The Nerds are at it again ahead of the NFL Draft, bringing you one final 1QB Rookie Mock before the 2026 NFL Draft. Six of the busiest Nerds in the business have made their selections live on X (we hope that you followed along) and have now written down our thoughts on each of our selections. We hope that you enjoy our breakdown before the upcoming NFL festivities. Please feel free to engage with us on our various social media outlets and let us know how we did. Did you like our picks or not? And keep your eyes peeled for the last pre-Draft SuperFlex mock from Dynasty Nerds.
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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: Doc Mitchell
This was the easiest pick of the entire draft. There could be some debate in a Superflex league but in a 1QB Jeremiyah Love must be the top pick in the draft. He has the size athleticism and production profile to be a top flight fantasy football RB in the NFL. He profiles as a high end RB1 for your dynasty squads. At Notre Dame, he put up back-to-back seasons of over 1,100 rushing yards and more than 15 TDs to go with 25 or more catches. That was while sharing a decent amount of carries with teammate Jadarian Price.
Love is a sure-fire 1st Round NFL pick. When it comes to RB, that is the gold standard for dynasty leagues. When an NFL team invests a 1st Round pick in a RB we are talking about a player that is tabbed for a high workload role. I have seen Love mocked everywhere including Arizona, Tennessee, New York, and Washington. If I were a betting man I would put money on him playing his NFL ball for the Commanders next season.
Pick 1.02 | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 191 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
The battle for WR1 in this class seems to be over. Rumors are flying about Makai Lemon’s interviews and Jordyn Tyson’s injuries causing them to drop. Meanwhile, Carnell Tate is seemingly locked in to a Top-10 selection. Tate is a big-bodied, athletic receiver. He ran a 4.53 40-yard dash. He runs great routes. Tate fights for receptions, snagging 12 out of 14 contested targets in 2025.
Tate will fit the NFL as a Z receiver. He is at his best getting up the field and putting pressure on a defense as a flanker. Tate can play X receiver, but I don’t think it maximizes his attributes. I don’t see Carnell Tate getting past the Browns at 6th overall, but he should be considered by the Giants. Overall, Tate will draw plenty of targets and should be a dominant fantasy asset for the foreseeable future.
Pick 1.03 | Makai Lemon | WR | USC
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 195 lbs
Author: Steve Pintado
At the 1.03, I stuck to my rookie rankings and selected the best player available in Makai Lemon. Lemon is a highly talented receiver with elite ball tracking and the ability to adjust to off-target throws—traits that make life easier for any quarterback. He consistently creates separation in his routes and shows strong efficiency against press coverage. Lemon is a polished, intelligent receiver who can win at all three levels of the field, making him a versatile weapon in any offensive scheme.
From a draft perspective, Lemon projects as a likely top-15 NFL Draft pick. While he primarily operated out of the slot in college, it will be interesting to see how much he’s deployed outside at the next level. What stands out most is his reliability in high-pressure situations—he’s the type of receiver quarterbacks will lean on early and often. Because of that, I’d expect Lemon to command a strong target share right away, with 100+ targets well within reach as a rookie.
Pick 1.04 | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 200 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
At 1.04, the choice was already pretty easy for me, as a tier-break occurs in my eyes amongst the rookie prospects. Jordyn Tyson is a versatile wide receiver who can be utilized in the slot or as a true outside receiver. Tyson displays late hands and the ability to high point the football. Tyson also demonstrates a release package that I consider among the best in the wide receiver class.
As a draft prospect, Tyson projects as a likely top-20 NFL Draft pick. Tyson failed to participate in the NFL Combine drills outside of the bench press, where he did 26 reps. Tyson will also skip on-field drills at the ASU Pro Day, which gives me some concern, as he is recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring strain and has already had issues due to his injury history.
Pick 1.05 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 241 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Most dynasty managers have locked onto Kenyon Sadiq as the premier target in the 2026 tight end class. He put on quite the show at the NFL Combine, scorching the Lucas Oil Stadium turf with a blistering 4.39-second 40-yard dash. His testing number confirmed what most of us assumed after a season where he led all FBS tight ends with eight touchdowns and earned Big 10 Tight End of the Year honors. Sadiq is an elite athlete and has seemingly cemented himself as the first player in a tier to himself after the players drafted above.
In dynasty terms, Sadiq could be the weapon every manager dreams of rostering. He won’t be asked to win many battles as an in-line blocker, but instead will function as a permanent mismatch against safeties and linebackers. After a low aDOT to begin his career, I like that Sadiq showed improvement in that area, winning vertically down the seam. However, as I’ve stated in several of our previous mock drafts (how do I keep getting the Kenyon Sadiq pick to write about?) I do worry that Sadiq’s value is being inflated in a weak rookie class. The history of dynasty fantasy football is full of tight ends with elite athletic profiles who don’t work out. O.J. Howard. Mike Gesicki. Eric Ebron. Jace Amaro. Jelani Woods. As we know, so much of a tight end’s worth depends on their landing spot and not their measurables. For now, though, it’s hard to argue that anyone else deserves to be drafted ahead of him here.
