RADIO
Ted Hurst Unlikely to Provide Fantasy Upside as a Rookie
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst has a clear path to becoming the team's next X receiver after 13-year veteran Mike Evans departed for San Francisco in free agency, but with the strength of the receiver room now lending to more quick passing and inside-to-outside versatility, he could still find himself relatively low on the target pecking order. The Buccaneers' passing offense is expected to run through 2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka and four-time 1,000-yard veteran Chris Godwin Jr., while Jalen McMillan was one of the standouts of minicamp, and Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell form one of the league's most capable pass-catching running back tandems. While Hurst should eventually carve out an important role, with so many mouths to feed, his development could come along slowly, with his fantasy impact likely to come in unpredictable spurts to begin his career. As such, he still makes for a worthwhile selection in the closing rounds of best ball drafts, but at RotoBaller's WR97, Hurst is unlikely to factor into most 2026 redraft plans.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Reed a Potential Draft Steal if He Can Find an Expanded Role
The talents of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed have never been in question, but a defined role that has rarely seen him outside the slot has limited his fantasy impact through his first three years in the league. Heading into 2026, the departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks leave Green Bay with what appears to be a true three-man rotation of Reed, Christian Watson, and Matthew Golden. While the latter two both spent more time on the outside than Reed in two-receiver sets in 2025, neither is without their flaws. Watson has never played a full 17-game slate, missing at least seven games in two of his last three seasons, while Golden was held without a touchdown for the entirety of his first regular season. With tight end Tucker Kraft recovering well from the ACL tear that ended his breakout 2025 campaign, the Packers are again expected to heavily deploy multi-tight end sets, which could force the coaching staff's hand regarding Reed's utilization. If he continues in the same role he's held throughout the start of his career, then he will prove to be priced accurately as RotoBaller's WR44, but if he finds his way onto the field in more two-receiver sets, Reed could become one of the biggest bargains in 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Denzel Boston Has the Traits Needed to Overcome a Murky Situation
The Cleveland Browns selected wide receiver Denzel Boston with the 39th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him their second pick at the position after spending a first-rounder on KC Concepcion, and adding to an exciting group of young playmakers that includes 2025 rookies Harold Fannin Jr. and Quinshon Judkins. With veteran receiver Jerry Jeudy also still on the roster, Boston could struggle to make an immediate impact in an offense with lingering questions at quarterback. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will continue their battle for the starting job when the Browns gather for training camp at the end of the month, and while both players would be wise to lean on Boston's size and contested catch ability, particularly in the red zone, the reality is that the rookie will be competing for the fourth pass-catching role in what could be an underwhelming offense. While expectations should remain tempered for 2026, at RotoBaller's WR60, Boston at least has the traits to make him an intriguing dart throw in the closing rounds of drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pieces in Place for C.J. Stroud to See a Modest Fantasy Rebound
Since throwing for more than 4,100 yards and 23 touchdowns as a rookie in 2023, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has seen those numbers drop in each subsequent season, passing for only 3,041 yards and 19 scores in 2025. When the Texans kick off training camp on July 29, it will be the next opportunity for Stroud to put the ugly finish of last year behind him, having thrown four interceptions while completing less than 43% of his passes in a season-ending playoff loss to the Patriots. While he is no longer a player to target in 2026 drafts, a more cohesive offensive line and continued growth from a young group of wide receivers could allow Stroud to re-enter the streaming conversation and provide a steady and predictable fantasy floor. 2025 draft picks Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are expected to take more agency in the Texans' offense after each appearing in all 17 games as rookies, while the potential return of Tank Dell after a devastating 2024 leg injury would reunite Stroud with one of his favorite targets. At RotoBaller's QB23, Stroud is likely to begin the year on waivers in most single-quarterback redraft leagues, but an early-season schedule that includes games against the Bengals, Cowboys, and Titans could see him making an immediate, unexpected impact.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaytron Allen a Late-Round Dart Throw in an Unsettled Running Back Room
Washington Commanders rookie running back Kaytron Allen is the all-time leading rusher for the Penn State Nittany Lions, and when the Commanders gather for training camp at the end of the month, he'll have the opportunity to carve out a role in a room led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. Croskey-Merritt's 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns led the team in 2025, while White signed a one-year deal through free agency after four up-and-down seasons with the Buccaneers. A lack of standout features allowed Allen to slip to the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but his proven production and a landing spot on what could ultimately still prove to be a wide-open depth chart made him an intriguing late-round flier in dynasty rookie drafts and give him a similar appeal in redraft leagues. If Allen can find meaningful work around the goal line, he'll have the opportunity to return value from his current ranking as RotoBaller's RB55.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Demond Claiborne an Intriguing Dynasty Stash Candidate Ahead of 2026
