🥸 Ridiculously-Early 2026 Mock Draft (Round 1)

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Author

Jen of Deep Dive Fantasy
January 29, 2026

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I know it’s tough for some to already turn the page to 2026 with the 2025 NFL season still on the line, but I’m doing it. In today’s newsletter, I look ahead with a first-round mock draft, plus we’ll hear from Ryan McDowell from DLF on some pertinent dynasty info.

Sure, the Vince Lombardi Trophy hasn’t even been handed out yet for 2025, and we still have over a week until the Patriots and Seahawks battle to decide who gets it, but why not look to the 2026 fantasy season? Here’s my ridiculously early fantasy football mock draft for Round 1 only.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft Settings

  • League Size: 12 Teams

  • Starting Roster: 1QB, 2RBs, 3WRs, 1TE, 1 Flex (non-QB), 1 K, 1 DST

  • Scoring: .5 PPR

  • Fantasy Football Mock: Round 1

1.01 – Bijan Robinson, RB – Falcons 🪺

He’s younger than CMC and is the total package. Robinson has an insane floor and ceiling and is coming off a hearty 19.5 per game in half PPR scoring (RB3).

1.02 - Jahmyr Gibbs, RB – Lions 🦁

Gibbs was an RB1 with David Montgomery in the mix last season, and Monty is likely gone in 2026. The Lions’ o-line is strong, and the volume is juicy.

1.03- Ja’Marr Chase, WR – Bengals 🐯

Chase is a safe selection here as he has an elite QB, plenty of volume, and hopefully an improved o-line heading into 2026.

1.04 – Puka Nacua, WR – Rams 🐏

He’s coming off a WR1 season, both overall and in fantasy points per game. His QB may be a question mark, but for now, Nacua is one of the top WRs and an early first-round selection.

1.05 – Christian McCaffrey, RB - 49ers ⚒️

This may be a tough pick for some, but if healthy, CMC has an outcome of the best player in fantasy football. As of right now, the RB is good to go for 2026, so the risk could very well be worth it.

1.06 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR - Seahawks 🌊

He was a true alpha WR last season, posting a whopping 1,200 more receiving yards than Seattle’s WR2, Cooper Kupp. Aside from one stinker, JSN was consistent enough in 2025 to garner this spot.

1.07 – De’Von Achane, RB – Dolphins 🐬

Miami is in for some big changes this offseason, but hopefully Achane is a beneficiary; the speed and talent are certainly there.

1.08 – Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR – Lions 🦁

St. Brown was the WR4 in half-PPR scoring on a per-game basis last season, and that was with an ascending Jameson Williams. The Sun God is part of a high-octane offense that’s likely not going to slow down anytime soon.

1.09 – Jonathan Taylor, RB – Colts 🧲

JT overcame the mess that was Indy’s offense in 2025 to end as the RB2 in both overall half-PPR points and per contest. He’s a touchdown machine and should continue to give us fantasy RB1 production in 2026.

1.10 – James Cook, RB – Bills 🦬

The lack of respect for Cook seems to still be a thing even after three 1000+ rushing seasons and an RB6 finish last year. He’ll likely slide to the second in some drafts, but Cook deserves a first-round spot.

1.11 – CeeDee Lamb, WR – Cowboys 🤠

He’s averaged a WR7 finish over the last four seasons and should keep it rolling in 2026. Last year was his worst of the four due to injury and the presence of George Pickens, but he is still worthy of a late-first round pick, with Pickens likely right after the turn.

1.12 – Trey McBride, TE – Cardinals 🪺

He was third in targets among all fantasy players, behind only Ja’Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St. Brown. McBride was second in end zone love, too, among WRs and TEs. Let’s do it again, shall we?

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One of my favorite series we offer at Dynasty League Football is the Dynasty Fantasy Football Mailbag. This is a chance to have one of our longest-tenured writers, Eric Hardter, answer your dynasty questions.

In the latest version, the focus falls on buy-low trade targets. Here’s a look at the player that tops the list.

Who would you consider as pre-free agency, buy low options for a contending team?
With the acknowledgment that we don’t yet have the January 2026 ADP in hand, here’s a quick run-through of players who I think are undervalued and should be able to help contending squads in the coming season:

This one is pretty simple. We know he has number-one overall upside at the position, as he’s already proven it. And while the state of Minnesota’s quarterbacks is certainly cause for concern, it’s hard to imagine it gets any worse than it was in 2025. Now a late first-round pick, Jefferson could be the 2026 version of Jonathan Taylor.

Here are some of the latest articles to post on 4for4.com. There’s always something new so be sure to keep dropping by.