2026 PPR Mock Draft Strategy – Picks 1 to 9: Dominate the Front Half of Your Draft! (08/19 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Alvin Kamara is expected to be out about a month with a knee injury, which could have a significant impact on his projections given his age and recent performance.

Ashton Jeanty is a viable early-round running back pick that allows for building receiver depth in later rounds.

Heath Cummings ranks Bijan Robinson alongside Jahmyr Gibbs as the top two running backs, asserting they are the only ones in contention for early first-round draft capital.

Breece Hall is expected to be out for two to three weeks due to a groin injury.

Year Up United's expresses caution regarding Breece Hall's health, stating he is no longer interested in drafting him in the third round until he is fully healthy.

Jamie Eisenberg values Brock Bowers as a top-tier tight end who can be taken as early as pick 20, while Heath Cummings prefers him in the early third round.

Jamie suggests drafting Bowers as early as pick 20, while Heath would not take him in round two from picks four through six. Heath would consider him in round three.

Bucky Irving is part of a tier of running backs that should be targeted, though Jamie prefers David Montgomery over him.

Irving is viewed as a viable mid-round running back option, though Heath expresses less enthusiasm for him compared to other analysts.

Heath Cummings expresses concern regarding a potential performance drop-off for Christian McCaffrey compared to Jonathan Taylor in half-PPR formats.

Heath has dropped McCaffrey in his rankings until he returns to practice.

Colston Loveland is a viable tight end target in round three.

Heath Cummings ranks Colston Loveland ahead of Trey McBride, suggesting he is a target for the late third or early fourth round, though he notes he is not guaranteed to be available.

Heath ranks Loveland ahead of McBride. He is considered a strong target in round four, though he may be taken in round three.

DJ Moore is a player Year Up United's consistently targets ahead of his ADP because of his high potential upside.

David Montgomery is considered a steal in round six and is part of a strong tier of running backs, with Jamie preferring him over Bucky Irving.

Jamie prefers David Montgomery over Bucky Irving as a mid-round running back target.

De'Von Achane has moved up the rankings to a top-15 running back and is considered a fine pick in round three or four, with analysts retracting previous 'bust' labels following recent injury news to other backs.

Heath ranks Achane ahead of many back-end RB2s and considers him a target if he falls into the round four through six range.

DeVonta Smith is currently not 100% healthy, affecting his draft position.

Heath ranks Drake London ahead of other running backs like Gentry and Hampton, and would take him in round one if available.

Garrett Wilson is a strong receiver target in the middle rounds.

Heath Cummings acknowledges he is likely the only one taking Ja'Marr Chase over Bijan Robinson at the top of drafts, though he maintains Chase is a top-tier selection.

Heath Cummings identifies Gibbs and Bijan Robinson as the clear top two running backs, noting that no other running back is in contention for the top-three picks when Ja'Marr Chase is being selected.

Jaylen McMillan has returned to practice for the Buccaneers.

Javonte Williams is considered a high-value target in the fourth round, with Year Up United's noting he couldn't pass up the opportunity to draft him there despite it leading to a heavy running back start.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is considered one of the top four wide receivers that justifies a receiver-heavy start to a draft, with Jamie Eisenberg noting he took him in a 14-team league without hesitation.

Jayden Daniels is preferred over Joe Burrow in the middle of round five.

Jaden Higgins left practice with an injury; no further update is available.

Jadon Blue is dealing with a shoulder injury.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that in half-PPR formats, Jonathan Taylor is projected to score more points than Jaxon Smith-Njigba, making him a strong candidate for the fourth overall pick.

Jonathan Brooks is identified as a viable RB3 option in a build that prioritizes wide receivers and a tight end after an early running back-heavy start.

Josh Allen requires a specific effort to draft if you want him, as he typically goes in round two.

Heath suggests considering Josh Allen in the middle of round three, though he personally would not take him there. He notes that if Allen falls to the middle of round four, he is an easy pick.

Josh Jacobs has returned to practice and is considered a fine pick just outside the top 30 if he avoids further missed time.

Kalon Black returned to practice in some capacity for San Francisco.

Kenneth Walker is a viable early-round running back pick that allows for building receiver depth in later rounds.

Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to be ready for week one.

Keon Coleman was spotted in a walking boot.

Jamie believes Kyren Williams remains a productive round three value despite the presence of Blake Corum, noting his track record and health as key factors.

Lamar Jackson is identified as a potential value pick in late round four or early round five.

Lamar Jackson is considered a strong value in the fifth round, though his ADP is rising toward the third or fourth round in many formats.

Lamar Jackson is considered a target in the middle of round five, though the analysts note that he rarely falls that far.

Burden is dealing with a groin injury, which has changed how the wide receiver position is being valued.

Nabers is noted as not being 100% due to injury, which has impacted his draft outlook.

Mike Evans is dealing with tightness after already missing two weeks with a quad injury; the analysts are out on drafting him in the fifth round.

Mike Evans is a preferred target for Year Up United's, who notes a willingness to draft him ahead of his typical ADP, specifically targeting him in the fifth round.

The Giants signing Najee Harris is a negative development for Tyrone Tracy and a slight ding to Cam Scadaboo's value, as the team felt the need to bring in outside help despite Tracy's role.

Parker Washington is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Puka Nacua is categorized as one of the top four wide receivers whose presence in the first round often leads to a receiver-receiver start in 12-team leagues.

Quentin Johnston limped off the field but is reported to be fine.

Rhamondre Stevenson has had a strong camp and has been moved ahead of Travion Henderson in the rankings.

Rico Dowdle may be separating himself in the Cowboys' backfield.

Heath loves Sam LaPorta as a round six target, viewing him as a high-end value at the position.

Seth McGowan appears to be the number two running back in Indianapolis behind Jonathan Taylor.

Travis Etienne is ranked as the RB13, with Year Up United's noting that several wide receivers are ranked ahead of him in the top 34 overall.

Trey Benson participated in practice in some capacity.

Trey McBride is viewed as a top-tier tight end option for the early third round, though Heath Cummings prefers Colston Loveland over him.

Jamie would take McBride in round three from picks four through six. Heath has McBride at the end of round three and notes that most people are fine with him if he falls to that range.

Tyler Warren is a tight end option to consider in round five after the top three tight ends are off the board.

Heath Cummings believes the Giants signing Najee Harris is a negative for Tyrone Tracy, especially after Tracy blew an assignment, prompting the team to seek additional help.

Heath is very high on Zay Flowers and expects to target him in round three.