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Is Kenyon Sadiq the Next Great Rookie Tight End?
A rookie tight end has cracked the top five in half-PPR fantasy leagues every season since 2023, and if that trend is to continue in 2026, New York Jets first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq is perhaps the most likely candidate. The Jets took Sadiq with the 16th overall pick, making him the first tight end off the board in a class that would ultimately see 21 players selected at the position. Having never topped 560 receiving yards during his time at Oregon, his collegiate production does not stack up favorably with that of recent first-round tight ends, but in the era of NIL, Sadiq is one of the few early-declare prospects in this draft class and will take his first professional snaps at the age of 21. His athleticism is well-documented, and with his biggest competition for targets behind Garrett Wilson being fellow first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr., he could see early volume in a Frank Reich offense that has historically involved tight ends at one of the league's highest rates. Sadiq is already RotoBaller's dynasty TE9, and while he may not make the immediate impact of recent rookie tight ends, he has the physical traits and the opportunity to become a sought-after dynasty asset in what looks to be a rapidly improving offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Klubnik Becoming Fan Favorite, in Play to Win Backup QB Job?
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that New York Jets fourth-round rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik is quickly becoming a fan favorite and could have a chance to win the backup job behind veteran Geno Smith to begin his first year in the NFL in 2026. Klubnik was accurate and threw the ball well in rookie minicamp over the weekend, although it was closer to a walkthrough pace than a full-blown practice tempo. The 22-year-old's draft stock fell after a poor final season at Clemson in 2025 in which he dealt with ankle and wrist injuries. The word "aura" is being thrown around explaining Klubnik's presence early on, and the Jets' decision to slow-play their pursuit of another veteran backup QB suggests that they could give Klubnik an opportunity to be Smith's backup. Klubnik's primary competition for that job will be Brady Cook. "He's a really smart man," head coach Aaron Glenn said. "We're going to push the envelope with (him) and see exactly where he's at and how he's going to be able to operate with our offense." Klubnik has a ways to go, but his dynasty stock should only continue to rise in a Jets organization planning to start Smith, who was one of the worst QBs in 2025.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Michael Penix Jr. Throwing During Offseason Program
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was seen taking part in the team's offseason program on Tuesday at the team's facilities, six months removed from tearing his left ACL on Nov. 16 of last year in a game against the Carolina Panthers, reports ESPN's Marc Raimondi. Penix threw to receiver Drake London in Georgia. The 26-year-old former eighth overall pick out of the University of Washington in 2024 has suffered three torn ACLs in the last eight years after he tore his right ACL twice in college. With his availability for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall in question, Atlanta signed former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million deal in March. The Falcons are on record as saying that Penix will compete with Tagovailoa for the starting gig under center when he's healthy this summer. Penix believes he'll be ready for Week 1 in early September, but the Falcons haven't been clear on a timeline for when the lefty will be back. Penix has disappointed in his two seasons in the NFL, completing 59.6% of his passes for 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions in just 14 games (12 starts). Durability concerns alone have caused Penix's dynasty fantasy value to plummet this offseason. He's currently ranked 27th at the QB position in dynasty formats at RotoBaller.
Source: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
Source: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
Panthers Will Continue to Discuss Extension With Bryce Young
Carolina Panthers president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgon told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Tuesday that the organization will continue to "talk through" a potential long-term contract extension with quarterback Bryce Young. Morgan added that the team "will figure it out at the right time," and that the team "loves him" as he works hard to improve year after year. Carolina unsurprisingly picked up the 24-year-old's fifth-year option for the 2027 season, so they don't exactly have to be in a rush to sign him to an extension. The former first overall pick in 2023 out of Alabama looked overmatched as a rookie and was benched in favor of Andy Dalton in Year 2, but he took a big step forward in 2025, throwing for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts. Young's physical attributes don't exactly jump out at you, but he has shown in the last year and a half that he has what it takes to at least be a competent starter in the NFL. His dynasty stock is on the rise, but RotoBaller still has him ranked only as the No. 28 QB in those formats.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero
More Opportunities Coming for Michael Mayer?
