Brandon Murchison presents his top 100 prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft and takes look at the fantasy football potential of skill-position players.
As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, the usual buzz around first-round studs and late-round gems feels a little different this year. Fantasy managers aren’t just spectators anymore -- they’re scanning the board with dollar signs in their eyes. Every pick has the potential to reshape an entire offense or defense overnight, and that ripple effect lands straight in your starting lineup. Whether it’s a rookie quarterback sliding into a loaded supporting cast or a shutdown corner suddenly making life miserable for opposing wideouts, the talent coming out this spring could quietly (or not so quietly) rewrite your league’s scoring sheets before the first preseason snap.
On the offensive side, the story is obvious but no less thrilling. A dynamic running back landing behind a zone-blocking scheme that finally clicks, or a wide receiver with elite route running landing with a quarterback who loves to push the ball downfield -- these are the picks that turn waiver-wire afterthoughts into must-start studs. We’ve seen it before: one well-placed rookie can bump a veteran’s target share, create red-zone mismatches, or steal the show entirely. This year’s class may not be loaded with those kinds of difference-makers, but identifying the standouts early could be the difference between fighting for a playoff spot and cruising to the championship.
But don’t sleep on the defensive prospects, either. A game-wrecking edge-rusher or a ball-hawking safety can quietly deflate an entire passing attack, forcing coordinators to game-plan around them every week. That pressure up front or coverage in the secondary doesn’t just show up in real-game box scores -- it shows up in your fantasy points allowed. Suddenly, your shiny new wideout is getting blanketed, or your quarterback is spending more time on his back than in the pocket. The top 100 prospects I am breaking down here include plenty of those defensive disruptors, because in fantasy, the best offense sometimes starts with knowing exactly who’s about to wreck the other side of the ball.
Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!
Brandon Murchison's Top 100 2026 NFL Draft Prospects
1. Caleb Downs - S, Ohio State
The 6'0", 206-pound Ohio State safety and projected top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is a versatile, instincts-driven playmaker who starred in both run support and coverage across three college seasons, racking up 256 tackles, six interceptions, and multiple All-American nods while thriving as a hybrid box/nickel defender.
2. Jeremiyah Love - RB, Notre Dame
Love, the explosive 6'0", 212-pound Notre Dame running back and consensus RB1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, is a projected top-10 (often top-5) pick after a dominant 2025 season. It saw him rush for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 199 carries (6.9 YPC) while adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three scores, showcasing elite speed (4.36 40-yard dash), vision, contact balance, and three-down versatility.
Looking at him from a fantasy football point of view, Love profiles as a high-upside rookie workhorse with immediate every-down potential in a favorable landing spot, offering strong rushing volume, big-play explosiveness, and receiving chops that could make him a PPR asset and league-winner right away. His success will hinge on avoiding a crowded backfield and capitalizing on his youth and efficiency in an NFL scheme that feeds him early.
3. Arvell Reese - Edge, Ohio State
The Ohio State linebacker/EDGE hybrid and projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft exploded in 2025 as a versatile defender with 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and elite athleticism highlighted by a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, earning consensus All-American honors while showcasing run-stopping prowess and pass-rush upside in multiple roles.
4. Sonny Styles - LB, Ohio State
Styles, the 6'5", 244-pound Ohio State linebacker, is a former safety turned versatile off-ball defender who posted 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble in 2025 while showcasing elite athleticism with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and 43.5-inch vertical at the NFL Scouting Combine.
5. Fernando Mendoza - QB, Indiana
The towering 6'5" Indiana quarterback and consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft brings elite accuracy, anticipation, and a high football IQ that translated to a monster 2025 season: 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while leading the Hoosiers to a national title and Heisman.
As for his fantasy football prospects, he profiles as a steady, high-floor pocket passer who could deliver strong TD production and efficiency right away in a favorable landing spot like the Raiders. However, his limited rushing upside (only 276 yards and seven scores on the ground) caps his ceiling compared to more mobile rookie QBs -- making him a safer but less explosive option in Superflex and dynasty formats.
6. Rueben Bain Jr. - Edge, Miami
Despite the concerns about his arm length (30-7/8”), Bain, the explosive 6'2", 263-pound Miami edge-rusher and projected top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, dominated as a junior in 2025. He had 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 67 pressures, one interception, and one forced fumble across 16 games, showcasing elite quickness, hand usage, and run-defense strength despite shorter arms.
7. David Bailey - Edge, Texas Tech
Bailey is a projected top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft who transferred from Stanford and erupted in 2025 with 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and a nation-leading 14.5 sacks while adding three forced fumbles. He showcased elite first-step quickness, speed-to-power conversion, and a diverse pass-rush arsenal that earned him unanimous All-American honors.
8. Francis Mauigoa - OT, Miami
The massive 6'6", 329-pound Miami offensive tackle and consensus top offensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft anchored the Hurricanes line as a three-year starter. He allowed just eight sacks across over 1,400 career pass-blocking snaps while earning the 2025 ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy and first-team All-ACC honors with elite power, anchor strength, and run-blocking dominance.
9. Mansoor Delane - CB, LSU
Delane transferred from Virginia Tech and starred in 2025 with 45 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 passes defensed while allowing an elite 31.3 passer rating when targeted. This showcased his exceptional mirroring ability, hip fluidity, and man-coverage dominance, which earned him unanimous All-American honors.
10. Carnell Tate - WR, Ohio State
Carnell Tate, the 6'2", 192-pound Ohio State wide receiver, delivered a strong junior season in 2025 with 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns (17.2 YPC) despite missing time with injury. He showcased polished route running, reliable hands, a large catch radius, and big-play ability as a precise separator and contested-catch winner.
Looking at his fantasy football profile, Tate is a high-floor rookie WR with immediate PPR upside and TD potential thanks to his technical polish and efficiency, offering strong dynasty value as a potential WR2/3 right away. His modest long speed (4.53 40) may limit his explosive ceiling unless he lands in a pass-heavy offense with a quarterback who targets him early and often.
11. Olaivavega Ioane - G, Penn State
A powerful guard from Penn State, Ioane started all 11 games in 2025 as a redshirt junior, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and multiple All-American nods while anchoring a run-heavy offense that frequently piled up 200+ rushing yards without allowing a sack in several key games.
12. Spencer Fano - OT, Utah
Spencer Fano, the athletic 6'6", 311-pound Utah offensive tackle and consensus top-3 tackle (often top 15 overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft, was a dominant three-year starter. He capped his junior season by winning Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, earning unanimous All-American honors, and allowing zero sacks, zero hits, and just five pressures across 357 pass-blocking snaps while powering a run-heavy offense that frequently exploded for 300-400+ rushing yards.
