Is 2026 the comeback year for running backs? Insid...
Key takeaways
- The ESPN Fantasy football crew wasted little time conducting a mock draft after the completion of the NFL draft.
- This mock featured (in order of first-round selection) Tristan H.
- Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was the No. 1 pick in the first ESPN fantasy football mock draft of 2026.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
ESPN Illustration ESPN Fantasy staff and Eric Karabell Multiple Authors May 1, 2026, 07:33 AM ETEmail Print Open Extended Reactions. The most recent NFL rookie class of players settling into their new homes means only one thing: the very first fantasy football mock draft of the 2026 season.
The ESPN Fantasy football crew wasted little time conducting a mock draft after the completion of the NFL draft. In fact, we did so first thing Monday after RB Jeremiyah Love, WR Carnell Tate and all the other college stars were given their new team caps. Rosters have well over 53 men on them, and there's still a long way to go until the NFL season officially kicks off in September, but a mock provides a good early take on the fantasy landscape after free agency and the draft have altered rosters, schemes and fantasy values.
This mock featured (in order of first-round selection) Tristan H. Cockcroft, Eric Karabell, Matt Bowen, Tyler Fulghum, Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay, Jim McCormick, Eric Moody and Liz Loza. Commentary and insight provided by Karabell.