Pick 1.06 | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 201 lbs
Author: Taylor Christianson
I’ll start by saying that I am the lone Nerd in this mock who does not do his own film study. I’m plugged in to the dynasty markets, keep up with NFL Draft pundits, and oversee the Dynasty Nerds rookie guide. All of that is to say, I base my selections on who I believe will get good draft capital and who will see a spike in their dynasty value between now and the end of April. To that end, I selected Omar Cooper Jr. as the WR4 in the 2026 class.
Omar Cooper Jr. is steaming up draft boards. He’s gone from an end-of-the-1st guy to a mid-teens must-target since the end of the college season. There is now talk of Cooper entering the Big 3 conversation with Lemon falling out of favor with some data enthusiasts and Tyson’s injuries scaring others away. I’m a fan of Cooper’s, but I would confidently take all 3 of Tyson, Lemon, and Tate over him, even if Cooper Jr. is drafted as WR3 in the NFL Draft.
Pick 1.07 | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 212 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Denzel Boston has become something of a lightning rod in the Dynasty community. Some analysts love the towering playmaker out of Washington, while others seem to have soured on his long term potential. I must admit that I would like to have seen at least one 1,000 yard campaign at UW but it just wasn’t in the cards for this Huskie. That being said, he did put up back-to-back 800+ yards seasons showing glimpses of some truly difference making ability.
I believe that Boston is one of the last players with a legitimate chance of being selected in the 1st Round of the upcoming NFL Draft. His size at 6’4” 212 lbs at his pro day are prototypical X receiver material. I am a little bit concerned about his unwillingness to run the 40-yard dash, but his 6.80 3-cone drill is an elite number that suggests this big man has some real wiggle to his game. I could see him sneeking in to the back half of the 1st Round or even finding himself at the top of the 2nd Round. He would be an ideal target for a team like Tennessee to trade back into the 1st Round for in order to get that 5th year of control to pair him up with Cam Ward.
Pick 1.08 | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 190 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
At 1.08, I grabbed KC Concepcion, a dynamic weapon out of Texas A&M. Concepcion thrives after the catch. He averaged 7.2 yards after the catch per reception. Concepcion is a smooth route runner, capable of the whole route tree. He plays bigger than expected, catching 66.7% of contested targets.
Concepcion will play in the slot and on the outside. That versatility is a highly sought after attribute, shared by many top receivers in the league. He is a 1st Round lock in my eyes. Concepcion could hear his name called starting with the Jets at 16th overall. Hopefully, by going in the mid-to-late 1st Round, Concepcion lands on a talented team with a good quarterback in place. If he has a good landing spot, Concepcion could become an extremely sought after asset.
Pick 1.09 | Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 209 lbs
Author: Steve Pintado
At the 1.09, things really started to open up, and there were multiple directions I could have gone. Ultimately, I decided to lean into the running back position and selected Jadarian Price. Price is a strong, decisive runner with elite vision and polished footwork. Even while playing behind Bryce Love, he was able to flash and stand out on his own. He accelerates quickly to top speed and shows good awareness at the position, allowing him to navigate traffic and maximize his runs.
From a Draft perspective, Price projects as a likely Day 2 selection, but landing spot will play a major role in determining his early NFL success. He has the skill set to develop into a true three-down back, especially with an underrated ability in the passing game that wasn’t fully showcased in college. He could settle into more of a change-of-pace role, handling short-yardage and red-zone work early in his career. Additionally, if he carves out a role on special teams, it could slightly delay his path to a full workload.
Pick 1.10 | Jonah Coleman | RB | Washington
Height/Weight: 5’9” | 228 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
If you have been following our recent mock drafts, you already know that Jonah Coleman is my RB2 in this draft class. 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 end zone. 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 projects as a Day 2 to early Day 3 selection, but with all running backs outside of Jeremiyah Love, his landing spot will be key in my post-draft ranking of Coleman. Coleman’s compact frame also allows him to have fantastic contact balance. He can absorb at impact 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
Pick 1.11 | Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 202 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Emmett Johnson has become a polarizing prospect in dynasty and draft circles, and I feel as if there is a bit of “Conference Helmet Scouting” going on, comparing him to the rookie flop that was Kaleb Johnson. Perhaps between Nebraska and Iowa, it’s a corn thing? With that said, Johnson (Emmett) was the Big 10 Running Back of the Year and the engine of the Huskers’ offense in 2025, racking up 1,451 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns. Johnson also importantly has 92 career receptions to his resume.
Look, was Johnson’s 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine (4.56) a disappointment? Yes. However, he is one of the few running backs in this class who I believe has a true NFL skillset. If he can find his way onto the field, his fantasy value will be buoyed by his receiving ceiling and the fact that he can stay on the field for all three downs. No, he isn’t a “home run” burner, but he is a steady runner who can consistently turn four-yard carries into seven-yard gains. If he is drafted on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, this is where I’d take him. Any later? I’d want to re-evaluate things.
