-2026 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2026 Draft Kit
Anthony Smith was selected in the seventh round (218th overall) out of East Carolina by the Dallas Cowboys and is primarily viewed as a developmental deep threat and special teams contributor. Smith boasts excellent size (6'2", 197 lbs) combined with blazing 4.40 straight-line speed. He possesses explosive play-making ability and tracks the deep ball well. His route tree is unrefined, and he has a concerning history of drops. Because of the heavy competition for targets in Dallas behind cemented starters like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Smith is not guaranteed heavy offensive volume. Even if he makes the active roster, his weekly ceiling will be limited unless an injury thrusts him into a larger vertical role. For re-draft leagues, he can be entirely ignored, but dynasty managers can monitor how he develops during training camp.
Kendrick Law has a completely lost his 2026 fantasy season, as he suffered a torn knee ligament during a June practice, was placed on injured reserve, and can be avoided in all fantasy drafts. Law tore his ACL during minicamp, wiping out his entire rookie campaign before training camp even began. He will spend 2026 rehabbing and focusing on the 2027 season. Prior to the injury, the Detroit Lions selected him in the fifth round (168th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. He was expected to compete primarily as a developmental gadget/slot receiver and special teamer. Even if healthy, Law faced a tough battle for targets behind a solidified top receiving corps in Detroit, which features Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa. Because of the severity of the injury and the fact that he was viewed as a lower-volume, run-after-catch gadget player in college, his dynasty profile carries a high level of risk.
Germie Bernard profiles as a better real-life fit than fantasy target entering the NFL, landing behind established veterans DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in Pittsburgh. The former Alabama receiver offers versatility, toughness, and strong YAC ability, which should help him earn snaps early, particularly from the slot. However, Year 1 fantasy expectations should remain modest given the crowded depth chart and uncertainty surrounding Pittsburgh's quarterback situation. The second-round pick feels more like a long-term depth stash than an immediate-impact rookie, although his well-rounded skill set gives him a relatively safe floor.
Chris Brazzell II is an explosive, 6-foot-4 vertical threat who was selected in the third round by the Carolina Panthers. Brazzell is projected to serve as a boundary deep-threat for quarterback Bryce Young. He will likely be competing for the WR3 or WR2 target share in an offense that features Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. He was highly productive at Tennessee, racking up 9 touchdowns and 1,017 yards in his final collegiate season. He will need to add functional play strength to beat physical press coverage at the NFL level. His low contested-catch rate and below-average yards-after-catch (YAC) metrics indicate he relies heavily on deep speed rather than underneath separation. Because Carolina's passing volume and offensive efficiency have limitations, he offers sporadic "splash" games rather than week-to-week target consistency. If you can afford to stash him while he develops his route tree and adds functional strength, his physical profile offers a high ceiling.
Selected 24th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft, KC Concepcion projects as a high-floor, target-earning slot and flanker option. Head Coach Todd Monken plans to utilize his elite yards-after-catch (YAC) ability. He profiles as a chain-mover who can also function as a gadget player near the line of scrimmage. We see him as a high-upside late-round asset in redraft leagues and an elite mid-1st-round selection in Dynasty rookie drafts.
Selected in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons, he projects as an explosive gadget receiver and special teams weapon. Zachariah Branch is a high-upside, boom-or-bust asset whose 2026 value relies heavily on his big-play ability and schemed touches. In traditional redraft leagues, he is largely an end-of-draft dart throw or waiver wire target.Target Competition: He faces stiff competition for targets behind Drake London, [Kyle Pitts], and Bijan Robinson. Expect him to be used primarily on screens, sweeps, and short-yardage plays to utilize his elite yards-after-catch (YAC) capability. Because much of his production is manufactured rather than derived from a full route tree, he is better suited for Best Ball formats early in the season. Branch’s explosive 4.35 speed gives him significant ceiling potential. If he can carve out the starting WR2 role in Atlanta, his dynamic movement skills could make him a valuable PPR flex play. He should be a solid Round 2 investment in rookie drafts. For leagues that count return yards, his value skyrockets due to his ability as a dynamic punt and kick returner.
