The 2026 1QB Rookie Mock Draft is here with 3 rounds of top prospects for dynasty fantasy football. Jeremiyah Love, Carnell Tate, and Jordyn Tyson headline an early board that stays RB/WR heavy, with a few premium upside swings mixed in. Use this mock to spot tier breaks and value pockets for 1QB dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
Join our Nerds as they break down the top 36 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. “Doc” Matthew Mitchell, Keith Ensminger, Bobby Bishop, Mychal Warno, and Mike Hicks bring you their top incoming rookies for dynasty fantasy football. Follow them on Twitter to track the next rookie mock draft in real time.
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Round 1 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 1.01–1.12)
1st Round Selections Quick-Reference Table
Below is the quick-reference table for the 1st round of the 1QB Rookie Mock Draft:
| Pick | Player | Pos | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.01 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame |
| 1.02 | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
| 1.03 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State |
| 1.04 | Justice Haynes | RB | Michigan |
| 1.05 | Makai Lemon | WR | USC |
| 1.06 | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington |
| 1.07 | Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington |
| 1.08 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon |
| 1.09 | Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska |
| 1.10 | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M |
| 1.11 | Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt |
| 1.12 | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
Pick 1.01 | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 214 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Jeremiyah Love is universally seen as the consensus top RB in the class. When you are dealing with a 1QB draft, you will find that often times the top RB is the top pick in the draft. That is the case with Love, who is a 3-down RB showing overall versatility to never come off the field. He has excellent size, speed, and hands. His production has been as good as his potential. Back-to-back seasons with over 1,100 rushing yards and at least 17 rushing TDs per year to go along with a pair of seasons with at least 25 grabs show that this is truly a do-it-all playmaker.
When it comes to his NFL Draft position, Jeremiyah Love is currently seen as the only potential 1st Round RB. I personally believe that he will go on the first day of the draft. His sweet spot will likely fall between the 7th and the 18th pick. Personally, I have him going at 18 to the Minnesota Vikings. This would be an excellent spot and cement him as the top pick in your 1QB drafts.
Pick 1.02 | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 191 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
Ohio State prides itself on its wide receivers’ ability as route runners. It’s no surprise that Carnell Tate is a nuanced and detailed route runner. He shows exceptional ability to track the football and displays keen awareness of his position on the football field. His hands, which I consider as potentially the best in this receiving class, work as one fluid motion. Tate will only be 21-years old at the start of the NFL season and can still evolve his game to a different level. Tate exhibits a well-rounded game and could be the safest draft prospect and most pro-ready receiver from this receiving class.
Tate currently sits as my WR1 in this draft class and should be a top-five pick in your rookie drafts. In my rookie scouting, I have his tape score at 91, which puts him in the potential-elite-fantasy-producer category (WR1s). Looking at recent NFL mock drafts, Tate is commonly being drafted as the first or second wide receiver off the board. As far as potential fits for Tate, I would love to see him start as a team’s WR2. The New York Giants or the Pittsburgh Steelers would be among the better landing spots for Tate. Depending on how the Giants handle their coaching situation, Tate would be an excellent complement to Malik Nabers and give Jaxson Dart another offensive weapon.
Pick 1.03 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 200 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Jordyn Tyson is going to be a very good wide receiver in the NFL for a long time. He may not blow anyone away with his physical traits, but Tyson will be a consistent chain mover. He is an excellent route runner and a high-IQ football player. He is excellent at reading a defense and finding soft spots in zones. His hands are extremely reliable, with only 1 drop all season. Tyson reminds me of Cooper Kupp.
Tyson will be poked and prodded over the next few months, as teams decide whether or not to invest a top-10 pick on him. He is in a two-man race against Carnell Tate for the WR1 spot. Tate is more physically imposing and explosive, but Tyson is a better route runner and separation creator. Regardless, both will end up as early 1st Round selections in late April. I believe Tyson will dominate in PPR formats and will hit the ground running, with his stock rising from the get-go.
Pick 1.04 | Justice Haynes* | RB | Michigan
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 210 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
*This mock draft was finished before Haynes announced his decision to return to college.