Pick 1.12 | Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 200 lbs
Author: Taylor Christianson
The latest narrative for the 2026 NFL Draft is how deep the wide receiver class is. There’s no Julio Jones or Ja’Marr Chase-type prospect, but the depth of average-to-above-average potential starters is growing by the mock draft. Ja’Kobi Lane hasn’t been on the tip of many tongues in fantasy circles, but he’s an athletic, well-sized player with chops to make a splash on Sundays. My co-host on Roster Rescue, Garret Price, has Tee Higgins as a ceiling comp for Lane.
If you’re into highlight catches and acrobatic maneuvers, take a moment to search Ja’Kobi Lane. All it takes is one moment like this in rookie mini camps or the preseason and Lane’s value will spike to a 27 2nd + veteran starter. If he goes somewhere with vacant targets like Las Vegas or Tennessee, there’s real potential for fantasy production. There could be multiple sell windows for Lane early on, and that’s the kind of liquidity I look for in my 1st round rookie picks.
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Round 2 | Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 2.01–2.12)
Pick 2.01 | Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 235 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
This has been my guy all season and I will continue to bang the drum for him. If you have followed our mock draft series here at Dynasty Nerds you will know that I have been taking Eli Stowers at the back end of the 1st round since September. He has proceeded to go out and validate my scouting being named 1st team All-SEC for a second year in a row as well as garnering unanimous status as a 1st team All-American and taking home the Mackey Award as the nation’s top TE.
Eli Stowers is more of a Jimmy Graham than a Rob Gronkowski. Meaning that his game is much better suited to being an offensive weapon than a traditional in-line TE. He combines the brain of a former 4-star QB with the athleticism of an elite playmaker. He blazed a 4.51 in the 40 yard dash at the combine as well as setting the all time best marks for a TE in the vertical (45.5) and the broad jump (11’3”). He will likely hear his name called sometime between the 1st and 2nd rounds of the upcoming NFL draft. Denver and Kansas City would be ideal landing spots in the 2nd round.
Pick 2.02 | Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 198 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Chris Brazzell II is a player who I will be heavily targetting in the late 1st, early 2nd range. It’s extremely important to scout the player, not the helmet. This is especially true as Brazzell is not your average Tennessee receiver. He ran a 4.37 40-yard dash, which is pretty ridiculous at 6’4”. Brazzell is an underrated route runner, making clean, hard cuts. He doesn’t round his cuts like many similarly-sized receivers.
He will be a deep threat, Z receiver in the NFL. He will take the top off defenses to keep them honest and help his offense find space underneath. I mocked Brazzell to the Raiders in the early 2nd round in my 2026 NFL Mock Draft 4.0. This landing spot would be a great fit, as Brazzell would become their most talented wide receiver. His skillset would open up space for Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, causing the whole offense to thrive.
Pick 2.03 | Mike Washington Jr. | RB | Arkansas
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 223 lbs
Author: Steve Pintado
With the third pick in round two, I selected Mike Washington Jr. While Washington did not post elite college production, the film shows a running back with a strong blend of size and speed. He bursts through holes, runs through tacklers for extra yardage, and has the kind of footwork that helps him change direction well and extend plays. He also boosted his profile with an outstanding NFL Combine, showing off the athletic upside that evaluators love.
Washington is another running back I believe can handle a three-down workload in the NFL. He has the size, speed, and overall skill set to do it. Landing spot will ultimately determine how quickly he can thrive at the next level, but he has the tools to begin as part of a 1B backfield role and eventually grow into a 1A option.
Pick 2.04 | Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 204 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
Germie Bernard was a senior wide receiver who was 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 7.
At the NFL Combine, Bernard impressed with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, addressing concerns about his top-end speed. Bernard is currently being viewed as a late-2nd to early-3rd Round draft selection. 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.
Pick 2.05 | Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 190 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
If there is one player who has become “my guy” in this draft class, it’s Antonio Williams. At 5’11’’ and 190 lbs, he is the epitome of what NFL teams are looking for in ready-made rookie receivers. With his high-level efficiency and ability to win at all three levels of the field, I am confident he will be drafted on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft. He clocked a 4.41-second 40-yard dash with an elite 1.55-second 10-yard split at the 2026 NFL Combine, and he has shown talent both running and even passing the ball in his time at Clemson. As you read this, I bet a creative offensive coach is watching and salivating at Williams’ tape.
Whether it be players like Julian Edelman or Eric Decker, the history of fantasy football has always seemed to have “that receiver” who is underrated in drafts compared to their fantasy output. Today, Jakobi Meyers fits that bill. In the near future? Enter Antonio Williams. Whether lined up outside or (more likely) in the slot, Williams projects as a reliable chain-mover and a PPR-scavenger. His ability in the run game on jet sweeps and similar gadget plays adds a hidden floor to his weekly fantasy output. If he lands with a creative play caller, he could blossom into a cheap but reliable WR3 for your dynasty roster. In a draft full of question marks, I think Antonio Williams is one of the few sure things.
