The 2026 NFL Draft reshaped dynasty rookie values immediately, and this article breaks down which rookies gained or lost fantasy football appeal because of their landing spots. From Ty Simpson developing behind Matthew Stafford with the Rams to Jadarian Price stepping into a wide-open Seattle backfield, we’re looking at the best rookie landing spots, the high-risk middle ground, and the situations that could cap early dynasty value for players like Mike Washington Jr., Ja’Kobi Lane, Sam Roush, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr.
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Best Rookie Landing Spots
Ty Simpson | Los Angeles Rams
The best thing for Ty Simpson is landing in an environment that helps his development to the NFL. Simpson had very few college starts, so if he landed in a situation where he was forced to start right away, things could have turned ugly for him. Granted, there is always some risk in not continuing to play and learn on the field, but he has the ideal environment to begin his career on the bench.
Simpson will get the chance to learn under Sean McVay and benefit from the veteran leadership of Matthew Stafford for at least a year, and possibly two. Simpson should see plenty of time during the preseason, and with the Rams having 7 blowout games in 2025, there could be opportunities for him to get on the field for a series or 2 during those situations. In terms of culture and a real chance to develop into a quality NFL quarterback, this is a great landing spot.
Current Real ADP: 1.10
Jadarian Price | Seattle Seahawks
Probably the best landing spot for any running back prospect in this draft was Jadarian Price landing in Seattle. While Zach Charbonnet is recovering from an ACL injury suffered in January, Seattle is left with Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, and Kenny McIntosh in the backfield. Price’s talent immediately jumps to the top of that group.
He joins a situation where the team had over 500 rushing attempts last season, which creates a strong opportunity for volume right away. Price should see a big workload early and could dominate touches as a rookie. Even when Charbonnet returns, the workload could still favor Price depending on how he performs. Charbonnet is also set to hit free agency in 2027, which could help keep Price in line as the long-term starter.
Price also does not have the heavy mileage that many running backs bring into the league, which makes him even more appealing for dynasty. He should be featured in this offense and landed in one of the best possible situations for fantasy football.
Current Real ADP: 1.06
KC Concepcion | Cleveland Browns
I think a very underrated landing spot for someone was KC Concepcion with the Browns. Yes, the Browns offense is a mess, but Concepcion should help with some of those problems. He is someone who can slide into the slot in a Todd Monken offense and potentially be that Zay Flowers-type weapon in the passing game.
His speed and quickness, along with averaging 15.1 yards per catch last year, should help this offense move the ball down the field. To be honest, we know the Browns are not going to be a strong team, which should force them to throw the ball more often and give Concepcion plenty of opportunities early.
Of course, there could have been better landing spots, but this is an underrated one for him to go and thrive in an offense that lacks proven pass-catching weapons.
Current Real ADP: 1.07
Antonio Williams | Washington Commanders
One of my sleepers in this receiver class was Antonio Williams, who landed in a perfect situation. The Commanders lack proven receivers outside of Terry McLaurin, so the WR2 job is wide open for the taking.
Williams could be used well in this offense as a player who can get the ball in space and do what he does best after the catch. I’d expect Williams to see plenty of underneath work from Jayden Daniels. The Commanders also lost over 150 targets this offseason, putting Williams in a great situation to produce early in his career.
Current Real ADP: 2.03
Middle Ground | High Reward but High Risk
Bryce Lance | New Orleans Saints
This one may sting some fantasy managers who like Bryce Lance, but I think the landing spot is very 50/50. Lance will be 24-years old by the start of the NFL season, with most of his experience coming from North Dakota State against weaker competition. Had the Saints not also drafted Jordyn Tyson, this may not look as bad.
Lance will need to show off almost immediately to earn playing time in an offense that already has Chris Olave and Tyson. Yes, both have had injury concerns, but when healthy, how much work does Lance really see? Let’s also not forget the Saints brought in Travis Etienne to be their bell-cow running back, and I expect him to see plenty of workload in the passing game with or without Alvin Kamara still involved.
Lance has a ton of upside that could favor his way if things fall right, but it is definitely an uphill battle. I would have rather seen Lance land in a situation where he could actually compete for a true No. 2 receiver role. Of all the players I listed here, Lance has one of the biggest outcomes, and his landing spot could look favorable or horrible for his career.
Current Real ADP: 4.03
Worst Rookie Landing Spots
Mike Washington Jr. | Las Vegas Raiders
This may have been the worst running back landing spot for any of the RB prospects. Mike Washington Jr. was getting hyped to land in the early portion of the draft but ended up falling to Round 4. Yes, the Raiders needed a backup running back, but instead of competing for a starting job, Washington will now be backing up Ashton Jeanty.
While Klint Kubiak ran plenty of 2-running-back looks last year in Seattle, you do not keep a top-6 pick like Jeanty off the field for a 4th-round running back. Outside of an injury, Washington Jr. likely projects as more of a change-of-pace option at best.
It is a disappointing landing spot for a back who had a lot of potential upside, and his dynasty value takes a clear hit because of it.
Current Real ADP: 2.12
Ja’Kobi Lane | Baltimore Ravens
USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane at first seemed like he landed in a decent spot with the Ravens, but then they followed it up by selecting Elijah Sarratt in Round 4, which made the situation much less appealing.
We know that under Lamar Jackson, the WR2 role usually does not produce strong fantasy value, with Baltimore’s WR2 finishing under 600 receiving yards in 4 of the last 5 seasons. Over the years, the passing game has mainly flowed through Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers, and I expect that to stay the same for at least another year or 2.
Sarratt also fits Jackson’s style of passing better as someone who can consistently create separation with his route running. He offers more of a reliable underneath target, while Lane profiles more as a jump-ball and contested-catch receiver. Because of that, I do not see Lane getting a real chance to become a major fantasy producer early on, making this a poor landing spot for his dynasty value.
Current Real ADP: 3.06
Sam Roush | Chicago Bears
Stanford’s Sam Roush landed in a poor situation with the Bears. Roush was one of the few tight ends in this class who could do it all, offering great blocking ability along with solid pass-catching skills.
However, he lands in a spot where he will be the TE3 at best as a rookie. With Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet already on the roster, Roush likely will not see much playing time early on. Even when Kmet moves on in a year or 2, Roush could still remain the TE2 in the offense behind Loveland, limiting his long-term fantasy upside.
With plenty of young talent already in place, this feels like a landing spot that could prevent Roush from reaching the full upside he offers as a well-rounded NFL tight end.
Current Real ADP: 4.12
Kenyon Sadiq & Omar Cooper Jr. | New York Jets
This one feels obvious, right? Seeing the Jets take Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. in the 1st Round felt like a questionable move for fantasy value. Both players could end up having great long-term careers there, but a lot needs to go right first.
For one, the Jets still have major questions at quarterback and with their coaching staff. They never seem to fully get either right, and it has hurt the offense for years. Do we really expect the Jets to suddenly turn into a superstar offense? It is hard to believe that will happen.
I do think one of them could shine, but likely not both. Garrett Wilson is in his prime and is a clear target hog, while Breece Hall does plenty of damage in the receiving game. There are also other young talents like Adonai Mitchell and Mason Taylor in the mix.
It feels like a tough path for both rookies to step up and produce early, but make no mistake—the talent is there with both players.
Current Real ADP: 1.08/1.09
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