Jun 30, 2026, 9:49 AM ET

Despite the fact that he has not played sustained meaningful football since 2023, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks continues to pick up steam heading into the 2026 season. With best ball drafts and some early redraft leagues already underway, Brooks has been one of the fastest risers by ADP, and the bull case is easy to see. Brooks was the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft after a final collegiate season at Texas in which he topped 1,400 yards from scrimmage and double-digit touchdowns while showcasing his versatility in the passing game. Carolina's leading rusher from 2025, Rico Dowdle, is no longer with the team, and reports out of the non-contact setting of minicamp have some believing that Brooks could push veteran Chuba Hubbard for a starting role. Hubbard was unimpressive for much of 2025, but it's important to remember that he was dealing with a lingering calf issue for most of the year, and while Brooks represents unproven upside, two catastrophic knee injuries have limited him to only 23 total snaps and nine rushing attempts in his short career. With a rising swell of support for Brooks, there's little question about which Panthers running back to roster in dynasty leagues, but for 2026 redraft leagues, with their ADPs creeping closer and closer together, Brooks has the potential to disappoint if Carolina opts to give first crack at starting duties to a healthy Hubbard.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 9:37 AM ET

Veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been an underneath target hog for most of his six-year career, and with the Pittsburgh Steelers trading for him this offseason, the 2020 second-round pick lands in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense seemingly primed to take advantage of his skill set. In his first season with the Steelers, Rodgers finished last in the league in intended air yards per attempt, and heading into his 22nd season at age 42, there's little to suggest a drastic change of approach for 2026. While the Steelers lost running back Kenneth Gainwell to free agency and released tight end Jonnu Smith, two of Rodgers' favorite short-area targets from 2025 have been replaced by Pittman and second-round rookie Germie Bernard. Given the temperamental quarterback's longstanding distrust of rookies, Pittman could be in line for a massive target share. Two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf will still man the outside, but with his downfield skill set aligning closer to those of prime Rodgers than the quick-release check-down maestro of later years, he could become more of a secondary read behind Pittman. Ranked as RotoBaller's WR38, four receiver spots behind Metcalf, Pittman could ultimately prove to be the higher-scoring Steelers receiver, and in full-PPR leagues, he represents one of the better values in the later rounds of drafts.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 9:25 AM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has seen his yards per reception and total receiving yards drop in each of the past two seasons. His 850 yards in 2025 marked a career low, while his 59 catches were the fewest since his 2019 rookie season. Once one of the most feared vertical threats in the game, Metcalf's strengths did not look necessarily aligned with those of a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers in their first season together, and changes coming to Pittsburgh's offense could further amplify that disconnect. Rodgers finished 33rd of 33 qualifying quarterbacks in intended air yards per attempt in 2025, and ahead of his second season with the Steelers, the team traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and spent a second-round pick on Germie Bernard, two receivers that will allow him to continue working in the short to intermediate areas of the field. Metcalf led the team with 99 targets in 2025, but the rest of the receiver room was made up of Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scott Wilson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Ben Skowronek, and Adam Thielen, six players who combined for only 127 targets. For context, Pittman has averaged 126 targets of his own over the past five seasons. At RotoBaller's WR38, Metcalf will not destroy teams in 2026 if he's unable to live up to ADP, but as he approaches 29 years old, he finds himself in an offense ill-equipped to take advantage of his unique skill set with a new surrounding cast that will reduce the need to do so.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 30, 2026, 9:13 AM ET

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has finished as the WR13 or better in each of the past two seasons, and while changes are coming to the Broncos' offense in 2026, enough continuity remains for the veteran wideout to see sustained success in his ninth season. First time offensive coordinator Davis Webb has been tasked with play calling duties, but with head coach Sean Payton still overseeing the operation, Denver should remain a high-volume passing offense, and while the team traded away multiple picks to acquire dynamic receiver Jaylen Waddle, Sutton's red zone connection with quarterback Bo Nix should continue to provide scoring opportunities. Since Nix assumed starting duties in 2024, Sutton has seen 38 red zone targets, converting nine into touchdowns. Sutton's 25 total touchdowns since 2023 rank sixth in the league over that span, and while Waddle is a true threat to lead the team in targets, he's seen less than half of Sutton's touchdown total over the past three seasons. While another top 13 finish is likely out of the question, Sutton's touchdown upside could still lead to plenty of usable weeks, and at RotoBaller's WR35, he represents tremendous value if his role remains even close to what it has been with Nix as starter.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 29, 2026, 4:58 PM ET

