Overview of FantasyPros - 10 Must-Have Players the Experts Are Drafting Everywhere in 2026
This episode of the FantasyPros Football Podcast breaks down the players the hosts consider must-draft values relative to ADP, focusing on rounds 3 through 12 first and then switching to late-round sleepers. The central theme: in fantasy football, “must-have” doesn’t just mean elite players — it means players whose upside far outweighs their draft cost.
Main Takeaways
- The hosts are hunting for league-winning upside at discounted prices rather than obvious first-round stars.
- A big emphasis is placed on:
- per-route efficiency
- target share / first-read share
- role changes and route volume
- touchdown regression
- rookie breakout potential
- Several players are highlighted as being priced like depth pieces, but capable of becoming top-12 or top-15 fantasy producers.
The 10 Must-Have Players by ADP
Zay Flowers — WR16, 36th overall
- The hosts are very bullish on Flowers as a massive ceiling play.
- Key case for him:
- improved every year in the NFL
- finished as a top-10-ish fantasy receiver
- strong target share and air-yard share
- elite efficiency on a per-route basis
- The biggest argument: he still has room for touchdown growth, and if that happens, he could jump into the elite WR tier.
Christian Watson — WR29
- Viewed as an extremely cheap breakout candidate in Green Bay.
- Why the hosts like him:
- elite per-route metrics
- likely increased route share this season
- Packers passing game has become more concentrated
- The discussion compares his profile to a big-play receiver who can finally deliver a full-season breakout if healthy.
Jordan Tyson — WR36, 90th overall
- Considered too cheap for a first-round NFL rookie receiver.
- The case:
- rookie WRs drafted highly often produce immediately
- fits an up-tempo, dome-based offense
- expected to play a meaningful role alongside Chris Olave
- The hosts see him as a classic rookie value bet with WR2 upside.
Parker Washington — WR30
- One of the strongest value arguments on the show.
- Why he stands out:
- huge late-season production stretch
- elite target share and first-read share when given the chance
- flashed like a true No. 1-caliber fantasy receiver
- The concern is competition in the Jaguars’ receiver room, but the hosts believe his price doesn’t reflect his ceiling.
Rashod White — RB38, 107th overall
- Presented as a mispriced pass-catching running back with proven fantasy utility.
- The big reasons:
- strong receiving profile
- has never finished worse than RB38
- has already shown RB1-level fantasy production in the past
- The appeal is especially strong in PPR formats, where catches and red-zone involvement can carry him.
Carnell Tate — WR35
- Another rookie receiver the hosts believe is being drafted too low.
- The argument:
- strong collegiate production metrics
- highly efficient profile
- potential to become the clear top target in his offense
- The hosts think there’s a realistic path to wide-open volume and a major rookie breakout.
Rapid-Fire Late-Round Sleepers
Dylan Sampson — RB, Browns
- Highlighted as a late-round running back worth targeting.
- The hosts like:
- elite receiving efficiency
- young age
- possible pass-catching role in an offense that could use backs in space
Trey Harris — WR, Chargers
- A deep sleeper who could carve out a real role.
- Why he matters:
- big-body target
- red-zone upside
- potential full-time usage if the Chargers expand his role
Jalen Coker — WR56
- A late-round receiver the hosts think is underpriced.
- In his healthy stretch, he showed:
- strong target share
- solid yards per route run
- red-zone involvement
- The pitch: his current ADP is too low relative to his actual role upside.
Deebo Samuel
- Framed as this year’s Keenan Allen-type value: a veteran receiver being drafted too cheaply.
- The hosts emphasize:
- still productive
- still dynamic after the catch
- not “cooked”
- should be drafted as a strong fantasy WR3 value
Final Fantasy Draft Strategy Notes
- The show strongly favors targeting players who:
- already have a path to meaningful volume
- have shown efficiency
- can outperform their ADP if a small role change breaks their way
- Several of these picks are specifically being treated as must-haves in best ball and mock drafts because their upside is difficult to replace later.
Bottom Line
This episode is essentially a value-hunting fantasy draft guide: the hosts identify a group of receivers and running backs whose ceiling outcomes are much higher than their draft positions suggest. If you want upside without paying premium prices, the names to remember are:
- Zay Flowers
- Christian Watson
- Jordan Tyson
- Parker Washington
- Rashod White
- Carnell Tate
- Dylan Sampson
- Trey Harris
- Jalen Coker
- Deebo Samuel