Take heart, fantasy football faithful. The long, agonizing stretch without some sort of NFL action is nearly over, with the NFL Draft a few weeks away.
A new wave of future fantasy stars is about to hit the draft pool, and I am here to break down who stands out, what their ceilings look like, and which NFL stars they resemble. I will keep these rankings fresh and evolving after the draft, since so much of a player’s value hinges on where they land.
For the rankings and player evaluations, I take multiple factors into account: film, college production, and how their skill set translates to the next level. The elite talent’s potential fantasy value won’t sway too much based on which team drafts them. But the deeper down the rankings rabbit hole you go, the more a guy could jump or drop based on who writes his name on their draft card.
For player comps, I generally start with the play style and physical traits, then kind of brainstorm who they remind me of and where I see their final value falling. Full disclosure, some of it is just general vibes.
League settings considered for these rankings are 1QB PPR Redraft. I do mention where I expect each to go in dynasty drafts, but from a ranks perspective, think redraft.
Now pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er!
1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (RB1)
Jeremiyah Love is the crown jewel of a down year at running back in the 2026 class. The Notre Dame product is as polished as they come — a true every-down back with the vision to hit the gap before it opens, the burst to take it the distance, and the pass-catching ability to make defensive coordinators miserable on third down. He’s not just a bellcow; he is THE bellcow, and should be a fantasy RB1 from the moment he steps on an NFL field. He’s the clear first overall pick in dynasty rookie drafts and a first-rounder in redraft.
NFL Comp: Bijan Robinson
2. Makai Lemon, WR, USC (WR1)
Makai Lemon played all over the field at USC, but profiles more as a slot receiver in the pros. A YAC-monster who breaks tackles like the Kool-Aid man busting through some random family’s living room wall. This year’s Biletnikoff Award Winner (Best College Receiver) has good hands and solid on-field speed but lacks explosiveness off the line. Lemon seems to always find the soft spot versus zone, but struggles against press coverage. His limited wingspan and smaller stature (5’11”, 190-ish) keep his catch radius, well, small. Regardless, Lemon is a first-round pick in the NFL Draft and could easily wind up the first receiver off the board. Would have to land in the right system to become an Amon-Ra St. Brown-like PPR stud, but has the after-the-catch playmaking ability to have a top-15 season. Perfectly suited to be a 1a and form a dynamic duo with someone… say… Malik Nabers? Garrett Wilson? Early mid-round pick in redraft with upside. Early first-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Robert Woods aka Bobby Trees aka Robbie Plank aka Rob Lumber aka Bob Barker
3. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (WR2)
Despite some controversy surrounding his official 40 time at the combine, Carnell Tate is not the undisputed top receiver in this class, yet most consider him to be. Whether he ran a 4.4 or 4.5 doesn’t really matter; speed isn’t his game. A high football IQ and unreal body control make up for Tate’s lack of explosiveness, melding with his wingspan and catch radius to create a high-point specialist who can come down with just about anything thrown at him. There’s some concern with his weight and dealing with the physicality of defensive backs in the pros, but he’s already a thicker, taller DeVonta Smith. Tate can bulk up and be just fine. His play style helps his ability to be productive if he winds up in a less-than-favorable situation with an inaccurate QB (Cleveland, anyone?). At worst, a WR2. His ADP is entirely dependent on the landing spot, but he’ll still be one of the first three rookie receivers taken in redraft and an early first-round pick in dynasty.
NFL Comp: DeVonta Smith
4. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (WR3)
Jordyn Tyson is the third of the three amigos regularly touted as the top receivers in the 2026 class. Tyson may have been the consensus WR1 had it not been for a less-than-stellar injury history, missing time to injury in all of his seasons. Coached by Hall of Famer Hines Ward, Tyson is unsurprisingly a great blocker. His video game-like twitchiness stems in part from his lateral quickness and phenomenal footwork. Tyson’s been the alpha at Arizona State the past two seasons, and has zero issue coming down with the ball when everyone on and off the field knows the ball is coming to him. He has good ball skills, is not afraid of contact, and excels at contested catches. He’s a bit of an unpolished route runner and has just one season with 1,000 receiving yards, but he can line up all over the field. Tyson’s widely criticized as a one-trick pony versus press coverage, and needs to expand his move-set. High floor, but lower ceiling than you’d like from a player with his likely ADP. Mid-rounder who could bump to early-mid rounds in redraft if he lands in an optimal situation. Mid-first round in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Jakobi Meyers
5. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (TE1)
Kenyon Sadiq is the type of tight end prospect that gets me a little hot and bothered. A superior athlete that hasn’t just drawn Vernon Davis comparisons — he literally broke Davis’s combine speed record for tight ends set nearly 20 years ago. Sadiq ran the fastest 40 ever for a TE at the combine (4.37), and although he wasn’t used much as a pass catcher downfield at Oregon, he has the skillset to be a vertical threat at the next level. An explosive but raw blocker, he’ll need to bulk up if he wants to reach his full potential at the pro level. Sadiq will be a playmaker from day one, thanks to his elite athleticism, and has all the ingredients to turn into the latest, greatest, elite tight end. I fear that also includes him being the latest first-round tight end to be overdrafted in fantasy in their rookie season. In dynasty, he’ll be a mid-first-rounder in most formats, but a contender for 1.01 in TE premium.
