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6 Fantasy Football Breakout Players to Draft in 2026 | Values to Target at ADP

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Overview

Fantasy Pros’ fantasy football podcast spotlights six “breakout” players they believe are poised for breakout seasons in 2026. The discussion centers on value targets at ADP and the opportunity they see in each player’s role, offense, and usage.

1) Quentin Johnston (Chargers) — buy into the new offensive fit

The hosts argue Johnston previously looked like a breakout (early 2025 TD/target/usage production), but injuries and chaos derailed it.

They believe Johnston benefits from being in a Mike McDaniel-style offense, citing:

  • Scheme/volume changes
  • A more improved offensive line outlook

Core reasoning

  • Johnston is viewed as the Chargers’ primary deep threat with a more secure role
  • A path to repeat/restore top fantasy production
  • They compare the upside to Michael Pittman “breakout vibes”

2) Omarian Hampton (Chargers) — sophomore breakout via efficient volume + role security

The hosts contend Hampton flashed last season despite injuries, and that a healthier offense should unlock more consistent fantasy output.

Evidence they cite

  • When Hampton played with a strong snap share, he produced solid:
    • scoring
    • touch volume
  • His role provided real three-down/receiving value
  • They emphasize:
    • efficiency
    • usage
    • multiple games with 79%+ snap share
    • good catch rates
    • solid rushing grading/after-contact metrics

Why the system matters

  • They highlight target share to running backs in the McDaniel-style system
  • Hampton could become a true three-down weapon
  • Backfield competition: Keaton Mitchell is expected to be more limited in touch volume

3) Raheem Mostert — early-season matchup set up

The podcast focuses less on scheme and more on schedule.

Argument

  • Mostert should be red-hot to start
  • They like the first three weeks’ matchups:
    • Cardinals
    • Raiders
    • Bills
  • The expectation is favorable conditions for an early starting RB impact

4) Cam Akers — underappreciated receiving + three-down potential

The hosts argue Akers’ value is often missed because of injury focus, but they stress his:

  • ability to catch passes out of the backfield

Fantasy upside they point to

  • Early camp/trajectory looks good
  • A stretch where he functioned as a three-down/lead back
  • Consistent carries plus meaningful receiving targets
  • Contribution includes yards after catch, not just short receptions

Extra boost

  • They note the Giants improving the offensive line, improving the environment for his workload

5) Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers) — recover from injury/offense turbulence and unlock targets/TDs

The hosts connect Egbuka’s down second half to Buccaneers issues, including:

  • offensive line injuries
  • Mayfield playing through issues
  • Egbuka dealing with a hamstring issue (even if he didn’t miss time)

Breakout case

  • Expect a healthier offseason/healthier start
  • They emphasize rookie volume: 126 total targets
    • framed as top-10 rookie WR target rate
  • No Mike Evans could mean:
    • more targets
    • more potential TD opportunities

Role/usage comparison

  • Coaching/role comparisons include a reference to Zach Robinson comparing Egbuka’s usage to a Cooper Kupp-like Z spot role
  • They believe the early-season production wasn’t a mirage

6) Tyler Shuck (Saints) — steady progression + upgraded weapons and aggressive volume system

The podcast highlights Shuck’s growth week-to-week as the “productive” type of development that can translate into fantasy breakout.

Supporting cast improvements they note

  • Travis Etienne added (replacing/offsetting lost RB quality)
  • Jordan Tyson added
  • Potential additional receiving depth via draft/role changes (they mention other WR possibilities)

System fit

They claim Shuck benefits from a system that supports aggressive volume, referencing:

  • averaging 30+ attempts per game
  • rushing upside
  • a more reliable group of pass catchers

They also frame this as especially important in a suspect division.

Bonus / Close: Isaiah Likely (Giants) — “most likely” TE breakout due to lack of Mark Andrews

The hosts argue Likely’s breakout is overdue because the veteran competition is gone (no Mark Andrews).

Expected role

  • Likely as the Giants’ primary pass-catching tight end
  • Contingent on Malik Nabers’ health (they note Nabers is still rehabbing)

Supporting reasoning

  • They believe the coaching staff views Likely as an elite-ceiling talent
  • They reference historical production when Mark Andrews missed time:
    • Likely produced top-five fantasy TE numbers when given targets/routes/volume

Draft positioning

  • Presented as a late-round TE draft target

Presenters / Contributors

  • Joe Pisapia
  • Terra Roberts
  • Andrew Erickson

Original video