Danny Kelly's 8 Players He Wont Let His Leaguemates Draft Before Him - 2026 Fantasy Football My Guys

Injury concern and role uncertainty make Pierce a fade despite his $30 million per year contract with the Colts. Video evidence shows him walking with a slight limp, and more concerning, his left calf appeared 20% smaller than his right calf, suggesting potential calf strain or atrophy. There is a real chance Pierce isn't 100% in weeks 2–3 of the season. Additionally, he is expected to take on a new role as a more complete receiver, which the source doubts he can execute. The source explicitly states 'we're kind of out on Alec Pierce' and is more bullish on Josh Downs and Tyler Warren instead.

The source identifies Antonio Williams as a potential number two receiving option in the Commanders' passing game, behind McLaren. However, the source does not project him as a high-volume producer, grouping him with other depth receivers unlikely to be big-time fantasy contributors.

Baker Mayfield has a chance to have a big bounce-back season. Two years ago he threw 41 touchdowns and is a gunslinger willing to pull the trigger and able to put up big numbers. If the Buccaneers' offensive line stays healthy, the offense structure should support high volume and scoring. However, Mayfield was on the injury report 11 times last year with eight separate injuries (foot, toe, biceps, knee, oblique, illness, left shoulder, right shoulder), and his completion percentage over expectation was only better than Shedeur Sanders in the middle bulk of the season, suggesting injuries significantly impacted his performance.

Brandon Aiyuk is referenced as a historical example of Kyle Shanahan's unpredictable player usage patterns, though the source notes that Shanahan was ultimately proven right in how he deployed Aiyuk, suggesting the coach's unconventional approach can work out despite initial skepticism.

Clear-cut number one receiver in the Eagles offense following AJ Brown's departure. Every time AJ Brown has been off the field, Smith has assumed the number one role. While not a prototypical number one receiver, his mix of route running, great length, and hands position him to generate significant volume. With Dallas Goedert aging and Dantavian Wicks functioning as a sacrificial role player, Smith is the primary target beneficiary in the Eagles passing game. New OC Shawn Manion's motion-heavy scheme is expected to create easier throwing windows and increase opportunities. Ranked WR20 on Sleeper after Ted McMillan, Garrett Wilson, Luther Burden, Vlad Mcconi, and Zay Flowers—the source calls this 'exceptional value' given his elevated role. Press coverage is unlikely to significantly limit opportunity; he faced only 56 pressed routes last year, and even if that doubles to roughly 20% of his route share, it remains far below the NFL average (Jamar Chase led the league at 112 pressed routes). The added opportunity from AJ Brown's departure as the only boundary threat outweighs press risk.

Danny Kelly lists JJ McCarthy as the first name on his must-draft targets list, citing conviction that he's going to win the quarterback competition. Kelly is willing to reach a full round on his conviction players, and McCarthy represents a core target in his draft strategy.

The source frames the McLaren investment as fundamentally a bet that Jalen Daniels bounces back from a horrific sophomore slump injury-marred season; Daniels was healthy for only about one game in 2024. The source has faith in Daniels returning closer to his rookie form, citing his poise, accuracy, and dynamic ability to create second-chance opportunities for receivers. This recovery is critical to unlocking the Commanders' passing game volume and McLaren's target upside.

Jaden Daniels finished as QB4 in his rookie year with 3,500 passing yards, 25 TDs, 900 rushing yards, and 6 rushing TDs on 75 scrambles (most in NFL) and 62 design rushes. He has top-5 QB upside with the ability to throw deep and run frequently; he showed top-5 catchable ball rate and low turnover-worthy throw rate, demonstrating maturity beyond his years. The source loves Daniels and projects a big season ahead, comparing his deep-throwing ability to Russell Wilson's early-career vibe where he can 'drop it in a bucket deep down the field.' Daniels has the ability to hit on a lot of deep throws and deep touchdowns. He can be acquired later than other QB1 options, and his success depends on new OC David Blau's scheme fit and ability to harness his talents.

