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Dan Fornek breaks down a 12-team fantasy football dynasty rookie mock draft with three rounds of picks for 2026. The focus of this rookie draft is 1 QB with PPR scoring.
The 2026 offseason keeps plugging along. OTAs are officially underway, and teams are getting a close look at their new talent. Dynasty rookie drafts have likely already taken place for some, but many more will be underway as we get closer to Week 1.
In terms of talent, the 2026 NFL Draft did not do much for fantasy managers. However, rookie drafts will still happen, and players still need to be picked. Taking the right chances on underrated talents or good situations could yield big value for dynasty managers in this class.
Today, we will walk through three rounds of a 12-team, 1-QB, PPR scoring format dynasty rookie draft. Let’s dive in.
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1.01: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Regardless of whether your rookie draft is a Superflex or a 1-QB format, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is as close to a slam dunk 1.01 in this year’s draft as you can get.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Love with the third overall pick after he racked up 362 carries, 2,497 yards, and 35 touchdowns with 55 receptions for 517 yards and five receiving touchdowns. Love’s breakaway rushing ability, elusiveness, and work in the pass game as a blocker and receiver can make him an instant impact fantasy player.
beautiful read and cut by Jeremiyah Love on a zone run. And that's that. pic.twitter.com/POYd66aRCl
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 13, 2026
The presence of highly paid free-agent running back Tyler Allgeier could be frustrating (especially in the red zone) early in his career, but Love’s work as a pass-catcher should more than offset. He is the 1.01 in rookie drafts regardless of format.
1.02: Jordyn Tyson, WR, New Orleans Saints
In terms of pure talent, Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is the best wide receiver in this class. Tyson caught 136 passes for 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns in 21 games over his final two seasons at Arizona State. Unfortunately, Tyson also missed roughly 33% of his college games with a series of injuries over four seasons.
Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson is not only the best route-runner in the upcoming WR class, but he also will get after it in the run game pic.twitter.com/STxSLCkcrp
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) August 6, 2025
The Saints chose to gamble on the talent and not the medicals by selecting Tyson with the eighth overall pick. New Orleans was first in seconds per snap (25.1) and fifth in pass rate (59.5%), signaling an offense that should have plenty of opportunities for multiple pass-catchers.
Head coach Kellen Moore has historically run a fast-paced offense, so there’s no reason to believe the team will have fewer opportunities. Tyson should benefit immediately from play style and the presence of Chris Olave, giving him significant fantasy upside if his body can hold up.
1.03: Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was never the top target in college in crowded receiver rooms. However, the Tennessee Titans saw enough from Tate to believe he could be the WR1 in Brian Daboll’s offense after taking him with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Tate caught 121 passes for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns in 21 career games. Tate is an excellent route runner with excellent hands who frequently flashed the ability to get behind the defense despite a mediocre 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine (4.53).
Still, we have never seen Tate operate as the focal point of a college passing attack. It’s also fair to have questions about his quarterback, 2025 first overall pick Cam Ward, after a tumultuous rookie season. There should be few doubts about Ward’s physical gifts, but his inconsistency behind a (probably) worse offensive line in 2026 could lead to more frustrating production.
1.04: Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Makai Lemon was one of the most productive wide receivers in the nation over the last two seasons. The USC product caught 131 passes for 1,920 yards and 14 touchdowns while posting back-to-back seasons with an elite 3.0+ yards per route run rate. Lemon is a strong route runner with a high-level ability to break tackles and generate plays after the catch.
There are questions about Lemon’s ability to contribute outside of the slot in the NFL, but he will have a chance to prove himself immediately when A.J. Brown is likely traded. If new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion can get Jalen Hurts to attack the middle of the field, Lemon could have an immediate impact in his first season.
1.05: KC Concepcion, WR, Cleveland Browns
Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion is arguably the best separator as a route runner in this class. Concepcion was able to prove he could win as a downfield route runner against high-end competition in his final season with the Aggies (61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns).
He was used as a gadgety jack-of-all-trades during his first two seasons at NC State (124 receptions for 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns with 60 carries for 356 yards and two rushing touchdowns).
There are concerns about Concepcion’s hands (19 career drops in college) and the general offensive environment in Cleveland in 2026. However, if the 2027 draft class pans out and the Browns get their quarterback of the future in a loaded class, he could quickly be in the best situation of the rookie receivers as soon as his second year.
1.06: Jadarian Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Jadarian Price took a backseat to Jeremiyah Love in the Notre Dame backfield throughout his college career, handling just 280 carries for 1,692 yards and 21 touchdowns with 15 receptions for 162 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons. The Seahawks believed enough in his production as a complementary piece in college to take him in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT ☘️
5️⃣8️⃣ YARDS
IRISH LEAD BY 3️⃣5️⃣#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/QKHPfgjf4Q
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 22, 2025
The Seahawks let Kenneth Walker III leave in free agency, and returning contributor Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL during Seattle’s Super Bowl run, putting his early season in doubt.
Price should step into a prominent role as a rookie and has a chance to maintain that if the Seahawks don’t re-sign Charbonnet after the 2026 season. His landing spot, combined with the explosiveness he flashed in college, pushes him into the second tier in this rookie class.
