Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, nerds of all ages, it is that time of year again: draft season! That beautiful time of year when you are reminded that there truly is no off-season when it comes to dynasty fantasy football. This is the time of year when the savvy dynasty manager does his or her research and gets their prospects in order. A time of year where each of us gets to moonlight as their very own squad’s general manager. Here at Dynasty Nerds, we aim to be your one-stop shop for all things rookie content. Whether it be our amazing All-22 film room, rookie profiles, or anything in between, we have all that you will need to dominate your leagues.
This week, the Nerds are back at it in the lab with another in our continuous dynasty mock series. Yes, you read that correctly. We have been doing mock drafts literally since the end of the 2025 rookie draft. We have been following along as prospects rose and fell in the collegiate ranks. This week, we humbly bring you a 12-Team, 4-round, 1QB mock draft for your reading pleasure. I, Doc Mitchell, am the mock draft captain for the team. I am joined this week by an all-star lineup of Nerds, including Mychal Warno, Mike Hicks, Steven Pintado, Keith Ensminger, and the one and only Bobby Bishop. Join us as we make our selections from the 2026 rookie class.
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Round 1 | Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 1.01–1.12)
Pick 1.01 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 214 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
Jeremiyah Love is hands down my RB1 in the class, as well as my 1.01 in any rookie draft formats. As a former high school state champion track star, Love’s 4.4 speed shows up on tape, creating mismatches in both the run and passing game. Love’s elite long speed makes him a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Love can make defenders miss in the open field through jukes or hurdles while maintaining excellent contact balance. His running style does not stop there as he is explosive enough to gain the outside edge, turning a three-yard run into a 65-yard house call. Love is a dynamic, game-changing weapon. When selecting at 1.01, your team likely has many needs, and running back should be the last need. This pick value garners at least 3 first-round selections or a young superstar player, along with draft capital.
Pick 1.02 | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 191 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
This year’s wide receiver class has a clear-cut top 3, but for me, Carnell Tate is my top choice. Like most Ohio State prospects, he is a very good route runner. His best attribute is his hands, and he might just have the best hands of the entire class. His ball-tracking skills are also some of the best in this year’s class. Depending on where I am picking in the 1st round, I would consider trading up to draft Tate. If I were in a position to take any of the top 3, I would probably hold on to my spot, but if I were outside the top 5 and had a chance to trade for Tate, I would jump on it right away.
Pick 1.03 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 200 lbs
Author: Steven Pintado
Jordyn Tyson took meaningful steps forward in 2025, boosting his draft stock and emerging as the second receiver off the board in many formats. He’s at his best in the short area of the field, where his quickness and ability to create after the catch really stand out. That said, his injury history will raise some red flags for evaluators. In real rookie drafts, I’d still look to trade out of the pick and acquire a more proven receiver, letting someone else take on the risk tied to Tyson’s upside. This isn’t a knock on his talent—just an acknowledgment of the volatility in his projection.
Pick 1.04 | Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 195 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
With my first pick in this draft, I am taking USC WR Makai Lemon. This dynamic playmaker is one of a handful of WRs that is getting legitimate 1st round buzz for the upcoming NFL draft. He has adequate size and skill for the position. He reminds me of a more athletic version of former USC WR Robert Woods. He has natural inside/outside versatility and will likely go in the top end of both the NFL and your dynasty drafts. With this draft class being relatively thin at top end fantasy skill players, I am more than happy to trade into this pick to get one of the top players in the class.
Pick 1.05 | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 209 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Denzel Boston is the final wide receiver who will start his career as a dynasty WR30 or higher. Due to being lower on the draft board, he may find a better landing spot with a more talented quarterback tossing him the rock than the top 3. Boston breaks the big-bodied receiver stereotype by running crisp routes and creating separation. This wide receiver class has plenty of upside plays, but Denzel Boston is the final guy that I truly feel comfortable that he will find success in any system.