13. Jermod McCoy - CB, Tennessee
McCoy, the long, athletic 6'0", 193-pound Tennessee cornerback, has been a hotly debated prospect leading into the NFL Draft. He was a standout in 2024 with 44 tackles, four interceptions, and 13 passes defensed while earning elite coverage grades in both man and zone, flashing explosive 4.38 speed, smooth hips, ball skills, and press-man dominance before missing the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL (from which he has recovered well per pro day testing).
14. Monroe Freeling - OT, Georgia
Freeling, the towering 6'7", 315-pound Georgia offensive tackle, emerged as a full-time starter in 2025 with 13 starts. He earned second-team All-SEC honors while anchoring a Bulldogs line that ranked among the nation's best in sacks allowed and helped the offense average over 400 yards per game with strong rushing and passing balance, showcasing rare athleticism (4.93 40, elite RAS), long arms, quick feet, and fluid movement skills.
15. Dillon Thieneman - S, Oregon
Thieneman, the explosive Oregon safety (via Purdue), racked up 306 career tackles, 10 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, and 14 passes defensed across three seasons as a three-year starter. It was capped by a standout 2025 junior year with 92-96 tackles, 3.5 TFL, one sack, two interceptions, and elite athletic testing highlighted by a 4.35 40, 41-inch vertical, and versatile box/nickel/deep alignments.
16. Makai Lemon - WR, USC
Makai Lemon, the dynamic route-running USC wide receiver and projected top-20 (often top-15) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, capped a sensational junior season by winning the 2025 Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver. He posted 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns on 108 targets while earning unanimous first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors with elite route precision, body control, and yards-after-catch ability primarily from the slot.
From a fantasy football perspective, Lemon profiles as a high-upside rookie PPR machine with immediate target share and touchdown potential thanks to his polished separator skills and efficiency. He offers weekly consistency and big-play spike weeks right away -- especially if he lands in a pass-heavy offense with a quarterback who feeds him early, making him a premium dynasty target as a potential WR2 with WR1 ceiling over the course of his career.
17. Kenyon Sadiq - TE, Oregon
The explosive 6'3", 245-pound Oregon tight end and unanimous TE1/prospective mid-first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft broke out as a junior in 2025 with a school-record 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns (leading all FBS tight ends in TDs). He posted historic athleticism at the combine, including a 4.39-second 40-yard dash (fastest ever by a TE), 43.5-inch vertical, and an elite speed score that highlights his mismatch-creating speed, toughness, and versatility as a modern receiving weapon.
Looking into his fantasy football projections, Sadiq profiles as a high-upside rookie TE with massive PPR and red-zone potential thanks to his game-breaking athleticism and immediate every-down fit in creative offenses, offering league-winning spike weeks and a dynasty WR-like ceiling right away. Especially if he lands with a quarterback who exploits his YAC ability and seam-stretching speed, making him one of the most exciting tight end investments in TE-premium formats.
18. Avieon Terrell - CB, Clemson
The 5'11", 180-pound Clemson cornerback and projected mid-to-late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft capped a standout junior season in 2025 with 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, nine passes defensed, and a school-record five forced fumbles (tying for third nationally among DBs) while posting elite PFF coverage grades, strong run support, and playmaking instincts as the younger brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell Jr.
19. Keldric Faulk - Edge, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is a long and powerful 6'6", 285-pound edge-rusher from Auburn. He impressed as a junior in 2025 with 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, and 30 pressures across 12 starts while showcasing elite size, 34⅜-inch arms, sudden quickness, and strong run-defense anchor ability that earned him high marks for traits and versatility.
20. Omar Cooper Jr. - WR, Indiana
Cooper, the versatile 6'0", 199-pound Indiana wide receiver and projected Day 1 (late first round) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, delivered a standout junior season in 2025. He had 69 receptions for 937 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns while adding explosive YAC ability, reliable hands, and slot/outside flexibility that helped the Hoosiers win a national title.
Shifting gears to his fantasy football outlook, Cooper profiles as a high-upside PPR weapon with immediate target share potential thanks to his polished route running, body control, and efficiency, offering strong weekly consistency. If he lands with an offense that manufactures touches and exploits his versatility, Cooper could cash in for fantasy managers as a weekly WR2 play as early as his rookie season.
21. Kadyn Proctor - OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor, the mammoth 6'7", 352-pound Alabama offensive tackle and consensus top-5 tackle (often top 20 overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft, transferred from Iowa and dominated as a junior in 2025. He earned second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors while allowing just two sacks and 19 pressures across 985 snaps, showcasing rare size, strength, and improving technical polish as a road-grading run blocker and stout pass protector.
22. Jordyn Tyson - WR, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson is among the most debated prospects as we head into the 2026 NFL Draft. He led the Sun Devils in 2025 with 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games despite injuries (which is the biggest detriment to his game), showcasing elite route-running precision, reliable hands, contested-catch toughness, and versatility across all three receiver spots after a strong 2024 breakout of 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 scores.
From a fantasy football perspective, Tyson profiles as a solid-floor PPR asset with red-zone touchdown upside, thanks to his technical polish and efficiency. He offers strong spike weeks right away, provided he shows that he can stay on the field. This makes him a premium dynasty WR2 with a potential WR1 ceiling in standard scoring formats.
23. Kayden McDonald - DT, Ohio State
The powerful 6'3", 326-pound Ohio State defensive tackle and projected first-round (top 30 overall) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft anchored the interior as a junior in 2025 with 65 tackles (31 solo), 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an elite run-stuffing presence across 14 games. He earned Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year honors while showcasing rare power, quickness off the snap, and disruptive gap penetration.
24. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - S, Toledo
McNeil-Warren is a rangy 6'2", 202-pound Toledo safety and is currently projected as a late Day 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The three-year starter capped his career with a dominant 2025 senior season of 77 tackles (36 solo), 0.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions (including a 37-yard pick-six), six passes defensed, and elite PFF grades (92.1 overall, second among qualified safeties) while excelling in coverage and run support.
25. Max Iheanachor - OT, Arizona State
Iheanachor, the massive 6'6", 321-pound Arizona State offensive tackle and projected mid-to-late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, rose rapidly as a former JUCO product who only began playing football in 2021. He started all 14 games at right tackle in 2025 while allowing zero sacks, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors, and anchoring a Sun Devils line that powered Cam Skattebo’s explosive run game en route to the College Football Playoff with elite power, athleticism (4.91 40), and improving technical polish.
26. T.J. Parker - Edge, Clemson
T.J. Parker, a Clemson edge-rusher, is currently a projected late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was a three-year contributor who finished with 126 career tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks, highlighted by a strong junior 2025 season of 37 tackles (9.5 for loss), 5.0 sacks, and three fumble recoveries while flashing elite length, power, and disruptive quickness off the edge.