NFL Comp: Vernon Davis (shocker)
6. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (WR4)
I tend to have a man crush on a rookie wide receiver each season, and that guy in 2026 is shaping up to be KC Concepcion. He’s all the clichés for a short-area middle-of-the-field receiver in the best way possible. Concepcion’s explosive after-the-catch skills and ability to line up all over the field are what earned him the 2026 Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football (the first Aggie to ever do so). He’s struggled with focus at times, and his undersized stature and limited wingspan have led to contested-catch issues. He’s a tier below the Tysons and Tates, but in today’s NFL, if Concepcion can find himself in a West Coast offense, he can have a Cooper Kupp-type role. I would love to see him end up in Tennessee and become new OC Brian Daboll‘s Nashville Wan’Dale Robinson. (edit: Wan’Dale Robinson will be Brian Daboll‘s Wan’Dale Robinson). Concepcion should start the season as a FLEX option at best, but someone I’ll be looking to pick up late in redraft leagues. He has WR2 potential. In dynasty, he’s a mid-to-late first-rounder.
NFL Comp: Wan’Dale Robinson
7. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (WR5)
King Kong ain’t got nothing on Denzel Boston. The 6’4″ receiver can climb the ladder like he’s scaling a skyscraper and comes down with nearly any ball thrown his way. Boston is a red zone monster with a massive catch radius and hands that might as well be covered in stick-um, sporting a 77% contested catch rate. He struggles with the press and doesn’t separate well, but his elite contested catch skills help make up for those flaws. If he lands in an offense that plays to his strengths, preferably one in need of a red zone threat, Boston could be a boom-bust WR2 from day one. He’s been linked to the Steelers, and both sides have shown interest. Boston’s redraft value may vary by landing spot, but it likely settles in the late middle rounds. In dynasty, he’s a mid-first rounder.
NFL Comp: Drake London
8. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas (RB2)
The biggest winner of the NFL combine, Mike Washington Jr., showed up and showed out, running the fastest time among running backs with a 4.33 40-yard dash. Washington immediately broke down in tears after the run, stating, “I’m so emotional, man. I’ve worked my whole life for this.” If that doesn’t hit you right in the feels, I’m sorry for whoever hurt you. He’s as explosive as an afternoon trip to Taco Bell and can turn a small gain into a long touchdown with just one surgical cut. Washington will need to improve his pass protection and fumbling issues, but he’s easily the top riser heading into the draft. Everybody and their grandma is rooting for him.
NFL Comp: Uncle Lenny/Leonard Fournette
9. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (WR6)
Get the ball into the hands of Omar Cooper Jr., and magic happens. Cooper has incredible hands and is arguably the most talented YAC machine in the class, thanks to his ability to make defenders miss. Expect to hear his name on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. I hope I’ll be hanging with Mr. Cooper and his high-end WR2 potential. He’s flying under the fantasy radar compared to his fellow draftmates. A late-round pick in redraft and a mid-to-early second-rounder in rookie drafts.
NFL Comp: Rashee Rice
10. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (QB1)
Thanks to the release of Geno Smith, you can go ahead and write “Fernando Mendoza” on the Las Vegas Raiders draft card in permanent marker for the first overall pick. He’s the consensus top quarterback in this class after leading Indiana — yes, Indiana — to its first National Championship while also winning the Heisman Trophy. Despite being locked in as the first overall pick, Mendoza profiles more as an efficient, game-managing quarterback than the electric playmakers we’ve seen go in the first round over the past few seasons. Don’t get me wrong, Mendoza is great. He offers a high floor with a high football IQ, quick decision-making, and spot-on accuracy, but his arm strength is meh. He’s the perfect fit for the Raiders from an NFL standpoint, but not someone I’m excited to draft in fantasy. He’ll be a late-round lottery ticket pick for those who wait on a quarterback in redraft. In dynasty, he’s a late first-rounder in 1QB leagues but a top 2-3 pick in Superflex.