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne was selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after he recorded 1,047 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns across 12 games at Wake Forest in 2025. In Minnesota, Claiborne joins a crowded running back room that also includes Aaron Jones Sr., Jordan Mason, and Zavier Scott. As a result, Claiborne may have a difficult time carving out a fantasy-relevant role in his first NFL season. However, both Jones Sr. and Mason will be free agents at the end of the 2026 season, leaving the Vikings without a clear running back of the future. Weighing in at under 200 lbs., Claiborne is a bit undersized for a true three-down role in the NFL. Still, he brings high-end speed and could be worth targeting as a dynasty stash candidate in rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Wilson Profiles as a Sell-High Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson was a breakout success story in 2025, recording 78 catches for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 126 targets across 17 games. From the time Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett took over as the team's starter in Week 6, Wilson ranked as the WR11 in per-game scoring. While Brissett is back as the QB1 in Arizona for 2026, Wilson could have a very different situation around him with the Cardinals in the upcoming season. For one, Arizona should get more production out of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who missed five games last season due to myriad injury issues. Additionally, Brissett is unlikely to throw the ball as frequently this season as he did a year ago, when he averaged over 40 pass attempts per game. Arizona has a new play-caller in place for 2026 in head coach Mike LaFleur and also used the third overall pick in the 2026 draft on running back Jeremiyah Love. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore selling high on Wilson.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tony Pollard a Low-Upside Pick at Current Redraft ADP
Across 17 games in 2025, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard recorded 1,288 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 275 touches. By measure of per-game PPR scoring, Pollard finished the year as the RB30. The veteran back has been both durable and consistent in recent years, recording four consecutive seasons with at least 16 games played, 1,000 rushing yards, and 200 receiving yards. However, he's scored just 10 touchdowns across 33 career games as a Titan. While Tennessee's offense should continue to improve in 2026, it still profiles as a mid-tier unit at best heading into the year. Additionally, Pollard is now entering his age-29 season with over 7,500 career touches already under his belt. Tennessee has already shifted more of the backfield receiving workload to running back Tyjae Spears in recent seasons and also added a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft in Nicholas Singleton. As the RB28 by current redraft ADP, Pollard may have trouble paying off his draft-day price.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Brazzell II Emerging as a Late-Round Redraft Sleeper
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II was one of the most productive pass-catchers in the country in his final collegiate season at the University of Tennessee, hauling in 62 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns across 12 games. Carolina selected Brazzell II in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he could have a chance to see significant playing time right away. Heading into 2026, Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are firmly established as the top two wide receivers on the Panthers' depth chart. Going into training camp, Brazzell II will likely be behind 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette on the team's wide receiver depth chart as well. However, Legette has provided underwhelming production to this point in his career, failing to record either 50 catches or 500 receiving yards in either of his first two NFL seasons. With a strong showing this summer, Brazzell II could leapfrog Legette. As the WR94 by current redraft ADP, Brazzell II could be worth taking a shot on late in drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ja'Kobi Lane a Redraft Sleeper to Target in 2026
A third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane is entering his rookie season with a chance to carve out a role in his team's passing game immediately. Across 11 games at USC in 2025, Lane recorded 49 catches for 745 yards and four touchdowns. The Ravens have a clear WR1 in Zay Flowers, but the team received underwhelming production from current starting outside wideouts Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker in 2025. Along with fellow rookie Elijah Sarratt, Lane could emerge as a key downfield target for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson if he performs well in training camp and the preseason. Baltimore also has a new coaching staff in place entering 2026. New play-caller Declan Doyle could look to open up the team's passing game a bit more, which could lead to more fantasy production overall from Ravens wide receivers this season. As the WR95 by current redraft ADP, Lane could be a sleeper name for fantasy managers to target at the end of drafts
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Jacobs a Risky Pick in Redraft Leagues Ahead of 2026
