Fantastic Freshmen

Dynasty owners are finally on the clock in their upcoming rookie drafts. Let’s be frank: From a fantasy perspective, the draft could not have gone worse. Many teams reached for players, ie, DeZhaun Stribling, Caleb Douglas, Marlin Klein, Nate Boerkircher, and Malachi Fields. Only three running backs were selected on the first two days of the draft. The quarterback class is composed of many developmental players, and blocking tight ends were far more valuable to NFL teams than pass-catching ones.

Dynasty and rookie analysts agree to trade out of this year’s rookie drafts if possible. Unfortunately, the value of rookie picks is now so low that a trade-out seems like a poor decision—I do not like to exchange dollars for dimes. I am resigned to making any remaining picks. We need to find value in the class after learning all of the players' landing spots.

One mistake that Dynasty managers make regards draft capital. Astute managers capitalize on the mistakes organizations make in the draft, not overpaying for players like Kaelon Black, whom the 49ers plucked in the third round. Since Coach Kyle Shannon took over the duties in 2017, the team has selected running backs Joe Williams, Trey Sermon, Isaac Guerendo, and Tyrion Davis-Price—not a murderer’s row of ball carriers for sure. Black should only be considered as a late third-rounder in dynasty leagues. Draft capital is a guide, not a road map to fantasy success. To assist fantasy footballers, I have placed the top prospects into tiers, with projections that incorporate athletic skills, organizational outlook, and potential opportunity. Enjoy, my fellow football fanatics!

Summa Cum Laude

RB Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals

Not since the Giants selected Saquon Barkley with the second pick in the 2018 draft has a running back been as highly valued as Jeremiyah Love, who the Cardinals grabbed with the third pick overall. Love is one of my top 10 running back prospects of the past decade. Alas, he landed in a crowded backfield with James Conner, Tyler Algeir, and Trey Benson. I do not expect all four runners to be on the roster when the season kicks off in September, and Love is clearly the most talented of the quartet. 

Love might not garner the workload that fantasy managers covet as a rookie, but his long-term forecast remains incredibly high. Look at the company Love keeps among the runners drafted in the top 10 picks over the past decade: Ashton Jeanty, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, and Ezekiel Elliot. In 2026, Love is the clear No. 1 pick in all rookie dynasty drafts and a top 10 running back in redraft leagues.

Notebook: After the draft, general manager Monti Ossenfort stated, "(Love) is just an impressive kid. When we are picking that high, the goal is to add an impact player. In the end, we felt like we added the guy we felt could impact our team the most." (azcardinals.com)

2026 Projections: 1,000 rushing yards, 35 catches for 230 receiving yards, and 10 total touchdowns

QB Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders

Since 2020, the NFL has identified Joe Borrow, Trevor Lawrence, Bryce Young, and Cam Ward as worthy quarterbacks to be taken with the first pick in the draft. All four become immediate starters for their teams, and Burrow and Lawrence have become fantasy stars and remain priceless in dynasty leagues. The jury is still out on Young and Ward, but both are still valuable in S-flex formats. 

The Raiders plucked Fernando Mendoza at the top of the draft, and he is among the top 10 quarterback prospects that I have scouted in the past 13 years. In my book, there is no question that Mendoza will be a league starter for a long time and retain dynasty value for those who take him in rookie drafts. Also, the Raiders have two terrific offensive playmakers in RB Ashton Jeanty and TE Brock Bowers to complement Mendoza, and the offensive line looks much improved compared to last season. I am selecting Mendoza with confidence in every possible rookie draft.

Notebook: In his Raiders press conference, Mendoza discussed his frame of mind entering the league, "Especially as a rookie, nothing's given, and my belief in that everything is earned. So, I'm going to come in humble, try to establish myself with my work ethic and lead by example, but at the end of the day, it's all great saying these words, but I've got to do it." (raiders.com)

2026 Projections: 2,900 passing yards, 200 rushing yards, and 18 total touchdowns 

WR Carnell Tate, Tennessee Titans

Before the draft, Carnell Tate ranked only behind Makai Lemon among receiver prospects in my analysis. Nevertheless, I cannot ignore the landing spot in Tennessee and potential opportunity as the alpha target hog in the Titans’ aerial assault. The former Ohio State playmaker is poised to lead the team in yards and touchdowns, looking at the receiver depth chart with Elic Ayomanor, Calvin Ridley, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Chimere Dike. 