After a stint full of promise but lacking in consistent playing time at Alabama, the highly recruited Justice Haynes found his footing this season at Michigan. Before an injury derailed his season, Haynes was dominant for the Wolverines. He is decisive on his first read through the offensive line and sudden enough to turn “nice gain” into “where’d he go?” He finished the 2025 season with 121 carries for 857 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, flashing chunk-play ability as well as checking the box for being a capable pass catcher.
Justice Haynes has the talent and pedigree to be drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2026 NFL Draft. If he lands somewhere behind a strong interior, he could earn touches fast and grow into a 1A/1B role early. I’d like to see him go to the Baltimore Ravens with the 48th pick as an eventual replacement for Derrick Henry.
Pick 1.05 | Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 195 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
Makai Lemon can line up all over the field as a wide receiver, but is best suited in the slot. In 2025, Lemon had 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He capped the season off by winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best wide receiver. He may not have elite speed. However, he has the acceleration and route running to make up for that. Those attributes and good hands make him a slam-dunk pick for me here at 1.05.
Lemon’s draft stock has risen throughout the season. When everything settles, Lemon should end up as a mid-to-late 1st round pick. I don’t see him falling past the first few picks of the second round. As a PPR target, Lemon would be perfect for the Buffalo Bills or the New York Giants.
Pick 1.06 | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 209 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Denzel Boston is a prototypical “X” receiver. Big and physical, he has the capability to function as a team’s top target on the outside. He would be a little higher on my list if he had put together that one huge season with the Huskies. However, he seems to have topped out at around 800 yards within that system. That is not to say that he doesn’t have room to grow. He has the potential to be a much more productive professional than a collegiate player. When I watch him play, I see a player similar to current Colts top man, Michael Pittman Jr.
Like Pittman, I expect Denzel Boston to be a priority addition on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. I could absolutely see him sneaking into the back half of the 1st Round. I have seen a number of respected analysts include him in the 1st Round of mock drafts. I would love to see him land with the Saints at pick 42. He would be an excellent big-bodied complement to Chris Olave, giving Tyler Shough a big physical outside presence in the passing game as well as a true red-zone weapon.
Pick 1.07 | Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington
Height/Weight: 5’9” | 228 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
At 1.07, I selected Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman. At 5’9’’ 225 lbs, Coleman has a compact frame with a knack for finding the end zone. Coleman finished the season with 17 total touchdowns. His ball security is also touted highly as Coleman has not fumbled in over 450 college carries (there is a debate in 2024 vs Oregon).
Coleman currently sits as my RB3 in the class and could move to RB2 depending on Justice Haynes’ decision to return to college or not. Coleman’s game reminds me of Doug Martin, and I expect him to be a Day 2 running back. Coleman would be a great fit in Minnesota or Kansas City if either team decides to wait on running back until the 2nd Round.
Pick 1.08 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 245 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
With the 8th overall pick, I selected Kenyon Sadiq. In TE premium leagues (like this one), Sadiq will get a bump because I believe he is by far the best tight end in the draft. His athletic traits are far beyond most tight ends—he’s going to set the combine on fire. Sadiq has been underutilized as a pass catcher for much of Oregon’s season, but Dante Moore has a 142.4 passer rating and 8 touchdowns to 0 interceptions when targeting him, showcasing Sadiq’s reliability. At the moment, Sadiq is the only tight end with a 1st Round grade in my rankings.
I think his absolute ceiling starts with Kansas City at 9th overall. If Travis Kelce retires, maybe the Chiefs look to Sadiq. I think it’s more likely that Sadiq goes closer to the mid-1st with an NFC South team like Tampa Bay or Carolina grabbing him as their starting tight end to help jumpstart their offense. Sadiq’s floor would be to the Eagles or Broncos in the late 1st Round. Regardless, owners may need patience with Sadiq. Tight end is not an easy position to adjust to in the NFL. Kenyon Sadiq is just scratching the surface of his football talent, and he has a lot of juice in the tank.
Pick 1.09 | Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 200 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Emmett Johnson was a workload sponge for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2025. With high volume and steady efficiency, he logged 251 carries for 1,451 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Perhaps more importantly for future fantasy production, he had enough pass-game production to keep him on the field during third down, adding 46 catches for 370 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns.