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has been a solid backup to Brock Bowers, but The Athletic's Sam Warren writes that "there have been hints that more opportunities could be coming" for Mayer in 2026 under new head coach Klint Kubiak. The team's new head coach has an "affinity for bigger formations," which means the Raiders could feature more two-tight-end sets this year, and Mayer could be more of a pass-catching threat. The 24-year-old former second-rounder (35th overall) in 2023 out of Notre Dame was a TE1 streaming option when Bowers missed time with injury last year, and he finished with career highs in catches (35), targets (50), and receiving yards (328) in 13 games (12 starts) while scoring one time. Vegas added receiver Jalen Nailor in the offseason, but nobody in their WR room has a ton of experience, and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins could lean on both Bowers and Mayer early on in 2026. In redraft leagues, Mayer will be a low-upside, low-end TE2, at best. And in dynasty formats, RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 43 TE.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Is Carnell Tate Poised for Immediate Stardom in Tennessee?
After recording 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as a junior at Ohio State in 2025, wide receiver Carnell Tate was selected fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. The Titans also brought in wideout Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and roster capable pass-catchers in wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Chimere Dike, and Elic Ayomanor. However, Tate carries the highest upside of anyone in Tennessee's wide receiver room by far and could emerge as the team's clear WR1 immediately. Additionally, the Titans' offense should offer more stability in 2026 with Brian Daboll taking over as the play-caller and with quarterback Cameron Ward entering his second NFL season. Tate may have some growing pains early in his NFL career, but Tennessee could end up being the best possible landing spot for his long-term dynasty outlook.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Jeremiyah Love See a Limited Role in Arizona as a Rookie?
After a standout career at the University of Notre Dame, running back Jeremiyah Love was selected with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona's significant draft investment in Love signals that the team views him as its future at the running back position. However, Love may not be in a position to dominate backfield touches in Arizona immediately. The Cardinals signed running back Tyler Allgeier to a two-year, $12.25 million contract in free agency. The team also has a pair of capable incumbents at the position in James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson. While Love will certainly get his chances to contribute in 2026, he may not have the same immediate impact in Arizona that he might have in a different landing spot. Love remains a high-end dynasty asset, but his short-term value is a bit less certain following the NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wan'Dale Robinson's Dynasty Stock Fading Following NFL Draft
Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was one of the big winners of 2026 free agency, signing a four-year, $70 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in March. The 25-year-old put together his best season in 2025 with the New York Giants, recording 92 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns on 140 targets across 16 games. At the time of his signing in Tennessee, Robinson profiled as the clear number one target for the Titans. However, Tennessee used the number four overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, likely knocking Robinson down a peg on the team's target pecking order. Robinson should still see plenty of opportunities as a short and medium-area security blanket for Titans quarterback Cameron Ward. However, his upside in Tennessee is likely limited by Tate's presence. In dynasty formats, managers should downgrade their valuation on Robinson following the NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bucky Irving Not Yet Cleared to Participate in OTAs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) has not yet been cleared to participate in OTAs and may not see the practice field until training camp as he recovers from shoulder surgery, according to Pewter Report. Irving battled both shoulder and foot injuries during the 2025 season, which caused him to miss seven games. While the 23-year-old finished the year on the field for Tampa Bay, he underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason that is now apparently delaying his availability for the team's offseason program. While it does not appear that Irving is in danger of missing time to begin 2026, it's still a slight cause for concern for fantasy managers that his injury issues from 2025 are not fully behind him. After averaging 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2024, Irving managed just 3.4 yards per carry while battling injuries in 2025. Tampa Bay also signed running back Kenneth Gainwell to a sizable two-year deal in free agency, which could be an indication that the team is not fully confident in Irving's health status. Fantasy managers should closely monitor updates on Irving between now and the start of training camp.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Tyler Shough's Dynasty Stock Rising with Improved Supporting Cast in New Orleans
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough flashed high-end upside down the stretch of his rookie year. Over his last five games of the season, Shough threw for 1,316 yards and five touchdowns while adding 133 yards and three scores as a rusher. The 26-year-old now enters his second NFL season as the unquestioned starter in New Orleans and should be working with a significantly upgraded supporting cast. The Saints used the number eight overall pick in the 2026 draft on wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and signed free agent running back Travis Etienne to a big-money contract in free agency. Shough will have to prove he can produce over the course of a full season, but he appears to be well-positioned for a breakout in year two. In dynasty formats, Shough could emerge as a borderline QB1 as early as the 2026 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Garrett Wilson's Dynasty Upside Limited by Quarterback Questions
