2026 NFL draft: Fantasy football analysis of Rounds 1, 2 and 3playHow Jeremiyah Love will bolster the Cardinals’ offense (0:56)How Jeremiyah Love will bolster the Cardinals’ offense (0:56)ESPN FantasyApr 24, 2026, 11:30 PM ETClose
The first three rounds of the 2026 NFL draft have come to a close, and several talented college stars such as Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate learned where they would be making their new homes as professionals. NFL fans and fantasy managers alike are wondering what these players will bring to their new teams as the new rookie class begins to take shape.
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Showing Jeremiyah some Love? Three bets to make on top of this year’s rookie class
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.
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Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3
Round 1
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
Jeremiyah Love is an immediate top-12 pick at the RB position in fantasy football. AP Photo/Jeff RobersonMike 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
Mike 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 just in 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)
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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
Round 2
No. 33: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Ole Miss receiver De’Zhaun Stribling was the first player to hear his name called on Day 2. Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesMike Clay’s 2026 projection: 34 targets, 22 receptions, 318 yards, 2 TDsStribling is all gas and no hesitation — particularly after the catch. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, the Ole Miss product is a long strider with excellent speed (4.36) for his size and the ability to high point with arguable elegance. He’s also largely considered the most proficient blocking receiver in this year’s class. It’s an interesting move for the 49ers, given the receiving talent available on the board. Stribling will learn from some of the best, likely filling Jauan Jennings’ previous role on the offense. — Loza
No. 39: Denzel Boston, WR, Cleveland Browns
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 74 targets, 48 receptions, 549 yards, 2 TDs
Boston has the frame (6-foot-3, 212 pounds), strong hands and ball skills to emerge as a red zone target early in his pro career. Boston caught seven of his 11 touchdowns last season at Washington on red zone throws. He can go get it. Boston will also use his physical catch and run skills to get loose on in-breaking concepts. Boston, who joins first round wide receiver KC Concepcion in Cleveland, can provide some WR3 weeks as a rookie in redraft formats. — Bowen
No. 47: Germie Bernard, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 81 targets, 49 receptions, 584 yards, 3 TDs
A polished route runner who can be deployed via the slot and work the perimeter, Bernard wins with physicality and strength. He doesn’t have top-end speed (4.48) or tons of sudden moves, but he’s a high-floor player with a versatile tool bag. His grit fits the Steelers’ mold and should complement the rest of the corps (DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.) nicely. That mentioned, Bernard is unlikely to sustain regular fantasy value but could certainly have breakout weeks and/or emerge as a waiver wire savior — given the ages of the team’s other top two WRs. — Loza
No. 54: Eli Stowers, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 19 targets, 14 receptions, 142 yards, 1 TD
Stowers is a seam-stretcher from the tight end spot, using his long 6-foot-4 frame and 4.51 speed to attack coverage voids at multiple levels of the field. Stowers had 62 receptions for 769 yards last season at Vanderbilt, and I see a ton of upside on the tape. He can create numbers after the catch, and he has the matchup skills to flex wide. Stowers will get reps in the Eagles’ two tight end sets this season, but he is a dynasty play for now with veteran tight end Dallas Goedert still locked into the No. 1 role. — Bowen
No. 56: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
TE Nate Boerkircher was a surprise pick for the Jaguars. Alex Slitz/Getty ImagesThere’s an old school feel to Boerkircher’s game as the “Y” tight end, playing in-line to win as a blocker at the point of attack. Boerkircher, who only had 19 receptions in his final season at Texas A&M, can operate an underneath outlet for the quarterback, but he lacks the juice to create consistent matchups in the pass game. Boerkircher won’t carry enough fantasy value to show up on the radar as a rookie. — BowenNo. 59: Marlin Klein, TE, Houston Texans