Pick 1.06 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 245 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
In the interest of full disclosure, I think Kenyon Sadiq has become a bit overvalued and overrated by the draft and fantasy football community. If I had this pick in a 1QB league without tight end premium scoring, I’d be doing my best to try and trade back or out entirely. That said, in a weak rookie class, Sadiq has cemented himself as the TE1 of this class. Measuring in at 6’3’’ and 245 lbs, he is the type of “move” tight end that people will want for fantasy scoring potential. However, I don’t think he is a great route runner, and relatedly, I don’t think he separates well. He could “out-athlete” guys in college around the line of scrimmage, but will that translate to the NFL? His ADoT (Average Depth of Target) jumped from a career 2.2 to 9.2 yards this season, but I still have concerns. I feel he’s being pushed up draft boards only because there isn’t a whole lot else available to get excited about.
Pick 1.07 | Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington
Height/Weight: 5’9” | 228 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
Jonah Coleman really caught my attention after his 5-touchdown performance against UC Davis. At 5’9’’ 228 lbs, Coleman has a compact frame that has a knack for finding the endzone. His ball security is highly touted, as Coleman has not fumbled in over 450 college carries (there is a debate in 2024 vs. Oregon). Coleman’s compact frame also allows him to have fantastic contact balance. He can absorb contact and bounce off initial hits from defenders, making him dangerous as a short-yardage goal-line running back. Coleman’s strengths do not end there, as he is a reliable pass catcher, which gives him a three-down workhorse skill set. Coleman is my RB2 in this draft, and as I stated earlier in this write-up, if I were tiering down from Jeremiyah Love to obtain draft capital, Coleman would be a prospect that I would target with one of those picks I received for Love. I would be comfortable selecting him in the 1.06 -1.12 range.
Pick 1.08 | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 190 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
KC Concepcion has the potential upside that all dynasty managers like to see. After transferring from North Carolina State, he continued to show his talent at wide receiver. Concepcion’s hands, route running, and excellent YAC ability make him my WR4 of the class. He finished his 2025 season with 919 yards and 9 touchdowns. That being said, if he’s here when I am on the clock, I would not trade out of this spot and would be willing to take him here every time. I would trade up to this spot to draft him, but I am not sure if it would be worth what you would have to pay during draft season.
Pick 1.09 | Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 200 lbs
Author: Steven Pintado
Emmett Johnson is a running back who could surprise teams at the NFL level, especially those in need of backfield help. Johnson stands out with his vision and patience as a runner—two traits I consistently value when evaluating the position. Fantasy managers will also appreciate his passing-game upside, as he finished his college career with 92 receptions, showcasing reliable hands and versatility.In the back half of the NFL Draft, I’d still be looking to move those picks for a 2027 first if possible, but if that opportunity doesn’t present itself, Johnson profiles as a strong consolation prize who could carve out a meaningful role sooner than expected.
Pick 1.10 | Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 235 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Eli Stowers has been my guy throughout the entire draft process. I have been impressed with his play the last two years in the SEC. Over the course of that time, he has functioned as the top weapon in the Vanderbilt passing attack. A two-time 1st Team All-SEC selection, he was also awarded the Mackey Award as the top TE in all of college football this past season. Winning that award has been a great sign of future success at the next level. Just take a look at some of the names that have won this award. Names like Tyler Warren, Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, Kyle Pitts, T.J. Hockenson, and Mark Andrews, to name a few. Stowers is a big, smooth athlete with a QB’s brain for the game. I am more than happy to grab him here at the end of the 1st round.
Pick 1.11 | Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 209 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
I definitely feel comfortable trading up into this range to draft Jadarian Price, my RB2. I feel like the running back class falls off a good bit after this pick. Despite being in Jeremiyah Love’s shadow all season, Price was extremely explosive on a per-touch basis. I haven’t seen much pass-catching from him, so his floor is the 1st and 2nd down back in a committee with a different back taking the bulk of the receiving work. In that scenario, Price would likely need most of the goalline work to really thrive. I believe that Price will land in a good spot and will be a fantasy starter.
Pick 1.12 | Jakobi Lane | WR | USC
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 200 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Jakobi Lane remains one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2026 class. His Senior Bowl week was a microcosm of his profile. While he flashed elite ball skills and a massive catch radius, he struggled to shed press coverage due to his smaller frame. A player who reminds me of a slighter-framed Plaxico Burress (without the off-the-field issues, hopefully), Lane’s red-zone upside is undeniable. He’s a high-ceiling receiver who could become a touchdown machine if he lands in the right vertical offense.