Drafted in the sixth round (199th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks, his primary path to making the 53-man roster is as a special teams gunner rather than an offensive target. Henderson faces a crowded wide receiver room that includes Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Rashid Shaheed. His elite speed gives him a strong chance to stick as a punt team gunner, though this offers zero fantasy output. A former highly-rated Alabama running back who transferred to Kansas, he posted 45 catches for 766 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025 before entering the NFL. Unless you are in extremely deep dynasty formats and want to take a late-round flier on his raw athletic traits, keep him off your radar.
Makai Lemon enters the NFL with elite collegiate production and first-round draft capital after the Eagles aggressively traded up to secure the former USC standout. Lemon offers inside-outside versatility and was one of the most efficient perimeter receivers in college football despite being viewed by some as slot-only. The biggest obstacle to immediate fantasy relevance is target competition in Philadelphia, where DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert already command significant volume. Still, Lemon's talent and long-term upside make him an intriguing bench stash and rookie breakout candidate if the Eagles improve their passing attack under new OC Sean Mannion (McVay/Shanahan-type offense).
Zavion Thomas profiles as a boom-or-bust, gadget-style playmaker in the Chicago Bears offense for the 2026 season. Drafted in the third round out of LSU, his blazing 4.28 speed gives him immense long-term upside, but his immediate 2026 usage will likely be too inconsistent for standard redraft leagues. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson plans to use Thomas as a multi-purpose weapon. Expect him to see snaps out of the slot, on jet sweeps, and potentially out of the backfield as a runner. Chicago's receiving corps is deep and crowded. With the departures of D.J. Moore, Thomas will be fighting for targets behind established starters like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, as well as tight end Colston Loveland. He is an elite kick and punt returner. Head coach Ben Johnson has praised Thomas's energy and big-play potential in off-season workouts, though they are actively trying to harness his playbook alignment and route consistency. In fantasy leagues that reward return yards or points for special teams touchdowns, Thomas immediately holds weekly flex value. In standard redraft leagues, he is primarily an undrafted waiver-wire watch list candidate. In deep dynasty leagues, he is worth a late-round flyer because of his athletic profile and the creative ways the coaching staff intends to use him.
The undrafted rookie wide receiver out of Kansas signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 15, 2026, after being waived by the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the month. He faces a massive uphill battle just to secure a spot on the 53-man roster or the practice squad. He is currently fighting for a depth role at the bottom of the Steelers' wide receiver depth chart. Prototypical size at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, but posted a modest 6.46 Relative Athletic Score
Selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the former Iowa standout is one of the most decorated special teamers in recent college football history. Wetjen won the Jet Award as the nation's top returner multiple times and should serve as the Pittsburgh Steelers primary kick and punt returner. While his receiving upside is still developing, his twitchy route-running and elite post-catch ability make him a developmental slot receiver. He will compete for immediate offensive rotation reps behind the team's top wideouts. Fantasy managers should only target Wetjen in leagues where special teams yards are part of your scoring settings, or as a dynasty stash in deep rookie draft.
Selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round (No. 143 overall) of the NFL Draft, Reggie Virgil will open his rookie campaign as depth behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Kendrick Bourne. He is competing with Bourne for the No. 3 or No. 4 wide receiver spot. Barring injuries to the starters, Virgil will likely see a part-time rotational role rather than consistent targets. After transferring to Texas Tech from Miami (Ohio), Virgil led the team with 57 receptions for 705 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. While he has prototypical boundary size, his efficiency (1.50 yards per route in 2025) suggests a project player rather than an immediate fantasy star. You can ignore him in standard 12-team redraft leagues, as he won't see reliable volume. However, dynasty managers can track his development to monitor the Cardinals' training camp.
