Fantasy football mock draft: RB-RB is back, and where to draft the new rookie class - ESPN

The most recent NFL rookie class of players settling into their new homes means only one thing: the very first fantasy football mock draft of the 2026 season.

The ESPN Fantasy football crew wasted little time conducting a mock draft after the completion of the NFL draft. In fact, we did so first thing Monday after RB Jeremiyah Love, WR Carnell Tate and all the other college stars were given their new team caps. Rosters have well over 53 men on them, and there's still a long way to go until the NFL season officially kicks off in September, but a mock provides a good early take on the fantasy landscape after free agency and the draft have altered rosters, schemes and fantasy values.

This mock featured (in order of first-round selection) Tristan H. Cockcroft, Eric Karabell, Matt Bowen, Tyler Fulghum, Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay, Jim McCormick, Eric Moody and Liz Loza. Commentary and insight provided by Karabell.

1. Bijan Robinson, ATL (RB1) — Cockcroft
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (RB2) — Karabell
3. Christian McCaffrey, SF (RB3) — Bowen
4. Puka Nacua, LAR (WR1) — Fulghum
5. Ja'Marr Chase, CIN (WR2) — Yates
6. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (WR3) — Dopp
7. Jonathan Taylor, IND (RB4) — Clay
8. De'Von Achane, MIA (RB5) — McCormick
9. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (WR4) — Moody
10. CeeDee Lamb, DAL (WR5) — Loza

Running backs with the first three picks was surprising. Bowen going with Christian McCaffrey over Puka Nacua raised eyebrows. It ended up being an even split of five running backs and wide receivers, but it sure didn't begin that way.

11. James Cook III, BUF (RB6) — Loza
12. Ashton Jeanty, LV (RB7) — Moody
13. Saquon Barkley, PHI (RB8) — McCormick
14. Jeremiyah Love, ARI (RB9) — Clay
15. Omarion Hampton, LAC (RB10) — Dopp
16.