Johnson fits as a late-day 2 pick for me in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team that drafts him will value a back with a three-down skill set. Let’s pair him with the Minnesota Vikings with the 81st pick. Like Aaron Jones, Johnson meshes well with Minnesota’s offensive emphasis on pass protection and running backs with receiving chops. He will thrive as a volume option in Minnesota’s balanced offense as a reliable do-everything back who can protect the quarterback and stay usable on third down.
Pick 1.10 | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 190 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
KC Concepcion transferred to Texas A&M from North Carolina State for the 2025 season. And he did nothing but raise his draft stock this season. Concepcion finished with 61 receptions, 919 yards, and 9 touchdowns. He has good hands, but his best attribute might just be his YAC ability. He is my WR4 of the draft class, so getting him here at 1.10 is a no-brainer.
Concepcion has only helped his draft stock with his play in 2025. I am curious to see how he does at the scouting combine. I see him as a late-1st to early-2nd Round pick in the Draft. I can see him teaming up with Drake London for the Atlanta Falcons.
Pick 1.11 | Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 235 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Among NFL Draft analysts, I may be Eli Stowers’ biggest fan. I have consistently had the Vanderbilt pass catcher as my top TE in the class. Stowers is a big-bodied playmaker with a QB’s brain. He was originally recruited to Texas A&M as a highly-touted QB. He was the top target for Heisman Finalist Diego Pavia, leading the team in catches each of the last two years. Along the was he garnered 1st Team All-SEC honors in each of the last two years, culminating in winning the 2025 Mackey Award as the top TE in College football. Go back and take a look at the last 4 or 5 winners of this coveted award.
Recent trends in the NFL have seen the TE position going higher and higher in the Draft. Teams are valuing players that can provide a mismatch of being too athletic for linebackers to stick with and too big for secondary players to hang with. I’m not sure Stowers will hear his name called in the 1st Round, but I truly believe he will be taken before the end of the 2nd Round of the NFL Draft. He would be an ideal fit with the Miami Dolphins, who are in need of a long-term fix at the position.
Pick 1.12 | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 206 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
With the final pick in the 1st round, I decided it was time to take Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. As of the publishing of this draft, Moore has not declared for the NFL Draft. I am assuming he will declare. I would argue Moore has elevated his draft stock more than any other prospect. Moore is a former five-star recruit who started his career at UCLA before transferring to Oregon. During the season, he showed excellent pocket presence and poise. Moore displays excellent accuracy with exceptional ball placement.
If Moore declares, he will be a top-five selection. The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets are likely suitors as they are in desperate need of a new signal-caller. Moore will benefit from a creative offensive coordinator who can maximize his skill set.
Round 2 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 2.01–2.12)
2nd Round Selection Quick-Reference Chart
Below is the quick-reference table for the 2nd round of the 1QB Rookie Mock Draft:
| Pick | Player | Pos | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.01 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| 2.02 | Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC |
| 2.03 | Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame |
| 2.04 | Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State |
| 2.05 | Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama |
| 2.06 | Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee |
| 2.07 | Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson |
| 2.08 | Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State |
| 2.09 | Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana |
| 2.10 | Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor |
| 2.11 | Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia |
| 2.12 | Tanner Koziol | TE | Houston |
Pick 2.01 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 225 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
With the first pick in the 2nd round, I selected Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner. In 1QB leagues, this range is correct for Mendoza. His biggest talent is reading defenses and getting the ball out on time and accurately to his playmakers. He has the desired size and IQ for the quarterback position with just enough mobility to be successful. Out of all the remaining picks, Mendoza has the best insulation. Even if struggling initially, his value will remain the same, as a rebuilding team will still buy him based on his upside. Cam Ward did not have a great rookie season, but the community rightly blames the Titans, and his value remains unfazed.
Similar to Cam Ward, Mendoza will be the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, landing with a weak franchise. It will be important to keep tabs on the Raiders’ offseason decisions. Who is their new coach and OC? Have they upgraded the offensive line and wide receiver room? Year 1 success for Mendoza relies on a nearly flawless offseason for the Raiders organization; however, he has a safe floor for his career, even if he comes out of the gate slowly. A rookie struggle for QBs is built into the value equation as they adjust to the speed of the NFL game, but with the sizable investment, franchises will do everything in their power to surround them with success during their rookie contract. Mendoza is a high-floor pick in the early 2nd round of 1QB leagues.