Averaging 17.2 yards per catch last year, Tate is a home run hitter who dominates downfield and wins at the catch point, which are skills that the passing game desperately needs in Tennessee. QB Cam Ward is an excellent deep thrower, and he will gladly give Tate shots over the top of the secondary. Tate and the Titans are a near-perfect amalgamation of skills, opportunity, and need that foreshadows fantasy goodness.

Notebook: "We thought Carnell Tate was the best receiver in the draft. The route running, very efficient, his route running. I thought he had exceptional ball skills to track the football and catch it downfield. I think he's going to be a great fit in this offense. And you know, he was 20 years old last year, playing at Ohio State. He's a young kid…Tate can play big downfield. That's the one thing, all these contested catches downfield, his ability to go up and catch the football, contort his body in certain ways," Titans GM Mike Borgonzi stated after the draft (tennesseetitans.com).

2026 Projections: 64 catches for 900 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns

WR Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans Saints

So many narratives surrounded Jordyn Tyson before the NFL Draft. Due to a hamstring injury late in the 2025 season, Tyson did not participate in the combine, and rumors circulated about the severity of the injury. Fortunately, he finally worked out for scouts on April 17 and showcased his health and athleticism. The Saints felt confident enough to select the former Sun Devils’ All-American with the 8th pick overall in the draft. In Coach Kellen Moore’s offensive scheme, Tyson is a stupendous selection to pair with veteran Chris Olave. The rookie playmaker has great twitchiness, explosiveness, and body control and is a versatile receiver who can be employed all over the formation.  

Notebook: Moore was excited to grab Tyson in the first round of the draft, "Jordyn is a really exciting player for us. A guy who can play a ton of positions. His versatility, the way he attacks the football, the way he catches the football, the way he can separate at the line of scrimmage, at the catch point—a lot of pluses. He has the ability to play inside, play in the slot, and play with some wiggle. You see the basketball background, you see the track background." (nfl.com)

2026 Projections: 60 catches for 850 receiving yards, and six touchdowns 

Magna Cum Laude

WR Makai Lemon, Philadelphia Eagles

One of the worst-kept secrets is AJ Brown's trade to the Patriots after June 1 this year. If there were any doubts, the Eagles and Patriots' draft decision made it clear that Brown will be wearing a Philly uniform next season. In the first round, the Eagles plucked Makai Lemon with the 20th pick overall. The sleek playmaker enters a locker room with plenty of vacated targets and will be allowed to make plays for QB Jalen Hurts and the offense. With veteran DeVonta Smith commanding the opponent's attention and top defenders, Lemon will benefit from advantageous matchups. A tough and determined competitor, Lemon will be welcomed by the Eagles' faithful and become an integral component of the offense.

Notebook: "(General Manager) Howie Roseman mentioned Lemon’s ability to separate. ‘Insane ability to catch the ball in contested situations. I love Makai’s toughness. I think this guy's a tough, tough football player, with the way he carries the football, when he has the football in his hands, and how he blocks. Insanely competitive, so there's a lot to like. Really excited that he's added to our roster.’" (philadelphiaeagles.com)

2026 Projections: 55 catches for 750 receiving yards, and five touchdowns

WR KC Concepcion, Cleveland Browns

Ranking KC Concepcion this high is an interesting test case of talent versus landing spot. I love the former Aggies playmaking ability, but I am not confident that the Cleveland organization is capable of developing and using the rookie correctly. The Browns are one of the worst franchises in the NFL and continually draft high every April. Is this the year that the Browns turn it around? I’m skeptical for sure. Nonetheless, I believe in Concepcion’s skills and am willing to bet on the talent despite the organizational chaos around him. Obviously, the biggest concern is at quarterback, where the Browns do not have a clear starter entering training camp with four on the roster. I have to trust my process and analysis and believe that Concepcion can overcome the poor landing spot and come close to his fantasy ceiling. Draft the Browns’ rookie with confidence in 2026.

Notebook: Concepcion provided his own scouting report, “I’m versatile. I make plays. I can play anywhere. I can run any route. Whenever I get there, you guys are going to be getting a dog all over the field…I mean my message to Browns fans is to get the popcorn ready. I’m ready right now. I’m ready to play. I’m ready to change the organization.” (clevelandbrowns.com)

2026 Projections: 50 catches for 700 receiving yards, and five touchdowns