Jeremiyah Love is the clear standout in what appears to be an otherwise underwhelming 2026 NFL rookie class. Patience will be required more than usual given the lack of top-tier prospects and far-from-ideal landing spots. Rookie quarterbacks may not play much in 2026, and only three running backs were drafted over the first three rounds for the first time ever (and one of them wasn’t even invited to the NFL Combine). Perspective is greatly needed when examining this rookie class and when comparing historical draft capital. Players are staying longer in college because of NIL, which has led to a shallower draft, one with wild disagreement among pundits over player value.
Been doing this for a while now, and I’ve got to say, this has been the worst draft for fantasy football purposes that I can remember.
— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) April 25, 2026
There may only be a few rookies who have fantasy significance in 2026, so I won’t be drafting them with the same aggression as usual this year. However, many in this class can eventually emerge as helpful pieces in a winning dynasty profile. Here’s an early three-round-rookie Superflex mock draft.
Round 1
1.01 Jeremiyah Love, RB, ARI
Love was arguably the best player in this class and is the easy No. 1 pick in rookie drafts. Arizona wasn’t a perfect destination with the Cardinals currently sporting a deep RB depth chart, a shaky offensive line and questions at quarterback. However, James Conner and/or Trey Benson could be released, and Arizona spent the No. 34 pick on a guard. Love never topped 199 carries in a college season while sharing the Notre Dame backfield, but he’ll see plenty of work after becoming just the fifth running back to be drafted in the top three since 2000 (and highest since 2018). Love immediately becomes the highest-paid running back in the league.
Ashton Jeanty disappointed fantasy managers as a rookie running back drafted early last year, but Love will be selected around RB 10-12, as a second-round fantasy pick, in redraft leagues. The 1.01 in rookie drafts should cost a fortune this year.
1.02 Fernando Mendoza, QB, LV
Las Vegas seems intent on opening the season with Kirk Cousins as its starter, but the Raiders have finally found their long-term solution at quarterback. Las Vegas might have the thinnest WR group in the NFL, but its offensive line will be much improved while Brock Bowers and Jeanty provide legitimate weapons. Mendoza gets to play indoors and in Klint Kubiak’s system, so he’s set up for success while entering the league with only six career dropbacks under center in college.
Mendoza was terrific in the red zone and on third downs, but he also struggled against tougher competition and owns a shaky historical profile. Still, while Mendoza isn’t a generational prospect and may require patience throughout 2026, he’s seemingly the safest player outside of Love in Superflex drafts.
1.03 Jordyn Tyson, WR, NO
Tyson suffered multiple injuries throughout his college career, but he possesses a ton of upside after breaking out as an 18-year-old. He had 47% of Arizona State’s receiving yards and saw the most unrealized air yards among all wide receivers over the past two seasons despite missing games. The Saints play indoors and have an offense that ranked first in no-huddle rate and plays per minute during Kellen Moore’s first season in New Orleans. Tyson will battle Chris Olave for targets in 2026, but the latter is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Cam Ward undoubtedly played better than his stats reflected last season, but Tyler Shough’s 7.3 YPA was significantly higher (5.9).
Some drafters will prefer Carnell Tate (or even Makai Lemon), but Tyson gets the slight edge here thanks to his landing spot and potential if health cooperates.
1.04 Carnell Tate, WR, TEN
Tate was taken higher than Tyson in the NFL draft, and his outlook comes down to where you stand on Cam Ward. Tate’s volume in college was affected by playing alongside Jeremiah Smith, although more production would’ve been nice given all the attention Smith received. Wan’Dale Robinson is arguably as big of target competition for Tate as Olave is for Tyson in New Orleans, and the former is signed longer in Tennessee. Tate projects as a top-30 fantasy WR in 2026 and as a top 2-4 pick in rookie dynasty drafts.
1.05 Makai Lemon, WR, PHI
Lemon had just a 4% chance of falling to pick No. 20, and he projects as Philadelphia’s replacement for a sure-to-be-traded A.J. Brown. However, he’ll contend with DeVonta Smith for targets, and there’s some concern he’s a poor fit with Jalen Hurts; Lemon saw 75 of his 108 targets last season in the middle of the field, where Hurts ranks last in rate of throws over the past two years.