27. Akheem Mesidor - Edge, Miami
Akheem Mesidor, a Miami edge-rusher, battled injuries throughout his time in college football, but is still projected as a late first-round (often top-20) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His monster senior season in 2025 produced 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles across 15 starts, earning first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American honors while anchoring a Hurricanes defense that reached the national championship game.
28. Colton Hood - CB, Tennessee
Known for his physical play, the Tennessee cornerback is currently projected as a late first to early second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He emerged as a full-time starter in 2025 with 50 tackles (4.5 for loss), one interception, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble, and elite coverage metrics (allowing a low completion percentage while ranking among the SEC's best) while flashing 4.44 speed, a 40.5-inch vertical, and strong press-man technique with competitive fire.
29. Cashius Howell - Edge, Texas A&M
Howell is an explosive 6'2", 253-pound edge-rusher out of Texas A&M and is a projected late first to early second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He burst onto the scene as a full-time starter in 2025 with 31 tackles (20 solo), 14 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks, plus six passes defensed and one forced fumble, earning unanimous All-American honors and first-team All-SEC after transferring from Bowling Green, where he had already shown sack prowess (13.5 over three seasons).
30. Caleb Banks - DT, Florida
Caleb Banks is an imposing figure at 6'6", 327 pounds. The Florida defensive tackle and projected Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is a lengthy, powerful interior presence who transferred from Louisville and showed disruptive flashes in 2025 before a foot injury limited him. He boasts elite size, strength at the point of attack, and run-stuffing ability with a career 6.5 sacks and solid gap penetration traits.
31. KC Concepcion - WR, Texas A&M
Concepcion, the shifty 5'11", 196-pound Texas A&M wide receiver and projected late first to early second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, delivered a strong junior season in 2025. He had 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns (15.1 YPC) after transferring from NC State, showcasing elite quickness, route discipline, YAC ability, and versatility as a slot weapon and return specialist who also won the Paul Hornung Award for all-purpose playmaking.
Examining his fantasy football profile, Concepcion appears as a high-upside PPR gem, boasting a high target share, explosive big-play potential, and red-zone efficiency due to his separator skills and gadget versatility. It should provide weekly consistency. If he lands in a creative, pass-friendly offense that manufactures touches and exploits his quick-twitch athleticism, Concepcion has the potential to be a WR2 in dynasty formats.
32. Peter Woods - DT, Clemson
The powerful 6'2", 298-pound Clemson defensive tackle is projected to be a late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He anchored the Tigers interior as a junior in 2025 with strong production, including multiple tackles for loss and sacks (building on career totals of 82 tackles, 14.5 TFL, and five sacks). He earned second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honors while flashing elite quickness, power at the point of attack, and above-average gap penetration despite shorter arms.
33. Denzel Boston - WR, Washington
Standing at 6'3", 212 pounds, the Washington Huskies wide receiver is projected as a late first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He led the Huskies in 2025 with 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns (tied for ninth nationally) while earning third-team All-Big Ten honors, showcasing elite hands, contested-catch ability, physical boundary presence, and reliable red-zone production as a big-bodied outside threat.
Analyzing Boston from a fantasy football perspective, he profiles as a high-ceiling/low-floor rookie WR with touchdown-heavy potential thanks to his size, catch radius, and efficiency. Boston brings spike-week potential right away, but could disappear for stretches at a time. If he lands on an offense with a quarterback who exploits his red-zone dominance, he can become a premium dynasty target as a potential WR2.
34. Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
Lomu is an athletic 6'6", 313-pound offensive tackle from Utah and a projected late-first-round (perhaps early second-round) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He started all 12 games at left tackle as a redshirt sophomore in 2025, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors while allowing zero sacks and minimal pressures in over 350 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing elite length, nimble feet, balance, and explosive run-blocking traits as a rising, high-ceiling blindside protector.
35. Blake Miller - OT, Clemson
Blake Miller is a battle-tested 6'7", 317-pound Clemson offensive tackle and projected late first-round to early second-round pick. As durable as they come, he was a four-year starter with a school-record 54 career starts and over 3,700 offensive snaps, earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2025 while allowing just two sacks and minimal pressures with quick feet, strong technique, athletic movement (5.04 40, elite combine testing), and gritty run-blocking prowess.
36. Chris Johnson - CB, San Diego State
The athletic 6'0", 193-pound San Diego State cornerback and projected early second-round (often late first) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft emerged as one of the top Group of Five defenders with a standout senior season in 2025. He posted career highs in tackles for loss, interceptions (four), passes defensed, and defensive touchdowns while running a blazing 4.40 40 at the combine and earning elite athletic testing scores that highlight his mirroring skills, zone awareness, and scheme versatility on the perimeter or inside.
37. Jacob Rodriguez - LB, Texas Tech
One of the more instinctive prospects in the draft, Rodriguez, the Texas Tech linebacker and projected early to mid Day 2 pick, delivered a historic 2025 senior season. He had 128 tackles (63 solo), 11 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and multiple national awards, including the Chuck Bednarik and Butkus Trophies, earning fifth-place Heisman voting as one of the most productive and high-IQ defenders in college football.
38. Emmanuel Pregnon - OG, Oregon
Pregnon, the powerful 6'4", 314-pound Oregon offensive guard and one of the top interior linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft, anchored the Ducks line as a sixth-year senior in 2025 after transferring from Wyoming and USC. He earned first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors while allowing just one sack and minimal pressures with elite power, leverage, hand usage, and run-blocking dominance in a zone/gap scheme.
39. CJ Allen - LB, Georgia
Team captain and “green dot” linebacker CJ Allen (6'0", 230 pounds) out of Georgia is projected as an early second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He led the Bulldogs with 88 tackles (47 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2025 as a junior while earning first-team All-SEC, first-team All-American, and Butkus Award finalist honors, showcasing elite run defense, high football IQ, and toughness in a complex 3-3-5 scheme.
40. Chase Bisontis - OG, Texas A&M
Bisontis is an athletic 6'5", 315-pound offensive guard from Texas A&M and projected to be an early second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was a three-year starter who shifted from right tackle as a freshman to left guard for his final two seasons. He earned third-team All-SEC honors in 2025 while anchoring an Aggies line that ranked among the SEC's best in rushing yards per game with elite lower-body power, low pad level, violent hands, and strong combine testing (5.02 40, 29 bench reps, 32" vertical).
41. Brandon Cisse - CB, South Carolina
Young and athletic, Cisse, the 5'11", 189-pound South Carolina cornerback (via NC State) and projected top-50 (often late first to early second-round) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, started all 12 games as a junior in 2025 after transferring. He posted 27 tackles (19 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and elite athletic testing highlighted by a 41-inch vertical and smooth mirroring skills in man and zone coverage.