Pick 2.02 | Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 200 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Like other USC receivers before him, I think Ja’Kobi Lane will have a better NFL career than what he showed in the box score with the Trojans, posting a modest 49 receptions for 745 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025. Lane is lean but has the kind of size and frame that NFL teams look for in a big slot receiver. His value shows up in the spacing, able to win on slants/digs with his stride length, and his quarterback provides a friendly catch window when things get muddy.
With his physical gifts, I think Lane will be taken on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft somewhere in the 3rd Round. His ideal fit will be in an offense where he plays a high-end WR2 role with an established WR1. With the loss of Adonai Mitchell in the Sauce Gardner trade and potentially losing Alec Pierce in free agency, a landing spot in Indianapolis with the Colts at pick 82 makes some sense. Lane can become a chain-mover with boom weeks while learning the game from fellow USC alum Michael Pittman.
Pick 2.03 | Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 209 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
For Jadarian Price, his game revolves around his best attribute: speed. If you add his speed to his success and tackle-breaking ability, he was the perfect sidekick to Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame. He will add value in the return game to whatever team he lands on. To get more playing time in the NFL, he will need to work on his pass protection.
There won’t be many running backs taken in the first two rounds of this year’s NFL draft. Price should be off the board in the top half of Round 4, if not the backend of Round 3. Depending on what happens in the offseason, the Chicago Bears would be a perfect fit for Price.
Pick 2.04 | Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 224 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
My, how time changes things. A couple of years ago, Nicholas Singleton was thought of as the top RB in the class. However, a down final year at Happy Valley and being passed on the depth chart by teammate Kaytron Allen have dinged the talented player. In a 1QB draft, I am always interested in RBs and WRs in particular. Even though Singleton struggled to find the same level of success at Penn State in 2025, he did manage to leave the school as the All-Time leader in total yards and rushing scores. Being very in tune with this program, I believe that Singleton will be one of the stars of the upcoming NFL Combine. He is a gym rat and workout warrior putting up numbers within the realm of NFL star Saquon Barkley, so get ready for the show.
In a class that is light on RB talent, Singleton still has a chance to hear his name called relatively early. Having watched quite a few PSU games, I believe that Singleton struggled with the zone blocking scheme. He would be a much more natural fit with a power gap scheme. He would be an ideal fit with the Baltimore Ravens in the 3rd round. That would give him a year to work in tandem with Derrick Henry before eventually taking over as the top RB on the team. If so, he’d be an early 2nd round dynasty value for your squads.
Pick 2.05 | Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 204 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
Germie Bernard is a senior wide receiver who is well-traveled. Bernard began his career at Michigan State, transferred to the University of Washington, and then transferred again to the University of Alabama for the 2024 season. Bernard was one of several players who followed Coach Kalen DeBoer in his transition from Washington to Alabama. In 2025, Bernard led all Alabama wide receivers with 64 receptions, 862 receiving yards, and finished second on the team in touchdowns with seven. Bernard is a versatile wide receiver who occasionally lines up in the backfield as well. Bernard displays an impressive football IQ, and his blocking ability should help him see the field early.
In terms of where he projects in the NFL Draft, I think Bernard is a Day 2 prospect that will likely be a 3rd Round selection with an outside chance of being a 2nd Round pick. Bernard’s play style is a good fit for Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers.
Pick 2.06 | Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 200 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
One of the best deep threat receivers in the draft, Chris Brazzell II runs like a gazelle with a lion hot on his tail. He profiles best as a team’s Z or flanker, consistently running deep routes to open up space underneath and to create big, splash plays when open. At 6’5’’, he can go up and get the ball over most DBs. Brazzell has solid hands, dropping only 2 passes this year. My pro comp for Chris Brazzell II is Christian Watson, who is also a long Z receiver with freakish traits.
Brazzell should be an early 2nd Round pick, but it is still possible he could sneak into the late 1st Round. I think the Atlanta Falcons would be a perfect fit. On the opposite side of Drake London, Brazzell would feast on 1-on-1 coverage. He would stretch defenses into 2 high safety coverages, allowing London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson to feast in the short to intermediate range. Unfortunately, I’m not sure we will see much week-to-week consistency from Brazzell in the NFL. Like Watson or Alec Pierce, or any other deep threat receiver, Brazzell’s value will be highest in Best Ball formats.
