Yates flags nine undervalued assets in 2026 fantasy football draft

ESPN analyst Field Yates has released his "Field's Favorites" list for the 2026 fantasy football season, identifying nine players he argues should be drafted earlier than their current average draft positions (ADPs). The selection includes quarterback Justin Herbert, tight ends Cole Loveland and George Kittle, running backs Derrick Henry and James Cook, and wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Bucky Egbuka, Marvin Tate, and Christian Watson. Yates contends that these individuals offer superior value compared to consensus rankings, citing factors such as coaching changes, injury recoveries, and statistical potential.

Herbert tops the list as Yates' sixth-ranked quarterback, a position driven by his rushing threat and the offensive system under Mike McDaniel. Yates notes that Herbert recorded 498 rushing yards in 2025, a figure exceeding the combined career total of Tua Tagovailoa. The analyst expresses confidence that McDaniel’s playcalling can elevate Herbert from a solid performer to an elite fantasy asset, similar to the impact seen in Tagovailoa’s second year under the same coordinator.

Running back Derrick Henry is ranked 11th overall, nearly a round ahead of his ADP, due to his consistent high-volume rushing production. Despite low receiving statistics, Henry has finished as the NFL’s second-leading rusher for four consecutive seasons and recorded 12 games with 125-plus rushing yards over the past two seasons. Yates suggests that veteran fatigue among drafters has led to an underappreciation of Henry’s reliability as a primary fantasy point producer.

James Cook is ranked 15th overall, six spots ahead of his ADP, as the Kansas City Chiefs seek to address a lack of explosive carries. The Chiefs signed Cook to support Patrick Mahomes’ return from a major knee injury, with Yates highlighting Cook’s ability to generate long runs. Meanwhile, tight end Cole Loveland is ranked 36th overall, nearly a full round ahead of his ADP of 45.3, based on his recent target volume in high-leverage games for the Chicago Bears.

Justin Jefferson is ranked 12th overall, aligned with his ADP, but is designated as Yates’ favourite late first-round pick. The analyst projects a bounce-back year for Jefferson following a difficult 2025 season, citing an upgrade at quarterback with Kyler Murray. George Kittle is ranked TE9, with Yates arguing that a full season would make him a top-five tight end option, given his removal from the PUP list and previous high fantasy point average.

Bucky Egbuka is ranked WR13, with Yates bullish on his development and the Tampa Bay passing offense, though his toe injury creates uncertainty for Week 1 availability. Marvin Tate is ranked WR22, five spots higher than the ESPN consensus, as the projected featured wideout for the Tennessee Titans. Christian Watson is ranked WR29, a selection Yates describes as a "gut call" based on his talent in a Green Bay receiver room without Romeo Doubs.