We’re doing something a little different with this mock draft. While I completed a full 12-team half-PPR fantasy football mock draft from the 1.01 slot, I thought it would be fun to take a different approach.
Instead of breaking down the entire draft, I’m going to walk you through how I would approach the first round from every draft position. I’ll explain who I’d take, why they’re my pick and the thought process behind each selection based on roster construction, positional value and upside. Let’s get into it.
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Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 1 Strategy
1.01: Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of the big three: Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Ja’Marr Chase.
Robinson hasn’t missed a game since he entered the NFL and led the league in yards from scrimmage last season with 2,298. He ranked second among running backs in receiving yards, trailing only Christian McCaffrey. The biggest knock against Robinson is that we saw many short-yardage carries go to Tyler Allgeier in the red zone, but we no longer have to worry about that now that Allgeier is in Arizona.
1.02: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)
At 1.02, you can select whichever top running back doesn’t go first overall. Despite scoring 38 touchdowns over the last two seasons, Jahmyr Gibbs is in store for his best season yet. Detroit made massive improvements to its offensive line and he no longer has to compete with David Montgomery for touches.
1.03: Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
Again, this is another spot where I don’t think you can go wrong picking between Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua. At this point, I think it’s a matter of personal preference. Chase has averaged 115+ catches, 1,400+ receiving yards and 10+ touchdowns over the last three years, and Joe Burrow is coming into 2026 100% healthy.
1.04: Puka Nacua (WR – LAR)
Landing the league leader in catches and receiving yards at pick 1.05 is never a bad thing. It looks as if the Rams are all in for 2026. With Matthew Stafford under center, Puka Nacua is set up for another monster year.
1.05: Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
This is where drafts start to get interesting. And your scoring format really dictates where you go from here.
Since we are using half-PPR scoring, it’s Jonathan Taylor over Christian McCaffrey for me. Taylor led the NFL in carries (323) and all-purpose touchdowns (20) last season. He logged career highs in receptions (46), receiving yards (378) and playing time (82%).
The reason I lean toward Taylor over McCaffrey is his age and workload in 2025. The 49ers back just turned 30 and is coming off a career high in carries and touches. While he will be the focal point of the 49ers’ offense once again, I worry about his health.
1.06: Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF)
Yes, his age and health are a little worrisome, but Christian McCaffrey is still an elite talent, and in PPR and formats, it’s hard to pass on one of the fantasy GOATs.
1.07: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SF)
The loss of Klint Kubiak stings, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba proved last season that he is one of the best receivers in the league. He is a true No. 1 weapon, finishing with 1,700+ receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, nearly tripling the next-closest player on the team.
1.08: Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET)
Despite losing their offensive genius in Ben Johnson, Amon-Ra St. Brown still finished with 115+ receptions, 1,200+ receiving yards and 10+ touchdowns for the third straight year. Only Ja’Marr Chase (185) had more targets than St. Brown (172) in 2025.
1.09: Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
The only reason I have Justin Jefferson behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Amon-Ra St. Brown is the quarterback situation in Minnesota. Kyler Murray should be an upgrade, but Minnesota has one of the worst quarterback rooms since Jefferson entered the league.
1.10: CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL)
You could definitely make a case for taking CeeDee Lamb over Justin Jefferson, but I’m betting on Kevin O’Connell getting the most out of Kyler Murray the same way he revitalized Sam Darnold‘s career a few years ago, which is why I have Jefferson going a pick earlier.
Lamb is coming off the least productive season of his career. There’s no questioning his talent, but I’m still unsure how he’ll fit into Dallas’ new offensive scheme. That said, he’ll still command an elite target share, and that’s ultimately why we’re drafting him. Lamb’s combination of volume, explosiveness and big-play ability gives him overall WR1 upside if everything clicks.
1.11: Brock Bowers (TE – LV)
In years past, I’ve targeted Trey McBride as often as possible around the round one/round two turn. This year, however, concerns about Arizona’s quarterback situation have me shifting my attention to Brock Bowers.
I’d feel more comfortable taking Bowers this early in full PPR leagues, but I’d still be willing to pull the trigger in half-PPR formats. While his raw numbers aren’t quite as eye-catching as McBride’s, it’s important to consider the circumstances. Bowers has had to produce despite some of the worst quarterback play in the NFL during the first two seasons of his career.
As a rookie, Bowers caught passes from Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder. Last season, he dealt with another unstable quarterback situation, with Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett throwing him passes.
The Raiders appear to be in a much better position offensively this season, however. Whether it’s veteran Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza under center, the quarterback room projects to be an upgrade. On top of that, the hiring of Klint Kubiak as head coach should bring more volume to the superstar tight end
1.12: James Cook (RB – BUF)
Kenneth Walker III and Derrick Henry could also be options here with the last pick in the first round, but in a PPR league, James Cook is the pick. He led the league in rushing in 2025 and in touchdowns in 2024, so the volume is there and will continue to be in 2026 with Joe Brady at head coach.
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