Pick 2.06 | Bryce Lance | WR | NDSU
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 209 lbs
Author: Taylor Christianson
The theme of the second round in this 1QB Rookie Mock Draft is to get your guy. Bryce Lance is my sleeper for the 2026 rookie class. I’m not proclaiming him to be Amon-Ra St. Brown or Puka Nacua for your future dynasty rosters. However, I am willing to spend a mid-2nd round rookie pick on the off chance he develops into a team’s WR2. Lance isn’t a prototypical route technician. He has runaway speed and can navigate behind defenders.
There’s a chance Bryce Lance becomes a darling for many once the NFL Draft is over. The Relative Athletic Score (RAS) for Lance was 9.95 out of 10.00. He ranks 23 out of 4100 WRs since 1987. Add in that he’s a small-school prospect and the brother of former Top-5 overall Draft selection Trey Lance, people have lots of reasons to gravitate toward Bryce if he gets late 2nd Round or 3rd Round draft capital to a decent landing spot. His biggest detractors will point out his breakout age. It’s important to note, tho, Lance had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons–the only NDSU Bison WR to do so in the school’s highly-decorated history.
Pick 2.07 | Skyler Bell | WR | UConn
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 185 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Skyler Bell is a player that has grown on me more and more as I watch his tape. Bell combines really nice athletic measurables with elite production. Last season at UConn he finished second in the entire NCAA FBS with 1,278 yards and 13 scores on 101 grabs. At 6’0” 185 he has the size to offer inside/outside versatility at the next level. He has Nuk Hopkins style 10” hands allowing him to pluck the ball out of the air with relative ease.
At the NFL Combine, Bell showed that he wasn’t just the product of beating up on small schools. He put up a 4.40 40-yard time to go along with an equally impressive 41” vert and 11’1” broad jump. He is a little bit older having stayed in the college ranks for 5 seasons. But, that just means he will likely come at a discount for an NFL team. He has told reporters that he models his game on Stefon Diggs and that is a really nice comp. I expect to hear Bell’s name called between the 2nd and 3rd Round of the upcoming NFL Draft. The New England Patriots make a ton of sense and would give him a really high dynasty ceiling.
Pick 2.08 | Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 218 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Malachi Fields stood out at the Senior Bowl, as arguably the best receiver in attendance. His body control and sticky hands stood out as his best traits. Fields only had 1 drop in 2025. Unfortunately, his 4.61 40-yard dash cemented him into Day 2. I believe a 4.5 would have put him into consideration for the late 1st Round for a few teams.
Fields could still get 2nd Round draft capital. He fits best as an outside, X receiver. He uses his physicality to bully small cornerbacks, and he moves the chains. It would be extremely interesting to see the Indianapolis Colts draft Fields as a Michael Pittman replacement. This selection would allow Alec Pierce and Josh Downs to stay in their best roles as a Z and a slot, respectively.
Pick 2.09 | Nick Singleton | RB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 224 lbs
Author: Steve Pintado
In the late 2nd round, I decided to take a shot on Nick Singleton. It may have been a slight reach, but I was comfortable making the pick here. Singleton has fallen into the “what have you done for me lately” category, and his name has been a little quiet recently. Still, he was a former five-star recruit who produced well in college and consistently found the end zone. He is a downhill runner with strong vision and good ability in space.
Early in his career, Singleton could serve as a change-of-pace back who gives an offense explosive-play potential whenever he touches the ball. The broken foot is not enough to scare me away in the late second round, especially for a player who was once so highly regarded and has already shown he can perform. With workhorse upside, I’m willing to take my shot here.
Pick 2.10 | Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 209 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
Elijah 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, where in 2025 he led all receivers in the FBS with 15 receiving touchdowns.
Current draft projections have Sarratt as a mid-to-late 2nd Round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. 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. Sarratt has been one of my favorite options to target in the 2nd round of rookie drafts.
Pick 2.11 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 225 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Even if you don’t passionately or even actively follow college football, is there anyone here who hasn’t heard of Fernando Mendoza? The meteoric rise of Mendoza was the story of the 2025 college season. After transferring from Cal to Indiana, he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated 16-0 season and a National Championship, winning the Heisman Trophy in the process. Mendoza is a prototypical modern NFL quarterback with pocket passer ability and just enough rushing skills to make him dangerous. He has outstanding accuracy, completing 72% of his passes for 41 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions in 2025. It would be an upset several orders of magnitude bigger than Joe Namath and the Jets beating the Colts in Super Bowl III to keep Mendoza from becoming the first pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in April.
In a 1QB format, Mendoza’s value is held back by his lack of rushing upside. He won’t give you 700 rushing yards per season, but he has the “point guard” mentality to support multiple top-tier fantasy receiving options. He will also have Brock Bowers, which is never a bad thing. If you’re drafting him, you’re betting on the Raiders adding pieces to their offense, but let’s say Mendoza can give you Justin Herbert-esque fantasy stats? You don’t think that type of production is worth a late second-round rookie pick, even in a single quarterback format? Also, who else are you going to confidently take ahead of him here in this class? This was a no-brainer pick for me.
