per game from Weeks 15–17 on true workhorse usage.
If the red-zone usage improves in 2026, he has clear overall RB1 upside.
#2 Puka Nacua
Puka was the WR1 in points per game and became completely unstoppable once the offense condensed around him with Adams injured.
Same QB, same coach, same alpha role entering 2026. He may be the safest pick in Round 1.
#3 Ja’Marr Chase
Even in a “down year,” Chase finished WR3 and led the league in targets and routes run.
With a full season of competent QB play in 2026, his upside is unmatched…
#4 Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs finished RB4 with elite efficiency, receiving work, and touchdown upside.
If the red-zone usage, offensive coordinator or O-Line play improves even slightly, he has overall RB1 potential…
#5 De’Von Achane
Achane proved he wasn’t just an efficiency back because he handled 300+ touches in 2025 and still led the league in explosive plays.
The big concern is the uncertainty at QB and a new coach coming in…
#6 Christian McCaffrey
CMC finished as the RB1 again and averaged 23.8 points per game down the stretch.
Age is the risk for sure, but when healthy, his ceiling is still untouched.
Not to mention, George Kittle will likely miss the 2026 season…
#7 Amon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra has now finished Top 5 at WR for 3 straight seasons with elite red-zone and first-read usage.
Any offensive coordinator upgrade only raises an already elite floor…
#8 Jaxon Smith-Njigba
JSN finished WR2 with historic efficiency despite a low-volume passing offense.
Some regression risk exists entering 2026 though. He could lose his offensive coordinator, likely more target competition and his historic efficiency is likely to drop.
But the alpha role + talent keeps him locked into Round 1…
#9 Malik Nabers
Nabers showed WR1-level usage before tearing his ACL in 2025, even with bad QB play.
If healthy in 2026, the target ceiling alone gives him 1st-round upside when paired with a better QB in Jaxson Dart…
#10 Jonathan Taylor
Taylor finished RB2 and led the league in snaps, touchdowns and carries.
He was the RB1 in fantasy when Daniel Jones was healthy. If the offense stays intact entering Week 1 of 2026, Taylors ceiling remains overall RB1.
#11 CeeDee Lamb
Lamb’s production dipped due to injuries and touchdown variance, not role loss.
When healthy, he’s still an alpha WR in a Top-5 offense.
Despite injury and George Pickens breaking out, Lamb was still a Top 10 WR…
#12 Justin Jefferson
Jefferson’s 2025 was wrecked by bad QB chaos, not declining ability or volume.
He still finished 6th in targets and posted 1000+ yards.
This sets up for a classic elite WR rebound at the Round 1-2 turn.
— Sal
P.S. If you want the same tools I used to win 75% of my fantasy leagues this year, you can get full access inside The Blueprint before the 2026 price increase.