Fantastic Freshmen

TE Eli Stowers, Philadelphia Eagles

I’m a little surprised that there is not more buzz surrounding Eli Stowers touching down in Philly. It is an outstanding environment for professional development and growth. Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman is one of the best talent evaluators and drafters in the league, and significantly upgraded the pass catchers in the draft with the expectation of trading AJ Brown after June 1. Without Brown, the passing game needs a big receiver, and Stowers provides size (6’4” and 239 lbs.) and speed (4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash) among the Eagles' playmakers. Also, veteran TE Dallas Goedert signed a one-year deal in the offseason and is not likely to return to the Eagles in 2027, leaving the door wide open for Stowers to take over the position. 

Notebook: Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni discussed Stowers impact on the team, "The guy is super talented. Athletically, he does some things that nobody else can do. Just to be able to create mismatches with him on third downs and first and second down situations, he is a tough cover. [He] catches everything, good after the catch, [has] speed, quickness. So, really excited to have him." (philadelphiaeagles.com)

2026 Projections: 40 catches for 470 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns

TE Kenyon Sadiq, New York Jets

While the majority of rookie ranks have Kenyon Sadiq over Stowers, I am in the minority, preferring Stowers. Yet, Sadiq is still a first-round talent in dynasty leagues based on positional upside at tight end. There is no denying the athletic ability Sadiq demonstrated at the combine, recording a 100th percentile Speed and Burst Score on PlayerProfiler.com. At Oregon, his production profile elucidated a caution light—he never led the team in any receiving category and logged only 80 receptions for 892 yards in three seasons. 

At only 21-years old, Sadiq still has room to grow as a professional with more reps and snaps. He can be employed throughout the formation and create mismatches against defenders when used creatively. Is the current coaching staff in New York capable of developing and unwrapping Sadiq’s unique abilities? It has never been a winning strategy to draft and bet on Jets’ playmakers to become impactful dynasty players. Yet, the rookie tight end warrants taking the risk. 

Notebook: After the draft, Coach Aaron Glenn discussed Sadiq’s unique skill set in the Jets’ offense. "We're going to be able to dictate, as far as the defense is concerned, on what are you going to play? Are you going to be in base or in nickel? And he brings that value to us. Man, there are so many positions that he can play for us that's going to make us be able to open up the offense, and OC Frank (Reich) has a really, really good vision for this player." (newyorkjets.com)

2026 Projections: 45 catches for 520 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns

WR Omar Cooper, New York Jets

My students have often heard me state that history does not repeat itself, but it surely rhymes, and the story of humanity is complex, not simple. When looking at the history of the NFL Draft and the New York Jets, both aforementioned proclamations apply to ranking any offensive player in Green and White. In 2022, the Jets selected WR Garrett Wilson and RB Breece Hall with their first two picks. While both have been productive at times, neither has reached the fantasy expectations of dynasty owners, including myself. Now, dynasty fanatics are again facing two Gang Green playmakers, highly rated—TE Sadiq and WR Omar Cooper. 

Dynasty managers must assess both the short- and long-term potential of Cooper, who will rely on veteran QB Geno Smith to get him the football in 2026. I am not overly optimistic regarding the New York passing game. Nonetheless, if the aerial assault fails to take off, the organization is likely to change coaches and acquire a new quarterback to lead the offense, which would bolster the long-term prognosis for the former Hoosiers’ receiver. Despite a questionable landing spot, Cooper still warrants a late first-round selection in rookie drafts.

Notebook: "We were still stacking the board with players that we think can help us…Omar Cooper was a guy we had good grades on. And when we saw him there toward the end, we had an opportunity to give up a compensatory pick to get back up and get the fifth-year option, just make sure we got our guy. We felt really good about that, again, to add another weapon, a guy that's got strong hands, can block, has a little versatility to play inside and outside," Coach Glenn said about the trade to move up (newyorkjets.com)

2026 Projections: 55 catches for 720 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns

RB Nick Singleton, Tennessee Titans

It is not good process to select fifth-round running backs early in dynasty drafts. Nonetheless, there are always exceptions, and Nick Singleton qualifies as an outlier to the normal course of evaluating prospects in dynasty leagues. His production profile warranted higher draft capital, and he was named to Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List in each of the past two summers. 

In four seasons at Penn State, Singleton rushed for over 1,000 yards twice and scored double-digit touchdowns every year. He also snatched 102 career passes for 987 yards. Sadly, he was injured at the Senior Bowl and did not work out at the combine or a pro day for organizations. Examining the depth chart in the backfield, Singleton will compete with Tony Polard, Tyjae Spears, and Michael Carter for snaps in 2026. Despite the fifth-round draft capital, Singleton is worth the uncertainty by taking him late in the first round (picks 10-12) of freshmen drafts.

Notebook: Paul White of the Nittany Lions Wire wrote: “The Pennsylvania native had a decorated career at Penn State, accumulating the most all-time rushing touchdowns and fourth-most rushing yards in school history. There are some players in front of him on the Titans, but Singleton’s potential as a dual-threat back should help him get on the field early and often.” (nittanylionswire.usatoday.com)

2026 Projections: 770 rushing yards, 30 catches for 240 receiving yards, and 7 total touchdowns