42. R Mason Thomas - Edge, Oklahoma
After producing at a high level during his senior season at Oklahoma, Mason Thomas (6'2", 241 pounds) now finds himself firmly entrenched in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. In 2025, he produced 26 tackles (18 solo), 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble return touchdown in just 10 games before injury. He showcased elite bend, speed off the edge (4.67 40), power, and relentless motor as one of the Sooners' top pass-rush threats.
43. Anthony Hill Jr. - LB, Texas
A player who finds his name all over the board when it comes to draft projections. Anthony Hill Jr. is an impactful and potential future Pro Bowl linebacker out of Texas. He is currently tabbed as an early second-round (often top 50 overall) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and was a three-year starter who racked up 249 career tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, three interceptions, and eight forced fumbles across 40 games.
His 2025 junior season was capped off with a full stat sheet (70 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, two INTs, three forced fumbles) that earned him Butkus Award finalist honors, second-team All-American and All-SEC recognition, and elite athletic testing (4.51 40, 37" vertical).
44. Ty Simpson - QB, Alabama
The Alabama quarterback (6'1", 211 pounds ) is a player who has flirted with first-round consideration in the 2026 NFL Draft, but looks to be solidly landing in the second round as the QB2 off the board behind Mendoza.
He took over as a full-time starter in 2025 and delivered an impressive junior season with 305 completions on 473 attempts (64.5%) for 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions while adding 90 rushes for 93 yards and two scores.
He earned second-team All-SEC honors and Manning Award finalist nods with strong short-to-intermediate precision and pre-snap command.
From a fantasy football perspective, Simpson profiles as a high-floor pocket passer with excellent TD production and low turnover risk in Superflex or 1QB leagues.
Depending on the weapons surrounding him in his future home and his ability to find the field early in his career, Simpson likely settles in as a fledgling QB2. His modest rushing upside (limited mobility and yardage) caps his ceiling compared to dual-threat rookies, making him a safer, high-volume starter with appeal for dynasty managers in favorable schemes.
45. Christen Miller - DT, Georgia
Christen Miller is a stout 6'3", 321-pound defensive tackle out of Georgia and is currently projected as a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He anchored the Bulldogs interior as a redshirt junior in 2025 with 23 tackles (10 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 23 quarterback hurries while earning first-team All-SEC honors and elite PFF run-defense grades (top 10 nationally) thanks to his powerful hands, explosive quickness, and ability to clog lanes and create havoc against the run and pass.
46. Malachi Lawrence - Edge, UCF
Coming in at a powerful 6'4", 253 pounds, the UCF edge-rusher and projected early to mid second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft capped a steady ascent as a redshirt senior in 2025 by earning first-team All-Big 12 honors with strong production. This includes multiple sacks (building on over 20 career sacks), 40 pressures, and solid run defense while flashing a 4.52 40, long arms, quick first step, and versatile hand usage in multiple fronts.
47. D’Angelo Ponds - CB, Indiana
Ponds, the 5'9", 182-pound Indiana cornerback, has seen his draft stock rise during the team’s run to a national title and is now projected to be a second-round (consensus top 60) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He starred as a junior in 2025 with 60 tackles (43 solo), two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 10 passes defensed, and an elite 88.8 overall PFF grade (eighth among qualified CBs) while earning first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors. He showcased explosive quickness, fluid hips, ball skills, and tenacious coverage despite his smaller frame.
48. Gabe Jacas - Edge, Illinois
Jacas, the powerful 6'3", 260-pound Illinois edge-rusher, is a player who has started to slip in the 2026 NFL Draft and is now projected as a mid-to-late second-round pick. He capped a standout senior season in 2025 with 43 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and three forced fumbles while earning first-team All-Big Ten honors, showcasing violent hand usage, bull-rush power, run-defense strength, and relentless motor as a four-year contributor.
49. Lee Hunter - DT, Texas Tech
Hunter, the 6'3", 318-pound Texas Tech defensive tackle, saw his stock rise rapidly during the early stages of the process during Senior Bowl week, but the shine has certainly worn off as of late after his performance at the scouting combine. After talk of sneaking into first-round consideration, Hunter now finds himself solidly in the second round in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He transferred from UCF and anchored the Red Raiders interior as a senior in 2025 with 41 tackles (16 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and elite run-defense grades (top 50 nationally) while earning first-team All-Big 12 honors with his long arms, violent hands, double-team splitting ability, and relentless motor at the nose or 3-tech.
50. Zion Young - Edge, Missouri
Zion Young, the lengthy 6'5", 262-pound Missouri edge-rusher and projected second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, transferred from Michigan State and exploded as a senior in 2025. He had 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and elite run-defense impact while earning first-team All-SEC honors, showcasing powerful hands, bend, burst, and a high-motor style that allows him to stack, shed, and rush from multiple alignments.
51. Eli Stowers - TE, Vanderbilt
Showcased as an explosive positional mismatch, Eli Stowers, the 6'3", 239-pound Vanderbilt tight end, seems to have found himself steadily entrenched as a projected second-round pick in this year’s class and TE2 off the board. He delivered a productive senior season in 2025 with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns while posting historic athleticism at the combine.
This includes a 4.51 40, record-breaking 45.5-inch vertical, and elite broad jump -- showcasing a massive catch radius, YAC prowess, soft hands, and slot versatility as a former quarterback convert with mismatch-creating speed.
Looking toward his fantasy football projections, Stowers profiles as a high-upside rookie TE with big-play potential thanks to his freakish athleticism and separator traits, even if he were not to play a full allotment of snaps due to his lack of blocking skills.
He offers league-winning spike weeks and a dynasty WR-like ceiling right away -- especially if he lands in a creative offense that exploits his downfield and after-the-catch ability in TE-premium formats.
52. Gennings Dunker - OG, Iowa
Coming in at a rugged 6'5", 319 pounds, Dunker, the Iowa offensive guard/tackle, is currently projected to be a Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was a three-year starter who earned strong PFF grades in 2025 as a powerful in-line blocker with heavy hands, excellent short-area quickness (top shuttle time at the combine), and run-blocking dominance suited for gap/power schemes, despite limited long-speed athleticism that points to a move inside to guard.
53. Chris Bell - WR, Louisville
Bell, the physical 6'1", 222-pound Louisville wide receiver and projected mid-to-late Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, capped his senior season in 2025 with a team-leading 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games (first-team All-ACC) before suffering a late-season ACL tear. He showcases elite size, strong hands, contested-catch dominance, fearless YAC ability, and 4.4-level speed that turns short throws into chunk plays. Bell was a surefire first-round selection before the knee injury that cut his 2025 season short.