De'Zhaun Stribling is a high-upside developmental rookie in the San Francisco 49ers' system. Selected 33rd overall, his path to targets relies on beating out Christian Kirk and Ricky Pearsall for the WR3/WR4 role, given that the newly signed Mike Evans figures to be the team's top WR. Stribling possesses a great physical profile at 6'2" and 207 lbs with sub-4.4 speed, and San Francisco represents an excellent landing spot, getting to catch passes from Brock Purdy in a Kyle Shanahan scheme. He steps into a wide receiver room that saw massive shakeups, giving him a clear path to compete for snaps immediately. Because of his blocking abilities and YAC upside, it is possible that he will serve as a potential replacement for the vacated Jauan Jennings role. In redraft, treat him as an upside bench stash with a very wide range of outcomes — he could see a heavy red-zone role if injuries hit, or he could be limited to rotational blocking duties. Dynasty managers are routinely scooping him up in the late second or early third round of rookie drafts. Because he is adjusting to a complex playbook, his true ceiling might not be fully unlocked until Year 2 or 3, making him an ideal taxi-squad stash.
Denzel Boston lands in Cleveland with intriguing draft capital and a skill set that fills a clear need in the Browns offense. The 6-foot-4 receiver brings size, physicality, and contested-catch ability to a WR room lacking true boundary presence. However, Boston faces an uphill battle for immediate fantasy relevance while competing with first-round pick KC Concepcion and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for targets in an offense with lingering quarterback concerns. His profile suggests more boom-or-bust production early in his career, relying heavily on downfield plays and red-zone opportunities.
Chase Roberts signed with the Las Vegas Raiders after projecting as a Day 3 NFL Draft prospect. While he requires time to develop, his big 6'4", 210-pound frame makes him an intriguing long-term asset. He is coming off a highly productive college career at BYU, where he had back-to-back 800-yard seasons and led the team with 854 receiving yards in 2024. A big-bodied, possession-style receiver who is excellent at boxing out defenders and winning muddy, contested catches, Roberts sows crisp short-area route running, strong leverage manipulation against off-coverage, and solid football IQ. He posted an unofficial Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 7.60, featuring decent movement skills for his size. He needs to clean up his drop rate and develop more dynamism and explosion after the catch to gain consistent separation against NFL press coverage. Roberts is currently off the radar in standard 2026 seasonal leagues and goes largely undrafted in traditional formats. He represents an excellent, low-cost target as the Vegas WR depth chart is wide open, making his path to a 53-man roster spot or practice squad elevation realistic.
Cyrus Allen was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round. The shifty route-runner provides a much-needed separator for Patrick Mahomes in an otherwise volatile and depleted receiver room. Coming off a highly productive 13-touchdown season at Cincinnati, scouts praise his quickness off the line, clean release package, and ability to separate in the short and intermediate areas of the field. He excels as an underneath target, making him a natural fit for Andy Reid's offensive scheme. The top of the depth chart faces significant uncertainty due to off-season controversies and recoveries, leaving Allen to compete with Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Royals for the No. 3 and No. 4 receiver roles. Allen is purely a deep sleeper or a late-round flier in standard and PPR formats. His exact snap count and target share early in the season hinge on his performance during training camp. He is a highly coveted asset for rebuilding and rookie-only drafts, frequently being targeted around Round 3 as managers seek cheap, high-ceiling upside.
Camden Brown is an undrafted rookie wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. After three quiet seasons at Auburn, Brown transferred to Georgia Southern for 2025, exploding for 65 receptions, 1,079 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Despite the massive senior production, he went undrafted, in part due to a below-par Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 6.20. Standing at 6'2" and 198 pounds, his NFL path is as a boundary depth receiver who thrives on contested catches and size mismatches. He is purely a "taxi squad" asset in deep dynasty formats. His fantasy viability is completely dependent on how he performs in training camp and preseason, as he is competing directly for the WR6 role and needs an injury ahead of him to see any offensive volume.