A German-born prospect who managed a single catch over his first two years in Ann Arbor, Klein is in possession of intriguing physical tools. At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, the 23-year-old has the frame to stand up to traffic and the speed to emerge as a vertical threat. However, given the depth at the position in Houston, his landing spot is head-scratching. Dalton Schultz (who doesn’t have an out until 2028) remains locked-in as the Texans’ TE1 with Cade Stover and Foster Moreau additionally on the roster. That doesn’t provide the rookie with much – if any – fantasy appeal. — Loza
No. 61: Max Klare, TE, Los Angeles Rams
The scheme fit works for Klare in Sean McVay’s offense. He can win on the underneath levels, and the Rams are a heavy play-action and boot team. However, Klare, who caught 43 passes at Ohio State last season, joins a very deep tight end room in L.A. We don’t see a path here for Klare to post viable fantasy numbers as a rookie. — Bowen
Round 3
No. 65: Carson Beck, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 40-of-64, 441 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INTs;
7 carries, 30 yards, 0 TDs (2 starts)
Beck has plenty of experience with six seasons of college ball under his belt. His time in Athens was flush with highs and lows, but he demonstrated true grit and resilience this past year with the Canes. The 23-year-old elevated his game in 2025, leading Miami to a 13-2 record and an appearance in the College Football Nationship Championship, closing out his career with a 37-6 record as a starter. A rhythm and timing passer who can read the field, Arizona adds depth at a position of need while looking towards the future. Beck could very well register a handful of starts towards the end of the season, but doesn’t offer much immediate value to fantasy managers. Still, with Mike LeFleur in the building, growth and opportunity are available to Beck, making him an acceptable stash in dynasty formats. — Loza
No. 69: Sam Roush, TE, Chicago Bears
Roush’s pro route tree will focus on the underneath levels and middle of the field targets. But with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet in Chicago’s two tight end sets, Roush will have a tough time finding opportunities to post receiving totals as a rookie. He should be viewed as a developmental prospect from a fantasy perspective. — Bowen
No. 71: Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders
Antonio Williams has the potential to deliver flex/WR3 numbers in Washington. Alex Martin-Imagn ImagesMike Clay’s 2026 projection: 41 targets, 28 receptions, 335 yards, 2 TDsA crafty route runner who is excellent at tracking the deep ball, Williams’ name is scrawled all over Clemon’s record book. With 208 career receptions (fourth-most in program history) and 2,336 career receiving yards (fifth-most), the slot weapon proved to be ultra-productive for the Tigers. He’ll bring wiggle and quicks to the corps, working as a complement to Terry McLaurin. Williams has the talent and savvy to emerge as the Commanders’ No. 2 WR, and he also has the opportunity to deliver WR3/flex numbers for fantasy purposes. — Loza
No. 73: Oscar Delp, TE, New Orleans Saints
Delp only had 20 receptions last season, but he flashed the foot quickness and straight-line speed that translates to Sundays on boot concepts and second-level throws. However, with veterans Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant ahead of Delp on the Saints depth chart, the rookie has limited fantasy value in 2026. — Bowen
No. 74: Malachi Fields, WR, New York Giants
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 30 targets, 20 receptions, 220 yards, 1 TD
At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, there’s an intriguing old-school element to Fields’ game. A jump ball king who regularly wins 50/50 balls, the Notre Dame product managed a contested catch rate of 48% in 2025. He has a chance to surpass Darious Slayton on the G-Men’s depth chart, but is unlikely to post consistent fantasy numbers in his inaugural campaign. — Loza
No. 75 Caleb Douglas, WR, Miami Dolphins
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 75 targets, 47 receptions, 588 yards, 2 TDs
A long, perimeter target at 6-foot-3, 206 pounds, Douglas flashes playmaking upside on his college tape, showing the ability to track the ball and finish down the field. Douglas will have to improve on focus drops (six last season), and he has average separation quickness, but there are opportunities to see early playing time given the lack of depth in the Dolphins wide receiver room. Keep Douglas on the radar this summer. — Bowen
No. 76: Drew Allar, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Drew Allar is an intriguing dynasty play as he joins the Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB room. Matthew O’Haren-Imagn ImagesAllar has the physical tools, size (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and arm strength to operate as a pocket thrower in the league. Allar suffered a season-ending ankle in November 2025, but in 2024, he threw for over 3,300 yards with 24 touchdowns … and there are a lot of positives on that tape. While the Steelers await Aaron Rodgers’ decision to return for this season, Allar joins Will Howard and Mason Rudolph in the Steelers’ QB room. He should be targeted as a potential dynasty play. — Bowen
