April 7, 2026

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who was the 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, is visiting with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The 24-year-old Pavia led Vandy to its first win over a top-five team last year in school history. The Panthers already have Bryce Young locked into the starting role in Carolina and Kenny Pickett backing him up, so Pavia would be the QB3 in Carolina if he were drafted by the organization in 2026. Pavia led the SEC in completion percentage (70.6%), touchdown passes (29), yards per attempt (9.4), adjusted yards per attempt (9.94), and passing efficiency rating (170.4) in 13 games while throwing for a career-high 3,539 yards and eight interceptions in 13 games played. He's a gritty and tenacious QB prospect who thrives on being labeled an underdog. If he were to land in Carolina, he could push Pickett for the backup job behind Young in his first year in the NFL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

April 7, 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston on a pre-draft visit on Tuesday, according to Field Yates of ESPN. In the last two seasons with the Huskies, Boston had 125 catches, 1,715 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only three drops on 198 targets. Boston has already had a top-30 visit with the San Francisco 49ers as well. In his final collegiate season in 2025, he had 62 catches for 881 yards and was tied for 11th in college football with 11 touchdowns. The Steelers acquired receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason to pair with veteran DK Metcalf, but Pittsburgh could still use some speed at the position, which Boston can definitely provide. Adding Boston to their receiving corps would be great news for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is leaning toward re-signing with the Steelers for another season. In the first round of the upcoming NFL draft, Pittsburgh holds the 21st overall pick.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates

April 7, 2026

Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said on ESPN in an interview with Kevin Clark on This Is Football that the team is planning to build around new quarterback Malik Willis. "I'm very comfortable with Malik and his ability to play with what's around him," Sullivan said. The Dolphins gave the 26-year-old Willis a three-year, $67.5 million contract after they released Tua Tagovailoa this offseason. In his two years with the Green Bay Packers, Willis completed 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions in 11 games (just three starts). In his four years in the NFL, Willis has only made six starts, and he'll be leading an offense in 2026 that will have do-it-all running back De'Von Achane and not much else after Tyreek Hill (knee) was cut and Jaylen Waddle was traded to the Denver Broncos. Willis is very athletic and can be a dual threat under center with his arms and his legs, but he could be fighting an uphill battle for fantasy production in his first year in South Beach as Miami begins building around him through the draft.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Clark

April 7, 2026

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is signing his franchise tag and will be present for the start of the team's offseason program this week, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Pitts and the Falcons can still negotiate a long-term deal until the deadline in mid-July, but he's now locked into his $15.045 million fully guaranteed one-year deal on the franchise tag for the 2026 season. The 25-year-old finally delivered for fantasy managers in 2025 after teasing everyone with a 1,000-yard season as a rookie. In 17 starts last year, the former fourth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Florida caught 88 of his 118 targets for 928 yards and five touchdowns. He was especially productive down the stretch when it mattered the most for his fantasy managers. Although Pitts' fantasy stock is on the rise after his big season, there is still plenty of volatility with Atlanta's quarterback picture unsettled between the injured Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

