2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and we continue in the NFL / Fantasy Football offseason! Now, the spotlight shifts to post-draft evaluations. It’s time to break down how these rookies fit into their new homes and, more importantly for us fantasy football fans, which ones are primed to make an immediate impact. Let’s dive into the 2026 NFL Draft Recap and see who’s set to shake up the fantasy landscape.

Quarterbacks

I think a few Quarterbacks will get their opportunity at some point in the 2026 NFL Season. It seems that Mendoza has the biggest opportunity to start the earliest of them all. While others may have to wait to get their opportunities later on in the season. In the early stages of their careers, Quarterbacks can leverage their rushing yards to compensate for their passing performance, often catching defenses by surprise. Some Quarterbacks that I am keeping an eye on going into the 2026 NFL Season are (in order of preference):

1. Fernando Mendoza – LV – #1 overall pick, anticipated to be under center as the season starts. Although with Kirk Cousins there (along with some team remarks earlier in the offseason) it may be a role that the team will try to keep Mendoza learning behind Cousins as long as possible. I think some teams are starting to learn a little of how tough it is for QBs to come in as Rookie’s and be consistent Quarterbacks in the league.
2. Ty Simpson – LAR – has good draft capital and will be interesting to see how the backup battle goes in camp this offseason. Long term play it looks like.
3. Carson Beck – ARI – like the talent, should get his footing backing up Brissett to start the season. Time will tell how quickly he gets out as the starter.
4. Drew Allar – PIT – seemed to have all the characteristics of a pro-Quarterback and gets an opportunity to fine tune his skills at the position in the Pro’s.
5. Cade Klubnik – NYJ – has the talent, will be interesting to see how things unfold in New York. Expect him to backup to start but the season is long.
6. Cole Payton – PHI – interesting skill set that seems to replicate the starter for the team.
7. Taylen Green – CLE – a running QB threat! Added to a packed QB room.
8. Garrett Nussmeier – KC – talented and experienced QB, thought to go much earlier but in a good spot to learn.

Running Backs

This year’s class in the 2026 NFL Draft looks to be alright for the Running Backs. There are some players who could seize their chance to shine both this season and beyond. Of all positions this is the one where rookies can have the quickest impact. Although, in a league that seems to devalue the position most opportunities will likely be complimentary roles as the 2026 NFL Season starts. Some names that caught my eye for Running Back opportunity heading into the 2026 NFL Season are (in order of preference):

1. Jeremiyah Love – ARI – top guy in this class going to a team in need.
2. Jadarian Price – SEA – nice opportunity in a good scheme and may be stepping in to start the season as Charbonnett recovers from injury
3. Kaelon Black – SF – surprised me in how early he went but interested to see how he is utilized with the team.
4. Jonah Coleman – DEN – like the talent and pretty decent spot to get some touches.
5. Mike Washington – LV – good player, tempering expectations as he joins a backfield with Jeanty doing the major lifting.
6. Emmett Johnson – KC – looks like a nice match with what this team has done in years past and how good of a runner this guy is. Will he be a complement to Walker?!
7. Nicholas Singleton – TEN – like the back and could see opportunity coming down the road.
8. Adam Randall – BAL – good player and interested to see how he fits in with what the team is doing.
9. Kaytron Allen – WAS – interested in how this backfield shakes out but expect him to push for his chances.
10. Demond Claiborne – MIN – like the talent and opportunity!

Wide Receivers

This year’s 2026 NFL Draft class doesn’t feel as great with top end talent but plenty of options to help a team at the Wide Receivers position. They usually need a little time in the beginning of the season to get up to speed in producing consistent fantasy football points weekly. Be patient as the season starts out and look for the consistency later in this rookie season. Some Wide Receivers that I will be watching heading into the 2026 NFL season are (in order of preference):