No. 79: Zachariah Branch, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 33 targets, 22 receptions, 258 yards, 1 TDs
A verified burner who recorded a blistering 4.35 40-yard-dash at the Combine, Branch is dangerous in space. While at Georgia, he regularly zig-zagged his way past defenders and through arm tackles, running with impressive vision and contact balance after the catch. He figures to bring plenty of juice to Atlanta’s corps, manning the slot and complementing Drake London. Branch could deliver a handful of boom games, but shouldn’t be relied upon for regular fantasy production just yet. — Loza
No. 80 Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 45 targets, 28 receptions, 396 yards, 3 TDs
A prototypical X-receiver with an impressive catch radius, Lane emerged as one of USC’s most relied upon red zone weapons, hauling in 16 TDs over his final two college campaigns. A solid showing at the Senior Bowl and the Combine (40-inch vertical, 10-foot-9 broad jump) boosted his draft stock. The Ravens clearly have a need for Lane’s particular skill set, but a limited number of targets figure to depress the rookie’s immediate fantasy appeal. — Loza
No. 83: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Carolina Panthers
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 31 targets, 19 receptions, 223 yards, 1 TD
Brazzell (6-foot-4, 198 pounds) has the long speed and the vertical stretch ability to create explosive plays. However, Brazzell can also separate on intermediate cuts and three-step concepts, as he had over 1,000 yards receiving and nine touchdowns for Tennessee last season. Brazzell has competition for targets in Carolina with Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette on the depth chart, so let’s keep him on the dynasty radar for now. — Bowen
No. 84 Ted Hurst, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 11 targets, 6 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TDs
Hurst has surprising bounce and speed for a big guy (6-foot-4 and 206 pounds). He ran a 4.42 40-yard-dash time (95th percentile size-adjusted speed score) and registered the best broad jump among wide receivers (11 feet, 3 inches) at the Combine. A target hog at Georgia State (28%), Hurst could thrive as a “z” receiver at the next level. In a stacked receiver room, however, the former Cougar doesn’t offer much immediate value from a fantasy perspective. — Loza
No. 87: Will Kacmarek, TE, Miami Dolphins
A true run-blocking tight end, Kacmarek caught only 23 passes in his two seasons at Ohio State. With his limited traits/upside as a pass catcher, Kacmarek will remain off the fantasy radar. — Bowen
No. 89: Zavion Thomas, WR, Chicago Bears
While Zavion Thomas is unlikely to find a regular role in the Bears offense, he’ll likely serve as a gadget for Ben Johnson. Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesRecording the third-fastest 40-yard-dash time at the Combine (4.28), Thomas’ calling card is his speed. Deployed from a number of alignments while additionally wowing as a return man, the LSU product is brimming with wiggle and burst. However, a limited route tree and underwhelming college production caps his ceiling at the next level. He’s likely to work as a gadget for Ben Johnson, rather than carving out a regular role on an already stacked offense. — LozaNo. 90: Kaelon Black, RB, San Francisco 49ers
A rapid accelerator, Black has the short area speed to dart through daylight. He runs behind his pads on contact, and he’s decisive with the ball in his hands. Black only had eight receptions over his two seasons at Indiana, but he can be utilized on swings and check downs. If Black wins the No. 2 role behind Christian McCaffrey, managers can target him late as an insurance play. — Bowen
No. 94 Chris Bell, WR, Miami Dolphins
Mike Clay’s 2026 projection: 65 targets, 41 receptions, 499 yards, 2 TDs
A Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, Bell is in possession of a strong frame (6-foot-2 and 222 pounds) and legit jets. An ACL tear suffered in November of 2025 prevented the Louisville product from testing at the combine, but the tape shows a player with long speed that goes the distance. With a playing style similar to that of A.J. Brown’s, Bell has the ball skills to make circus catches and devour cushion after the catch. Health remains a concern, but on an offense desperate for pass-catching talent, Bell could work his way to the top of the depth chart. He’s worth a flyer in redraft and a definite stash in dynasty formats. — Loza
No. 95 Eli Raridon, TE, New England Patriots
Rairdon plays with the coverage awareness to find open spaces of grass, and he can use his 6-foot-6 frame to box out defenders at the catch point. With experience aligning in flexed alignments at Notre Dame, Rairdon also brings some formation versatility to the league. The Patriots are set with Hunter Henry as the No. 1 tight end, so put Rairdon on the dynasty radar. — Bowen