Pick 2.07 | Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 195 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Antonio Williams is the kind of professional wide receiver who NFL coaches and GMs yearn for. He keeps the offense on the field by being a quick separator with sharp breaks. He can win at all three levels and has the toughness needed to succeed in the middle of the field. In 2025, despite missing several games due to an early-season injury, he recorded 55 catches for 604 yards and 4 touchdowns.
There are several NFL teams who could use a player with Antonio Williams’ skill set. I think he will get drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft to a team with a young quarterback to be that quarterback’s safety valve. Let’s give Tyler Shough and the Saints’ offense some help by slotting Antonio Williams to them at pick 72.
Pick 2.08 | Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 217 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
Kaytron Allen is a physical downhill running back. His vision and burst make up for the lack of pure breakaway speed. With his size, he should step in right away as a red zone threat in the NFL. In 12 games, Allen had 1,303 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, and finished his career as the PSU all-time rushing leader. One downside is that Allen is limited in the passing game.
Allen is the physical style running back that any team in the NFL would like to add to their RB room. He should be drafted in the 3rd Round. After all the offseason dominoes fall, Allen could end up being a perfect fit for either the Minnesota Vikings or the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pick 2.09 | Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 209 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Elijah Sarratt is another big-bodied X-type receiver. He has the strange distinction of actually seeing his receiving yardage go down each and every season in college. That doesn’t mean that he has lacked production. His numbers would have been the best of his career this year were it not for a mid-season hamstring injury that slowed him and cost him a couple of games. He was the top target for the no. 1 team in the nation. The one area where he thrived in 2025 was in the redzone. Despite not playing a full slate of games, he led the Hoosiers with 13 TD grabs.
Big and physical, Sarratt’s true draft position will hinge on how he tests in the pre-draft process. His college tape shows a player who is capable of playing on the inside and outside. He will need to stay within the 4.5’s on the 40-yard dash to make sure he has optimal draft capital. When I watch him play, I see something of a Michael Wilson-type player. He would be a great fit as a big bodied complement to Jaxson Smith-Njigba in Seattle, being selected toward the end of the 3rd Round of the NFL Draft.
Pick 2.10 | Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 240 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
With the 2.10, I decided to dip my toes into the tight end waters of this draft with my selection of Michael Trigg. 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.
As of this writing, Trigg projects to be a Day 3 prospect. I will be interested to see how Trigg tests at the NFL Combine, as he is a physical freak, and with good testing numbers, he could see his draft stock rise immensely. In terms of a player comparison, I see a lot of Oronde Gadsden in his game.
Pick 2.11 | Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 180 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
In 1QB leagues, I want to fill my roster with weapons, and Zachariah Branch fits the bill. With the ball in his hands, he becomes a firecracker—barely possible to track with your eyes. From his freshman year at USC, Branch has always been a great returner, but what we saw in 2025 was Branch becoming a wide receiver. He has developed nuance in his route running and has only dropped the ball twice all year. My pro comp for Branch is Curtis Samuel, with a caveat. Samuel played a lot of running back at Ohio State and didn’t truly start fine-tuning his receiver craft until he arrived in the NFL. Branch is a step ahead.
To me, Branch is a Day 2 pick. A team with a hole at slot receiver, looking to fill it with an explosive threat, should definitely aim to snag him in the 3rd Round. The reason I’m fully in on Branch is that I no longer feel that an offense has to scheme touches for him. Malachi Corley, Savion Williams, and Laviska Shenault had very impressive RAC resumes, but have thus far failed in the NFL because most OCs don’t want to have to scheme touches for their receivers. They want receivers who can run a normal route tree and still get RAC. If teams have to run end-arounds and screens to get a player the ball exclusively behind the line of scrimmage, then the defense knows what to do on the 10% of plays that they are on the field. Zachariah Branch has proven this year that he is much more than that guy.
Pick 2.12 | Tanner Koziol | TE | Houston
Height/Weight: 6’7” | 240 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Tannel Koziol is a matchup problem before the ball is even snapped. He is tall, long, and plays like a built-in bailout option. After three seasons at Ball State, Koziol transferred to Houston and broke out with the Cougars. Koziol ended the season with 74 receptions for 727 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was the “security blanket” target in their offense.