1.07: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, New York Jets
Kenyon Sadiq had his most productive season at Oregon in 2025, catching 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. However, it was his performance at the NFL Combine (4.39 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 241 pounds) that cemented his status as a first-round pick.
Sadiq’s production in college wasn’t the best, but he landed in an offense (the New York Jets) with an offensive coordinator who loves to target tight ends (Frank Reich) and a lack of established pass-catching talent outside of Garrett Wilson.
That, combined with the fact that the Jets have three first-round picks to address the quarterback position in 2027, gives Sadiq the upside needed to be a top-7 pick in rookie drafts.
1.08: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets
Omar Cooper Jr. was never the focal point of Indiana’s passing offense, but a strong 2025 season (69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns) and a solid showing at the NFL Combine (6-foot, 204 pounds with a 4.42 40-yard dash) elevated him into the late first round as a prospect.
I won't waste a ton of time tweeting about Omar Cooper Jr. because he's everyone's favorite sleeper at once, apparently... but this deserves a shout
He consistently squares up while catching these out routes to give himself multiple avenues to generate YAC
Savvy pic.twitter.com/yvZpGFChhu
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) February 18, 2026
Like Sadiq, Cooper landed on a team that has an ambiguous pass-catching room outside of Garrett Wilson and could see his value soar in 2027 if the Jets can land a good quarterback prospect.
1.09: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was a no-doubt first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after completing 72.0% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions while leading the Hoosiers to a national championship.
Mendoza’s lack of rushing ability hurts his ceiling in fantasy, as does the questionable skill talent surrounding him in Las Vegas. Mendoza can become a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 in fantasy over time, but fantasy managers will need to be patient early in his career.
1.10: Denzel Boston, WR, Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston caught 125 passes for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns over his final two seasons at the University of Washington. His size, physicality, and ability to win downfield make him one of the best outside receivers in this class.
Boston had some separation issues in college, which is always a concern. But that isn’t as concerning as his short-term value on a Cleveland offense that has a questionable offensive line and a poor quarterback room. He will need to score touchdowns to pay off as a fantasy asset, and those may be few and far between in the next few years for the Browns.
1.11: Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams suffered a nagging injury early in the season, which led to a dip in production (55 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns). However, he still showed flashes of his explosion throughout the season and a continued willingness to work through the middle of the field.
Williams landed very well in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft when he was selected by the Washington Commanders. The Commanders need a complement to veteran Terry McLaurin and have very little standing in the way of an immediate role.
1.12: Eli Stowers, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Eli Stowers led all tight ends in receiving in 2025, catching 62 passes for 769 yards and four touchdowns for Vanderbilt. His 2.55 yards per route run was the second-best mark among tight ends with at least 17 targets. His draft stock skyrocketed after a legendary combine performance that saw Stowers measure in at 6-foot-3, 239 pounds with a 4.51 40-yard dash, 45.5-inch vertical jump, and an 11’3” broad jump.
Stowers is more of a move tight end who can generate mismatches in the slot, which puts his role potentially in conflict with first-round pick Makai Lemon. But there will be plenty of opportunities to earn a role in 2026 if (when?) the Eagles decide to trade A.J. Brown.
2.01: Germie Bernard, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Germie Bernard was very productive over his final two seasons at Alabama, catching 114 passes for 1,656 yards and nine touchdowns. He emerged as the team’s top pass-catcher in his final season while playing both in the slot (36.1% of snaps) and outside (60.6%).
Bernard will have plenty of target competitions in Pittsburgh in Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf, but could quickly become a favorite target over the middle for Aaron Rodgers as a rookie, thanks to his ability to get quick separation.
2.02: Chris Bell, WR, Miami Dolphins
Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell could have been a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft had he not torn his ACL late in the 2025 season. Bell still caught 72 of 106 targets for 917 yards and six touchdowns despite playing just 11 games.
WHO ELSE BUT CHRIS BELL?!
📺 @ESPN#GoCards pic.twitter.com/FA5mW8g3w2
— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) October 18, 2025
2026 might be an initial redshirt season for Bell, but the Dolphins don’t have any established names in their pass-catching group. The team also has a lot of holes to fix across the roster, so there is no guarantee that it will address those needs in 2027. Bell could be a featured part of his offense as soon as 2027.
2.03: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Tennessee Titans
Nick Singleton never quite lived up to his potential at Penn State, but still produced 622 carries for 3,461 yards and 45 touchdowns with 102 receptions, 987 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns in his career. A broken foot during the predraft process also robbed Singleton of the ability to be a draft riser thanks to his elite speed.
There may not be many opportunities in a crowded Titans backfield in 2026, but both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears will be free agents in 2027. Singleton could be a year away from a significant role in what could be an ascending offense with Cam Ward under center.
2.04: Jonah Coleman, RB, Denver Broncos
Jonah Coleman had 349 carries for 1,811 yards and 25 touchdowns, plus 54 receptions for 531 yards and two touchdowns during his final two collegiate seasons at Washington. The questions about his high-end speed went unanswered during the predraft process, which led him to slip into the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
Coleman will have an uphill battle earning touches over J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey as a rookie, but Sean Payton also isn’t afraid to split his backfield among capable backs. Coleman also has upside, given Dobbins’ lengthy injury history and Harvey’s struggles as a rusher as a rookie.