NFL Comp: Alex Smith
11. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (RB3)
If I were to describe Jonah Coleman in one word, it would be…
WHAMMY! A power runner with a well-rounded skillset that should keep him on the field at all times. Extends plays with his elite vision and had a strong 3.86 yards after contact in 2025. His YAC actually dropped from 2024 to 2025, likely due to Coleman playing through a knee injury. The slightly suppressed production may actually be underselling his true potential. Coleman’s lack of explosive speed and below-average size shouldn’t keep him from being a Day 2 selection. He profiles as a true three-down back thanks to his excellence in pass protection, but he’s not the type of elite pass-catching back who will add 50 catches a year. Likely not a fantasy starter early in the season, but could end up inside the top 24 before the season’s end. A late-round pick in redraft and a second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Chris Carson
12. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (RB4)
Jadarian Price may have technically been the backup in South Bend, but he’d have been the bellcow just about anywhere else in the country. Price is a lot like his backfield mate Jeremiyah Love, but as my buddy Brett Ford likes to say, maybe more of a “sugar-free” version. Still pretty good, just not like the real thing. Price has incredible vision and elusiveness, but a limited passing game. His biggest knock is holding onto the ball: he lost three fumbles in 2025, all three inside the opponent’s 10-yard line. The landing spot will determine his ceiling in 2026, but he should be FLEX viable from day one. He’s a late-round pick in redraft and a second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Tony Pollard
13. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State (RB5)
It hits me right in the feels when a top prospect returns to school and falls flat on their face, sending their stock plummeting. That’s exactly what happened to Nicholas Singleton, and then some. Not only did he have the worst season of his college career in 2025, but Singleton fractured his foot at the Senior Bowl while attempting to recoup some of his draft stock, instead causing him to miss most of the week as well as the combine. But he’s an explosive downhill runner and aggressive receiver, and if he ends up on an elite zone-running team, like San Francisco, Houston, or Denver, his draft-day fall could be the best thing that ever happened to him. He likely finds himself with a late-mid round ADP in redraft, and early second round in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Miles Sanders
14. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (WR7)
Malachi Fields is the prototypical X receiver: he has the size, strength, and deep-ball tracking skills to come down with the back-shoulder catch with his eyes closed. What keeps him from elite prospect status is his lack of initial burst off the line and struggles with separation. If a team falls in love with him, you could hear his name late on Day 1, but he’s more likely a Day 2 pick. An under-the-radar late-round pick in redraft and a late first-rounder/early second in dynasty.
NFL Comp: DeVante Parker
15. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt (TE2)
Eli Stowers is to Kenyon Sadiq as Coleston Loveland was to Tyler Warren in last year’s draft. Not quite as heralded, but could end up having the better rookie season (and career?). Stowers is not too shabby of an athlete himself, running a 4.51 40-yard dash and breaking the all-time NFL Combine record for tight ends with a 45.5″ vertical jump. He, too, is a bit undersized and struggles against man coverage, but his athleticism and hands give the Mackey Award winner beaucoup upside.