Taking a look at his fantasy football potential, Bell profiles as a high-upside WR with strong PPR and red-zone potential once he has a clean bill of health and is clear of the rehab from the ACL injury. His big frame, physicality, and explosive after-catch skills will provide dynasty WR2/3 potential over the early stages of his career.
If he lands in an offense that exploits his boundary presence and YAC prowess, Bell could enter the discussion as a fringe WR1 from a fantasy standpoint.
54. Keionte Scott - CB, Miami
Scott (5'11", 193 pounds) blends a physical brand of football while incorporating deceptive speed. The Miami cornerback (via Auburn and JUCO) is a projected Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and delivered a standout senior season in 2025 with 64 tackles (42 solo), five sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), five passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. Producing elite PFF grades (90.5 overall, top run defense among CBs), Scott flashed blazing 4.33 speed and versatile slot/outside ability.
55. Jake Golday - LB, Cincinnati
As one of the bigger prospects at the position, the 6'4", 239-pound Cincinnati linebacker is currently slated to land as a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Golday led the Bearcats with a program-high 104 tackles in 2025 while adding 6.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and strong run-defense impact as a former edge convert who thrived with explosive athleticism (4.62 40, 39" vertical) and sideline-to-sideline range in a 3-3-5 scheme.
56. Treydan Stukes - S, Arizona
As versatile as they come in this year’s class, Stukes, the 6'0”, 190-pound Arizona defensive back (nickel/safety), is currently projected to land on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. He capped his redshirt senior season in 2025 with 52 tackles, four interceptions, six passes defensed, and elite coverage grades (90+ PFF) while earning AP Third-Team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors, showcasing outstanding speed (4.33 40), a 38-inch vertical, ball skills, and alignment flexibility in slot, box, and deep safety roles.
57. Zachariah Branch - WR, Georgia
Zachariah Branch (5'8", 177 pounds) may be explosive, but he is one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Due to his performance, the Georgia wide receiver (via USC) has seen his draft stock fluctuate from as high as early Day 2 to potentially as low as the third round.
He set a career-high 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 as a slot specialist while adding elite return ability, earning second-team All-SEC honors with blistering 4.35 speed, a 38" vertical, quick twitch, and outstanding yards-after-catch prowess.
From a fantasy football perspective, Branch profiles as an electric gadget weapon with explosive big-play potential and return-yard upside thanks to his separator quickness and efficiency.
The inconsistency may be maddening, which could limit him to a dynasty WR3/4 ceiling. If he lands in a creative, pass-heavy offense that manufactures touches and exploits his slot versatility, the value that he returns may find him more along the lines of a WR2.
58. Romello Height - Edge, Texas Tech
Height, the quick and explosive 6'3", 239-pound Texas Tech edge-rusher and projected late second to early third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, transferred in for his senior season and exploded with 10.0 sacks (tied for 15th nationally), 11.5 tackles for loss, 38 tackles, three forced fumbles, and elite pass-rush production (92.9 PFF overall grade) while showcasing outstanding athleticism (4.64 40, 39" vertical, 8.80 RAS).
59. A.J. Haulcy - S, LSU
Another physical and tough prospect from LSU, Haulcy (5'11", 215 pounds) finds himself firmly projected as a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The transfer product (via New Mexico and Houston) starred as a senior in 2025 with 89 tackles (49 solo), three interceptions for 77 yards, four passes defensed, and one forced fumble while earning first-team All-SEC honors and a strong 86.6 overall PFF grade, blending enforcer run support with reliable coverage instincts and pattern recognition.
60. Dani Dennis-Sutton - Edge, Penn State
Dani Dennis-Sutton, the long and athletic 6'5", 256-pound Penn State edge-rusher and projected third-round (often late Day 2) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, started all 13 games as a senior in 2025. He posted 42 tackles (26 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes defensed, and an FBS-leading three blocked kicks while earning third-team All-Big Ten honors and showcasing an elite athletic profile (4.63 40, 39.5" vertical, 10'11" broad jump).
61. Caleb Tiernan - OT, Northwestern
Entering this year’s class at a towering 6'7", 323 pounds, Tiernan, the Northwestern offensive tackle, is a projected Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He started all 13 games at left tackle as a redshirt senior in 2025, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors while posting elite pass-blocking grades (top 10 nationally per PFF) and allowing zero sacks or hits in eight of nine conference games with his long arms, balanced footwork, technical polish, and surprising athleticism highlighted by a 35.5" vertical at the combine.
62. Kyle Louis - LB, Pittsburgh
Louis, the athletic 5'11", 220-pound linebacker out of Pittsburgh and projected third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, starred as a redshirt junior in 2025 with 79 tackles (43 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble across 11 starts. He earned second-team All-ACC and AP first-team All-ACC honors, showcasing explosive speed (4.53 40), a 39.5" vertical, sideline-to-sideline range, and strong coverage instincts as a hybrid/weakside defender.
63. Domonique Orange - DT, Iowa State
The mountain that is Domonique Orange comes into the 2026 NFL Draft at a massive 6'2", 322 pounds. The Iowa State defensive tackle is projected to be a late Day 2 (third-round) selection. He anchored the Cyclones interior as a senior in 2025, earning All-Big 12 Third Team honors with 18 tackles (including 0.5 for loss), four quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup, while showcasing elite size, powerful hands, strong anchor ability, and a run-stuffing presence across 50 career games.
64. Jadarian Price - RB, Notre Dame
Jadarian Price, the compact and powerful 5'11", 203-pound Notre Dame running back and projected Day 2 pick (often RB2) in the 2026 NFL Draft, served as a highly efficient backup in 2025 with 113 carries for 674 yards (6.0 YPC) and 11 total touchdowns while adding receiving work and return ability. He earned third-team All-American honors and showcased outstanding contact balance, 4.2 yards after contact, and strong vision as a former high school star.
In terms of fantasy football potential, Price profiles as an eventual workhorse back with every-down potential and strong efficiency thanks to his balance, burst, and versatility, offering strong PPR value. As it is with nearly all backs entering the league, scheme and opportunity will be vital. With enough volume, Price has the skill set to develop into a weekly RB2 in all fantasy formats.
65. Germie Bernard - WR, Alabama
Reliability is the name of the game for Bernard. The 6'1", 206-pound Alabama wide receiver and projected early third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft capped his senior season in 2025 with a career-best 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns (13.5 YPC) while adding 18 carries for 101 yards and two rushing scores. He showcased strong hands, physicality after contact, route versatility across outside and slot alignments, and solid athletic testing (4.48 40).
While looking at his fantasy football projections, Bernard profiles as a mediocre PPR contributor with elevated red-zone touchdown potential thanks to his efficiency and multi-role versatility.
If he lands in a quarterback-friendly offense that can utilize his multi-role skill set, Bernard could enter the discussion as a weekly flex play. Otherwise, Bernard should be considered as a depth piece only in dynasty leagues.