Pick 2.12 | Justin Joly | TE | NC State
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 241 lbs
Author: Taylor Christianson
Like I mentioned earlier, there are many narratives surrounding these rookie prospects as a group. A lot of people (like Keith ^) will tell you this class is weaker with fantasy prospects. I’ve been arguing that the quality of prospects are just unevenly distributed. We have a clear QB1, a clear RB1, and seemingly clear TE1 and TE2s. However, I think there are several more fantasy-relevant tight ends in a large tier after Sadiq and Stowers. For many, the top name in that tier is Justin Joly.
A bit undersized for the position, Joly shows good athleticism and enough wiggle to traverse the middle of the field. There’s a lot to like about Joly’s hands and body control. There’s plenty of room for Joly to develop as a route runner, and he’ll never be known as a pancake-maker in the blocking game. This limits his early upside, but Joly could be fantasy relevant as a rookie and can grow to be a household name similarly to that of Sam LaPorta.
Round 3 | Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 3.01–3.12)
Pick 3.01 | Kaytron Allen | RB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 217 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
I had a hard time with this one as I really liked some of the WRs still on the board. But what this pick came down to was my belief that Kaytron Allen is the last of the truly relevant RBs in this class. Allen is a bruising runner that managed to keep athletic freak Nicholas Singleton from stealing the entire show while the two shared the backfield for the Nittany Lions. In fact, Allen eventually relegated his more highly touted running mate to secondary status as Kaytron broke the career rushing record at Happy Valley with 4,180 yards.
Allen is not a burner by any means. He will likely be best suited in tandem with a more explosive space back. I believe that we are dealing with a player who will hear his name called sometime early on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. I can’t think of a better situation than sliding into David Montgomery’s old role in Detroit alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. He would make an excellent complementary RB there and return some really nice flex appeal in the Motor City.
Pick 3.02 | Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 180 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
With my 3.02 selection, I took Zachariah Branch, an elusive receiver and playmaker. Branch quickly burst onto the scene as a freshman at USC, mainly gaining notoriety for his return skills. His receiver abilities have steadily improved, but he’s always been elite with the ball in his hands. Branch averaged 7.8 yards after the catch in 2025.
Branch fits best in the slot. That is where he spent 79.2% of his snaps last year. Branch is simply too small to thrive on the outside in the NFL, but he’s perfect for the slot. He’ll be a 2nd or 3rd Round pick in the NFL with the opportunity to compete for a starting slot role at the next level.
Pick 3.03 | Le’Veon Moss | RB | Texas A&M
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 203 lbs
Author: Steve Pintado
In the early 3rd round, I selected Le’Veon Moss, a high-motor running back who brings toughness to his game. He has decent burst, average vision, and the ability to create big plays. Moss is a solid back who can handle short-yardage work and step into a full-time role if needed. He also has a nose for the end zone, finishing his college career with 22 touchdowns.
Moss likely projects as a 1B option or backup in an NFL offense. If he lands in the right situation, he could become a high-end handcuff worth targeting in fantasy. Should he get opportunities as a rookie, he has the upside to deliver stretches of top-24 production for a handful of games.
Pick 3.04 | Ted Hurst | WR | Georgia State
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 206 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
For me, this has to be my favorite player/draft spot selection. While at Georgia State, Hurst led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. In 2025, he earned First-Team All-Sun Belt honors and broke the Panthers’ single-season touchdown record with nine. He also landed on Feldman’s Freaks List as one of the most athletic players in college football. Hurst continued to impress at the NFL Combine, where he earned a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.92, ranking as one of the most athletic receiver prospects in the class.
Hurst was originally viewed as a mid-to-late round “sleeper, but his Combine performance vaulted him into possible Day 2 consideration. Hurst is a vertical threat with good straight-line speed and a strong contested-catch ability. His game reminds me a lot of George Pickens and would be a great complementary receiver to a team’s primary option.
Pick 3.05 | Max Klare | TE | Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 246 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
After three years of developing at Purdue, Max Klare took his game to Ohio State for his final campaign. At 6’4’’ and 246 lbs, he is a highly athletic pass-catching tight end who excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage. His transfer likely didn’t showcase his skills as much as he may have hoped, but his relative lack of production isn’t surprising given the talent around him in Columbus. Though he isn’t nearly as “freakish” an athlete as Kenyon Sadiq, he has a Day 2 projection in many recent mock drafts. His hands are merely average, and his run blocking is best described as “adequate”, but he has decent production and can split out wide if called upon.
While Sadiq is the flashy wideout in a TE body, Klare is a more traditional safety valve who will be a quarterback’s best friend on third downs. He doesn’t have a tremendous fantasy ceiling, but if he lands in an offense that utilizes the middle of the field, he could be a 60-catch-per-year contributor. In the third round of dynasty rookie drafts, especially in a weak class, sometimes you have to take what you can get.
Pick 3.06 | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 222 lbs
Author: Taylor Christianson
I don’t expect Chris Bell to be available in the middle of the 3rd round once the NFL Draft has ended. A prospect that was once thought to be a late 1st Round guy has become an after thought in the fantasy draft space. While his injury has kept him off of mock drafts, NFL scouts are mindful of who Bell was pre-ACL tear.
