2026 NFL draft: Fantasy football analysis of Round 1playHow Jeremiyah Love will bolster the Cardinals’ offense (0:56)How Jeremiyah Love will bolster the Cardinals’ offense (0:56)ESPN FantasyApr 23, 2026, 11:20 PM ETClose
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft is in the books. Several talented college stars such as Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate learned where they’d be making their new homes as professionals, and NFL fans and fantasy managers alike are wondering what these players will bring to their new teams.
Editor’s Picks
Follow along in ESPN’s Draftcast: Analysis for every pick
Who has immediate fantasy potential, who’s worth a late-round flier, and who’s an intriguing dynasty stash?
Our ESPN fantasy football analysts Liz Loza and Matt Bowen have you covered, as they offer their analysis of each skill position player selected in the first three rounds of the draft, and Mike Clay provides his projections for these incoming rookies.
It’s never too early to think about fantasy football, and the draft is the perfect place to start.
No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 304-of-481, 3,220 yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs;
52 carries, 225 yards, 2 TDs (15 starts)
As expected, Mendoza goes No. 1 to Las Vegas, and we like the scheme fit under new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak. We’ll see rhythmic play-action throws and movement concepts that cater to Mendoza’s accuracy and timing as a passer. He led the nation with 41 touchdowns last season at Indiana. However, with the club adding veteran QB Kirk Cousins to the mix this offseason, Mendoza’s 2026 ceiling in redraft formats is limited. He’s best served as a target in 2QB and superflex leagues and dynasty formats. — Bowen
No. 3: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 234 carries, 1,049 yards, 7 TDs;
88 targets, 67 receptions, 516 yards, 2 TDs (17 games)
Largely believed to be a generational talent with shades of Jamaal Charles to his game, Love was highly productive at Notre Dame, finding the end zone 21 times (third most in the FBS) in 2025 alone. A daylight-maker on the ground as well as a reliable slot option via the air, Love is set to bring his trademark explosiveness and dual-threat ability to the Cardinals’ backfield. Despite having numerous other needs, Arizona couldn’t pass on Love’s elite talent. Volume figures to make him a top-12 fantasy pick at the position, and the selection also signals that the Cardinals are moving on from James Conner. — Loza
No. 4: Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans
Carnell Tate gives Cam Ward another quality target to work with in Tennessee. Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesMike Clay’s 2026 projection: 123 targets, 77 receptions, 1,023 yards, 4 TDs (17 games)A three-level glider at 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, Tate can create his own separation in the route tree. In his final season at Ohio State, he scored nine touchdowns and had 875 receiving yards. Look for Tate to play the Z receiver spot in Tennessee, giving quarterback Cam Ward a perimeter target with newly signed Wan’Dale Robinson working out of the slot. Tate has the upside to potentially finish as a top-25 wide receiver under the Titans’ new playcaller, Brian Daboll. — Bowen
No. 8: Jordyn Tyson to New Orleans Saints
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 111 targets, 70 receptions, 934 yards, 4 TDs (17 games)
A versatile player who can thrive at all levels of the field, Tyson led Arizona State in receptions (61), receiving yards (711) and receiving scores (8) in 2025. Coached up by two-time Super Bowl Champion Hines Ward, Tyson’s ball skills and route running set him apart. Simply put, he just moves differently. Injuries have marred his college career and unfortunately forced the Sun Devil to skip the athletic testing portion of the Combine. He figures to work as a dynamic complement to Chris Olave, offering fantasy managers WR3 potential with upside, assuming health.– Loza
No. 13: Ty Simpson, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 13-of-21, 135 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT;
1 carry, 4 yards, 0 TDs (0 starts)
I see this as the best possible landing spot for Simpson — and his pro development. In L.A., Simpson gets the necessary time to develop behind starter Matthew Stafford while learning a system under Sean McVay that caters to his traits as a thrower. More play-action, boot and defined reads will allow Simpson to play on time at a consistent rate as the future starter. For now, fantasy managers can target Simpson as a dynasty stash. — Bowen
No. 16: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, New York Jets
Kenyon Sadiq could be the newest first-round tight end to flash right away in fantasy. Rich von Biberstein/Icon SportswireMike Clay’s 2026 projection: 80 targets, 58 receptions, 597 yards, 4 TDs (17 games)Sadiq is a future star in the making. With vice-grip hands, contortionist-level body control and alignment versatility, his elite athleticism pops off the tape. It was also verified at the combine, where the Oregon product ran the fastest 40-yard dash ever (4.39) by a tight end while additionally recording a 43.5-inch vertical jump (tied for the second highest by a TE on record). Sadiq’s route technique is still evolving and Omar Cooper Jr figures to draw upwards of 80 looks, but the former Duck figures to make an immediate impact in New York. Despite drafting Mason Taylor in the second round just a year ago, New York clearly desired an upgrade. Fantasy managers can consider Sadiq a top-eight producer at the position in his inaugural season. — Loza
No. 20: Makai Lemon, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 73 targets, 47 receptions, 617 yards, 4 TDs (17 games)
This pick tells us that the Eagles will likely deal A.J. Brown at some point this offseason, which opens the door for Lemon to see volume in 2026. Lemon has the route traits and foot quickness to manipulate coverage, plus he can accelerate through the ball to create numbers after the catch. More than willing to work the heavy traffic areas of the field, Lemon will operate as the No. 2 opposite DeVonta Smith. Lemon, who had 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season at USC, should be viewed as a flex option with WR2 upside in redraft formats. — Bowen
No. 24: KC Concepcion, WR, Cleveland Browns
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 101 targets, 65 receptions, 773 yards, 3 TDs;
6 carries, 34 yards, 0 TDs (17 games)
Your League, Your Rules
Create a league and customize league size, scoring and rules to play in the league you want to play in.
Create a league today!
A high-motor athlete who bursts off the line with immediate acceleration, Concepcion excels in space. More than just a gadget player, the 2025 Paul Hornung Award winner profiles as a slot receiver who can stretch the field vertically and gain yards after the catch. In fact, 49% of his yards came after the catch in 2025. Concepcion’s playmaking ability figures to be featured by new coach Todd Monken, gifting the Browns’ offense some much-needed dynamism. While Cleveland’s QB situation depresses Concepcion’s stock, WR3 fantasy numbers are within his range of possible outcomes. — Loza
No. 30: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 85 targets, 58 receptions, 676 yards, 3 TDs (17 games)
A power strider with explosive open-field traits, Cooper averaged 7.28 yards after the catch last season at Indiana, plus he scored 13 touchdowns. There’s a playmaking element to his game. Garrett Wilson remains the clear No. 1 with the Jets, and the team also drafted versatile tight end Kenyon Sadiq earlier in Round 1. Managers should target Cooper as a WR3 who has the potential to produce some breakout weeks. — Bowen
No. 32: Jadarian Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 213 carries, 902 yards, 7 TDs;
35 targets, 27 receptions, 216 yards, 1 TD (17 games)
A decisive downhill runner with excellent contact balance, Price shared the field with Love at Notre Dame. While his opportunities were limited (particularly as a receiver), the Texas native recorded an impressive 11 TDs in 2025. Price is set to fill the void left by Kenneth Walker III’s departure, working in a committee with Zach Charbonnet. Price is likely to average 12-14 touches per game, offering fantasy appeal as a potential top-30 running back. — Loza