66. Keith Abney II - CB, Arizona State
Keith Abney II, the speedy and physical 5'11", 192-pound Arizona State cornerback and projected second-round to early third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, emerged as a shutdown perimeter defender in 2025 with 44 tackles, two interceptions, nine passes defensed, and elite coverage metrics (allowing sub-50% completion when targeted). He flashed 4.38 speed and strong press-man technique that earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors.
67. Josiah Trotter - LB, Missouri
Playing on pure instincts, Trotter, the 6'1", 237-pound Missouri linebacker and projected early third-round pick (LB7 range) in the 2026 NFL Draft, transferred from West Virginia and dominated as a redshirt sophomore in 2025. He led the Tigers with 84 tackles (43 solo), 13 tackles for loss, and two sacks while earning first-team All-SEC honors and anchoring a top-10 national defense with his downhill aggression, run-stopping prowess, and quick diagnosis.
68. Chris Brazzell II - WR, Tennessee
Chris Brazzell II, the tall and athletic 6'4", 198-pound Tennessee wide receiver, produced a solid junior season that allowed him to enter into the discussion as a possible Day 2 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In 2025, Brazzell finished with 58 receptions for 912 yards and nine touchdowns while showcasing elite contested-catch ability, a massive catch radius, smooth route running, and reliable hands. Although scouts have their own thoughts on the Josh Heupel offense and the receivers being pro-ready at the next level, Brazzell will be looking to deter the naysayers.
From a fantasy football perspective, Brazzell profiles as a prototypical boundary X receiver with red-zone and big-play potential thanks to his size and athleticism.
Consistency will be the name of the game when it comes to Brazzell and his contributions to fantasy managers. He will likely be tied to an offense early on with limited snap totals, capping upside, and making him a player who could only provide depth in dynasty formats.
69. Jake Slaughter - C, Florida
Slaughter, the stout 6'4", 303-pound Florida center and projected Day 2 (third-round) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, started all 12 games at center in 2025 as a redshirt senior. He posted elite PFF grades (79.3 overall, top 10 among centers) with strong run-blocking (80.2 grade) and pass protection while allowing minimal pressures and showcasing high football IQ, toughness, and technical polish as a three-year starter and Rimington Trophy finalist.
70. Derrick Moore - Edge, Michigan
Playing with downhill momentum and leverage, Moore, the 6'3", 255-pound Michigan edge-rusher, is entrenched as a late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He capped his senior season in 2025 as a team captain and first-team All-Big Ten selection with 30 tackles (19 solo), a team-leading 10.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three passes defensed, and two forced fumbles while showcasing a strong bull rush, violent hands, and relentless motor as a four-year contributor.
71. Malachi Fields - WR, Notre Dame
Malachi Fields, the big-bodied 6'4½", 218-pound Notre Dame wide receiver (via Virginia) and projected third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, started all 12 games as a senior in 2025. He posted 36 receptions for 630 yards (17.5 YPC) and five touchdowns while flashing a massive catch radius, strong hands on contested targets, reliable chain-moving ability, and solid athletic testing highlighted by a 38" vertical and 4.61 40.
Switching to his fantasy football outlook, Fields profiles as a strong red-zone and big-play threat with mismatch potential thanks to his size and contested-catch prowess.
If he lands in an offense that feeds him deep shots and 50/50 balls, his frame and hands can dominate as a boundary X receiver. There are limitations to what he can offer at the next level, but with an increased scoring potential on the right offense, Fields could settle in as a WR3/4 in dynasty formats.
72. Keyron Crawford - Edge, Auburn
With an above-average twitch and quickness off the line, Crawford, the 6'4", 253-pound Auburn edge-rusher, seems to have landed solidly in the third round in the 2026 NFL Draft. He broke out as a full-time starter in 2025 with 36 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, one interception, and strong pressure rates (fourth in the SEC) while earning third-team All-SEC honors, showcasing disruptive upside as a late-blooming stand-up rush linebacker with a high motor.
73. Bryce Lance - WR, North Dakota State
One of the more under-the-radar prospects in this class is Lance. The tall and athletic 6'3", 204-pound North Dakota State wide receiver and projected mid-to-late second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft dominated the FCS over the last two seasons with 126 receptions for 2,132 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning unanimous All-American honors and the Walter Payton Award while flashing elite route running, a massive catch radius, and explosive playmaking ability after the catch.
From a fantasy football perspective, Lance profiles as a high-upside boundary X receiver with immediate red-zone and big-play potential thanks to his size, athleticism, and separator skills.
He offers above-average ball tracking and hand strength, enabling him to compete for contested catches at the next level and providing a solid floor in production. Early on in his career, Lance should be viewed as a depth piece in dynasty formats who could evolve into a solid weekly play as a WR3.
74. Zakee Wheatley - S, Penn State
Zakee Wheatley, the rangy 6'3", 203-pound Penn State safety and projected third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was a steady senior contributor in 2025 with 74 tackles (51 solo), one interception, one fumble recovery, and solid coverage/run support grades across 12 starts. He built on a career total of 223 tackles and six interceptions while flashing length, instincts, and versatility in man/zone schemes.
75. Darrell Jackson Jr. - DT, Florida State
Coming in at a massive 6'5", 315 pounds, Jackson, a Florida State defensive tackle, is projected to be a late Day 2 (third-round range) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He transferred multiple times before anchoring the Seminoles interior in 2025 with career totals of 127 tackles, 12 TFL, and 7.5 sacks, showcasing elite size, length (34¾" arms), heavy hands, and stout run-stuffing ability at the point of attack despite average get-off.
76. Davison Igbinosun - CB, Ohio State
Long and rangy, Igbinosun (6'2", 189 pounds), an Ohio State cornerback, is currently projected inside the top 60 (late second round) of the 2026 NFL Draft. Transferring in from Ole Miss after the 2022 season, he capped his senior season in 2025 as a first-team All-Big Ten selection with 52 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed, and strong coverage metrics while flashing elite size, 4.45 speed, 33-inch arms, and physical press-man ability.
77. Elijah Sarratt - WR, Indiana
Coming in as one of the more disciplined route runners of the class, Sarratt, a polished 6'2", 210-pound Indiana wide receiver, finds himself projected to be a late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He led the Hoosiers' championship offense in 2025 with 65 receptions for 830 yards and 15 touchdowns while showcasing elite route-running precision, reliable hands, yards-after-catch ability, and contested-catch toughness that earned him first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors.
As for his fantasy football outlook, Sarratt profiles as a moderate PPR asset who will require a higher target share and red-zone touchdown potential to become a potential fantasy starter. Thanks to his technical polish and efficiency, Sarratt can find a niche within an offense, but steady fantasy production will be heavily reliant on the landing spot, and the offense supports him. His dynasty outlook is one of a spot starter that needs time to develop at the next level.