With the start of NFL training camps rapidly approaching, veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. remains without a home for the 2026 season. Across 16 games for the Washington Commanders in 2025, Samuel Sr. recorded 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns on 99 targets. The 30-year-old also provided modest production as a rusher, collecting 75 yards and a score on 17 carries. Samuel Sr. is not the same explosive player he once was at his peak. Still, he was a reasonably productive player last season who should presumably have a job in 2026 if he wants to keep playing. Samuel Sr. finished as the WR34 by per-game PPR scoring in 2025, but he's currently coming off the board as the WR64 by redraft ADP. Even with age-related regression and role uncertainty baked in, Samuel Sr. has a solid chance to outperform his current ADP in 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 29, 2026, 4:49 PM ET

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor recorded 41 receptions for 515 yards and four touchdowns on 89 targets across 16 games as a rookie. While Ayomanor operated with subpar quarterback play from Cam Ward, he had the advantage of being one of Ward's top targets for much of the year. Entering 2026, the Titans have a much stronger pass-catching corps. The team signed wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency, selected wide receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and should get more out of veteran wideout Calvin Ridley, who missed 10 games in 2025. As a result, Ayomanor could see a significantly diminished role in 2026 and beyond. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore selling high on the second-year wideout.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 29, 2026, 4:41 PM ET

For the majority of his time with the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier was one of the NFL's most qualified backups behind Falcons superstar Bijan Robinson. When Allgeier signed with the Cardinals in March, it looked like he might get his opportunity to start. However, Arizona followed up the signing by using the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jeremiyah Love. As a result, Allgeier appears destined for RB2 duties once again in his new home. Still, the 26-year-old proved he can be effective in a reserve role in Atlanta, recording 514 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 143 carries in 2025. Arizona could also choose to bring Love along slowly by opting for more of a committee backfield approach in 2026. Even if Love takes over as the Cardinals RB1 right away, Allgeier remains one of the top handcuff options for fantasy managers. As the RB49 by current redraft ADP, Allgeier may be worth targeting in the later rounds of drafts.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 29, 2026, 4:30 PM ET

Cleveland Browns rookie first-round wide receiver KC Concepcion showed off his elusiveness and his ability to make tough catches at times while making several plays during an offseason program that favors the passing game, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The Browns got Concepcion the football in a variety of ways, from deep shots to screens to run plays. Drops continued to be somewhat of an issue for the 24th overall pick this spring, but the Browns aren't too concerned. "KC came in with the right mindset. He was ready to work on what he thought was an issue coming in the draft, which were his drops," wide receivers coach Christian Jones said. The Athletic's Zac Jackson reported last week that the 21-year-old could play all over the formation in 2026 in his rookie year, which corroborates Oyefusi's story, potentially making him one of the most dangerous wideouts the Browns have in new head coach Todd Monken's scheme. The problem is that Jerry Jeudy is still around, and fellow rookie Denzel Boston could also command a strong share of targets from either quarterbacks Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders. Concepcion's upside is very high in the short and long-term, but Cleveland's less-than-ideal QB situation could hold him back. Target him as a WR4/flex with upside in single-year fantasy drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi

Jun 29, 2026, 4:29 PM ET

After missing his entire rookie season in 2024 with a knee injury, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was handed his team's starting job entering 2025. The 23-year-old missed seven games with ankle, hand, and concussion issues, and he was highly ineffective when healthy. Across his 10 starts, McCarthy completed 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. McCarthy is still very young, and he carries some dual-threat potential for fantasy managers after rushing for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. He enters 2026 in a battle with veteran quarterback Kyler Murray for the Vikings QB1 role. While Minnesota has not named a starter, Murray is the presumptive favorite. Still, Murray has been highly injury-prone in his career, missing at least nine games in two out of the last three seasons. Given how far McCarthy's stock has fallen, he could be worth a buy-low dart throw for dynasty managers entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 29, 2026, 4:19 PM ET

After spending the first three years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, running back Emanuel Wilson is entering his first season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2026. Wilson was a productive player while mostly playing a backup role in Green Bay in 2025, recording 595 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 140 touches across 17 games. Entering 2026, the Seahawks running back room is in a state of flux after losing Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. The team used its first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jadarian Price, and steady veteran Zach Charbonnet (knee) will be part of the backfield mix once he fully recovers from his torn ACL. However, Charbonnet may miss the start of the regular season, and Price may not be ready to take on a RB1 workload right away as a rookie. As the RB62 by average draft position in redraft leagues, Wilson is a low-cost flier for fantasy managers who could be a significant piece of his team's offense in the early portion of 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 29, 2026, 4:13 PM ET