Lemon ran 76% of his college routes from the slot, but he was more efficient on the outside, where the Eagles believe he can play. Some viewed Lemon as the top wide receiver in this year’s class, and there’s upside landing in Philadelphia with Brown surely gone. In this mock draft, there’s a tier drop after this pick.
1.06 KC Concepcion, WR, CLE
Concepcion seemingly had a clear path to become Cleveland’s WR1, but the Browns took Denzel Boston shortly thereafter. Concepcion excelled against man coverage in college, but he and new teammate Boston struggled versus zone coverage, although both dealt with a high rate of uncatchable targets. Jerry Jeudy will likely be gone in 2027, but Harold Fannin has emerged as an alpha as Cleveland’s tight end. Concepcion could have an opportunity soon enough in Cleveland, but his upside will remain limited until the Browns find a solution at quarterback.
1.07 Jadarian Price, RB, SEA
Price could be the second-most helpful fantasy rookie this year given Seattle’s situation at running back, but he’s tough to evaluate after playing behind the top RB in the class. Price never started nor eclipsed 120 carries in a season in college and totaled only 15 receptions. He also played in a Notre Dame system that may be inflating running back numbers. But Price also now has first-round draft capital and a clear path to touches on a team that just won the Super Bowl. Kenneth Walker is gone, while Zach Charbonnet has an unknown timeline (and will be a UFA in 2027) after suffering a torn ACL in January. However, Emanuel Wilson figures to handle passing downs at a minimum.
Hey you. Yes, you. YOU 🫵 are going to spend a 3rd round fantasy pick on this next season: pic.twitter.com/eUfyjJCC4v
— Andrew (GPNGC) (@DraftWithAndrew) April 24, 2026
Price has an argument to go 1.06 given his immediate path to fantasy value, but he’s a risky profile with bust potential.
1.08 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, NYJ
Sadiq is incredibly gifted athletically, but he wasn’t overly productive in college and landed with the Jets. More than one third of Sadiq’s career targets came via screens, so it may take a while for him to surpass Mason Taylor on New York’s TE depth chart. Sadiq is unlikely to eclipse a 60% route share as a rookie, but there’s obvious long-term potential given his athletic attributes.
The Jets continue to search for a long-term solution at quarterback, and Sadiq is projected to gain the same number of receiving yards as Cade Otton in 2026.
1.09 Omar Cooper, WR, NYJ
Cooper was the best tackle-breaker in this class but didn’t break out until age 22. He landed in a tough situation for immediate fantasy value given the Jets’ shaky QB situation and target competition. Garrett Wilson is one of the league’s true alphas and is locked in a long-term deal, while New York also spent the No. 16 pick on pass-catching tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Still, Cooper is the clear next choice in a thin rookie draft class.
1.10 Ty Simpson, QB, LAR
Simpson was a highly-curious pick with the Rams in win-now mode, but he landed in a terrific spot for his long-term fantasy value, assuming Sean McVay is still around after Matthew Stafford retires. Simpson is a long-shot prospect with only 15 career starts, but he now sports top-15 draft pedigree and has McVay as his coach. It could be a few years before Stafford retires, but it’s also possible the 38-year-old’s back troubles resurface.
Despite a thin resume, Simpson’s a top-10 pick in Superflex drafts thanks to an abnormally-shallow rookie class and the McVay factor.
1.11 Denzel Boston, WR, CLE
Boston had only an 8% chance of lasting to pick No. 39, and the Browns will likely play him at the “X” position while moving Concepcion to the slot. Both rookies were top-40 picks this year and will be competing with tight end Harold Fannin for targets for years to come. Jerry Jeudy remains in Cleveland in 2026, and the Browns continue to have one of the league’s worst quarterback situations. However, there’s a tier drop in prospects after Boston.