It’s all about upside at this stage in the 1QB Rookie Mock, and Chris Bell offers as much as anyone. He’s a long strider who can carve out chunk gains on any play. He won’t be a team’s true WR1, but as an NFL WR2, he could produce fantasy WR2/flex numbers for several seasons with weekly consistency. I’d consider that a hit at pick 30 overall. If Bell goes in Round 2 of the NFL Draft, expect his ADP to creep into the mid-late 2nd round.
Pick 3.07 | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’1” | 211 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
I know this is a 1QB league draft but in the middle of the 3rd round the talent is beginning to thin out rapidly. With that in mind, this is usually the time in my home drafts that I like to take a shot on QBs who have a chance to go in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft. Alabama QB Ty Simpson fits that bill. Simpson has been a bit of a lightning rod type of QB throughout the draft process. Some like Dan Orlovsky have him as their top QB in the class while others don’t believe he is even a 1st Round talent.
For me, I expect Ty Simpson to go sometime in the 1st Round of the upcoming NFL Draft. The league is, and always will be, starved for quality QB play. Coaches don’t get that long of a leash to develop QBs and sit on bad rosters so I will surely garner some real interest from some of the more QB needy franchises around the league. The Jets seem like a real possibility with their second 1st Round pick. Cleveland and Arizona feel like two other real possibilities for this QB.
Pick 3.08 | Brenen Thompson | WR | Mississippi State
Height/Weight: 5’9” | 164 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
Brenen Thompson is a speed demon. He ran a 4.26 40-yard dash—the fastest of any wide receiver in this class. Thompson’s lightning speed makes him a big play threat. He had a catch over 40 yards in 8 out of 13 games last year. He’s the closest player in the draft to DeSean Jackson.
Despite his size, Thompson is not limited to the slot. His elite speed allows him to fill an outside receiver role and still eat up defenders. He has experience on the outside and in the slot throughout college. Thompson will immediately start as a return specialist with the modern NFL rules, but he’s one play away from 1 catch for 80 yards and a touchdown at all times. He will be more valuable in Best Ball leagues, when he is automatically in the lineup for his big games.
Pick 3.09 | Michael Trigg | TE | Baylor
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 240 lbs
Author: Steve Pintado
At the 3.09, Michael Trigg is a big steal in my book. Trigg can be a vertical piece in an offense thanks to his length and speed. He has the ability to win after the catch and pick up extra yardage, while his ball skills consistently show up—making impressive grabs even with defenders draped over him. Although it took some time for Trigg to break out, he offers intriguing upside in the right NFL system.
Trigg is likely a player who won’t see significant work right away, as draft capital will play a major role in his early opportunities. He may spend a year or two developing behind a veteran while flashing his potential in limited snaps. I don’t expect him to dominate as a rookie, as his playing time could be limited due to average blocking ability.
Pick 3.10 | Drew Allar | QB | Penn State
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 235 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
This pick was going to be Michael Trigg if Steven hadn’t sniped me. For me, Drew Allar is a good consolation prize. When you watch Allar, you immediately see a quarterback with prototypical size. At 6’5”, Allar displays all the physical tools and arm talent to make any throw on the football field. Allar also displays excellent throwing velocity, allowing him to fit the football in tight windows. While he is not considered a dual-threat quarterback, Allar does have rushing upside, with 12 rushing touchdowns in his college career. Allar is not afraid to put his body on the line to gain extra yardage. When watching his game, you cannot help but see shades of Josh Allen.
In terms of the NFL Draft, I feel that Allar will benefit to be drafted to a team that will allow him to sit and continue learning the game. The Los Angeles Rams would be an ideal fit for Allar in the 2nd Round, as he could be mentored by Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay.
Pick 3.11 | Tanner Koziol | TE | Houston
Height/Weight: 6’6” | 247 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
Standing at nearly 6’7’’, Tanner Koziol feels more of a fit for the NBA Draft than the NFL, but his 2025 season was prolific. He led the Big 12 with 74 receptions, and note I’m not just talking about leading tight ends. He was the overall receptions leader, period. While his 4.70-second 40-yard dash proves that he clearly isn’t a burner, he is a mismatch nightmare for smaller linebackers and defensive backs, especially in the red zone. His size and skill were on display during a standout Senior Bowl week, showing NFL coaches that he could function as an in-line blocker while still winning contested catches.
Koziol will likely be a Day 3 NFL selection but could outproduce his draft capital if he earns a role as a goal-line favorite. Similar to 6’7’’ Darnell Washington with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Koziol is a red-zone specialist with a massive catch radius. Like Washington, Koziol has underrated YAC ability, and in this class, I’d rather take a shot on a mammoth but volume-dependent tight end like Koziol than an also-ran receiver destined to be his team’s fourth or fifth option.
