Strategies for Fantasy Football Drafting from Pick 1.05 in 2026
Selecting from the 1.05 position in the 2026 fantasy football draft may feel like a disadvantage due to the absence of top-tier talent, but it still offers exciting opportunities. As of mid-August, several strategies can be employed to maximize this pick.
At this stage, standout running backs like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are expected to be off the board early, with Ja'Marr Chase typically selected by the 1.03 or 1.04 positions. If Chase happens to fall, he would be a strong choice. However, the focus shifts to a tier of three players available at 1.05, including Puka Nacua, who is facing uncertainty regarding his contract extension, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has consistently performed well in previous seasons.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is another notable player, having led the league in receiving yards last season. Despite potential changes in the coaching staff, he remains a strong candidate for high volume. Conversely, players like Jonathan Taylor and CeeDee Lamb may present risks due to recent performance issues. Ultimately, drafting from 1.05 allows for flexibility in choosing between a wide receiver or running back, with various roster construction strategies available to optimize team performance.