April 7, 2026

Broncos tight end Evan Engram signed with Denver in 2025 following an injury-hampered final season in Jacksonville, and while he was able to appear in 16 games, his 28.8 yards per contest were the second-lowest total of his nine-year career. The Broncos got flashes out of their young receiving core of Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr., and the team recently paid up to pair explosive playmaker Jaylen Waddle with the steady target-earner Courtland Sutton. All of that amounts to a crowded group of pass catchers before even factoring in the 83 Denver targets that went to running backs in 2025. Head coach Sean Payton has made no secret that he wants to add a level of dynamism to the tight end position, and with the 2026 NFL Draft offering a deep class with varied skillsets, he will likely be on the hunt to fill the fabled Joker role he's struggled to implement since coming to Denver. Engram is RotoBaller's TE35 in dynasty rankings, and should the Broncos spend early capital at the position, it could mark the official end of what was at times an exciting fantasy career.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson is coming off the most productive season of any rookie back in a Josh McDaniels-led offense since Knowshon Moreno in 2009. McDaniels' famously complex protection schemes have often resulted in essentially a redshirt season for most of his rookie runners, followed by a consistent year-two leap. Henderson was touted as the best pass-protecting halfback in a loaded 2025 class, and while he was the first Patriots rookie to see 500 offensive snaps since Curtis Martin in 1995, his still-developing play strength and recognition often made him a liability on obvious passing downs, with the coaching staff favoring Rhamondre Stevenson in critical situations. Additional time in the Patriots' new weight room and one more year with McDaniels' playbook, along with his clearly evident big-play ability, could see Henderson carve out a larger share of running back snaps in 2026. While Stevenson will still get his, the moves made by New England in free agency suggest an emphasis on getting more productive on early downs and less reliant on Drake Maye to bail the team out of third-and-long scenarios. When healthy, Alijah Vera-Tucker is one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the league, while fullback Reggie Gilliam and tight end Julian Hill add snarl that the team sorely lacked in gotta-have-it situations in 2025.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams finished his second professional season as the QB5 despite failing to reach 4,000 passing yards or even a 60% completion rate. Heading into year two under the tutelage of head coach Ben Johnson, if Williams can clean up some of the details that have plagued his young career, he has the natural ability and tools to become a fantasy league winner. Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland represent one of the best young groups of pass catchers in the league, and for all of Williams' highlight-worthy improvisation, he's done a remarkable job of keeping the ball out of harm's way, accounting for 50 career touchdowns to only 13 interceptions and 19 total turnovers. While the sample size is small and imprecise, Jared Goff finished as QB10 in his second season with the Lions (his first with Johnson at offensive coordinator) before reeling off consecutive top-7 finishes. Williams is currently RotoBaller's QB5 in dynasty rankings, so any meaningful leap could land him among the fantasy elite.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo finished his rookie season with 15 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown, but he did show signs of encouraging usage. His 90.8% route participation was highest among rookie tight ends, while his average depth of target and yards per route run were both close to the top of the class. While it was AJ Barner, in a second-season breakout of his own, who saw the vast majority of high-value touches out of the tight end room, a new offensive coaching staff could help to clear the slate for Arroyo. Brian Fleury takes over as the offensive coordinator in Seattle after four seasons as the 49ers' tight ends coach. While George Kittle can potentially make said position look easy, Fleury and the Niners offense got several fantasy-relevant performances out of Jake Tonges in Kittle's absence. It's worth noting that while Seattle deployed 12 personnel at a top 10 rate under Klint Kubiak, San Francisco ranked near the bottom of the league in each of the last four seasons, though context is important here. The 49ers ran the highest rate of 21 personnel over that time, and while San Francisco boasts arguably the best halfback/fullback duo in the league, Seattle might not have either position figured out heading into the NFL Draft, while tight end remains a strength in 2026.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker was the leading receiver on a 2025 Las Vegas team that has since added only Jalen Nailor on a mid-market free agent contract. His 696 receiving yards marked a career high, and he could see enough early-season success to make him a sellable fantasy depth piece. Tucker is an undersized speedster in a mold similar to Darnell Mooney, whose best games in Atlanta came with Kirk Cousins, the presumed starter in Vegas to start the year. It's important to note that Tucker's sell window could be tightened by what the Raiders do in the NFL Draft, as the team is expected to add receiving help for presumed number one overall pick Fernando Mendoza, and Tucker should not be viewed as an irreplaceable talent. Almost 30% of his fantasy points in 2025 came in a single game against the Commanders while Brock Bowers was fighting through injury.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech disappointed in his first NFL season in 2025 after being drafted 58th overall in the second round out of TCU. The 23-year-old only caught 20 of his 29 targets for 224 yards and no touchdowns in 16 games played (five starts). Bech didn't have much of a chance to succeed last year, though, in one of the worst offenses in the league. There's a new coaching staff in Vegas, though, and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to start the year under center, eventually giving way to Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. Bech will be considered a deep-league fantasy football sleeper who will be competing for the No. 2/3 role with Jalen Nailor and Dont'e Thornton Jr. Things will become more difficult for Bech if the Raiders address the position early in this month's NFL draft. In dynasty formats, Bech is worth considering as a buy-low candidate as he looks to take a step forward in Year 2.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

