Fantasy Football Mock Draft Around Justin Jefferson & Chase Brown

How to Draft Your Fantasy Football Team Around Justin Jefferson & Chase Brown

Previously, we ran a 2026 ESPN fantasy football mock draft building around Puka Nacua and Omarion Hampton. This time it’s going to be Justin Jefferson and Chase Brown.

Well, in that first article we were picking from the 1.04; this time we’ll be using the 1.12. Jefferson may not surprise some people, but Brown should almost always be available at the 2.01 in ESPN fantasy football drafts.

That said, I’m not sure that should be the case as Brown ranks as my RB5, in tier three with Christian McCaffrey and Devon Achane this year.

In a past TWSN article, here’s part of my take on Brown:

“he’s proven himself as an elite pass catcher…This running back room is still very weak in terms of depth, and Brown is just 26 years old still.” Then there’s the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals look like an elite offense, ranking 4th in 2026 implied team totals.

When you’re getting a running back that has been a great fantasy football player, attached to an elite offense with no competition, there’s not much more you can ask for.

As for Justin Jefferson, I’m bought into Kyler Murray and the Minnesota Vikings situation, which indicates that Jefferson should also have a good year. Part of the reason I’m bought in on Murray is because of his rushing upside, which doesn’t directly help Jefferson.

However, even as a passer, I’m significantly higher on Murray than if J.J. McCarthy were to start the year.

Full Mock Draft (Rounds 1-16)

Round 1: Justin Jefferson, WR (MIN)

Round 2: Chase Brown, RB (CIN)

Round 3: Cam Skattebo, RB (NYG)

Round 4: Tee Higgins, WR (CIN)

Round 5: Mike Evans, WR (SF)

Round 6: Bhayshul Tuten, RB (JAC)

Round 7: Brian Thomas Jr., WR (JAC)

Round 8: Tucker Kraft, TE (GB)

Round 9: J.K. Dobbins, RB (DEN)

Round 10: KC Concepcion, WR (CLE)

Round 11: Kyler Murray, QB (MIN)

Round 12: Jordyn Tyson, WR (NO)

Round 13: Jonah Coleman, RB (DEN)

Round 14: Ted Hurst III, WR (TB)

Round 15: Chris Boswell, K (PIT)

Round 16: Chargers D/ST (LAC)

Key Takeaways & Strategy: Pick 12

If you read any of my other fantasy football mock drafts, you’ll start to notice a trend in these players. That said, overall this team turned out well, and I’m a bigger fan of this roster than when I drafted from the 1.04.

Upgrading from Tee Higgins or Mike Evans to add another star fantasy football wide receiver would be ideal, but the roster is very good as is.