NFL Comp: Cole Kmet
16. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee (WR8)
A burner with explosive playmaking ability, Chris Brazzell also brings an incredible 80″ wingspan to the table, and that’s about it. He doesn’t do much after contact, has a limited route tree, and has the frame of a dogwood. Brazzell can become a dangerous deep-threat specialist, and his best-case scenario for fantasy purposes would be ending up on an offense that likes to air it out. Brazzell has high-end WR3 upside if he ends up on the right offense and can address his issues with drops. He’s likely a late-round dart throw in redraft and an early second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Marquez Valdez-Scantling
17. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest (RB6)
Demond Claiborne may be small, but boy, is he mighty. He can cut on a dime and take it to the house any time he touches the ball. One of the most explosive athletes in the draft, he has breakaway speed to pull away from nearly any defender. He’ll have a hard time seeing the field consistently if he doesn’t improve his pass protection, and he has had issues holding onto the ball. Likely a Day Three pick, keep an eye on him — because the right landing spot could skyrocket his fantasy value. He needs an offense that will give him space to operate. A late-round dart throw in redraft and a third-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Keaton Mitchell
18. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia (WR9)
Shoutout to all my fellow short kings out there! That includes you, Zachariah Branch. The 5’8″ receiver has blazing speed and ran a 4.35 40 at the combine, and excels at making defenders miss. His diminutive stature does limit his ability to win contested catches, but Branch is every bit of lightning in a bottle. Just a mini-bottle. He did have 81 catches in 2025, but 49 of them came behind the line of scrimmage. He’ll enter the league as a jet sweep/screen guy that teams will love on special teams, but his path to fantasy relevance requires a very specific role. One of the widest ranges of outcomes in the draft class. He’s a great late-round target in redraft and a late second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Tank Dell
19. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (WR10)
Germie Bernard is basically “Roll Tide” Jarvis Landry — a starting-caliber slot receiver with great hands who runs extremely clean routes. He’s the guy you look for on third and a couple. Bernard isn’t an explosive playmaker or a vertical threat, but he has the traits to be a valuable fantasy and real-life receiver for a long time. Not a sexy name for fantasy due to his lack of athleticism, but could sneakily be among the most valuable rookie receivers in 2026. He’ll be a favorite late-round pick of mine in redraft, and a second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Jarvis Landry
20. Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (WR11)
If you asked Siri who the best route runner was in the 2026 class, she’d probably tell you, “I don’t have a connection right now,” and then when you Google it, chances are Elijah Sarratt‘s name would show up among the top answers. The route technician has excellent hands and the heart of Rocky Balboa. Sarratt came down with 44 touchdowns in his career, but he’s not a vertical threat and not much of a contested catch guru. If opportunity is available where he’s drafted, he can be a solid WR3 for fantasy, but the upside is rather limited.
NFL Comp: Hunter Renfrow
21. Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State (RB7)
Kaytron Allen is a sub-six-foot hammer that’s as sure-handed as he is powerful, with just five career fumbles on over 750 career carries. The Penn State product is a pure downhill runner that’s not very explosive and doesn’t do much as a receiver. He profiles as a short-yardage specialist in a committee. Landing spot and opportunity will weigh extremely heavily for where Allen should be taken in redraft. But he’s a late second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Tyler Allgeier
22. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska (RB8)
It’s a rather shallow rookie class from a fantasy football perspective, but there are still valuable assets as long as you keep your expectations in check. Emmett Johnson has playmaking ability as a pass catcher, reading the field and slipping past defenders. But he lacks elite speed (his 4.56 40 was the worst among RBs at the combine) and sits a bit undersized at 5’11”, 200-ish lbs. That said, he handled one of the heaviest workloads in the country without missing a day in 2025. He’ll be a committee back in the pros, and his fantasy value will be heavily reliant on ending up in a situation where he can slot in as the pass-catching back from day one. Johnson is a late-round pick in redraft and a late first, early second-round pick in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Kareem Hunt
23. Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (WR12)
Antonio Williams does a lot of things well, just nothing exceptionally well. He’s fast enough, but not a burner. His hands and catch-point ability allow him to come down with contested catches regularly, playing bigger than his frame suggests. His size limits him to the slot, where he’ll rely on timing and precision rather than physicality to win. A nagging injury history — he’s missed games every season since 2023 — is a concern worth monitoring. Another in a long list of receivers in this class with potential to contribute from day one if they land in the right offense. Late-round flyer in redraft and a second-round pick in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Adam Thielen
24. Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC (WR13)
At 6’4″, Ja’Kobi Lane checks in as one of the tallest receivers in the 2026 class. He’s a tad undersized at 200-ish lbs, but his ball skills and catch point dominance make him the kind of receiver who turns 50/50 balls into touchdowns. Big body, 40″ vertical, 10.5″ hands — wins at the catch point. His whole game is “let me Moss this guy real quick.” He has four drops each of the last two seasons and lacks separation skills, but should be able to become a red zone/contested catch specialist at minimum.
NFL Comp: George Pickens
25. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (WR14)
One of the most physical receivers in the draft, Chris Bell out of Louisville is in the mold of an AJ Brown physically but closer to the hands of Xavier Legette. Bell unfortunately tore his ACL in November and is set to miss most of the 2026 season. The tear was reportedly clean, which bodes well for his recovery timeline. Like every injured player ever, he’s reportedly “ahead of schedule.” Before the injury, he was in WR1 conversation, but we need to see what his recovery looks like on the field before giving an accurate assessment. He’s not even worth stashing in redraft, but a worthy discount pick in dynasty in the late second with tons of upside.
