As the fantasy football draft season heats up, some players are being flagged as risky selections, including Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. These players have been identified based on factors such as their average draft positions (ADP), injury histories, and the strength of their upcoming schedules.
Lamar Jackson, who was the top scorer in fantasy football during the 2025 season and secured his second MVP award, is currently being drafted as the second-best quarterback in many fantasy leagues. However, his performance last season was hampered by injuries, causing him to miss four games and finish as QB20. His average points per game also dropped to QB16. This season, Jackson faces a challenging schedule, with tough matchups against several teams that ranked in the top 10 for fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Additionally, with the departure of offensive coordinator Todd Monken and head coach John Harbaugh, Jackson's role may be less predictable, making him a risky pick at his current ADP.
James Cook, who amassed a career-high 1,912 yards from scrimmage last season, is being selected as RB5 in many drafts. Despite his impressive performance, his current ADP is concerning. Cook will face a daunting schedule, with his first four games against teams that were among the top 10 in limiting fantasy points to running backs last season. With seven matchups against tough defenses and a bye week through the first 13 weeks, Cook's potential for success seems limited, making him a less attractive option for those looking to secure a reliable RB1 early in the draft.
DK Metcalf, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is also on the list of players to avoid. After finishing last season with a third-round ADP, he is being drafted two rounds later this year. Metcalf's touchdown production has been inconsistent, and he only reached double digits in touchdowns twice in his first seven seasons. The Steelers are undergoing significant changes, with a new coaching staff and the addition of Michael Pittman Jr., which could further impact Metcalf's target share. His schedule is also challenging, featuring several matchups against teams that ranked highly in limiting points to wide receivers.
Another player to be cautious about is rookie running back Jeremiyah Love of the Arizona Cardinals. Although he has shown promise, his second-round ADP in leagues with 12 or more teams makes him a risky investment. The Cardinals are expected to struggle this season, which could lead to more passing attempts and fewer opportunities for Love. His schedule includes six teams that ranked in the top 10 for fewest points allowed to running backs last season, further complicating his potential impact.
Lastly, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is highlighted as a player to avoid early in drafts. Washington faces a tough schedule with five matchups against teams that ranked in the top 10 for fewest points allowed to wide receivers within the first six weeks. Although the Jaguars will have opportunities against teams that struggle to defend wide receivers later in the season, selecting Washington early may not yield the desired results.
In summary, while these players may still have potential to contribute to fantasy teams, their current draft positions and challenging schedules suggest that fantasy managers should consider alternative options to build a stronger roster.
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