The theory goes that every player in fantasy football can be had for the right value on draft day, because even a guy you don’t want could eventually be good if taken with a lower pick. An overpriced star becomes an underrated asset.
I'd argue that’s not true. Let's say you draft a guy who's just OK but you can't drop him because you wonder if he can get better. Then he's stuck on your roster, eating up a spot that could be used for a waiver wire pickup. So every year, there are always a few players I highlight as DO NOT DRAFT on my cheat sheet, those I won’t take even if they drop to an extremely low price.
That’s what this list is for. In last year's DO NOT DRAFT post we wrote, I told you to stay away from Saquon Barkley, Tyreek Hill and Aaron
Jones.
Here's who I have as DO NOT DRAFT this year:
Top QBs like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Drake Maye
Just a reminder that top QBs are pricey when grabbing a good running back or top wideout is the right move. The quarterback position is mega-deep this year, so you can afford to wait.
RB Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
It's not the preseason injury that has him on this list. It's the offense overall and the presence of a very impressive Mike Washington Jr. Maybe Jeanty will prove me wrong, but I don't want to take that risk.
RB TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
He has talent, but even if he drops in your draft, the fact that Rhamondre Stevenson is still very much in the mix is too much for me.
RB Can Skattebo, New York Giants
Full disclosure: I'm a Giants fan, and while I love his running style, I don't love the comeback from a devastating injury and the rumblings that he and John Harbaugh aren't happy with each other.
Giants players want 30 points as Harbaugh elects to kneel out the game. Great to see Tyrone Tracy smiling on the sideline! pic.twitter.com/fySYOi3mWD
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) August 29, 2026
WR Carnell Tate, Tennessee Titans
This is obviously for redraft leagues. Tate may end up as a star in Tennessee, but in Year 1? He's still got Cam Ward figuring things out and some competition in Wan'Dale Robinson. No thanks.
WR Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
The recovery from ankle surgery has been rough, and while he's a deep threat who can pile up points with every long reception, you have to wonder if Tyler Warren and Josh Downs will be more of a thing and if the health problems will linger.
WR Mike Evans, San Francisco 49ers
Remember how reliable he was during his prime? Year after year of full seasons without an issue. But Father Time has caught up -- he played eight games last year and there are already questions about his health entering the season.
TE George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
He's 32, he's coming off an Achilles tear, and while he's on a team that needs receiving help, there's too much against him to roster the star tight end. There are other TEs ranked below him with more upside.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: DO NOT DRAFT 2026: 8 fantasy football busts to avoid entirely