Carnell Tate lands in an ideal long-term situation after being selected fourth overall by Tennessee, where he has a clear path to becoming the Titans' No. 1 receiver. The former Ohio State standout excelled against man coverage in college and enters an offense led by Brian Daboll alongside ascending second-year quarterback Cam Ward. While veterans like Calvin Ridley and Wan'Dale Robinson should remain involved early, Tate possesses the profile of a future No. 1 receiver with immediate fantasy upside. Historically, top-five WR selections have produced quickly, making Tate one of the most no-brainer rookie wideouts to target in 2026 fantasy drafts.
After an incredibly unique journey from a college basketball walk-on to a Division III dominance at John Carroll University, Montgomery signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) following the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite Generating significant buzz d He remains a raw prospect who has only played tackle football for a few years. At 5-foot-11 and 204 pounds, his basketball background translates into elite body control, exceptional jump-ball skills, and natural timing to high-point passes. He is an older rookie (turning 25 in July 2026) with unrefined footwork and stiff hips on complex routes. He must fix raw habits against standard NFL competition. uring the Senior Bowl, he faces a steep hill to climb just to make the Titans' final 53-man roster. If he survives roster cuts, Montgomery will likely spend the 2026 season on the practice squad or limited to special teams depth. Do not waste a draft pick on him.
EJ Williams went undrafted in the NFL Draft and signed as a free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders. After transferring from Clemson to Indiana, he posted modest collegiate numbers, recording 36 receptions for 438 yards and 6 touchdowns in his final season. He enters a crowded Las Vegas depth chart, though he might have a slight familiarity advantage learning the playbook alongside rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who was his QB in Indiana. For redraft leagues, he is off the radar and completely lacks 2026 fantasy value. In deep dynasty formats, he represents a low-priority, developmental roster stash with a highly uncertain path to meaningful targets.
Brenen Thompson is a high-upside, boom-or-bust deep threat for the Los Angeles Chargers. His low-volume college profile suggests he will see limited high-leverage or red-zone targets. He is competing with Tre Harris for the WR3/WR4 duties behind starters Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. We love his his amazing raw speed, but there are developmental concerns regarding his ability to handle physical press coverage and refine his intermediate route tree. While his 4.26 elite speed and fit in Mike McDaniel's offense make him a popular sleeper in best ball leagues, his small frame limits his target volume, rendering him unstartable in standard redraft formats without an injury ahead of him. He projects as a situational deep-threat and field stretcher. Thompson is primarily a "best ball" or bye-week filler option. He lacks a consistent weekly floor and will heavily rely on hitting a splash play for fantasy points.
Drafted in the 6th round (No. 204 overall) by the Houston Texans, Bond -- Lewis Bond -- is a reliable possession slot receiver buried on a highly crowded depth chart. Bond broke Boston College's career reception records by relying on sure hands, efficient route adjustments against zone coverage, and strong YAC ability. However, his lack of high-end athletic traits limits his overall upside for fantasy. He will have to compete for rotational reps against a packed receiving corps featuring Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel. If he carves out a roster spot, he profiles as a high-floor, short-to-intermediate target whose ceiling is capped by a lack of elite deep speed. Bond is strictly a waiver wire option in standard and PPR leagues.
The Saints drafted Jordyn Tyson 8th overall, adding a high-upside weapon for their second-year QB in Kellen Moore's fast-paced offense. The former Arizona State standout broke out at 18 and commanded a 35% target share in 2025, showcasing elite target-earning ability when healthy. Durability concerns linger after multiple injuries, but his prospect profile checks nearly every box of a future WR1. With New Orleans capable of supporting multiple fantasy-relevant wideouts, Tyson has a clear path to operate as a No. 2 if not 1B alongside Chris Olave.