NFL Comp: Michael Pittman Jr.
26. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (QB2)
For most, Ty Simpson is the second-best quarterback prospect in this class, and his potential is sort of the inverse of Mendoza. His dual-threat ability gives him a higher ceiling, but Simpson is much less proven. He basically has one season of high-end performance, inconsistent at that, and his arm strength is so-so. That being said, he’s able to make quick adjustments and read the defense well. He’ll more than likely be the second quarterback off the board. The best-case scenario is that he ends up on a team where he’s not expected to become the starter for at least a year (Rams?) and can take time to develop. He’s all but off the redraft radar and a late-round pick in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Jimmy Garoppolo
27. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (TE3)
A fluid athlete with good hands and great body control, Max Klare‘s blocking — while improved — remains a work in progress and will make it difficult for him to consistently see the field early in his career. Off the redraft radar and a third-round dynasty pick.
NFL Comp: Tyler Higbee
28. Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut (WR15)
Skyler Bell is a smart route runner whose quickness and route creativity allow him to create separation at multiple levels. Bell finished top 5 nationally in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2025, and ranked 3rd in the entire class in yards per route run per PFF. He’s struggled to get separation versus more physical coverage, but has potential to develop into a solid slot/motion receiver in the right offense. He’s nothing more than a late-round lottery ticket in redraft and a late second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Khalil Shakir
29. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor (TE4)
Michael Trigg is a walking mismatch at tight end, with his route savviness and YAC ability giving him sky-high upside. He’ll have packages to get him on the field as an offensive weapon, but his blocking effort and technique need to improve drastically if he wants to be more than a sub.
NFL Comp: Isaiah Likely
30. Adam Randall, RB, Clemson (RB9)
Adam Randall is the next in a long line of college receivers attempting to convert to running back. Still learning the position, but has the size, power, and balance to develop into a solid complementary pass-catching back. Off the redraft radar and a late-round dynasty flyer.
NFL Comp: Antonio Gibson
31. J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia (RB10)
NFL Comp: Damien Harris
32. Jam Miller, RB, Alabama (RB11)
Jam Miller is a physical runner who’s best in gap schemes. Powerful yet shifty. He has surprising hands for a back of his size, but his lack of elite burst and change-of-direction ability caps his upside. He’s off the redraft radar and a third-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Najee Harris
33. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State (WR16)
Ted Hurst is an under-the-radar prospect with big play upside. He’s a speed merchant who needs the right opportunity to show what he can do. A late-round flyer in redraft with sneaky upside and a third-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Darius Slayton
34. Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma (WR17)
Deion Burks is a gadget-type weapon with a dynamic skillset that makes him dangerous on jet sweeps, screens, and short routes, where he can use his explosiveness after the catch. A late-round flyer in redraft and a third-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Laviska Shenault Jr. 😍
35. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky (RB12)
Seth McGowan has a very specific role he can fill in the NFL: pass-catching back and special teams ace. He’s off the redraft radar and a late-round dynasty pick.
NFL Comp: Dare Ogunbowale
36. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State (WR18)
Brenen Thompson is small, lightning fast, and can make an immediate impact as a kick returner. Off the redraft radar and a late-round dynasty pick.
NFL Comp: Tutu Atwell
37. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State (QB3)
Drew Allar is a big program name with arm talent, but there are serious questions about his skills translating to the pro game. He’s all but off the redraft radar, and a late-round pick in dynasty unless you’re in a Superflex league.
NFL Comp: Zach Wilson
38. Roman Hemby, RB, Maryland (RB13)
Roman Hemby is a physical runner, yet surprisingly athletic. A guy who earns his carries in the trenches. His limitations as a receiver cap his ceiling in fantasy. He’s off the redraft radar and a late-round dynasty pick.
NFL Comp: A.J. Dillon
39. Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M (RB14)
Le’Veon Moss (yes, that name is real) is a shifty, change-of-direction back who can make defenders look foolish in space. His path to fantasy relevance depends entirely on landing in a spot where the offensive line gives him room to operate. He’s off the redraft radar and a late-round dynasty pick.
NFL Comp: Elijah Mitchell
40. Kevin Coleman, WR, Missouri (WR19)
Kevin Coleman is one of the most electric playmakers in this class when healthy. A YAC monster with blazing speed, he has the tools to carve out a niche in the right offense, but will need to stay on the field. A late-round flyer in redraft and a late-round dynasty pick.
NFL Comp: Kadarius Toney