’s annual Do Draft list for 2026 makes a clear case: if fantasy managers want to build a strong roster, running back is the position to attack early. That is where James Cook III and Derrick Henry come in, and it is why Keaton Mitchell is also part of the broader depth conversation around a scarce position.
The logic is straightforward. Quarterback depth can usually be found later, but reliable running back volume is much harder to replace. ’s recommendation is built around that reality, pushing managers to invest early rather than hoping the position will still be strong in the middle and late rounds.
Why running back comes first
Last season, Josh Allen led quarterbacks with 364.62 fantasy points, which underlines how much scoring can be found at the position. But the real edge in fantasy often comes from running backs who can handle a heavy workload, and that is where the scarcity problem begins.
James Cook III finished as fantasy’s No. 6 running back scorer last season with 342 touches, 1,912 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns. This season, he is going early in Round 2, and ’s message is that managers should not wait too long when a back like that is available.
Derrick Henry remains another obvious target for the same reason. In 2024, he posted 1,921 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns, the kind of production that can still swing a season when the position is thin.
What the Do Draft list is really saying
The wider point is not simply that elite running backs are good picks. It is that the position dries up quickly, and fantasy managers who miss on the early options can be left chasing lower-ceiling choices for the rest of the draft.
That is also why names such as Omarion Hampton matter in the same discussion. ’s approach suggests that managers should prioritise volume and role before the rest of the board starts to flatten out.
For anyone building a draft plan, the message is clear: quarterback can often wait, but running back may be where the season is won. And in a year when is urging early investment, players like James Cook III, Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell sit right in the middle of that argument.
