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Fantasy football: Key players to target; the one non-running back to take in round one

If there is one player other than a running back you should target in the first round of your fantasy football draft, who is it?

NEW YORK — The NFL preseason is over and fantasy football draft season is taking off like a rocket. 

If you haven't drafted your team yet, we're still giving plenty of draft advice over at the Locked on Dynasty and Locked On Fantasy Football podcasts, both available for free on all platforms. 

On Monday's Locked On Today podcast, Marcus Mosher of Locked On Dynasty joined the show to give some first round fantasy football draft advice plus a late round player to watch.

First round player to target: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Credit: AP
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Mosher: "His (average draft position) has slipped to late in the first round, a lot of times you could even get him early second round. I just think Jonathan Taylor is in for a monster year. He was so good down the stretch for the Colts. I think they're going to really want to ease Carson Wentz into this offense, so a ton of touches for Taylor. I think 1,600 total yards and double digit touchdowns is very realistic."

Who is the one exception to taking a running back in the first round?

Credit: AP
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce runs the ball during the first half of an a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Mosher: "I think you have to go running back in the first round. The only player that I think I can justify other than a running back is Travis Kelce because he just gives you such an advantage over everyone else...The wide receiver depth in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th rounds is absolutely incredible this year. Let your league-mates take Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill. We know they're really good. Let them take them in the first and second rounds. You're going to love the receivers later in the draft."

Under the radar player to target: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Credit: AP
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (10) runs after catching a pass in front of Cleveland Browns safety Jovante Moffatt (35) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Mosher: "I just think this is a guy that Trevor Lawrence already seems to like. We saw him score a touchdown on Sunday. He's going to be used out of the slot. With Travis Etienne going down for the rest of the season, I wouldn't be surprised if Urban Meyer gives Shenault more touches in the backfield...You know he's a great athlete, you know he's a great playmaker down the field."

SUBSCRIBE to the Locked On Dynasty Football podcast, for free and available on all platforms. 

Also on today's Locked On Today

  • The Ravens lost a huge key to their offense.
  • The Giants still don’t have an offensive line to protect Daniel Jones.
  • Trevor Lawrence impressive in preseason finale.
  • The New York Jets are replacing one Lawson with another.
  • Javier Baez has had enough of Mets fans booing him, and is taking matters into his own hands.
  • Patrick Cantlay edged Bryson DeChambeau in an epic six-hole playoff to win the BMW Championship on Sunday.

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