78. Devin Moore - CB, Florida
Looked at as an imposing figure in press coverage, Moore, a long and athletic 6'3", 198-pound Florida cornerback, is currently projected to be a late Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He enjoyed his healthiest and most productive season as a senior in 2025, starting 11 games and recording 35 tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups, one sack, and one forced fumble while posting strong PFF coverage (81.5) and run-defense grades with his rare length (31⅝" arms), fluid hips, 4.50 40 speed, and physical press-man ability.
79. Jalen Farmer - OG, Kentucky
Patient hands and a low pad level are the name of the game for Jalen Farmer. The 6'4", 312-pound Kentucky offensive guard and projected third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft started all 12 games at right guard as a redshirt junior in 2025. He posted strong pass-protection numbers (only two sacks and minimal pressures allowed in over 800 snaps) while flashing violent hands, explosive power in gap schemes, elite arm length (34¼"), and impressive combine testing highlighted by a 4.93 40 and 37 bench reps.
80. Ted Hurst - WR, Georgia State
Hurst uses his 6'3", 206-pound frame and quick footwork to lull secondaries into a false sense of security as he can quickly accelerate around press coverage with some of the best receivers in this class.
The Georgia State wide receiver and projected late third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft led the Panthers for the second straight year in 2025 with 71 receptions for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns while flashing a massive catch radius, explosive deep speed (4.42 40), and strong contested-catch ability that earned him first-team All-Sun Belt honors.
From a fantasy football perspective, Hurst profiles as a high-upside (but low-floor) boundary threat with immediate big-play and red-zone potential thanks to his size, speed, and separator traits.
The spike weeks will be unexpected and amazing for fantasy managers, but hard to place into your lineups. A dynasty WR4/5 ceiling right away is what I see in the cards for Hurst, but a Year 3 breakthrough as a weekly fantasy starter is not out of the question in the right offensive atmosphere.
81. Keylan Rutledge - OG, Georgia Tech
Keylan Rutledge, a powerful 6'3", 316-pound Georgia Tech offensive guard and projected third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, started all 13 games at right guard in 2025 as a senior. He earned first-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honors while allowing zero sacks and just six quarterback hurries across 872 snaps, anchoring a line that ranked top 25 nationally in rushing and top five in fewest sacks allowed with his violent hands, stout anchor, and rugged run-blocking pop.
82. Garrett Nussmeier - QB, LSU
Obviously playing through injury a season ago, Nussmeier possesses perhaps the most arm talent of any quarterback in this year’s class. The 6'1", 203-pound LSU quarterback and projected Day 2 (second- to early third-round) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft battled through an injury-shortened senior season in 2025 but still showed his trademark quick release, anticipation, and rhythm passing ability.
He completed passes at a solid clip with strong accuracy on intermediate throws while flashing impressive arm talent in a pro-style/spread hybrid offense.
As for his fantasy football potential, Nussmeier profiles as a QB2 (likely QB3) at best in the interim until his situation develops and he emerges as a team’s starter. If he lands in a clean-pocket scheme with good weapons, Nussmeier can utilize his poise and accuracy to find himself in the conversation as a reliable player in Superflex formats.
83. Sam Hecht - C, Kansas State
Hecht, an athletic and technical wizard, 6'4", 303-pound Kansas State center and projected late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, anchored the Wildcats offensive line as a senior in 2025. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors while allowing zero sacks, zero hits, and just seven pressures across 759 snaps with elite football IQ, balance, quick feet, and impressive combine testing (notably an 8.59 Relative Athletic Score for the position).
84. Chandler Rivers - CB, Duke
Chandler Rivers is a twitchy and instinctive 5'9", 185-pound Duke cornerback and projected third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was a four-year starter who posted strong 2025 production, including 37 solo tackles, two interceptions, and eight passes defensed while earning second-team All-ACC honors and showcasing fluid hips, sharp footwork, 4.40 speed, and a 39" vertical that allows him to mirror receivers effectively in man and zone.
85. Connor Lew - C, Auburn
Lew is a very technically sound 6'3½", 310-pound Auburn center and projected Day 2 (third-round) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was a three-year starter who excelled as a junior in 2025 before a midseason torn ACL ended his campaign, earning high marks for his snap accuracy, quick footwork, leverage, and leadership while anchoring an SEC interior in a balanced gap/zone scheme.
86. Mike Washington Jr. - RB, Arkansas
Perhaps the biggest riser in value at the position since the end of the collegiate season, Washington, a 6'1", 223-pound Arkansas running back, is currently projected to be a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He transferred from New Mexico State and delivered a standout senior season in 2025 with 167 carries for 1,070 yards (6.4 YPC) and eight touchdowns plus 28 receptions for 226 yards and one score, earning second-team All-SEC honors while flashing elite acceleration (4.33 40 at the combine), vision, contact balance, and three-down versatility.
From a fantasy football perspective, Washington profiles as a high-upside rookie workhorse with immediate every-down potential and league-winning PPR value thanks to his efficiency, receiving chops, and big-play burst.
If he lands in a zone-friendly scheme with an early opportunity to lead a backfield, Washington has the skill set to become a no-doubt weekly starter in all fantasy formats. He is absolutely a player in this draft class who could become a league-winning type prospect, but if the landing spot does not support a higher workload, Washington could see his value flounder.
87. Bryce Boettcher - LB, Oregon
Bryce Boettcher, a productive 6'2", 232-pound Oregon linebacker and projected late Day 2 (fourth to fifth round) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, led the Ducks with a whopping 136 tackles (56 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, one interception, and five passes defensed in 2025 as a sixth-year senior. He showcased outstanding instincts, tackling technique, and sideline-to-sideline range despite average athletic testing.
88. De’Zhaun Stribling - WR, Ole Miss
The smooth striding Stribling comes in standing 6'2", 207 pounds, and has seen his stock rise dramatically over the last few weeks. The Ole Miss wide receiver is now projected as a late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He transferred from Oklahoma State and posted 55 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 while flashing elite body control, a massive catch radius, reliable hands in contested situations, and polished route running that earned him second-team All-SEC honors.
Checking in on his fantasy football potential, Stribling profiles as a boundary X receiver with red-zone and big-play potential thanks to his size and contested-catch prowess.
Sporting good initial acceleration that quickly translates into adjustments downfield that give him advantages in coverage, Stribling has a wide array of outcomes in fantasy production. The landing spot will be key for him, as allowances to accrue more targets could take him from bench fodder type in most leagues to a dependable WR3/flex play during his career.