Elijah Sarratt enters his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens and should be a name to watch in the pre-season. Behind Zay Flowers, Baltimore's passing game is crowded, limiting Sarratt’s immediate 2026 redraft volume, but his red-zone abilities offer intriguing long-term upside. Sarratt will fight for outside and slot snaps with Rashod Bateman and fellow rookie Ja'Kobi Lane. The Ravens run a traditionally heavy ground offense with Lamar Jackson. However, the loss of tight end Isaiah Likely could force the team to use more three-receiver sets. At 6'2" and 210 pounds, his contested-catch skills and large catch radius make him a dangerous goal-line target. He finished his final college season at Indiana leading the entire NCAA in receiving touchdowns (15) while racking up 830 yards on 65 catches. He possesses highly deliberate, rhythmic route running that helps him create separation at the first two levels of a defense. His release against NFL-caliber press coverage projects as a slight liability, and he lacks elite vertical burst. With an estimated 4.50 40-yard dash time, he profiles more as an underneath and intermediate target rather than a consistent deep threat. We like him as a late-round sleeper in dynasty formats and a name to watch in very deep redraft leagues.
Jeff Caldwell is an undrafted rookie wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, offering immense physical upside but requiring heavy development. Caldwell's athletic profile is arguably the most exciting of the rookie class: standing 6'5" and 215 lbs, he recorded a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), ranking as the second-highest testing WR since 1987 (behind only Calvin Johnson). He boasts a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical jump. After a late growth spurt, he shined at FCS Lindenwood before transferring to Cincinnati in 2024, where he caught 32 passes for 478 yards and 6 touchdowns. His route running, hands, and contested-catch skills remain raw, meaning he will likely be buried on Kansas City's depth chart early in the season. If he can harness his physical gifts, the Chiefs' potent offense gives him a sky-high ceiling, though experts note his developmental path could mirror other boom-or-bust deep threats.
Ted Hurst is a high-upside, size-speed prospect selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round (No. 84 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. At Georgia State, Hurst logged an impressive 32.9% receiving share and led the FBS in deep-ball production. Chris Godwin, second-year player Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan are all expected to begin training camp ahead of him. Hurst profiles as a developmental deep threat and red-zone target to help replace the size left by Mike Evans. Because he may be somewhat raw coming out of college, he likely won't command consistent targets unless injuries strike the starting trio. If he refines his route-running during his rookie year, he could be primed for a major breakout as a sophomore. Hurst's true value lies in dynasty formats, where managers should target him in the middle rounds of rookie drafts. Godwin is entering the latter stages of his career, and the Buccaneers can walk away from his contract at the end of the 2026 season.
Drafted in the third round (No. 94 overall) by the Miami Dolphins, Chris Bell, a 6'2" and 220 pounds standout at Louisville, is a physical, big-bodied possession receiver. He operates best with yards-after-catch (YAC) ability and is excellent in contested catch situations over short crossers. Had he been fully healthy, there is a chance that he may have been drafted in the first round. Indeed, Bell's path to becoming the primary X-receiver in a rebuilding offense is clear once he reaches full health. Alas, Bell tore his ACL in late 2025. While early reports in the off-season indicate he is slightly ahead of schedule and rehabbing well, he is expected to miss time or be heavily limited in the first half of the season. He will be competing with fellow rookies Caleb Douglas and Kevin Coleman Jr. for snaps. The Dolphins are also expected to lean heavily on mobile quarterback Malik Willis, which will dictate a run-first play-action approach. The Dolphins possess one of the thinnest wide receiver depth charts in the NFL. The front office has actively noted that bringing Bell aboard is an investment in their future. If he recovers fully by mid-to-late 2026, he could cement himself as the top outside target in Miami. The health concerns make him undraftable in traditional 10-12 re-draft leagues. He holds a reliable back-half first or early second-round value in rookie-only drafts. Bell represents an elite dynasty stash in 2026.
Drafted in the fourth round (140 overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals, the physically imposing 6'5" rookie profiles as a developmental boundary receiver. He is unlikely to see consistent targets this year with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas ahead of him on the depth chart. Young is a classic "X" receiver known for contested catches, physical red-zone dominance, and perimeter blocking, making him a potential physical understudy to Higgins in the future. He will be a work in progress, though, as he enters the league with a limited route tree and lack of separation ability. He is strictly a player to monitor on the waiver wire in case of injuries to the starting receivers. He is a highly intriguing stash in dynasty and offers long-term upside since Iosivas’s contract is set to expire, which could elevate Young into a much larger role in 2027.
