Fantasy football draft targets: Best players to draft with late first-round pickShare

## Don't Dread the Late First Round: Fantasy Football Targets to Capitalize On Let’s be honest, drafting last in fantasy football isn't exactly the most enviable position. We all dream of snagging that elite player with the first overall pick. But having a late first-round slot? It can actually be a surprisingly advantageous spot. While you’re watching others grab the obvious superstars, you can strategically target players who offer significant value and often slip down the draft board. The key to thriving with a late first-round pick is understanding positional scarcity and identifying players poised for breakout seasons. Gone are the days of simply reaching for the highest-ranked running back. This year, there's a wealth of talent at multiple positions, allowing you to be more discerning. So, who should be on your radar as you approach the turn of the first round? Here are a few names to seriously consider, categorized by position to help you plan your strategy: **Running Backs: The Value Tier** While the top tier of running backs is getting snatched up early, there's a solid group of backs who are likely to fall into the late first. Look at players like **Jahmyr Gibbs** (Detroit Lions). He showed flashes of brilliance last year and has the potential to be a workhorse back in a potent offense. Another name to watch is **Breece Hall** (New York Jets). He's returning from a significant injury, which has suppressed his ADP, but his talent is undeniable and the Jets need him to be a key contributor. These players offer a potential upside far beyond their current draft position. **Wide Receivers: Emerging Stars** The wide receiver pool is remarkably deep this year, which is fantastic news for those picking late. Several receivers who could easily become WR1 options are likely to still be available. **Christian Kirk** (Jacksonville Jaguars) is an example. He established himself as a reliable target for Trevor Lawrence last year and is in a position to continue producing at a high level. **DK Metcalf** (Seattle Seahawks) is another consideration, especially if you're looking for a big-play threat. **Tight Ends: The Untapped Potential** Tight end is often the most overlooked position in fantasy drafts. While Travis Kelce remains the gold standard, the drop-off after him is significant. This creates an opportunity to grab a high-upside tight end in the first round and potentially gain a significant positional advantage. **Darren Waller** (New York Giants) is one to keep a close eye on, now paired with Daniel Jones. His potential for targets is considerable. **George Kittle** (San Francisco 49ers) is another strong option, although his usage has been variable in recent years. **Quarterbacks: Wait and See?** For many, the quarterback position is best addressed later in the draft. However, if a top quarterback like **Justin Herbert** (Los Angeles Chargers) somehow falls to you in the late first round, it’s certainly worth considering. Securing an elite quarterback can provide a consistent weekly floor and a potential ceiling-buster throughout the season. **The Key Takeaway:** Don’t view the late first-round pick as a disadvantage. It’s a chance to be opportunistic, capitalize on positional value, and secure players who are undervalued. Do your research, understand your league’s scoring system, and be ready to pounce when the opportunity arises. With a little planning, you can turn a seemingly unfavorable draft position into a winning strategy. (Source: USA Today)