April 6, 2026

Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue had a quiet rookie season in 2025, totaling 39 touches and logging offensive snaps in just five games. The Texas product was a healthy scratch more often than not, but he did make an impact with 16 carries, 64 rushing yards, and one touchdown in the Week 18 regular-season finale. That game showed that Blue is capable of taking on a more substantial role in the backfield, delivering decent efficiency numbers and even boasting touchdown upside. It took a while for Blue to earn the coaches' trust and carve out a role, but his strong Week 18 could be a good indication that he'll hold onto the No. 2 running back role in 2026. The Cowboys re-signed Javonte Williams to be their RB1 and potential every-down back, but they've yet to bring in any sort of competition for Blue in the second-string role. There's still plenty of time left in free agency, but with each passing day, an external signing looks less likely. The NFL Draft does represent an elephant in the room, but this year's running back class is viewed as abnormally weak, so there are very few impact ball-carriers in the mid-to-late rounds. Plus, it's been a while since the Cowboys last drafted a running back who made a real impact as a rookie. Blue, who patiently waited his turn to produce last year, seems to have earned first dibs on the No. 2 running back role for 2026. Barring a surprise during the NFL Draft, it seems like Blue will be the direct backup to Williams. As a result, he has plenty of fantasy appeal as the handcuff behind Williams. Managers who roster Williams in dynasty leagues should consider sending out trade offers for Blue this offseason.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 6, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden flashed tremendous upside at various points throughout his rookie season in 2025. He had a four-game stretch with 24 catches, 377 yards, and two touchdowns from Week 6-9, and he added two more double-digit fantasy performances from Week 15-17. Gadsden had some explosive showings, but his lack of consistency prevented him from establishing himself as a surefire TE1. Instead, he finished the year as the overall TE15 in PPR leagues. That's still not bad for a rookie by any means, but we'd like (and expect) to see Gadsden take a significant leap heading into Year 2 of his career. Not only is the second season a common time for tight ends to break out, but Gadsden should also benefit from the Chargers' new-look offensive system. The Bolts hired mastermind Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator, taking the offense to a whole new level. We've seen McDaniel squeeze production from a variety of tight ends. Darren Waller averaged 9.9 fantasy points and 0.7 touchdowns per game with the Dolphins last year; Jonnu Smith was the overall TE4 in fantasy with eight touchdowns in 2024; and, of course, McDaniel oversaw George Kittle's TE4 finish as the 49ers' offensive coordinator in 2021. Managers typically think of McDaniel as a running back and wide receiver whisperer, but his impact on tight ends cannot be overlooked. Gadsden has top-10 upside heading into 2026, making him a low-cost redraft selection and an intriguing buy-low option in dynasty leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 6, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell is embarking on the next chapter of his career after switching teams during free agency. After spending his first three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Mitchell signed with the Chargers. He goes from playing for John Harbaugh in Baltimore to playing for Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. Mitchell had an underwhelming three-year stint with the Ravens, peaking as the overall RB59 as a rookie in 2023. Occupying a depth role has limited his upside, but injury issues have been a greater burden to his development. He missed 21 games over his first two seasons in the league, as well as an additional four games last year. If Mitchell, now 24, can stay healthy with the Bolts, he has the potential to carve out standalone fantasy value as an RB3/flex. The East Carolina product has flashed some of the best burst in the NFL, consistently breaking off huge runs and capitalizing on his limited playing time. A more consistent role -- now behind Omarion Hampton in L.A. -- could be exactly what he needs to finally break out. The scheme represents a great fit, too, as he'll now be playing for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who was able to maximize the potential of similar speedy running backs like Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane in Miami. Mitchell isn't a top-36 running back in dynasty or redraft formats yet, but he's an intriguing buy-low candidate because of his upside.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 6, 2026

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond had a disappointing rookie season in 2025, catching just 18 of 44 targets for 338 yards through 16 games. The speedy pass-catcher out of Texas was unable to develop much of a rapport with a subpar quarterback room featuring Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. On one hand, Year 2 is a common time for receivers to break out, so Bond could be due for a step forward in that regard. On the other hand, he's likely facing even more competition in the future. He spent last season operating behind Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman. Next season, he'll likely remain behind both of them, and there's also a growing sense that the Browns will select their WR1 of the future with the sixth overall pick in the draft. That would drop Bond to fourth on the depth chart, as well as fifth in the pass-catching pecking order when you also consider breakout tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Heading into Year 2 is encouraging for Bond, but his reduced role on the depth chart, coupled with poor quarterback play, will make it difficult for him to break out.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 6, 2026

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been trending up in fantasy football year after year. He opened his career as the RB44 as a rookie in 2022, but he has been a top-12 fantasy running back every season since then. He jumped to the ranking of overall RB6 last year, carrying the Bills' offense with 1,621 rushing yards, 291 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns. Before the season, critics forecasted touchdown regression for Cook. While his touchdown total did scale back slightly from 18 to 14, he was still highly productive around the goal line, and he handled a new career-high rushing workload. The Bills underwent a coaching staff shakeup during the offseason, but new head coach Joe Brady was formerly Buffalo's offensive coordinator, so we don't expect the offense to look too different next year. Cook should continue to operate as the every-down back, rarely ceding touches to Ty Johnson and Ray Davis. He continues to have top-five upside in redraft and dynasty formats.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller