Not every first-round Fantasy Football pick guarantees a stellar season. Last year's draft revealed that several highly-ranked players fell short of expectations, prompting a closer examination of potential busts for the upcoming season.

Key busts from last year included:

• Saquon Barkley: Drafted No. 3, finished RB15 at No. 30 overall in PPR.
• Justin Jefferson: Drafted No. 5, ended up as WR32 at No. 6 overall.
• CeeDee Lamb: Picked No. 6, finished WR12 at No. 32 overall.
• Ashton Jeanty: Drafted No. 10, wrapped up as RB16 at No. 31 overall.
• Malik Nabers: Selected No. 11, ended as WR14 at No. 35 overall.

Looking ahead, here are some first-round candidates for 2026 that might not live up to the hype:

1. Jahmyr Gibbs: While he has potential, his touch volume may not increase sufficiently to secure a top spot.
2. Bijan Robinson: Changes in the offensive scheme could limit his targets compared to previous seasons.
3. Ja'Marr Chase: His performance hinges on Joe Burrow's health; without Burrow, his stats drop significantly.
4. Puka Nacua: Following a standout season, off-field issues may impact his consistency.
5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Regression is a concern after a record-breaking year, especially with competition for targets.
6. Jonathan Taylor: Injuries to his quarterback could hinder his production.
7. Christian McCaffrey: Age and injury history raise concerns about his durability.
8. Amon-Ra St. Brown: Increased competition for targets may limit his scoring opportunities.
9. De'Von Achane: A new quarterback could reduce his role in the passing game.
10. James Cook: Historical trends suggest a decline after winning the rushing title.
11. CeeDee Lamb: Health issues and competition from teammates pose risks.
12. Chase Brown: His performance relies heavily on Burrow's health and the offensive line's effectiveness.

As Fantasy managers prepare for drafts, considering these potential pitfalls could guide better decision-making, steering them towards players with fewer concerns.