Which Players Should Fantasy Owners Target in Every Round of 2026 Drafts?
The best round-by-round fantasy football targets are players whose talent, role, and upside exceed their current Average Draft Position (ADP). By identifying value throughout the draft, fantasy owners can consistently build stronger rosters while maximizing return on investment from every selection.
Round-by-Round Fantasy Football Targets: Finding Value at Every Stage of Your Draft
Winning fantasy football drafts isn’t just about selecting great players—it’s about selecting great values. Every season, certain players slide below where they should be drafted, creating opportunities for fantasy owners to gain an edge over their league mates.
This round-by-round fantasy football targets guide highlights some of the best values available based on current ADP. Whether you’re drafting from an early position or the back half of the draft, these players deserve strong consideration when you’re on the clock.
Round 1 Targets
Jonathan Taylor, RB/IND (ADP: 6)
Taylor remains one of the few true workhorse backs in fantasy football and offers overall RB1 upside when healthy.
Justin Jefferson, WR/MIN (ADP: 10)
Getting an elite target-earner with proven WR1 overall potential — and a likely significant quarterback upgrade — at the end of Round 1 presents tremendous value.
Round 2 Targets
Derrick Henry, RB/BAL (ADP: 18)
Henry continues to dominate goal-line opportunities and can outperform his ADP thanks to elite touchdown upside.
Drake London, WR/ATL (ADP: 19)
London’s combination of target volume, age, and ascending offensive environment makes him an attractive Round 2 investment.
Round 3 Targets
Kyren Williams, RB/LAR (ADP: 31)
Williams continues to command valuable touches in a productive offense and offers reliable weekly RB1/RB2 production.
Javonte Williams, RB/DAL (ADP: 36)
A featured role in Dallas creates a path for Williams to significantly outperform his current ADP.
Round 4 Targets
Josh Jacobs, RB/GB (ADP: 40)
Jacobs remains a volume-driven back attached to a strong offense, giving him a solid fantasy floor and ceiling.
Terry McLaurin, WR/WAS (ADP: 45)
McLaurin’s consistent target share, big-play ability, and a healthy Jayden Daniels, make him a dependable value in the middle rounds.
Round 5 Targets
D’Andre Swift, RB/CHI (ADP: 52)
Swift’s receiving ability and explosive playmaking profile give him plenty of upside at his current draft cost.
Lamar Jackson, QB/BAL (ADP: 56)
Jackson offers league-winning rushing production at quarterback while still carrying overall QB1 potential.
Round 6 Targets
Brian Thomas Jr., WR/JAX (ADP: 63)
Thomas possesses elite downfield upside and the ability to finish well ahead of his current WR draft position.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR/ARI (ADP: 67)
Few receivers drafted this late offer Harrison’s combination of talent, target potential, and long-term breakout upside.
Round 7 Targets
Alec Pierce, WR/IND (ADP: 74)
Pierce’s deep-threat role creates weekly spike-week potential that exceeds his modest ADP.
Tucker Kraft, TE/GB (ADP: 82)
Kraft continues to emerge as a reliable red-zone option and offers strong value for fantasy owners waiting on tight end.
Round 8 Targets
Kyle Monangai, RB/CHI (ADP: 91)
Monangai offers intriguing upside as a mid-to-late-round running back who has a locked-in role in Ben Johnson’s run-friendly offense.
Josh Downs, WR/IND (ADP: 95)
Downs provides steady target volume and PPR-friendly production at an affordable draft cost.
Round 9 Targets
Ricky Pearsall, WR/SF (ADP: 100)
Pearsall’s route-running ability and expanding role create breakout potential in a productive offense.
J.K. Dobbins, RB/DEN (ADP: 104)
If healthy, Dobbins has already shown he can deliver starting-caliber fantasy production at a much higher level than his ADP suggests.
Round 10 Targets
Matthew Golden, WR/GB (ADP: 110)
Golden’s explosive athletic profile gives him a realistic path to becoming one of the biggest draft values of 2026.
KC Concepcion, WR/CLE (ADP: 114)
Concepcion’s versatility and ability to create after the catch provide intriguing upside in the double-digit rounds.
Round 11 Targets
Rachaad White, RB/WAS (ADP: 121)
White’s pass-catching skill set keeps him relevant even if he isn’t handling a full workload.
Isaiah Likely, TE/NYG (ADP: 132)
Likely’s athleticism and receiving upside make him an attractive late-round tight end target.
Round 12 Targets
Cam Ward, QB/TEN (ADP: 136)
Ward offers rushing upside and developmental potential that could quickly make him a fantasy starter.
Jalen McMillan, WR/TB (ADP: 147)
McMillan has a clear opportunity to earn meaningful targets and outperform his draft position.
Round 13 Targets
Chig Okonkwo, TE/WAS (ADP: 150)
Okonkwo’s athletic profile gives him the ability to provide weekly difference-making production at a scarce position.
Tre Tucker, WR/LV (ADP: 155)
Tucker’s speed and big-play ability create upside that is difficult to find this late in drafts.
Round 14 Targets
Antonio Williams, WR/WAS (ADP: 158)
Williams enters the league with a polished skill set that could help him earn opportunities quickly.
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR/SF (ADP: 164)
Stribling’s combination of size and opportunity makes him a worthwhile late-round lottery ticket.
Round 15 Targets
Nicholas Singleton, RB/TEN (ADP: 179)
Singleton possesses the athletic profile and upside to become one of the most impactful late-round running backs.
Ted Hurst III, WR/TB (ADP: 180)
Hurst offers developmental upside and the potential to climb the depth chart during the season.
Sleeper Targets
Emmett Johnson, RB/KC (ADP: 181)
Johnson is one injury away from relevance in one of fantasy football’s most valuable offensive environments.
Calvin Ridley, WR/TEN (ADP: 184)
Ridley continues to offer proven production and upside despite being drafted outside the top 180 selections.
Mike Washington Jr., RB/LV (ADP: 195)
Washington profiles as an intriguing stash who could gain value quickly if opportunities emerge.
Malachi Fields, WR/NYG (ADP: 209)
Fields combines size, athleticism, and deep sleeper appeal for fantasy owners searching for late-round upside.
Final Thoughts
The best round-by-round fantasy football targets are players who can return significantly more value than their ADP suggests. While every draft unfolds differently, targeting undervalued players throughout the board gives fantasy owners a stronger chance to build a championship-caliber roster.
As draft season progresses, monitor ADP movement closely and continue identifying players whose opportunity, talent, and upside exceed their cost. Those are often the selections that separate playoff teams from league winners.