Round 2 | Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 2.01–2.12)
Pick 2.01 | Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 209 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
The Indiana Hoosiers are going to be well represented in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while many fantasy analysts have Omar Cooper Jr. as the first Hoosier wide receiver to be drafted, I prefer Elijah Sarratt. Sarratt exploded into the national spotlight and caught the eye of many fantasy analysts with his spectacular play for the University of Indiana during the college football playoffs. Sarratt’s spectacular play is nothing new. While playing for James Madison University in 2023, Sarratt exploded for 82 catches, 1,191 yards, and 8 touchdowns as a sophomore. In 2024, Sarratt followed his coach, Curt Cignetti, from JMU to Indiana. At 6’2’’, Sarratt is a big-bodied receiver who is a reliable receiving option. Nicknamed Waffle House because, like the popular chain restaurant, he’s known for being open and available to catch passes in big moments, a name given to him by his teammates and embraced by him for his clutch play. His 15 receiving touchdowns lead all FBS receivers. This may be a little early to draft Sarratt as in our last mock draft, I was able to select Sarratt with the 2.07 in our last mock so trading down is an option.
Pick 2.02 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 225 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
We all know that this year’s QB class is not the best we have seen as of late. However, Fernando Mendoza is QB1 of the class, and it’s not even close. He has an accurate arm and is a very good decision-maker. He showed his intangibles and leadership as the QB of the Hoosiers this season. At some point in 1QB leagues, you have to pull the trigger on the top QB, and with this being an overall weak class, I couldn’t let Mendoza go any lower. As for pick value, I would see if someone was interested in this pick, especially if I was comfortable at the QB position. Drafting at the 2 spot, I probably am not a contender, so I would want future capital or a younger asset.
Pick 2.03 | Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 204 lbs
Author: Steven Pintado
In the early second round of this rookie draft, Germie Bernard stands out as a strong value at wide receiver. Bernard is a smart, physical receiver who plays with confidence at the catch point and shows the ability to win contested situations. From a play-style perspective, Bernard reminds me of a bigger, stronger version of Jordan Addison—a player who has already proven he can produce at the NFL level. If Bernard slips past the 1st round, he becomes an ideal target to trade up for in the early second round.
Pick 2.04 | Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 217 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
This is what I meant earlier about this being a thin rookie class. Now, don’t get me wrong, I really like Kaytron Allen. He is big and physical. The type of RB capable of taking on a big workload and not breaking down over the course of the season. But, he is limited as a pass catcher and lacks the homerun gear that defines many of the top fantasy RBs in the league. I believe that, despite being PSU’s all-time leading rusher, Kaytron will likely be a 3rd round pick at best. If I can trade out of this pick, I am working the phones hard in an attempt to move back and pick up future draft capital in next year’s class. Who knows, Allen could even be available later in the round if you move back to the back half of the 2nd and grab an extra 3rd next year.
Pick 2.05 | Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 200 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Chris Brazzell II is a wide receiver who has sparked my interest. I already knew he was a deep threat option with elite speed, but I was impressed with the suddenness and sharpness of his route running. Tennessee wide receivers haven’t had much NFL success lately, so owners need to isolate Brazzell and scout the player, not the helmet. With his size, speed, and separation, I definitely will be trading into this area to get him on my squad. I’m very interested to see Brazzell’s landing spot.
Pick 2.06 | Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 195 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
The ultimate “professional” receiver in this class, Antonio Williams, has been one of my favorite players to follow and scout. Like me, NFL scouts are going to love his quick movement skills in short spaces as well as his ability to win at all three levels of the field. He’s a high-floor PPR asset who will offer immediate value to your dynasty lineup, and I think he’s going to be drafted earlier than most people expect. I don’t think he falls past the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, and, if that’s the case, I don’t think he will ultimately be available this late in rookie drafts, either.
Pick 2.07 | Mike Washington Jr | RB | Arkansas
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 223 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
Somehow, at 6’2” 223 lbs, Mike Washington Jr. was overlooked by many during his senior season at Arkansas. As a Razorback fan, there weren’t many memorable moments in our season, so I can understand that the media attention wasn’t on Arkansas. The first thing that you notice when you watch Washington Jr’s game is his burst and acceleration. Once he hits the rushing lanes, he quickly reaches his top speed. His strengths do not stop there; he is a weapon in the receiving game as well, giving him three-down running back appeal. From a playstyle-perspective, I see a lot of Latavius Murray in his game. NFL draft capital will be key with Washington Jr, and how to value him in your rookie drafts.
