New Fantasy Football 2026 First-Round Mock Draft, Projections and Top Team Names

As the 2026 NFL season draws near, so too does the fantasy football year for managers looking to earn bragging rights and a league championship.

Who are the top 20 players to take in a PPR league, what are some of the best team names available, and who is a potential hidden gem option in this year's crop of talent?

Find out in this preview of the upcoming fantasy year.

3. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

8. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

9. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

11. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

18. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Hidden Gem: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers

There is plenty of reason to be hesitant about selecting Jonathon Brooks in your fantasy draft. The former Texas Longhorn suffered two major ACL tears in his right knee in the span of 13 months.

They were devastating injuries that, understandably, have led some to question whether he will ever be the star running back the Carolina Panthers thought he would be when they drafted him with the 46th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Moves taken by the front office, though, suggest they believe Brooks will be ready to make an impact on the offense this year. Rico Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards and an average of 4.6 yards per carry in his lone season with Carolina, which let him walk away this offseason.

That leaves just Chuba Hubbard, perhaps the most underrated player in the league at the position, but someone the team has never felt fully comfortable making the lone starting back.

Enter Brooks, who flashed excellent three-down skills during his time in college and should be able to translate those abilities to the pro game. Hubbard may get the start early on as Brooks integrates himself back into every-down play, but do not be surprised if he is the workhorse of the Carolina offense by the time the midway point of the season comes around.

That should make fantasy managers excited for and intrigued by his output this season.

Do not sit back and allow an opposing manager to take a risk on Brooks, then watch him be the difference between a championship and second place. Grab him while you can and watch him become the workhorse back that can help the Panthers take the next step toward a deep playoff run.