Koziol’s ideal home is a system that can find targets for the tight end in the passing game through play-action seams, red-zone fades, and routes vs. linebackers. I’ll send him to Philadelphia, who will likely have to replace free agent Dallas Goedert this offseason. The Eagles have several picks in the third and fourth rounds, and I think Koziol would be a good fit in their offense among established options.
Round 3 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 3.01–3.12)
3rd Round Selection Quick-Reference Chart
Below is the quick-reference table for the 3rd round of the 1QB Rookie Mock Draft:
| Pick | Player | Pos | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.01 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana |
| 3.02 | Bryce Lance | WR | North Dakota State |
| 3.03 | Demond Claiborne | RB | Wake Forest |
| 3.04 | Skyler Bell | WR | UConn |
| 3.05 | LJ Martin | RB | BYU |
| 3.06 | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville |
| 3.07 | Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas |
| 3.08 | Eric Singleton Jr. | WR | Auburn |
| 3.09 | Le’Veon Moss | RB | Texas A&M |
| 3.10 | Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss |
| 3.11 | Nyck Harbor | WR | South Carolina |
| 3.12 | Drew Allar | QB | Penn State |
Pick 3.01 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 201 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
Omar Cooper Jr. had a true breakout season in 2025. Through the Rose Bowl, he has 61 receptions, 849 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He’s still raw as a route runner, but he shows signs that he can be a good receiver in the NFL. He has great hands and a large catch radius. But his best attribute might just be his big catch ability, which he showed multiple times this season.
With a good showing the rest of the CFP and the scouting Combine, Cooper Jr. could end up as a 3rd Round pick. However, I see it more likely that he is a 4th Round selection. He would be perfect as a WR2 on teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New Orleans Saints.
Pick 3.02 | Bryce Lance | WR | North Dakota State
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 209 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
If you are going to scout a small school player, he better be a productive player. North Dakota State’s Bryce Lance is absolutely that. He has put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons as the top pass catcher in the Bison offense. Two seasons ago, he had a crazy 17 TD grabs, helping lead North Dakota State to a National Championship. This year, that number was down a little, but he saw a big jump in his YPC, jumping from 14.0 to 21.2. He is the little brother of Chargers backup QB Trey Lance, so he also comes from an excellent background.
It is challenging to pinpoint just how high Lance will go in the upcoming NFL draft. A favorite of NFL draft guru Mel Kiper, Lance has a chance to go as high as the 2nd round and as low as the 4th. I personally see him going in between those ends in the 3rd Round. He is a similar player to Broncos WR Troy Franklin. I think he would be an ideal fit on a Commanders squad looking to surround Jayden Daniels with some younger high upside talent.
Pick 3.03 | Demond Claiborne | RB | Wake Forest
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 195 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
After the second round of rookie drafts, I like to select “my guys,” and that is precisely what I did at 3.03. Demond Claiborne may have the best contact balance of this draft class. I love his patience behind the line of scrimmage that sometimes gets mistaken for hesitancy. His elusiveness to avoid arm tackles makes him a tricky runner to bring down.
While Clairbone could handle an NFL workload, I do not think NFL teams will see him that way. Claiborne can also make a perfect complementary back and will obviously benefit from a lighter workload. As a Day 3 selection, I would love to see him in Green Bay as a change-of-pace back for Josh Jacobs.
Pick 3.04 | Skyler Bell | WR | UConn
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 185 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Skyler Bell was arguably the most productive wide receiver in the nation in 2025. He was 2nd among FBS receivers in receiving yards (1278) and 3rd in receptions (101). He’s a well-built receiver who is extremely versatile. He plays outside or in the slot. Bell can grab contested catches. He can gain yards after the catch (averaged 8.2 YAC per reception). Bell beat zone and man coverage, averaging over 3 yards per route run against both. He even lowered his drops from 8 in 2024 to just 3 in 2025. Bell has committed to the Senior Bowl where he’ll have a great opportunity to showcase his skills against elite competition in Mobile. He easily could delete doubts about his level of competition and potentially rise into the 2nd Round range.
At the moment, I have a 3rd Round grade on Bell, but he is someone I will be targeting in rookie drafts. He’s going to hit the ground running in the NFL. Teams want players ready to play right away, so a contender that needs to upgrade their WR3 spot will definitely pursue Bell in the draft.