Pick 2.08 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 201 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
Omar Cooper Jr. broke out this season on the way to winning the College Football Playoff with the Hoosiers. Cooper showed he has good ball skills. Overall, he is just a big-time playmaker, and that is hard to pass up. He is the perfect candidate to be a PPR monster in the NFL. This draft isn’t super deep, but he has the upside I am looking for at this point. I would be willing to trade up into this spot to take Cooper. For the value, I don’t think I would trade up any further, but at 2.08, I absolutely would consider it. We are almost at the point in the draft where it won’t be worth trading up, but Cooper is a player who is still worth considering in a trade at this spot.
Pick 2.09 | Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 180 lbs
Author: Steven Pintado
In the late second round, Zachariah Branch, out of Georgia, emerged as a high-end playmaker with the ball in his hands. Branch is electric in space, with the speed and twitch to turn short touches into chunk gains. At the next level, he profiles as a player that NFL teams will scheme touches for him to get the ball out fast and let him work upfield. His explosiveness makes him a constant threat any time he touches the football. If he falls into the late second round or early third, he becomes a value pick.
Pick 2.10 | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 220 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Chris Bell is an interesting case. Once looked upon as an upper echelon WR in the class, a late-season knee injury has him looking at potentially missing his entire rookie season. But the silver lining is that his price has come down significantly. Bell plays with a style that is reminiscent of Deebo Samuel and Anquan Boldin. He is the perfect selection for a rebuilding team. Grab this player and stash him on your IR or taxi. He will steadily gain value as the season goes on, while at the same time not scoring you any points to mess up your draft picks for next season. I am happy to grab him here in this range. I would also be more than happy if this were the type of player I go for from trading back earlier in the 2nd round.
Pick 2.11 | Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 223 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Malachi Fields is rising fast. The run-first Notre Dame offense didn’t maximize Fields’ skillset. At the Senior Bowl, Fields popped. He’s well-built and strong, able to fight through contact. He has an excellent catch radius. Recent mock drafts have even featured Fields in the late first round. Depending on draft capital and landing spot, I don’t know that Fields would fall to the late second round of dynasty drafts, but if so, I am snagging him 10 times out of 10.
Pick 2.12 | Justin Joly | TE | NC State
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 251 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
If you’re looking for a sleeper in the second tier of tight ends in this class, Justin Joly might be your guy. While he lacks the physical traits of a Kenyon Sadiq, he makes up for it with skill and football IQ. A reliable chain-mover, he was productive at both UConn and NC State. For my money, I think there’s enough tight end depth in this class to where I’d skip drafting Sadiq early and try to get a player like Joly (or several of the tight ends yet to be taken) nearly two rounds later.
Round 3 | Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 3.01–3.12)
*Pick 3.01 | Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 200 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
This turned out to be a wasted pick as Trinidad Chambliss was granted his sixth year of eligibility and will return to Ole Miss.* However, my logic on this pick was that I like the upside of Chambliss. In the third round of rookie drafts, I like to target high-upside players. Chambliss offers that with his dual-threat ability as a rusher and passer.
Pick 3.02 | Max Klare | TE | Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 243 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
Max Klare is a bit of a wild card, and why not take a chance on him here in tight-end premium formats? He is a versatile playmaking tight end whose stock will most likely only go up during the draft process. Just like most tight ends, we will probably have to wait a year or two to get true value from this pick. Right away, he is a player that I am willing to put on my taxi squad and wait and see what happens. I am willing to trade out of this pick in general to someone that is wanting to move up to this spot. I would ask for a random pick in 2027 or even the 2028 draft.