89. Max Klare - TE, Ohio State
Klare, an athletic 6'4", 246-pound Ohio State tight end (via Purdue) and projected Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, transferred and started 11 games as a redshirt junior in 2025. He posted 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns on 56 targets while flashing a deep route tree, reliable hands, separation skills, and solid blocking flashes that earned him top-TE athletic testing and scouting praise.
From a fantasy football perspective, Klare profiles as a TE2 ceiling prospect. Offensive situations could work out in his favor to allow for a higher target share, but expecting steady production from Klare in fantasy could prove to be fool’s gold. He’ll be much more valuable as an NFL player than he will be for fantasy managers looking for the next Sam LaPorta.
90. Malik Muhammad - CB, Texas
Malik Muhammad, although smaller in frame (6'0", 182 pounds), plays with a fluidity that allows him to maintain solid coverage throughout a route. The Texas cornerback is currently projected to be a late third to early fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He started all 13 games as a senior in 2025 and recorded 30 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defensed, and moderate PFF coverage grades while flashing 4.42 speed, fluid hips, sharp route recognition, and competitive physicality in press and off-man schemes.
91. Jaishawn Barham - Edge, Michigan
Versatility is what will draw the eyes of team scouts toward Barham. The 6'3", 240-pound Michigan EDGE/LB hybrid is a projected late Day 2 (third-round range) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He transferred from Maryland and excelled in 2025 with 32 tackles (21 solo), 10.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and three passes defensed in 12 games (seven starts at edge), showcasing strong athleticism (4.64 40, 33" vertical) and disruptive ability after moving full-time to the edge as a senior.
92. Antonio Williams - WR, Clemson
Antonio Williams, a 5'11", 190-pound Clemson wide receiver, has the vision and cutback ability of a running back who freestyles on the outside with his route-running capabilities. His consistent productivity has placed him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
He served as a slot specialist in 2025 with 55 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns on 72 targets (plus some gadget rushing/returning work), showcasing elite quickness (4.41 40), sharp route running, reliable hands, and strong separation in the short-to-intermediate areas while earning consistent All-ACC recognition across his career.
From a fantasy football perspective, Williams profiles as a potential high-floor PPR slot weapon depending on target share while utilizing his underneath efficiency.
He can offer strong weekly consistency mixing in spike weeks -- especially if he lands in a creative, pass-heavy offense that manufactures touches and exploits his slot versatility. Williams has the upside to become a flex play staple in all formats eventually, but waiting for that moment to arise could be tough for dynasty managers.
93. Genesis Smith - S, Arizona
Genesis Smith is a ballhawking 6'2", 202-pound Arizona safety and projected late Day 2/early Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He started all 12 games as a junior in 2025 and led the Wildcats with 77 tackles (35 solo), three tackles for loss, one interception, eight passes defensed, and two forced fumbles while flashing elite athleticism highlighted by a 42.5-inch vertical and 10'8" broad jump at the combine, showcasing range, instincts, and versatility as a center-field or slot defender.
94. Deontae Lawson - LB, Alabama
Relying on his pursuit, agility, and ability to finish in the open field, Lawson (6'2", 226 pounds), an Alabama linebacker, currently finds himself projected to hear his name called late Day 2 to early Day 3 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He anchored the Crimson Tide defense as a two-time team captain and senior in 2025, leading the team with 80 tackles (45 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries while earning second-team All-SEC honors with his downhill burst, sideline-to-sideline range, and pre-snap intelligence.
95. Bud Clark - S, TCU
Consistently improving his stock since the Senior Bowl, Clark, a rangy 6'0", 188-pound TCU safety, is firmly projected as a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was a sixth-year senior who delivered a strong 2025 campaign with 56 tackles (31 solo), four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and seven passes defensed across 11 games while showcasing exceptional ball skills, range, instincts, and versatility in coverage or the box (4.41 40, 38" vertical at the combine).
96. Joshua Josephs - Edge, Tennessee
Joshua Josephs, a long and explosive 6'3", 242-pound Tennessee edge-rusher and projected late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, started at LEO in 2025. He recorded 33 tackles (17 solo), 6.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries (including a 41-yard return for a touchdown) while posting a strong 90+ PFF pass-rush grade and showcasing elite first-step quickness, length (34¼" arms), and relentless effort off the edge.
97. Brenen Thompson - WR, Mississippi State
Brenen Thompson, a lightning-fast 5'9", 164-pound Mississippi State wide receiver, has found himself projected as a late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He transferred in for his senior season and shattered the Bulldogs' single-season receiving record with 57 receptions for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns (18.5 YPC), leading the SEC in receiving yards while earning second-team All-SEC honors and torching defenses with a blazing 4.26 40 at the combine and elite deep-threat separation.
From a fantasy football perspective, Thompson profiles as a best-ball specific deep bomber who should provide big-play potential thanks to his elite speed, acceleration, and ability to stretch the field.
If he lands in a vertical offense that creates one-on-one matchups and gives him room to run after the catch, Thompson could increase his expected fantasy production immensely. But the likelihood of that happening is very thin, capping his potential and limiting him to spot-start duties in dynasty.
98. Austin Barber - OT, Florida
One of the more towering prospects at the position this year, Barber, a 6'7", 318-pound Florida offensive tackle, is currently being projected as a third- to fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He started all 12 games at left tackle as a redshirt senior in 2025 (third-team All-SEC), logging strong run-blocking grades while allowing minimal sacks and pressures across his extensive starting experience at both tackle spots with long arms, functional strength, and solid athleticism for his size.
99. Chris McClellan - DT, Missouri
With a powerful burst and some of the biggest hands in the draft class (11”), McClellan, a 6'3", 313-pound Missouri defensive tackle, is currently projected to be a third- to fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Transferring from Florida, he broke out as a senior in 2025 with a career-high production of 48 tackles (15 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, and 6.0 sacks across 13 games while earning strong run-defense grades and showcasing powerful hands, length, and disruptive interior presence.
100. Sam Roush - TE, Stanford
Considered one of the few “traditional” tight ends in this year’s draft class, Roush (6'6", 267 pounds) leaves Stanford and currently sees his projections fall as a firm third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He was a reliable receiving weapon in 2025 with 49 receptions for 545 yards and two touchdowns across 12 starts while flashing a large catch radius, smooth route running from the slot and in-line, reliable hands, and solid blocking contributions that earned him honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors.
His fantasy football outlook is one of a steady, but not flashy, producer at the tight end position. Roush profiles as a mid-tier TE2 who should maintain playing time due to his blocking prowess, but finding a path to consistent target share could be a mountain too big to climb.
Early on in his career, I would expect to see Roush flash spike weeks here and there, enough to whet the appetite, but never to become a true TE1 worth holding onto in dynasty formats.
More NFL Rookie Analysis
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.
RADIO