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been a consistently high-end fantasy contributor since joining the Packers in 2024, recording nearly 2,900 scrimmage yards and 30 touchdowns on 607 touches over the past two seasons. However, Jacobs' profile carries some uncertainty ahead of 2026, as he could be facing a league suspension after being arrested following a domestic disturbance in May. Even if Jacobs avoids missed time, he's entering his age-28 season and has already racked up a ton of mileage on his legs. Since entering the NFL in 2019, Jacobs has averaged over 300 touches per season. His efficiency fell off in 2025, as he averaged 4.0 yards per carry and 4.5 yards per touch after averaging 4.4 yards per carry and 5.0 yards per touch in 2024. At his current redraft ADP of RB17, Jacobs may be a player for fantasy managers to avoid in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Romeo Doubs an Undervalued High-Floor Receiver in 2026 Drafts
Veteran wide receiver Romeo Doubs signed a four-year, $68 million deal with the New England Patriots in the opening hours of free agency, and while the move has since been overshadowed by the acquisition of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown, he should still find his own path to fantasy relevance in 2026. At 6'2" and 210 pounds, Doubs brings much of the expected physicality that allowed Mack Hollins to lead the position group in snaps per game in 2025, but with a higher pass-catching ceiling, he should be able to more regularly convert that time on the field into fantasy production. And while Brown's pairing with MVP runner-up Drake Maye makes clear sense with Maye having led the league in deep throw accuracy, Doubs is well equipped to step into something closer to the chain-moving Stefon Diggs role from a season ago that saw the 32-year-old top 1,000 yards as a part-time player. At RotoBaller's WR53, Doubs should provide a usable weekly floor while offering an underrated ceiling in what could again be one of the league's highest-scoring offenses.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Darnold Lacks the Upside to Make Him a Target in Single-QB Drafts
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has finished in low-end QB1 territory in each of the past two seasons, first as QB9 in a 2024 season with the Vikings that saw him revive his career, then as QB14 in 2025. While the Seahawks have been praised for their remarkable roster continuity, returning 20 of 22 starters from a Super Bowl-winning team, their biggest change heading into 2026 is one likely to have a direct impact on Darnold. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has taken the top job in Las Vegas, and stepping into his place is former 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fleury. With 2026 marking Fleury's first time calling plays, it stands to reason that Darnold will less frequently be presented with the easy answers of Kubiak's under-center, play-action-heavy offense or that of Kevin O'Connell from the previous season. Darnold has proven himself more than capable of running high-level offenses, but when paired with one of the league's truly elite defenses, his fantasy ceiling will ultimately be lowered by the lack of a need to consistently keep pace in high-scoring shootouts. At RotoBaller's QB22, Darnold can provide a steadying presence as the second quarterback in superflex leagues, but in single-quarterback formats, there are higher-upside options still available in his area of drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaydon Blue to Battle for an Important Insurance Role
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue barely saw the field as a rookie, with 16 of his 39 total touches coming in a Week 18 tilt against the Giants, in which the team's starters saw limited action. Leading rusher Javonte Williams signed a three-year extension early in the offseason, locking him in atop the depth chart, but with few other moves made at the position, Blue has the opportunity to compete against a familiar cast of characters for primary backup responsibilities. Serving in that role last season, Malik Davis showed great efficiency on his limited touches, which could put him in pole position ahead of 2026 training camp, while 2025 seventh-round pick Phil Mafah was active in only one game as a rookie. Meanwhile, Blue was reported to have impressed his coaches with the progress he showed during OTAs and minicamp, and if he can carry that momentum into the padded practices of training camp, he could threaten for an important insurance role in what again projects to be a high-scoring offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyjae Spears Entering a Make-or-Break Season for Fantasy
Entering his fourth professional season having never topped the RB35 finish of his rookie campaign, the door still has not fully closed for Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears to find fantasy relevance in 2026. A capable pass-catcher throughout his career, Spears could find fresh opportunities with a new coaching staff inheriting a running back room that is not teeming with insurmountable talent. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has some familiarity with Tony Pollard from their time together in the NFC East, but he's long shown a willingness to ride the hot hand, turning his 2025 Giants backfield over to fourth-round rookie Cam Skattebo almost immediately. The Titans selected Penn State's Nicholas Singleton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, muddying the waters slightly, but if Spears can maintain a primary pass-catching role while working his way into more of an early-down rotation, he could prove to have some usable flex weeks throughout the year. At RotoBaller's RB49, he's unlikely to be selected outside of the deepest of 2026 drafts, but he's a player to keep tabs on early in the season as a potential waiver add.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
