2026 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (Top 110): March Updates

March 12, 2026

RotoBaller's 2026 fantasy football rookie rankings for 2026 NFL rookies after the NFL Combine, March updates. These rookie rankings are from before the NFL Draft and include RB, WR, TE, QB.

Fantasy football rookie drafts for dynasty leagues are just ahead, and we're here to help with our 2026 fantasy football rookie rankings for all positions. It's always exciting to add a new group of NFL rookies to the fantasy mix, and this class is deep at wide receiver, but all positions have some later-round sleepers to keep an eye on. Below, check out where key rookies like Jeremiyah Love, Fernando Mendoza, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr., Chris Bell, and more stand, among all others.

We will update these rookie rankings all offseason long, and there will be major shake-ups based on all of the NFL prospect offseason activities, including the NFL Draft. It's never too early to start your research and homework on rising NFL players, so let's get to it! These updated 2026 rookie rankings are put together by Matt Donnelly, Phil Clark, Jackson Sparks, and Andrew Lalama.

In addition to these rookie rankings, in our 2026 fantasy football rankings dashboard, you will also find our team's Dynasty League rankings. Bookmark that page, and use it to prepare for all of your 2026 fantasy football dynasty league drafts.

2026 NFL Rookie Rankings for Fantasy Football

Check out our PPR fantasy football rankings and standard (non-PPR) fantasy football rankings as well:

2026 Fantasy Football NFL Rookie News and Outlooks

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in April's 2026 NFL draft, but "their preference is to not start him immediately," according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Raiders are releasing veteran Geno Smith after a disastrous 2025 season as the starter, but they will be looking for another veteran QB in free agency to serve as the bridge to Mendoza. It's more reason to temper expectations for Mendoza in his first year in the NFL in single-year leagues, but this news shouldn't mean all that much for his dynasty/keeper value long-term.

Mendoza was the Heisman Trophy winner last year and led Indiana to an undefeated season and national championship while throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He added 276 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Mendoza might be Vegas' Week 1 starter this fall, but he has all the attributes of a future star in the league.

Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Tennessee receiver Chris Brazzell II ran a blazing 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine after measuring in at 6'4". That rare combination of size and speed contributed to the types of downfield explosive plays that littered his senior film. While the wide-open offensive scheme of the Volunteers has not always translated well to the NFL, Brazzell's traits are undeniable, and the fact that he was able to produce as a redshirt freshman at Tulane before his transfer is another feather in his cap. He has been on the rise throughout the pre-draft process, and he could work his way into the early parts of the Day 2 NFL Draft conversation.

Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

Undersized Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch tested extremely well at the NFL Combine, running a 4.35 40-yard dash while his vertical and broad jumps reinforced the explosiveness shown on film. Working primarily out of the slot, his short arms and imprecise route-running led to a handful of off-the-mark targets in college, but he showed rare explosiveness with the ball in his hands.

Given his profile, he may find himself as more of a gadget player than an every-down receiver early in his career, contributing more as an NFL player than a fantasy asset. Branch is currently clustered with a large group of receivers in the second or third tier of this rookie class, and NFL draft capital should help to further clarify rookie draft rankings.

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier came into the 2025 collegiate season with first-round buzz, but after a disappointing final season in the bayou, the 6'2", 203-pound gunslinger is working to separate himself from a cluster of Day 2 and Day 3 prospects in this year's NFL Draft.

Nussmeier showed well at the NFL Combine and was able to shed some light on the cloudy injury situation that impacted his senior season. The 24-year-old signal caller has above-average athleticism, and in a class with no clear standouts behind expected first overall pick Fernando Mendoza and potential first-rounder Ty Simpson, Nussmeier has the potential to be the third quarterback selected in April.

Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC

USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane measured in at the NFL Combine at almost 6'5" and 200 pounds, and he proceeded to test out of the gym. His 40" vertical and 10'9" broad jump were both among the upper echelon at the position, while his 4.47 40-yard dash looked effortless for a player of his size.

Lane will likely need to add strength to contend with the physicality of the NFL game, particularly in dealing with press coverage, but his size and athleticism could make him an early red-zone weapon. As a toolsy prospect with solid collegiate production, he makes for an intriguing pick in the later rounds of dynasty rookie drafts.

Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard has seen his stock rise slightly after a solid showing at the NFL Combine. While his athletic testing numbers didn't pop off the screen, he confirmed most of what he showed on tape as a versatile receiver with good size and movement skills.

His 4.48 40-yard dash came in slightly slower than what ended up as the fastest average ever by the position, but as one of the only wide receivers to participate in the 3-cone drill, his 6.71 seconds was the best of the week. Bernard drew a surprising on-air comparison to Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba for his size and testing numbers, but he likely profiles best as a reliable second option on most NFL offenses.

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