Overview

• Late-August mock drafts consistently open Round 1 with Ja'Marr Chase, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Justin Jefferson.
• Strategy guides emphasize loading up on high-volume running backs and ball-dominant receivers in the first two rounds, with quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson more commonly targeted in Rounds 3-4.
• Brock Bowers is treated as a high-upside TE1 after a standout rookie season, though some analysis notes potential defensive focus limiting his early-season volume in Las Vegas.
• Veteran backs with heavy workloads or injury histories draw caution flags, with examples including Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley and recommendations to consider handcuffs.
• With preseason complete and 53-man cuts due Tuesday, sleeper notes highlight Dallas rookie Jaydon Blue’s ankle setback and Lions rookie Isaac Teslaa’s 33-yard touchdown, as Patrick Mahomes led multiple scoring drives in limited work.