CJ Daniels is a late-round rookie wide receiver drafted by the Los Angeles Rams. A highly experienced, six-year college veteran (Liberty, LSU, Miami). In 2025 at Miami, he caught 50 passes for 557 yards and 7 touchdowns. Daniels excels at technical route running, exceptional body control, and an elite "my-ball" mentality in contested situations (posting contested catch rates well over 70% in college). He lacks dynamic top-end speed and burst to consistently separate or generate high yards after catch. He is an older rookie; at 24 years old, his athletic and physical traits are somewhat capped. The coaching staff values his versatility and polished route craft, but the team's shift away from heavily specialized sets means any path to volume will be a steep climb in his first year. He is buried behind established veterans and young options like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. He must out-compete players like Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield for the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver spot. Daniels possesses minimal redraft or immediate fantasy value. Barring multiple injuries, he is an off-the-radar waiver wire dart at best, primarily competing for a reserve or special teams role in 2026.
CJ Williams was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round (No. 203 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. After transferring from USC/Wisconsin, he had a strong 2025 season at Stanford, posting 59 receptions for 749 yards and 6 touchdowns. His fantasy outlook is that of a developmental depth piece with limited redraft value, as he faces an uphill battle for targets in a crowded receiver room. He will compete for a backup spot and rotational reps behind established players like Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington, as well as multi-positional athlete Travis Hunter. He is primarily a deep-league hold or a candidate for a practice squad/taxi squad as he will need a standout training camp to carve out a meaningful offensive role.
Malik Benson is an explosive, speed-oriented sixth-round rookie for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders selected Benson to add legitimate vertical speed to an otherwise unsettled and unproven receiving corps. He faces a wide-open battle for snaps alongside veterans like Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Jack Bech. With No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza expected to eventually take over from Kirk Cousins, the rookie connection could help Benson carve out a legitimate role in Klint Kubiak's offense as the season progresses. He is completely off the draft radar in 10- or 12-team leagues. However, monitor early-season usage; if he wins the WR3/WR4 job and builds a rapport with the quarterbacks, he could become a highly coveted waiver-wire addition. In Dynasty formats his physical traits and low cost (typically a late-round flier) make him a perfect stash to see if his explosive play-making translates to the NFL.
Ja'Kobi Lane was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2026 NFL Draft, he will fight for snaps behind Zay Flowers in a crowded receiver room. Lane’s massive size (6'4", 200 lbs) and elite 99th-percentile contested-catch rate make him a highly coveted asset near the goal line. While he has a high football IQ and naturally adjusts to passes, he still needs refinement to expand his route tree. He must also improve his ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch. To earn consistent targets from quarterback Lamar Jackson, Lane must prove he can out-compete veterans like Rashod Bateman and fellow rookie Elijah Sarrat. Lane will likely begin the season as the WR3 or WR4 on the depth chart. Because rookie receivers rarely break through immediately in this offense, he’s best left on the waiver wire to start the year unless a clear injury opens up playing time. In dynasty rookie drafts, Lane is sliding into the late-second to mid-third round. He brings solid long-term upside as a boundary receiver, making him an excellent player to stash on your taxi squad as you await his development.
Bryce Lance is a highly intriguing, developmental sleeper for 2026. Drafted in the fourth round by the New Orleans Saints, the physical 6'3" field-stretcher boasts elite athleticism (4.34 40-yard dash) and elite red-zone potential. A big-play touchdown machine with a high contested-catch rate in college. He profiles perfectly as an explosive "take the top off the defense" weapon. Tyler Shough’s late-season emergence in 2025 gives the Saints' passing game plenty of promise. If Shough takes a Year 2 leap, the offensive ceiling will rise, potentially opening up deep-threat opportunities for Lance. Lance will likely start the season behind entrenched starters Chris Olave and first-round pick Jordyn Tyson. He will also battle veteran Devaughn Vele for early 3rd/4th receiver snaps. Given the volatility and health history of the Saints' receiving room, Lance represents a phenomenal "handcuff-with-benefits". He enters his rookie year buried on the depth chart but carries massive long-term upside. He is practically undraftable in standard redraft formats early in the year, but he makes for an interesting, high-upside waiver wire stash if injuries hit the starting corps.