Pick 3.03 | Tanner Koziol | TE | Houston
Height/Weight: 6’7” | 240 lbs
Author: Steven Pintado
In the early third round, it’s a great time to take calculated shots on tight ends, especially with young TEs showing strong fantasy production in recent years. Tanner Koziol fits that mold as a pass-catching tight end who could carve out a role at the NFL level. Koziol is a true mismatch nightmare in the passing game. He brings a massive catch radius and strong hands, making him a reliable target for quarterbacks in key moments. If he lands with a team willing to feature him as a receiving weapon, his fantasy upside could easily outperform his early-third-round rookie draft cost.
Pick 3.04 | Skyler Bell | WR | UConn
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 187 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Normally, when it comes to rookie drafts, you want to start shooting for the moon after the first two rounds. You want to take your shot at players that could potentially be studs and not just bye-week fill-in types of players. The latter type is always available on your waivers. Skyler Bell is just that type of receiver. The former Wisconsin Badger WR transferred to UConn and blossomed upon returning to his home state. He actually finished 2nd in the entire nation in receiving yards in 2025. Throw some nice athleticism and massive 10” hands on top of a decent route tree, and you have a truly dynamic sleeper. Age will depress his value, but he could be an immediate value-spike type of prospect. I am more than happy to take Bell in this range and would also be quite willing to trade into this pick to select this particular player.
Pick 3.05 | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 208 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Ty Simpson is by far the QB2 in this draft—it isn’t even close. He’s likely to go in the late first or early second round, and then it could easily be 100 or more picks before another quarterback is selected—likely Garrett Nussmeier in the 4th round. Simpson played hurt much of 2025, but he flashed upside and made some very impressive throws. With the supply and demand of quarterbacks right now, a GM will fall in love with Simpson and give him a shot to be their franchise QB. I simply can’t pass up a player with his (expected) draft capital this late in the draft.
Pick 3.06 | Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 224 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
After breaking his foot during Senior Bowl week, Nicholas Singleton heads into the pre-draft process as an even bigger enigma. For a player who had such a strange season, that’s saying something! While he shared the backfield with Kaytron Allen throughout his Penn State tenure, Singleton’s home run speed remains his calling card. For dynasty managers, he’s a classic “bet on the traits” prospect, which is why I’m more than comfortable taking him here in the third round of our 2026 rookie mock draft.
Pick 3.07 | Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 240 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
I could not agree more with Steven Pintado in his assessment of taking shots at tight end in the third round, which is exactly what I did with my selection of Michael Trigg. If you have followed any of our mock drafts, you will know that I am a huge Michael Trigg fan. At 23 years old, Trigg is an older prospect, but he displays excellent hands, allowing him to make highlight-reel catches. His exceptional traits do not stop there, as Trigg displays impressive yards after the catch, allowing him to outrun defenders in the open field. I will be interested to see how he tests at the NFL Combine, as he is a physical freak, and with strong testing numbers, his draft stock could rise immensely.
Pick 3.08 | Bryce Lance | WR | NDSU
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 209 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
Bryce Lance is an intriguing prospect from the FCS. He had 1000-plus yards receiving in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. And in 2025, he did so on only 51 receptions. He has the size to be a physical downfield threat in contested catch situations. Those traits, along with his YAC ability, give him the big-play upside we are looking for in rookie prospects. He has the ceiling I am looking for, but he’s not perfect. He does have a lower floor, which is why I wouldn’t take him much higher than here. I wouldn’t be willing to trade up for this spot unless I had multiple 4th-round picks and wasn’t excited about anyone else.
Pick 3.09 | Demond Claiborne | RB | Wake Forest
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 195 lbs
Author: Steven Pintado
Demond Claiborne profiles as a steady late–third-round rookie pick. He’s a patient runner with good vision and functions well as a change-of-pace back who can keep an offense on schedule. Claiborne has the physical and athletic profile to handle three-down responsibilities, but there are still question marks in his overall game. Ball security is the biggest concern after a noticeable fumbling issue this past season. If he cleans that up, Claiborne has the upside to be a pleasant surprise early in his rookie year and carve out a meaningful role sooner than expected.
Pick 3.10 | Roman Hemby | RB | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 208 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchel
Mr. Do-it-all for the Indiana Hoosiers, Roman Hemby made an excellent decision this past offseason. After spending 4 quality seasons at the University of Maryland, earning his BA, Roman decided to stay in the collegiate ranks for one more season and chose to transfer to Indiana. Fast forward a year, and Hemby has a National Championship and his first 1,000-yard rushing season in the books. A jack of all trades and master of none, he is simply a really solid RB. With this class lacking any real depth at the top of the RB position, a player like Hemby could climb the ranks. I would be fine taking him in this range, but would be more than willing to take a 3rd next year to move out of the spot.
