RB remains one of the most important positions to attack in 2026 fantasy football drafts, but this year’s player pool offers plenty of opportunities to find value beyond the first round. The key is understanding where running backs are being drafted and identifying players who offer the best combination of workload, upside, and price.
This list won’t include Bijan Robinson (ATL) or Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), the consensus top two picks in fantasy redraft this year. With injuries already piling up at the position in the mid-rounds, make sure you get your guys early this year and nail the value picks later in the draft.
Round 1: Jonathan Taylor, Colts
If you are selecting near the back end of the first round, Jonathan Taylor is the running back to target. His current ADP ranking is No. 10 overall and RB5 on Blitz Sports Media, making him a prime 1st-round target in 12-man formats.
The important thing about Taylor is that you’re securing a true bell-cow back with immense touchdown upside. His elite rushing volume and goal-line usage in the Colts’ offense give him game-breaking multi-touchdown potential every single week. If you want a proven workhorse who can carry your backfield, Taylor belongs near the tail end of Round 1.
- Alternative Option: James Cook (BUF), De’Von Achane (MIA)
Round 2: Chase Brown, Bengals
Chase Brown is one of the best targets in the second round. His ADP sits at No. 13 overall, exactly on the Round 1/2 borderline in a 12-team league, and he is currently RB6.
If Brown slips into the second round, don’t hesitate. His combination of rushing production and receiving involvement makes him particularly valuable in PPR formats. Compared with some of the other backs going in this range, Brown provides a strong blend of floor and ceiling without requiring an early first-round investment.
- Other Round 2 RB Options: Saquon Barkley (PHI), Kenneth Walker III (KC)
Round 3: Kyren Williams, Rams
Kyren Williams is the Round 3 target. His ADP sits at No. 31 overall and RB14, placing him comfortably in the late third-round range for 12-team leagues.
Williams is especially attractive because the market is providing fantasy managers a chance to acquire a proven focal point in a productive Rams offense outside the first two rounds. Known for his elite red-zone role and consistent touches, he delivers a reliable weekly floor. If his heavy volume stays steady, he could provide substantial RB1-level value at a late Round 3 draft price.
- Alternative Round 3 RB Options: Josh Jacobs (GB), Javonte Williams (DAL)
Round 4-5: Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars
Bhayshul Tuten is the Round 4 target. His ADP sits at No. 47 overall and RB19, putting him right near the Round 4/5 turn in a 12-team league.
Tuten is especially attractive because the market is offering a high-upside backfield option outside the top three rounds. His explosive athleticism and expanding role in Jacksonville’s offense make him a prime target for managers seeking big playmaking potential without committing top-tier draft capital. If he claims a major share of touches, he could deliver strong value at a late Round 4 price tag.
- Alternative Round 4-5 RB Options: Quinshon Judkins (CLE), Travis Etienne (NO)
Round 5-6: D’Andre Swift, Bears
D’Andre Swift is the preferred Round 5 target. His ADP is No. 59 overall and RB20, giving him a relatively affordable price compared with the backs available earlier.
Swift’s receiving ability is especially useful in PPR leagues, and his draft cost gives managers flexibility. He doesn’t need to become a dominant every-down runner to provide value at this stage. Also, Kyle Monangai looks to be out for a bit of time, giving Swift clear runway in Chicago.
- Alternative Round 5-6 RB Options: Bucky Irving (TB), Jadarian Price (SEA)
Round 6-9: TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots
TreVeyon Henderson is the upside pick in this range. His ADP is No. 82 overall and RB24.
This is where fantasy managers should begin aggressively chasing ceiling. Henderson has the talent to become significantly more valuable than his current ADP suggests. He is exactly the type of player who can make a difference if his workload expands. I do lean Warren more in PPR than Rico Dowdle for the Steelers, while JCM for the Commanders is a swing on youth that he gets more of the backfield than last year as a rookie, along with the fact that Rachaad White has been out lately due to a minor injury.
- Alternative Round 6-9 RB Options: Jaylen Warren (PIT), Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS)
Round 10 and Beyond: Jonathon Brooks, Panthers
Jonathon Brooks is the Round 10+ target. His ADP sits at No. 110 overall and RB37, placing him comfortably in the double-digit rounds for 12-team leagues. But he will definitely rise with Chuba Hubbard week to week.
Brooks is especially attractive because the market is giving fantasy managers a chance to acquire a second-round talent outside the main draft board. Now fully healthy entering camp, his college playmaking skill set and receiving ability give him path-to-touches upside in Carolina’s backfield.
If he claims a meaningful share of volume alongside Hubbard but eventually overtakes the backfield, he could deliver league-winning value as a late-round flyer. The same can be said about Mason and Allgeier in their respective situations.
- Other Late-Round RB Targets (Round 10+): Jordan Mason (MIN), Tyler Allgeier (ARZ)
Final Thoughts
The biggest lesson from this ADP is that fantasy managers don’t need to force running back early, but they also shouldn’t ignore value when it appears. The best strategy is to remain flexible. Let the draft come to you, monitor the running back tiers, and take advantage when a player falls below his expected range. In 2026, finding the right RB value at the right time could be the difference between a playoff roster and a championship team.
Tune in next weekend for the Blitz League live stream sponsored by BETR and fan drafts on 8/29 at 5 pm EST.