Tennessee Titans rookie first-round wide receiver Carnell Tate impressed from the start of offseason workouts with "his swift route-running and consistent catching ability," according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. Tate was especially a standout during organized team activities, where he found the end zone three times in practices open to the media. "He's polished," cornerback Alontae Taylor said of Tate. "For a rookie to come in, doing some of the things that he's doing is really, really exciting. Come Sundays, he's going to be very exciting to watch." It explains why the Titans took a chance on the Ohio State product with the fourth overall pick in April as they look to give second-year quarterback Cameron Ward more weapons in the passing game. Even though the Titans also added receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency in March, Tate could quickly become Tennessee's No. 1 wideout in 2026 in his first year in the NFL. In his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Tate caught 121 passes for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns in 39 games played. With high-end upside, both short and long-term, Tate will immediately be a WR3/flex target for fantasy managers this fall.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport

Jun 29, 2026, 4:10 PM ET

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson recorded 446 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 98 touches across 15 games as a rookie. The 21-year-old did the majority of his damage as a receiver out of the backfield, as he finished with more receiving yards (271) than rushing yards (165). Entering 2026, Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) will likely block Sampson from seeing significant early-down and goal-line work. However, Sampson profiles as the unquestioned RB2 in Cleveland following the offseason departure of veteran back Jerome Ford. Between his handcuff appeal and standalone value in PPR-scoring leagues, Sampson may be undervalued by current redraft ADP as the 53rd running back off the board.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 29, 2026, 1:10 PM ET

ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that New York Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. was the team's most impressive rookie during spring workouts, "all but solidifying a spot in the three-receiver package." Cooper has proven to be a smooth route-runner who has adjusted nicely to an NFL-style offense. Cimini thinks that the first-rounder (30th overall) will be even better when the pads come on during training camp due to his physical style and run-after-the-catch abilities. In his final season with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025, Cooper caught 69 passes for 937 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns in 16 games, and he led the Big Ten with 21.2 yards per reception in his junior year in 2024. Because of his ability to line up anywhere on the football field, Cooper has the potential to become New York's WR2 sooner rather than later in his first year in the NFL behind Garrett Wilson, who is returning from a season-ending knee injury in 2025. The upside is clear with Cooper, but in an offense being led by quarterback Geno Smith, who led the NFL in interceptions with the Las Vegas Raiders last year, consistency could be a glaring issue. RotoBaller currently has Cooper ranked as the No. 57 fantasy WR as he heads into his first year in the NFL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini

Jun 29, 2026, 12:58 PM ET

New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) missed organized team activities and minicamp after having hernia surgery that stemmed from an injury in college, but the Jets said they were aware of it during the pre-draft process earlier this year. Sadiq is expected to be ready for training camp this summer, although he'll be a bit behind, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich envisions the University of Oregon product as a mismatch because of his speed and explosiveness, so he should have a role in his first year in the NFL alongside second-year TE Mason Taylor. The 16th overall pick in this year's NFL draft is an athletic freak at 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds and will be a popular selection in rookie-only dynasty/keeper leagues, but fantasy managers in redraft formats might want to temper expectations a bit in an offense with veteran quarterback Geno Smith leading the charge. At RotoBaller, Sadiq is ranked as the No. 17 fantasy TE. There's obvious pass-catching upside due to his athleticism, but there are plenty of questions as to how involved he'll be every week.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini

Jun 29, 2026, 12:45 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills attempted to upgrade quarterback Josh Allen's receiving corps this offseason by acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears, and NFL.com's Nick Shook suggests that Moore could be the missing link between the Bills and an AFC Championship appearance. "Just really getting to know him, we're locker mates, and to have that relationship that we already have, it's a pretty seamless fit. I'm excited to continue to get to work with him. He's going to be a huge help for us this next season and seasons to come," Allen said. The Bills have lacked an experienced, proven wideout since they traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans before the 2024 season. Moore will combine with Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Tyrell Shavers, Joshua Palmer, and Gabe Davis in his new digs in 2026. The 29-year-old Moore had the worst season of his career in 2025, catching just 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. With less competition for targets in Buffalo, he should be in the mix for a bounce-back season in 2026. Fantasy managers should target him as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3/flex in upcoming drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL.com - Nick Shook