First Round Fantasy Draft Picks 2026

Scott Pianowski Favors 1.09‑1.10

Scott Pianowski says a mid‑first‑round slot—specifically the 1.09 or 1.10 pick—gives him the flexibility to chase a premium running back without the pressure of a top‑ten selection. He highlights Jonathan Taylor as the prime target at that range, noting the player’s dominant first half of 2025 and the potential upside if Daniel Jones returns to health. Pianowski also mentions Amon‑Ra St. Brown, Justin Jefferson and James Cook as viable options if they slip into the late‑first round, calling the lineup a +EV path. His preference reflects a strategy that balances immediate talent with the ability to react to opponents’ moves.

Joel Smyth Recommends 1.01

Joel Smyth argues that securing the very first overall pick is the best way to lock in a top‑tier running back early in the draft. He cites Jahmyr Gibbs as the key reason, pointing out the player’s 2025 breakout and the limited competition in his backfield after Tyler Allgeier and David Montgomery moved on. Smyth compares half‑PPR ADPs for players at picks 1.01 versus 1.12, showing how the early slot yields Gibbs, Nico Collins and George Pickens versus later options like Ashton Jeanty and Saquon Barkley. For Smyth, the guarantee of a premier back outweighs the modest value gap in later rounds. His stance underscores the belief that early certainty can shape a roster’s foundation.

Matt Harmon’s Early‑First Round Approach

Matt Harmon suggests waiting until the 21‑26 range to secure two starters, a strategy that diverges from the top‑heavy thinking of many analysts. He notes that consensus names such as Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua remain appealing even in the first few picks, but the drop‑off after round two does not justify the premium. Harmon also mentions Derrick Henry as a strong value if he falls to roughly pick 22, and highlights WRs like Drake London, Nico Collins, George Pickens or Chris Olave as attainable options in that window. He believes teams that begin with the top five picks enjoy a more comfortable drafting flow. This method encourages patience and lets value emerge later in the first round.

Justin Boone Chooses 1.02

Justin Boone prefers the second overall slot, which still guarantees access to elite running backs Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs. He explains that both backs have finished in the top four of fantasy rankings over the last two seasons and will now have larger roles without their former teammates around them. Boone adds that the 1.02 position also opens doors to premium receivers such as Rashee Rice and DeVonta Smith, rookie back Jeremiyah Love, or even No. 1 quarterback Josh Allen later in the draft. He cautions that staying mindful of round‑boundary runs is essential to avoid ending up on the wrong side of a positional surge. This balanced approach lets Boone adapt to whatever the draft pool presents.