1.12 Jonah Coleman, RB, DEN
Opinions will likely start to vary beginning here in rookie drafts. Coleman was viewed as the RB2 in this class by many, and Denver could be a sneaky landing spot. Coleman enters 2026 as the Broncos’ RB3 at best, but J.K. Dobbins has an extensive injury history and could easily be gone in 2027. Moreover, RJ Harvey was one of the league’s worst backs as a rookie last season, and Denver plans to run more under center in 2026. Coleman has a path to take over an immediate role as Denver’s short-yardage back and on some passing downs.
236lb 16.8 % body fat ➡️222 14.2% body fat
8weeks later pic.twitter.com/puI4r1NZhv
— Jonah Coleman (@jonahcoleman8) March 18, 2025
A fourth rounder doesn’t typically warrant a top 12 pick in rookie drafts, but Coleman could be Sean Payton’s lead back by the end of this season and beyond.
Round 2
2.01 Eli Stowers, TE, PHI
Stowers joins fellow rookie Lemon in what’s sure to be a revamped Eagles’ pass-catching room. Brown is sure to be traded, and Dallas Goedert will be an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Stowers isn’t quite the athlete that Sadiq is, but he was far more productive in college and was drafted into a superior situation. Bump Stowers in Tight End Premium (TEP) formats.
2.02 Chris Bell, WR, MIA
Bell looked like a potential top-25 NFL draft pick before suffering a torn ACL during Louisville’s finale in November. Patience will be required, but Bell has a clear path to emerge as Miami’s WR1 long term. Caleb Douglas was drafted earlier, but he was projected to go far later and lacks Bell’s upside.
2.03 Antonio Williams, WR, WAS
Williams scored 11 touchdowns in 2024 and is one of the few rookies that seemingly landed in a favorable situation. The Commanders have an elite quarterback and one of the NFL’s thinnest WR rooms outside of Terry McLaurin. Brandon Aiyuk is expected to sign in Washington once he’s eventually released from San Francisco, but he’s a wild card coming off knee surgery. Williams looks like a perfect underneath complement to McLaurin downfield, as the rookie will eat out of the slot.
2.04 Nicholas Singleton, RB, TEN
Singleton impressed as an 18-year-old freshman, but he dealt with a tough situation in Penn State last season and then broke his foot practicing for the Senior Bowl. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears both enter 2026 on expiring contracts, so Singleton could feasibly be Tennessee’s starting back in 2027.
2.05 De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, SF
Stribling going at the No. 33 pick was a shocker, but he’s a good athlete who is now in a Kyle Shanahan system. Rookie wideouts have a spotty history with Shanahan, but Stribling’s blocking ability will surely help. San Francisco added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk during the offseason, but Stribling profiles as Jauan Jennings’ replacement as a power slot. It will take time, but Stribling has fantasy upside in this system and with near-Round 1 draft capital.
2.06 Germie Bernard, WR, PIT
Pittsburgh traded up to draft Bernard, who’s yet another stash for dynasty leaguers. The Steelers have potential outs for the contracts of DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman in 2027.
2.07 Emmett Johnson, RB, KC
Johnson led this year’s RB draft class in total yards per game and missed tackles forced last season. The Chiefs traded up in the fifth round to draft Johnson, who’s shown workhorse ability despite limited size and speed. He could emerge as KC’s lead back should injuries strike. Kenneth Walker has struggled staying on the field at times.
2.08 Kaelon Black, RB, SF
Black wasn’t even invited to the NFL Combine and was viewed as a huge reach by the draft community. Shanahan has an extremely poor track record of drafting mid-round backs, although Black is a bit more athletic than most of the previous misses. He excels in pass protection and must surpass only Jordan James to be the 49ers’ RB2. Christian McCaffrey had 450 touches last season and will turn 30 soon. Shanahan backs have a ton of fantasy upside, and Black was the third RB taken in this class (and the only RB drafted during Day 2).
2.09 Kaytron Allen, RB, WAS
Most backs taken in Round 6 are long shots, but Allen landed in a favorable spot in Washington. He could emerge as the Commanders’ new Brian Robinson.