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) was limited to just seven games played in 2025 by a knee injury that landed him on Injured Reserve in November. Before getting hurt, the 25-year-old recorded 36 receptions for 395 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets and appeared to be on his way to his fourth consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards. While Wilson has been a productive player to this point in his career, his fantasy ceiling has been limited by consistently substandard supporting casts around him in New York. Wilson is expected to be fully healthy for the start of 2026 and remains the clear number one target in the Jets' passing game. However, New York is entering yet another season with an uncertain situation at quarterback, with veteran Geno Smith set to open the year as the team's starter after a brutal year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. The Jets also added a pair of first-round pass-catchers in the 2026 NFL Draft in tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr., both of whom could steal a few targets from Wilson. In dynasty formats, Wilson's production upside remains limited until the Jets find a long-term answer at quarterback.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ted Hurst Viewed as "True X" Receiver Going into Rookie Campaign
New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that rookie third-round wide receiver Ted Hurst is a "true X" receiver, according to Scott Smith of the team's official website. Robinson also said there are "so many things" that he likes about Hurst, who has an exciting skill set and great instincts. The 21-year-old product of Georgia State only played two seasons in college, but he has the size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash) to make noise at the next level in an offense that lost future Hall of Famer Mike Evans in free agency. In his two seasons at Georgia State, Hurst caught 127 passes for 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns. He will primarily be competing with Jalen McMillan for the WR3 role in 2026 behind Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, but his physical attributes make him a bit more intriguing long-term than McMillan. RotoBaller has Hurst ranked as the No. 73 dynasty pass-catcher, two spots below McMillan.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Zac Robinson Thinks Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell Have Similar Skill Sets
New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell "can match each other" in terms of their similar skill sets out of the backfield, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The Bucs let Rachaad White walk in free agency this offseason, but they added Gainwell to their RB room after the 27-year-old broke out with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 with 114 carries for 537 yards and five touchdowns, adding 73 receptions (85 targets) for 486 yards and three more TDs as a pass-catcher in 17 regular-season games. Irving only played in 10 games in his second NFL season due to injuries, but the 23-year-old was efficient as a pass-catcher as well, recording 277 yards and three TDs on his 30 receptions. As long as he stays on the field, Irving is expected to be utilized as Tampa's lead back in 2026, with Gainwell serving in the third-down, pass-catching role. Both will be fantasy relevant, with Irving ranking as RotoBaller's No. 16 dynasty RB, and Gainwell checking in as the No. 45 RB. In PPR leagues, Gainwell will be much more expensive after ranking fifth among RBs in catches.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Emeka Egbuka to Settle into "Z" Role in Year 2
New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka will settle into the "Z" role primarily on the outside in 2026 after playing multiple spots as a rookie in 2025, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Egbuka, the 19th overall pick in 2025 out of Ohio State, bounced around inside and outside in his first year in the NFL due to injuries to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan. The 23-year-old now figures to mostly play outside this year, though, with Evans now in San Francisco. Third-round rookie Ted Hurst is more of a "true X" wideout, which will allow the Bucs to use Egbuka on the outside more, with Godwin in the slot. The 23-year-old Egbuka was a best in his first five NFL games, catching 25 passes for 445 yards and five touchdowns, but he caught just one more TD the rest of the way and dealt with a hamstring injury to finish his rookie campaign with a 63-938-6 line in 17 games (13 starts). With Evans now gone, Egbuka will have an opportunity to rise as Tampa's WR1 in 2026 and beyond, making him a top-12 dynasty receiver.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Trey Benson Droppable in Some Dynasty Leagues?
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson's dynasty value has plummeted over the last few months. Benson was once seen as the potential successor to James Conner in Arizona -- and, at the very least, an extremely valuable handcuff. However, the Cardinals' new coaching staff brought in two new running backs this season, bumping Benson to fourth on the depth chart. Rookie Jeremiyah Love should take over the lead-back role right away, and Conner and Tyler Allgeier will both carve out significant workloads, too. That leaves Benson on the outside looking in, and we can't rule out the possibility of him being a healthy scratch on gamedays. If that happens, managers in shallower dynasty leagues could justify dropping him. At this point, the ideal outcome for fantasy managers would be Benson getting traded to a team that uses him as a true backup. That way, he would maintain his appeal as a handcuff while offering occasional standalone RB3/flex value. For now, though, he remains on the Cardinals' roster, and his outlook is bleak. He has fallen to #59 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty running back rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