Pick 3.12 | Eric McAlister | WR | TCU
Height/Weight: 6’4” | 194 lbs
Author: Taylor Christianson
The WR train keeps rolling at the end of the 3rd round. I get a sense that people feel the well has run dry at this stage in drafts, but the gap between WR7 and WR20 isn’t sizable enough to overcome landing spots and draft capital. Once the Draft shakes out, we’ll be enamored with the opportunities that some of these rookie WRs get. I’m betting on rookie hype building for Eric McAlister after the NFL Draft.
I’m looking for players I can trade high on at this stage in the draft. Supposing McAlister lands somewhere desirable, other fantasy managers can get talked into his speed and size. I’d suggest going with a tight end in Tight End Premium drafts if you don’t believe in a WR at this stage. I see both WR and TE as worthy of late-round dart throws pre-NFL Draft. Post Draft, we’ll be able to delineate among the positional plateaus.
Round 4 | Rookie Mock Draft (Picks 4.01–4.12)
Pick 4.01 | Demond Claiborne | RB | Wake Forest
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 195 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
Here in the 4th round it is time to start grabbing some of your more long shot “my guy” type of players. Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne is one of those players for me. He has flashed some big play potential during his time with the Demon Deacons. Despite his smaller stature he has managed to put up back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 total yards and at least 10 scores with 200 or more touches each season.
Claiborne tested really well at the Combine. His 4.37 40 will surely grab the attention of a number of different NFL coaches. Claiborne is a Day 3 prospect who would do really well paired with a power RB. I would love to see him in Dallas with Javonte Williams, helping provide a more elusive and explosive option to the former Tar Heel’s bruising style.
Pick 4.02 | Deion Burks | WR | Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 5’10” | 180 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
At 4.02, Deion Burks is the best player available. Burks is athletic, running a 4.3 40-yard dash. I like him as a route runner and a playmaker. He’s impressive after the catch. Burks is a high IQ player, excelling at finding soft spots in a zone. He reminds me some of Curtis Samuel, whose nine year career wouldn’t be a bad outcome for a 4th round rookie draft pick.
Burks is a slot receiver, who should win a job year 1. He has the makings of someone who will be underrated but will help an offense move the chains. His skillset will play up in PPR leagues. I view Burks as a solid taxi squad option.
Pick 4.03 | J’Mari Taylor | RB | Virginia
Height/Weight: 5’9” | 204 lbs
Author: Steve Pintado
If you’re looking for a solid running back with three-down potential in the fourth round, J’Mari Taylor is your guy. Despite his size, Taylor runs with power and excellent balance as a ball carrier. He shows solid vision and can be a weapon in the open field. Overall, he profiles as a dependable back at the next level.
For fantasy, Taylor’s landing spot will determine a lot. He could carve out an early 1B role in an offense, handling short-yardage and goal-line work. He projects as a running back capable of taking on a full NFL workload when called upon. Taylor is a sleeper who could produce as a rookie.
Pick 4.04 | CJ Daniels | WR | Miami
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 202 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
CJ Daniels went viral with college football fans with his one-handed grab against Notre Dame. Daniels possesses highlight reel catch ability while also displaying quick feet to get off the line of scrimmage. Daniels has the ability to work all three levels of the defense and has alot of similarities in his game to Van Jefferson.
Daniels will be a Day 3 pick in the NFL Draft, and his landing spot will be key for his ability to climb the depth charts. Teams may be leery of Daniels given that he is an older prospect and does have some injury history concerns.
Pick 4.05 | Sam Roush | TE | Stanford
Height/Weight: 6’6” | 267 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
The pickings are slim as we approach the conclusion of this rookie draft. That being the case, let’s take a guy with NFL royalty baked into his DNA. Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen was the great-uncle of Sam Roush, an intriguing prospect with a prototypical tight end frame. From the land of professional football playing tight ends, Stanford University, Roush stands 6’5’’ with a 267 lb frame. At the Combine, he surprised scouts with his athleticism, coming in with the third-highest trait score (89) amongst tight ends in this rookie class. His 2025 production (49 catches for 545 yards) was hampered by a poor offense and a high drop rate, but his ability to work across the formation as a “lead-blocking receiver” likely lands him a role as the TE2 in an NFL offense.
Roush projects as a blocking-first guy who can leak out for occasional production. For fantasy, he might struggle for consistent targets unless he lands in a heavy 12-personnel system, and his issues with catching the ball make him a risky dynasty asset. However, his strong athletic testing numbers suggests there is untapped potential, so maybe he’s worth a late-round taxi squad stash as someone who could develop into a reliable red-zone threat over time.
Pick 4.06 | Adam Randall | RB | Clemson
Height/Weight: 6’3” | 232 lbs
Author: Taylor Christianson
The hunt for fantasy-relevance is on here at pick 42 overall. There are still some WRs and TEs lurking (De’Zhaun Stribling and my 4.12 selection) that I considered, but I wanted to get recognition for a priority free agent claim for dynasty managers once their rookie drafts are over.
Adam Randall is a converted WR to RB who has plenty left to learn at the position. He’s an upright runner at his large size. However, he has route running skills and hands that could get him on the field and scoring points Year 1. He could be a preseason standout.