2.05: De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The Ole Miss wide receiver was one of the most shocking selections in the 2026 NFL Draft after being selected with the 33rd overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers. Stribling had back-to-back seasons with 50+ receptions, 600+ receiving yards, and six touchdowns at Oklahoma State and Ole Miss, but wasn’t considered a high-end prospect throughout most of the offseason.
Stribling may not get many opportunities early behind Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, and Christian Kirk, but all three of those players struggle with injuries and could open a role as soon as 2026.
2.06: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Carolina Panthers
Chris Brazzell II showed the ability to get open downfield and a good feel for route running in his final season at Tennessee, catching 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games. He was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers to serve as the downfield complement to Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
The questions about Tennessee skill players translating to the NFL are fair, but Brazzell’s skill set should help him see the field immediately as a rookie. He could have some fantasy appeal if he and Bryce Young can form a connection quickly.
2.07: Ty Simpson, QB, Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams shocked many when they used the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson instead of adding a player who could contribute to their immediate Super Bowl timeline. The pick was even more curious after the Rams opted to extend Matthew Stafford’s contract for another season in May.
Simpson was a one-year starter in college, putting up respectable numbers (64.5% completion percentage for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions) while playing through injuries. He will have time to develop in the Rams offense, but likely won’t contribute to fantasy rosters (unless Stafford is injured) for the foreseeable future.
Ty Simpson- I get the appeal. pic.twitter.com/eMDJQwyakq
— Dan Fornek ↗️ (@fornekdf) April 7, 2026
He is still a worthwhile click in the second round of dynasty drafts, given Stafford's age and the appeal of having the heir apparent in Sean McVay's offense down the road.
2.08: Emmett Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Emmett Johnson established himself as a respectable pass-catching back at Nebraska in 2024 (39 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns), but showed he could handle a three-down workload in 2025.
Johnson’s final season saw him lead the Big Ten in rushing attempts (251) and yards (1,451) while adding 12 touchdowns. He also posted a career-best 46 receptions, 370 receiving yards, and three touchdowns through the air.
Johnson was selected in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs. New starting running back Kenneth Walker III will handle the bulk of the touches in the backfield, but there is a chance that Johnson can be a breather back with pass-catching upside as a rookie.
2.09: Ted Hurst, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst posted 127 receptions for 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons. A strong predraft process, including an impressive week at the Senior Bowl, elevated him to a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Hurst has the size, speed, and physicality to be an outside receiver in the NFL once he’s able to acclimate to the talent jump from a smaller college to the NFL. He could eventually develop into an adequate replacement in Tampa Bay’s offense for Mike Evans, but he will have plenty of target competition early in his career.
2.10: Kaytron Allen, RB, Washington Commanders
Kaytron Allen is the leading rusher in Penn State football history after logging 769 carries for 4,180 yards and 39 touchdowns in 54 career games. Allen averaged 5.4 yards per carry in his career, but his lack of pass-catching upside and athleticism caused him to fall into the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
2025 seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a solid rookie season, but lost his job to a more reliable downhill runner (Chris Rodriguez Jr.) last season. Allen can offer the same appeal and could carve out an early down role as a rookie.
2.11: Malachi Fields, WR, New York Giants
Malachi Fields posted back-to-back seasons with 50+ receptions, 800 receiving yards, and five touchdowns in 2023 and 2024 with Virginia. His production dipped after transferring to Notre Dame (36 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns), but he did average a career-high 17.5 yards per reception.
Fields could have an immediate role for the New York Giants after being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft. Malik Nabers is still working his way back from a 2025 knee injury and may not be ready to start the season, giving Fields an early opportunity to get on the field.
2.12: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Mike Washington Jr. was the fastest riser in the predraft process after measuring in at 6-foot-1, 223 pounds and running a 4.33 40-yard dash. His final season at Arkansas (167 carries for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns) was impressive, but didn’t completely erase underwhelming stops at Buffalo (2021 to 2023) and New Mexico State (2024) before.
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Washington in the fourth round of the NFL Draft to serve as a complement to 2025 first-round pick Ashton Jeanty. New head coach Klint Kubiak has never shied away from splitting backfields, which could give Washington a solid role in his first season, even if it will be as a complement to Jeanty.
Round 3
3.01: Kaelon Black, RB, San Francisco 49ers
3.02: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens
3.03: Zachariah Branch, WR, Atlanta Falcons
3.04: Skyler Bell, WR, Buffalo Bills
3.05: Demond Claiborne, RB, Minnesota Vikings
3.06: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Baltimore Ravens
3.07: Adam Randall, RB, Baltimore Ravens
3.08: Bryce Lance, WR, New Orleans Saints
3.09: Max Klare, TE, Los Angeles Rams
3.10: Brenen Thompson, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
3.11: Eli Raridon, TE, New England Patriots
3.12: Carson Beck, QB, Arizona Cardinals
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