Fantasy Football Experts' Early-Round Draft Picks: Targets and Avoids
Fantasy football experts have analyzed the top 40 players for early-round drafts, comparing expert consensus rankings (ECR) with average draft positions (ADP) to identify players to target and those to avoid.
Among the recommended targets are Zay Flowers, A.J. Brown, Tee Higgins, and Tetairoa McMillan, all of whom are projected to outperform their current ADP. Flowers, for instance, had an impressive 2025 season with over 1,200 yards and is seen as having top-5 potential if he can improve his touchdown scoring. Brown, now with New England, is expected to thrive in a more favorable offensive environment, while Higgins continues to be a reliable option in Cincinnati's potent passing game.
On the other hand, players like Josh Jacobs, Jeremiyah Love, De’Von Achane, and Trey McBride are being drafted earlier than their expert consensus rankings suggest. Jacobs struggled with injuries last season, and concerns about his workload persist. Love, despite being a high draft pick, faces competition in Arizona's backfield, while Achane's receiving opportunities may decline with a new quarterback. McBride, despite a stellar 2025 season, may not replicate his numbers due to changes in the Cardinals' offensive strategy.