Josh Downs is positioned as a potential breakout candidate in the Colts offense. The source notes he is a good route runner and considers him for inclusion on his 'my guys' list. With Michael Pitman Jr. gone, the Colts vacated significant target volume, and the source explicitly states he is 'more bullish on Josh Downs and Tyler Warren' following concerns about Alec Pierce's injury and role fit. Downs benefits from Pierce's injury uncertainty and the overall volatility in the Colts receiving corps, with the source noting that 'somebody in Indianapolis offense is going to boom.'

Ranked second in separation win rate among NFL receivers last year, alongside Ricky Pearsall as the primary target options in the 49ers offense with Jawan Jennings gone. Priced higher than Pearsall but still possesses elite skills and is not falling off dramatically. Health is the key variable—if he stays healthy, he projects as a productive fantasy player in Shanahan's system.

Elite separation metrics and breakout candidate. Ranked third in separation win rate among NFL receivers last year (behind Devonte Adams and Mike Evans), with top-10 win rate over the last two years and top-30 separation score. Route running and separation ability were primary reasons for first-round college grade; comped to a blend of Brandon Aiyuk and D.V.O. Samuel—the exact skill set the 49ers drafted him to replace. Had 22% target rate, five catches per game, and nearly 100 yards per game in first three games last season before PCL knee injury. Untapped potential as design-touch gadget player where he was dynamic at Arizona State and early in Florida career. George Kittle's likely Achilles tear absence for first few games creates additional opportunity. Alongside Mike Evans, Pearsall should have more freedom to operate in short and intermediate routes. If he stays healthy, positioned to take the reins as the 49ers' future primary pass catcher.

Value proposition is ADP-dependent. The source likes Doubs as WR52, but conviction diminishes if he rises to WR40 or higher, suggesting his appeal as a target is contingent on maintaining current draft position.

The source assumes Stefon Diggs will sign with the Commanders and discusses his impact on McLaren's target share. While Diggs' arrival would "dampen enthusiasm a little bit," the source still views McLaren as the number one receiver and believes Diggs could actually help by keeping defenses honest and opening up opportunities for McLaren. The source notes that even with Diggs, McLaren remains on both analysts' draft lists, suggesting Diggs does not materially diminish McLaren's value.

Terry McLaurin is the clear-cut number one receiver for the Commanders with dominant target rate expectations. New offensive coordinator David Blau stated the offense will be 'built around how we can get Terry McLaurin 10 targets a game'—a direct quote representing a 50% increase from his 2024 target volume. In 2024, McLaurin finished as WR7 in total fantasy points despite being only WR19 in targets, demonstrating elite efficiency; from week three onward, he ranked behind only Puka Nacua and JSN in yards per route run. He is a good player who can get open, catch passes deep, and score touchdowns—two years ago he scored second-most touchdowns in the NFL. The source is 'really bullish' on McLaurin and expects good volume with or without Stefon Diggs joining the team. Paired with Jaden Daniels, McLaurin can do literally everything: great ball skills, great route runner, and strong run-after-catch ability.

Second-year tight end breakout candidate with elite rookie efficiency and volume trajectory. Had tale-of-two-seasons rookie year: in first 10 weeks, he was TE11 with 21% target rate and over 600 yards; fell apart from week 11 onward, averaging five points per game. Was third in NFL targets as a rookie despite playing second half with suboptimal QB play; ranked TE2 in fantasy through week 10 with 2.13 yards per route run—better than Brock Bowers' historically great rookie season. Had most yards from scrimmage by any power conference tight end in any season ever. Averaged over 7 yards after the catch in first 10 weeks, making him a perfect counter to two-high shell coverages. With Michael Pitman Jr. gone, Warren will replace short and intermediate target volume, be on the field consistently, and see increased usage in year two more in line with his early-season performance. Characterized as a 'blunt instrument' or 'hammer looking for a nail' type of tight end—a catch-and-run, space-creation archetype similar to Tucker Craft and vintage George Kittle, rather than a precise route runner. One of the Colts' best offensive players, with the offense expected to focus on getting him the football frequently in year two.