2.10 Mike Washington, RB, LV
The Raiders traded up for Washington, who’s an elite athlete with a major fumbling problem in college. He immediately becomes Ashton Jeanty insurance for a rising Las Vegas offense, but it will take an injury for Washington to have any fantasy value.
2.11 Adam Randall, RB, BAL
Randall is a converted wide receiver who impressed after moving to running back as a senior year last season. The big back is a fantasy sleeper who could easily emerge as the Ravens’ RB2 behind 32-year-old Derrick Henry.
2.12 Elijah Sarratt, WR, BAL
The Ravens selected Ja’Kobi Lane a round earlier, but Sarratt should possess the more fantasy-friendly role after GM Eric DeCosta suggested the latter could play the power slot in Baltimore. Sarratt ranks 11th in career Passer Rating when targeted in college, which has been a good predictor of NFL success.
Round 3
3.01 Eli Raridon, TE, NE
Raridon will initially sit behind Hunter Henry but could eventually emerge as Drake Maye’s No. 2 pass-catching option in New England. He was the ninth tight end off the board in the draft, but many before him were blocking specialists as the league continues to use more heavy-personnel packages. Raridon’s measurables are nearly identical to Colston Loveland, and Henry’s contract ends after this season.
3.02 Zachariah Branch, WR, ATL
Branch has some red flags as 51 of his 81 catches last season came via screens, and he wasn’t nearly as productive when running other routes. But he should get an opportunity in this Kevin Stefanski offense soon enough.
3.03 Chris Brazzell, WR, CAR
Brazzell is slated to be the “cardio guy” while helping clear space for Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker in 2026.
Dave Canales on new Panthers’ WR Chris Brazzell
Brazzell’s vertical presence can take the top off the defense and create open space for Tet McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker
Sounds like Brazzell is the cardio guy for this offense but they really did need someone with…
— Chris Wecht (@ChrisWechtFF) April 25, 2026
3.04 Ted Hurst, WR, TB
Hurst is a 99th-percentile athlete but will be joining a crowded WR room in Tampa Bay even after Mike Evans’ departure. Hurst remains a work in progress, but there’s long-term upside once opportunity strikes.
3.05 Malachi Fields, WR, NYG
Fields could eventually emerge as New York’s WR2 behind Malik Nabers. The Giants targeted Fields and traded real draft capital to acquire his services in the third round.
3.06 Carson Beck, QB, ARI
Beck projects as a long-term backup but could see starts in Arizona this season. Still, he lacks upside and didn’t exhibit the same arm strength last year after suffering a torn UCL. Arizona almost certainly still lacks its long-term solution at quarterback on its current roster.
3.07 Skyler Bell, WR, BUF
Bell is more than one year older than Malik Nabers, although he was considered a steal in the fourth round by many. He’ll play behind Khalil Shakir for now, but Buffalo is a nice landing spot long term.
3.08 Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, BAL
Baltimore’s WR2 role is open, and the Ravens’ offense has untapped potential under new OC Declan Doyle. Lane joins the list of wide receivers to stash.
3.09 Demond Claiborne, RB, MIN
Claiborne is an explosive runner who will open his career behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but both are unrestricted free agents in 2027. Sixth-round picks are typically long shots, but Claiborne has a potential path to be the lead back in a Kevin O’Connell offense.
3.10 Max Klare, TE, LAR
The Rams are loaded at tight end, but no team utilizes the position more. Klare will take patience, but there’s long-term upside in Sean McVay’s system. Bump him up in TEP formats.
3.11 Taylen Green, QB, CLE
Green has long odds as a sixth rounder, but he’s a highly-intriguing fantasy prospect thanks to his rushing ability. The Browns have one of the league’s worst QB depth charts, so Green landed in the right spot for an opportunity. He has an undeniably low floor, but Green also offers more fantasy upside than many players who will go before him in rookie drafts.
3.12 Cole Payton, QB, PHI
Payton is like Green, a quarterback who won’t likely have a long career as a starter but will sport serious fantasy upside any time he plays. Payton rushed for 13 touchdowns last season, and there’s a chance he takes over the tush-push role in Philadelphia as soon as 2026. He’s worth a flier in 2026 Superflex drafts.