Pick 3.11 | Tyren Montgomery | WR | John Carroll
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 185 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
The NFL Combine must have been asleep at the wheel during the Senior Bowl to not send an invite to Tyren Montgomery. He didn’t seriously start playing football until recently, and he dominated D3. Montgomery cooked DBs throughout the Senior Bowl. His release, burst, and agility simply could not be matched. He made some acrobatic receptions on 50/50 balls. Montgomery still has his best football ahead of him. He’s someone that I would love to stash on my taxi squad.
Pick 3.12 | Le’Veon Moss | RB | Texas A&M
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 210 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Le’Veon Moss is one of many “what ifs” of this 2026 class. When healthy, he’s a tackle-breaking machine, with outstanding running instincts and contact balance. However, a 2024 ACL/MCL tear followed by a significant ankle injury in 2025 has capped his draft stock and made him a forgotten name. In a class lacking running back talent, he’s a “buy the dip” candidate. At 23-years old, he’s an older prospect, but with his experience against SEC defenses, he could contribute immediately in an NFL offense.
Round 4 | Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 4.01–4.12)
Pick 4.01 | J’Mari Taylor | RB | Virginia
Height/Weight: 5’9” | 204 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
I am probably the highest-ranked fantasy analyst for J’Mari Taylor, as he is currently my RB6. Taylor is a viable receiving threat option that displays above-average contact balance. I have graded his elusiveness third highest among all qualified running backs in this class. His game reminds me a lot of Kenneth Gainwell, and to grab a running back with potential PPR upside in the 4th round seems to be great value for me.
Pick 4.02 | Adam Randall | RB | Clemson
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 230 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
Adam Randall was once a promising wide receiver prospect at Clemson before he switched to running back. Many other players, like Tyrone Tracey and Tony Pollard, looked to use the transition to their advantage in the NFL. In Randall’s only season at RB, he had 814 rushing yards. And through the air added 36 recordings and 254 yards. His size, versatility, and natural pass-catching ability make him a product 3rd down back candidate in the NFL. Randall is a player who could move up draft boards with good performances at the combine and pro day. I would be willing to trade out of really any pick in the 4th round if I could get a pick from 2027 or even 2028.
Pick 4.03 | Seth McGowan | RB | Kentucky
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 215 lbs
Author: Steven Pintado
Seth McGowan is a physical, tough runner who thrives on contact and brings value as a short-yardage and goal-line option at the next level. His play style fits best in downhill, power-based run concepts where he can build momentum and finish runs. McGowan isn’t an explosive athlete, which could limit his upside and cause his stock to dip at the scouting combine, but his toughness and role-specific skill set give him a clear path to earning situational NFL snaps.
Pick 4.04 | Drew Allar | QB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 235 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Here again, I am shooting for the moon on a player. Drew Allar was seen as one of the top QBs in this class a season ago. A gruesome ankle injury and a down season for the Nittany Lions have caused many in the dynasty community to forget about the former high-end recruit. I know that this is 1QB, but I am willing to take a gamble on a player who could land in a really good spot. Allar has the pedigree and tools to be a starting NFL QB. In the 4th round, I am happy to scoop up this type of upside even if it’s at the QB position.
Pick 4.05 | Josh Cameron | WR | Baylor
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 224 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Josh Cameron had a great Senior Bowl. He showcased sticky hands and physicality at the top of his routes. Cameron only had one drop in 2025. Although likely a Day 3 pick, Cameron is a great taxi squad stash. If he gets targets and opportunities, he will make contested catches and shine. This wide receiver class is so deep that I’m collecting as many as possible with the knowledge that some are going to get opportunities and breakout. Cameron has all the talent to be a dude at the next level.