Pick 4.07 | Seth McGowan | RB | Kentucky
Height/Weight: 6’0” | 223 lbs
Author: Doc Mitchell
With my last selection I ended up going with Kentucky RB Seth McGowan. This young man has the look of a dynamic RB at the next level. The only question is how bad does he want it and can he stay out of trouble? Originally committed to Oklahoma all the way back in 2020, this young man has had an interesting path to the NFL draft.
McGowan is a late draft pick or even priority free agent at this point. His background is simply too checkered for an NFL team to invest highly in him. Despite all of that, I really want our readers to keep this name in the back of your mind. If he lands in the right spot he could make some noise. His athletic profile 6’0”, 223 lbs. 4.49 40, 42.5 vertical suggest a player that is more than athletically capable of making some noise at the next level. Call him a priority dynasty football stash.
Pick 4.08 | De’Zhaun Stribling | WR | Ole Miss
Height/Weight: 6’2” | 207 lbs
Author: Bobby Bishop
In the late 4th round, you are simply looking for upside, and I think I found it with De’Zhaun Stribling. He’s a big, physical, and athletic receiver. Stribling ran a 4.36 40-yard dash. He recorded over 800 yards receiving and over 2 yards per route run in back to back seasons. Stribling had only 1 drop in 2025, averaging 7.3 yard after the catch per reception.
Stribling will eventually develop into a starting outside receiver. The tape and data support him as a strong player. He even blocks. The only thing he is missing is hype; however, with day 2 draft capital and an interesting landing spot, Stribling could shoot up draft boards. He is a sleeper to whom I am paying heavy attention.
Pick 4.09 | Rahsul Faison | RB | South Carolina
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 208 lbs
Author: Steve Pintado
With my last pick at 4.09, I selected Rahsul Faison, a running back out of South Carolina. Faison is an older prospect, but he brings solid footwork, vision, and burst to the position. He runs with patience, allowing blocks to develop before attacking running lanes. His film stands out more than his raw production, showing a back with more ability than the stat sheet suggests.
Faison fits the mold of an older running back who could earn early opportunities due to his experience—something NFL teams often value. He profiles as a reliable backup who can step in and produce when called upon. However, there’s some risk here: Faison could either make an early impact as a rookie or quickly fade into a rotational role, making him a boom-or-bust type of prospect.
Pick 4.10 | Eli Raridon | TE | Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6’6” | 245 lbs
Author: Mychal Warno
With my final selection in our rookie mock draft, I decided to dip my toes into the tight end waters with Notre Dame’s Eli Raridon. Raridon is my TE5 in this class and headlines my tier 3 tight end group. At 6’6’’, Raridon is a redzone threat with the ability to also line up as a big slot receiver.
In the later rounds of rookie drafts, I love to stock up on tight ends and quarterbacks that I might be able to flip for a positive ROI. Raridon’s ability as a blocker could see his draft stock elevate. I view him as a Round 4 draft selection and see similarities in his game to Colby Parkinson‘s. Raridon also comes with some red flags as he has already had two torn ACLs and limited collegiate production
Pick 4.11 | Barion Brown | WR | LSU
Height/Weight: 5’11” | 177 lbs
Author: Keith Ensminger
One of the top incoming high school receiving recruits back in 2022, Barion Brown was a state champion sprinter. He was offered at prestigious programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Penn State before committing to Kentucky. After three mostly disappointing seasons with the Wildcats, Brown transferred to LSU for his senior season. While his routes and usage remained somewhat limited with the Tigers, with most of his targets being close to the line of scrie, his speed and burst are undeniable. He leaves college with six career kick return touchdowns and is widely viewed as a player whose value will depend on his special teams prowess.
With the caveat that this is a late, late pick in our rookie draft, at the very least I can nearly guarantee Brown is going to make an NFL roster. I’m not sure you’ll be able to say that about many of the players taken later in this year’s rookie drafts. With his predicted role in the return game comes playing time. Will he ever be utilized on jet sweeps and bubble screens enough to matter for fantasy football? Nothing about him says “target hog,” so the answer is almost certainly, “no.” Still, you have to pick someone with these rookie picks, and I’ll at least take a swing on a guy who stands out with an exceptional trait. You can’t coach speed!
Pick 4.12 | Jack Endries | TE | Texas
Height/Weight: 6’5” | 245 lbs
Author: Taylor Christianson
It’s fitting that Jack Endries is the final selection in this 1QB Rookie Mock Draft. Not because he’s Mr. Irrelevant forever, but because he’s unlikely to be relevant in 2026. For managers in need of a taxi stash or waiver adds that won’t hurt your max points for this season, I highly recommend Jack Endries.
Endries needs to build some more mass and work on his run blocking, but he has what it takes to play at the NFL level assuming those two come to fruition. Endries projects as a Year 3 breakout candidate, so you’re playing the slow game if you give him a roster spot. His landing spot will be pivotal, but he’s the type of deep sleeper that could make a late 4th round pick worthwhile.
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