Pick 3.05 | LJ Martin* | RB | BYU
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 220 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
*Since the time of this mock draft, LJ Martin also decided to return to college for another season.
With a big frame and steady feet, LJ Martin ran like a freight train for BYU in 2025 with the kind of finishing power that can turn four-yard gains into seven. This season for the Cougars, Martin put up 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, showing he can handle volume while keeping the offense out of bad down-and-distance.
In a class lacking talent at running back, Martin is one of the more underrated and under-the-radar players. He profiles as the type of back who will be taken early on the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft to a run-heavy attack that values big backs who can wear down defenses late. With Tyler Allgeier almost certainly moving on in free agency, let’s send Martin to the Falcons at pick 109 as his replacement.
Pick 3.06 | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 220 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
Chris Bell is a wide receiver who is built like a linebacker. He has great ball tracking ability and is great after the catch with real 4.4 speed. Bell had 72 receptions, 917 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL against SMU in late November. With that said, I am still drafting Bell as a taxi squad candidate.
Bell’s draft stock will drastically change with the news of his torn ACL. Before the injury, he was probably going to go in the 2nd Round. I still think a team will take a risk on Bell, but he will probably slide to the 4th/5th Round. Knowing this, I think a perfect fit is the New Orleans Saints or San Francisco 49ers.
Pick 3.07 | Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 223 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Mike Washington Jr. is likely not going to be a household name this early in the draft process. The talented runner from Arkansas is one of the best power backs in the entire SEC. At 6’2” and 223 lbs, he is an absolute load for smaller linebackers to bring down. A bit of an older prospect, Washington spent three seasons at Buffalo and one at New Mexico State before finally taking off in his lone season in the SEC. Despite his long collegiate journey, his one season at Arkansas showed a player capable of carrying a heavy load as a runner in the NFL on early downs. He did catch a healthy 28 passes, showing he wasn’t a total liability in the receiving game.
If this weren’t such a thin class at RB, a player like Washington would likely be a 7th-rounder or even a priority FA. But he has a chance to hear his name called sometime in the middle rounds of the Draft. He would be an ideal fit in the 5th Round or so for a team like New England to pair with TreVeyon Henderson. He could eat into the early down carries to keep Henderson fresh to rip off big plays in the running and receiving game.
Pick 3.08 | Eric Singleton Jr. | WR | Auburn
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 180 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
With my final selection in our mock draft, I pivoted back to the wide receiver position with Auburn’s Eric Singleton Jr. A highly electric player, Singleton Jr. is an alignment-versatile receiver who can create explosive plays. He is a natural separator with legitimate 4.3 speed. While Cam Coleman stole the show in Auburn’s wide receiver corps, Singleton consistently showed that he is a dynamic playmaker.
I expect Singleton to be a Day 3 draft selection and possibly taken as early as the 4th Round. Singleton can stretch the field and would be a great deep-ball option for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, who have consistently been searching for a serious threat.
Pick 3.09 | Le’Veon Moss | RB | Texas A&M
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 210 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Le’Veon Moss has the necessary size and burst for the NFL. He averaged over 5 yards per carry throughout his college career. Moss averaged 3.66 yards after contact. He has dealt with injuries that have severely limited his college carries, so while he has great averages, Moss doesn’t have the desired bulk production. Moss has committed to play in the Senior Bowl. This opportunity will help him emerge as one of the better backs in Mobile.
I see Le’Veon Moss getting picked in the 4th or 5th Round of the NFL Draft. I love adding running backs at the end of rookie drafts to fill out my roster, and Moss would be the perfect fit.
Pick 3.10 | Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 200 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Trinidad Chambliss’ 2025 rise is the kind of story ESPN makes 30 for 30s about. It’s also the kind of story scouts love but intensely debate. Chambliss is a transfer-up from Division 2 who has made the most of his opportunities. He has played efficient, confident football in big moments and hasn’t put the ball in danger. To add to his value, he has shown real mobility. His ultimate evaluation, however, will hinge on the traits of an under-recruited athletic profile and consistency versus top college defenses.