Pick 4.06 | Ted Hurst | WR | Georgia State
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 185 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
“When the ball is 50-50, it’s mine.” – Ted Hurst to his coach, Day 1 Senior Bowl 2026 practice
It’s the offseason, which means it’s time for off-the-radar Senior Bowl Risers! One of the darlings of the 2026 Senior Bowl, Ted Hurst transformed from a Sun Belt standout at Georgia State to a potential late Day 2 NFL pick. Measuring 6’3″ and 207 lbs, he announced his presence with authority by recording the fourth-fastest GPS speed in Mobile at 20.33 mph. His ability to win vertically while maintaining a physical presence at the catch point reminds me of a player who had decent fantasy value and production for a few years, Michael Gallup. Watch as Hurst climbs draft boards leading up to April’s NFL Draft as more people become familiar with his game.
Pick 4.07 | Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 205 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
Speaking of value, I feel that where I selected Garrett Nussmeier could be potentially the best value of the draft. Let us not forget that, coming into the college football season, Nussmeier was viewed as the QB1 in this draft. While things did not pan out during his senior season at LSU, not all of the blame can be placed on Nussmeier. Nussmeier played through a significant abdominal/core injury for most of the 2025 season, while also dealing with his head coach being fired and being benched. His performance at the Senior Bowl looked more like the Garrett Nussmeier we saw during his 2024 campaign, and I could see his draft stock rising with an impressive performance at the NFL Combine. I would not be shocked to hear Nussmeier’s name be called during Day 2 of the NFL Draft turning this selection into a potential trade asset at a later date.
Pick 4.08 | Aaron Anderson | WR | LSU
Height/Weight: 5’8” | 188 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
At the very end of a 4-round draft, I will always take a chance, and that’s what I did here, drafting Aaron Anderson. In 2025, he only had 33 receptions in 9 games. But he had his best season in 2024 with 61 receptions, 884 yards, and 5 touchdowns. You should always draft talent, not just statistics. Anderson has great acceleration, which helps him separate and gives him the YAC ability to play the slot in the NFL. He should also be used in the return game, which will only help his draft stock.
Pick 4.09 | Jaydn Ott | RB | Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 208 lbs
Author: Steven Pintado
Jaydn Ott was one of the biggest risers from the Senior Bowl, showcasing lightning-fast speed and explosive acceleration in his running style. He may not project as a true workhorse back at the next level, but his burst and big-play ability make him an ideal spark plug for an offense. Ott profiles best as a change-of-pace weapon who can stress defenses and create chunk plays whenever he touches the ball.
Pick 4.10 | Robert Henry Jr | RB | UTSA
Height/Weight: 5’9” | 209 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Robert Henry Jr. is an entertaining watch. He began his collegiate career at Jones Community College before spending his last three seasons with the UTSA Roadrunners. Small and compact, he has good speed and elusiveness for the position. He was a standout in the practices and the East-West Shrine Bowl, showing his ability to thrive among stiffer competition. At this point in the draft, I am happy to grab any player with a shot at the RB position. That being said, if I have a clogged roster, I have zero problem moving this pick for as little as a future, future 4th.
Pick 4.11 | Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 5’9” | 188 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Deion Burks is smaller than ideal; however, he makes up for it with explosiveness and elusiveness. He’s somewhat gadgety, but if you get the ball in his hands, he’s going to run after the catch. Best-case scenario, Burks wins the slot receiver role for his team, and the offensive coordinator decides to manufacture extra touches for him. I’m totally fine taking Deion Burks at the end of the draft, stashing him on my taxi, and keeping eyes on him for his rookie year. You can never have enough weapons.
Pick 4.12 | Barion Brown | WR | LSU
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 185 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
With the final pick in our 1QB 2026 rookie mock draft, I placed a cheap bet on speed. Barion Brown was a high-profile transfer from Kentucky to LSU for his final season, and unfortunately, it just didn’t work out in Baton Rouge for anyone on the Tigers offense. Turning his attention to draft prep, Brown used the Senior Bowl to prove he is more than just a fast return specialist. He looked noticeably more polished in his route running, separating with suddenness rather than just raw track speed. That raw speed is undeniable, as he clocked in as the fastest player at the Senior Bowl. For fantasy lineups, his dual-threat ability as a gadget player and as a serious threat gives him a weekly ceiling that few others in this class can match, especially here with the last pick. If an NFL coach can consistently unlock Brown’s talent to match his speed, look out.
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