1. Carnell Tate – TEN – a top talent at the position, looks to work well with what his QB does.
2. Jordyn Tyson – NO – top 2 or 3 at the position and am a fan of the improving team he gets to go to.
3. Makai Lemon – PHI – a top guy, on a pretty good team that is tweaking their offense going into 2026.
4. KC Concepcion – CLE – like the talent but boy, the team isn’t usually known for its WR’s.
5. Omar Cooper Jr – NYJ – good talent and hoping the team is better than last year.
6. De’Zhaun Stribling – SF – they love their blocking WR’s, will see if he works well with the teams plans.
7. Denzel Boston – CLE – good talent going to a not so WR heavy team that drafted another WR this draft earlier. Tough.
8. Germie Bernard – PIT – seems like a nice match where the team does do well with WR’s and he has time to learn behind some veterans as he starts.
9. Antonio Williams – WAS – opportunity in the slot it sounds like!
10. Malachi Fields – NYG – hopeful he works well in the offense!
11. Caleb Douglas – MIA – will see, probably higher on the guy that went after him to the same team.
12. Zachariah Branch – ATL – others were higher than I was and he has opportunity to contribute.
13. Ja’Kobi Lane – BAL – tough team to see WR’s do best, will see.
14. Chris Brazzell – CAR – has an opportunity to contribute.
15. Ted Hurst – TB – liked the talent curious as to how it plays out with the team!
16. Chris Bell – MIA – liked the talent curious how things go after he recovers fully from his injury.
17. Brenen Thompson – LAC – seems a little light for the position but has the speed, will see.
18. Elijah Sarratt – BAL – fan of this guy and the big slot opportunity. Would be my bet for rookie WR to do best with this team.
19. Skyler Bell – BUF – like the talent and the team, would be fun to see this later round WR get going!
20. Bryce Lance – NO – skillset fits well with deep threat for the team.
21. Colbie Young – CIN – can he find opportunities within a pretty robust WR room?!

Tight Ends

The Tight Ends look to have some top talent followed by some depth from this 2026 NFL Draft. Usually, a few years are needed before these guys become fantasy football relevant. Feels like the league selected the most Tight Ends this draft as it may be working for more 2-3 Tight End sets moving forward. Some Tight Ends that I am interested to see grow in their NFL career are (in order of preference):

1. Kenyon Sadiq – NYJ – I like the talent hesitant on landing spot.
2. Eli Stowers – PHI – nice athletic skills and could well get on the field early to help the team!
3. Max Klare – LAR – good talent and curious how things play out for this team with the recent changes they have been making in multiple TE sets.
4. Sam Roush – CHI – good talent, improving team, opportunities could be there.
5. Oscar Delp – NO – could work with the team, let’s see the opportunities he gets.
6. Eli Raridon – NE – nice landing spot and could do well learning behind Henry.
7. Matthew Hibner – BAL – the team has used multiple TE’s previously, curious how he fits in.
8. Justin Joly – DEN – decent talent, interested to see how he works with current TE room.
9. Joe Rohrer – CLE – curious with the success of previous TE’s on this team.
10. Josh Cuevas – BAL – like the talent and the team knows how to use TE’s, interested to see how he does!

2026 NFL Draft Final Thoughts

Reflecting on these initial evaluations from the 2026 NFL Draft before the season starts will be intriguing. Certainly, some players may fall off my radar while others might emerge. Once drafted, players enter a phase of practice and learning. This is crucial for securing their playing time based on their grasp of concepts and schemes. Also, a Wide Receiver on a run-heavy team might not excel, whereas a stellar Running Back in a predominantly passing offense might not find as much success in Fantasy Football. Consider the strategies of the teams these players are on and observe who climbs the depth charts over the summer.

Ability, Availability and Opportunity have all gotten the players to this point! Some players are closer than others in how much of an opportunity that they will have. Who will have the chance for Touchdowns? Who slides in for a good portion of Targets? If you believe a player is in line for either, you know I would be interested in them!

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Targets and TDs Fantasy Football

Find players with: Ability – Availability – Opportunity – Consistency – Advantage/Upside – Matchup

Players on an offensive team that can get many Targets and Touchdowns, you know I would be interested in them! Statistics courtesy of The Football Database , a great resource for your NFL players statistics. If you enjoyed the article please share it with others (via the social media links).

Enjoy the ride throughout the 2026 Fantasy Football Season!