As far as his draft range goes? Even Rich Dotson’s crystal balls aren’t magical enough to answer that question. When I shake my magic eight ball, it says, “answer unclear, check again later.” There are many teams who need a quarterback, and with the QB-needy Raiders, Jets, and Cardinals occupying the top three slots, the market will be hot for a second-tier of signal callers after those teams fill up first. At any rate, in the late 3rd round of a way-too-early 1QB mock draft? Let’s roll the dice and have some fun.
Pick 3.11 | Nyck Harbor* | WR | South Carolina
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 235 lbs
Author: Mike Hicks
*Nyck Harbor has decided to go back to college for the 2026 season.
If you like playmakers who don’t fit inside a box, Nyck Harbor is definitely for you. With his size, he could be a big wide receiver or even possibly move to tight end. If he were to move to tight end, he could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He had 30 receptions, 618 yards, and an impressive 20.6 YPR. He is the definition of a wild card, but at this point in rookie drafts, he is worth the risk.
With Harbor being a wild-card type of athlete, it will take a team to see him in their specific offense. I think he will be a Day 3 pick in the Draft, but probably a 5th or 6th Round pick. If he does move to tight end, a team with an aging player would be perfect for him. Teams that come to mind for me are the Patriots, Eagles, or Texans.
Pick 3.12 | Drew Allar | QB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 235 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
For my last pick, I went with a total wild card. Heading into the 2025 season, Drew Allar was considered a legitimate candidate to be the no.1 overall picking the upcoming NFL draft. He was an accomplished signal caller who had just led his team to the semi-finals of the College Football playoffs. Fast forward through an injury-plagued down season, and he is a forgotten name. A broken left ankle has left him a forgotten man. Despite this unfortunate injury, Allar still possesses an ideal NFL frame, arm, and athletic profile. He is a perfect Bill Parcells QB, passing every test. He is a three-year starter, senior, college graduate, 30+ starts, 23+ wins, 2-1 TD-to-Int-Ratio, with 60%+ completion percentage.
Allar will be an interesting study for the upcoming draft. Will teams at the top be willing to take a chance on a player coming off an injury? I believe that the injury and the down PSU season will knock his draft stock. He won’t go in the 1st round as he potentially would have last year. But, he absolutely has a chance to go in the 2nd round of the NFL draft to a team willing to wait on a player with the talent to have gone much earlier. Staying in-state with the Steelers in the 2nd round would be a great destination for this talented signal caller.
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🧠 2026 1QB Rookie Mock Draft | FAQ
Q: Should I take Jeremiyah Love at 1.01 in a 2026 1QB rookie draft?
A: If you need an immediate impact profile and your league values RB ceilings, Jeremiyah Love is the most common 1.01 build in 1QB. He’s the pick that can anchor weekly scoring early and keep strong trade value through the NFL Draft window.
Q: Is Carnell Tate worth a top-3 pick in 2026 1QB rookie drafts?
A: Yes. If your roster build leans toward long-term stability, Carnell Tate fits the “high-floor, high-confidence WR” archetype that holds value well and can become a weekly starter quickly in PPR formats.
Q: How early should I draft Jordyn Tyson in 2026 rookie drafts?
A: Jordyn Tyson belongs firmly in the early-first conversation in 1QB, especially if your league rewards reception volume and you want a player who can win with route nuance and separation rather than relying on manufactured touches.
Q: Should I draft Kenyon Sadiq or Eli Stowers in the first 2 rounds of 1QB rookie drafts?
A: If you’re chasing positional advantage at tight end, both Kenyon Sadiq and Eli Stowers can justify early investment. In most 1QB rooms, that decision is strongest when RB/WR tiers have thinned and you’re selecting for ceiling plus scarcity.
Q: When do quarterbacks like Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza make sense in 1QB rookie drafts?
A: In 1QB, QBs are usually best values at the end of Round 1 or early Round 2—exactly the range where Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza fit. You’re buying long-term insulation and trade liquidity more than immediate lineup necessity.
Q: Who are the best Round 3 upside targets in this 2026 1QB Rookie Mock Draft?
A: Round 3 is for swings that can spike on NFL Draft capital, landing spot, or athletic traits. Players like Skyler Bell, Bryce Lance, and Le’Veon Moss fit the profile of picks that can gain value fast with one strong offseason signal.