Selected by the New York Giants in the third round (No. 74 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft the 6-foot-4, 218-pound Malachai Fields possesses a strong red-zone profile, but his reliance on contested catches over route separation means he will likely operate as a situational receiver. Fields' physicality makes him a natural move-the-chains weapon and a likely red-zone threat. He lacks top-end speed or elite separation ability, meaning he won't be a high-volume yards-after-catch (YAC) contributor right away. The Giants have an early-season target void due to Malik Nabers recovering from an injury, opening the door for Fields to potentially earn immediate snaps during training camp with quarterback Jaxson Dart. Fields is an intriguing, low-risk stash (often drafted outside the top 200 overall). He makes an excellent late-round option in deeper formats, particularly if you have extra bench space. He generally goes in the late second or early third round of rookie dynasty drafts.
Selected in the fifth round (No. 177 overall) by the Miami Dolphins, Kevin Coleman Jr. steps into a wide-open depth chart following major offseason roster changes. His primary path to early volume relies on securing the starting slot role. The Dolphins completely overhauled their receiver room in the off-season, parting ways with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The current receiver room is relatively inexperienced, featuring Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, and a handful of rookies. This lack of entrenched veteran starters creates a clear path for Coleman to earn targets. At 5-foot-10, Coleman is a natural route-runner and a YAC (yards after catch) producer who excels at finding soft spots against zone coverage. He has reliable hands, dropping only seven passes on 271 collegiate targets. He is slightly undersized and lacks an elite physical or athletic profile, which limits his ceiling as an outside or deep-threat receiver. He provides immediate utility on special teams as a punt returner, which helps lock in his spot on the active 53-man roster. Coleman is an undrafted player in most standard redraft leagues to begin the year. Monitor him on the waiver wire early in the season; if he locks down the starting slot role, he could become a viable PPR streaming option during bye weeks. We like Coleman as a late-round dart throw (typically a fourth-round pick or later in rookie drafts). He makes for an excellent speculative add for managers willing to bet on his talent and the weak Miami receiving corps.
Caleb Douglas was drafted 75th overall by the Miami Dolphins and walks into one of the league's most open receiver rooms following a massive offseason roster overhaul. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Douglas brings excellent size, a massive catch radius, and runs a 4.39 40-yard dash. In two years at Texas Tech, he tallied back-to-back 50+ catch and 800+ yard seasons. He is more of a strider than a sudden separator and struggled with focus drops and contested catches in college. With the departures of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins are resetting their passing attack. Fellow rookie Chris Bell is recovering from an ACL tear and may miss early action, thrusting Douglas into the thick of the starting rotation right out of the gate. He is an ideal late-round dart throw in deeper formats. The volume will be there, though efficiency remains a question mark with Malik Willis taking over as the starting quarterback. He is a premium rookie-draft target (often going in the top 20 of rookie-only drafts) and makes for a smart bench stash in keeper leagues.
Drafted in the sixth round (No. 190 overall) by the New Orleans Saints, Barion Brown is primarily a developmental offensive weapon and a special-teams asset. Brown finished his collegiate career (split between Kentucky and LSU) with an SEC-record six kickoff return touchdowns. In formats that reward return yards, his floor receives a significant boost. He clocked a blazing 4.30 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, giving him deep-threat capability. In his final collegiate season at LSU, he caught a career-high 53 passes but was primarily used in the screen game and underneath rather than downfield. His route tree is currently limited, and he will need to improve his release package and hip sink to earn consistent, every-down offensive snaps. Brown should largely be ignored in standard redraft formats to begin the season. He is worth a late-round flier (often going around Round 5 or later in rookie drafts) on the off chance that the Saints manufacture touches for him in space or he hits big plays on kick returns. He profiles as a long-term "wait and see" project.
Drafted in the sixth round (191st overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he faces an immensely crowded depth chart and will primarily fight for a bottom-of-the-roster spot and special teams duties. Known for his physical, thick build (resembling a running back) and impressive yards-after-catch (YAC) ability. He caught 19 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Baylor, making him a developmental red-zone weapon. Scouts have compared him to Tim Patrick, which suggests a specialized utility role if he develops his route-running against press coverage. He has generated some positive early buzz for his physicality in rookie minicamps. He sits behind entrenched options like Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington, as well as dual-threat Travis Hunter. His best-case scenario is competing for situational fourth- or fifth-receiver snaps and red-zone packages. He can be safely ignored in standard rookie drafts, but is worth monitoring as a late-round or taxi-squad flier in deep dynasty formats.
Skyler Bell is an intriguing late-round dynasty sleeper who offers nice Year 1 upside as a slot play-maker and gadget weapon for the Buffalo Bills. While his re-draft appeal is limited, his strong post-draft buzz makes him a highly coveted asset in dynasty formats. Although many experts felt that WR was a glaring need for the Buffalo Bills (despite the trade for DJ Moore), the team waited until the 4th Round (No. 125 overall) to address the position. That is when they selected Skyler Bell, who was viewed as a bit of a steal at that point in the draft given his college productivity. Bell transferred to UConn for 2024-2025, culminating in a massive final year with 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns. Clocked a 4.40 40-yard dash with a 41-inch vertical, he is incredibly twitchy and excels at racking up yards after the catch (YAC). He will be competing with Joshua Palmer and Keon Coleman (both of whom are coming off hugely disappointing seasons) for the WR3 role in a Joe Brady offense that relies on spreading the ball around. Because veterans DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir are signed through the next few years, the market has slightly suppressed Bell's value. However, his YAC ability and Josh Allen's elite quarterback play give him one of the highest ceilings of any late-round rookie wideout. Bell's weekly floor is a bit low to trust in standard leagues. However, he is a premier waiver-wire target to monitor early on. If an injury hits the veteran receiver room or if he beats out Coleman/Palmer for snaps, he has the built-in target-earning profile to become a viable streamer. He is going in the mid-to-late second round of dynasty rookie drafts.
Drafted in the seventh round by the Indianapolis Colts, his 2026 redraft value is minimal, but his physical traits make him a fascinating developmental prospect. Being selected so late (No. 254 overall), many experts viewed Burks falling this far as a significant value/steal. He boasts blazing speed, clocking a 4.30 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and features excellent quickness and acceleration in the open field. Burks was a standout for Oklahoma, utilizing his after-the-catch shiftiness to break plays. He struggles in contested-catch situations and against highly physical press-man coverage, relying heavily on schemed touches (screens, jet sweeps). Burks will battle veterans like Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for rotational snaps and the WR3/WR4 job. With target-earners like Alec Pierce and Josh Downs ahead of him, Burks' weekly target share projects to be low. You can leave him on the waiver wire in standard 2026 redraft leagues. His profile—undersized but incredibly fast—draws comparisons to lower-floor, dynamic receivers like Tank Dell or Marquise Brown. He is a solid late-round or third-round swing in dynasty rookie drafts where you are betting on his traits rather than immediate playing time.
2026 first-rounder Omar Cooper Jr. enters a Jets offense that lacks an established No. 2 option, but the rookie's versatility and run-after-catch ability could help him carve out an immediate role. The former Indiana standout was one of the best YAC receivers in the class and offers inside-outside flexibility that complements Jets WR1 Garrett Wilson well. Opportunity may be limited early with multiple young pass-catchers already in place, but Cooper has a realistic path to earning the No. 2 WR role over time. His fantasy appeal likely hinges more on efficiency and manufactured touches.