The FantasyPros NFL Draft Show rolled into Part 2 of its Senior Bowl preview with a deep dive on the quarterbacks and running backs who could meaningfully shift their dynasty rookie draft value in Mobile. Hosted by Seth Woolcock with Derek Brown providing film-based analysis, the episode made one thing clear: this 2026 rookie class might not be flashy at the top, but it is loaded with volatile profiles that dynasty managers need to understand early. Here is dynasty rookie draft advice as you watch the QBs and RBs in Mobile this week.
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Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice
This was less about crown-the-next-star hype and more about identifying fault lines. Medical red flags, scheme dependencies, and archetype limitations were all front and center.
Nussmeier was the most polarizing quarterback discussed, and for good reason. A year ago, he was viewed by some as a potential top pick after a dominant 2024 season. The 2025 tape tells a much different story.
Brown’s concern was not talent. The arm strength, velocity, and ability to make every NFL throw were all present in 2024. What changed was health. Nussmeier battled injuries throughout 2025, and the film reflected it. Reduced deep-ball usage, heavier reliance on screens, and declining accuracy painted the picture of a quarterback operating far from 100 percent.
For dynasty managers, this is a medical bet more than a talent evaluation. If teams are comfortable with his long-term health, Nussmeier could still hear his name on Day 2. If not, the floor is alarmingly low. Senior Bowl health and practice velocity matter more for him than almost anyone in attendance.
Pavia’s production is undeniable. A near-Heisman season with elite rushing output and efficient passing led Vanderbilt to historic success. The concerns are archetypal, not statistical.
Brown described Pavia as a smaller, lesser-arm version of Bryce Young. Height limitations impact field vision, throwing lanes, and offensive structure. Pavia thrives when moved outside the pocket, using boots, quick-hitting concepts, and designed movement.
The dynasty takeaway is volatility. Quarterbacks like this can flash fantasy relevance in the right environment, but they are heavily scheme dependent. Pavia’s likely Day 3 draft capital caps his long-term dynasty ceiling, even if he earns early opportunities.
Cole Payton (QB – North Dakota State)
Payton was Derek Brown’s flag plant of the episode.
Despite limited starting experience at the FCS level, Payton’s efficiency metrics were elite across accuracy, depth of target, and big-time throw rate. More importantly, the physical traits translate. He has NFL size, mobility, and effortless arm strength that stands in contrast to other dual-threat options in this class.
The concerns are real. Level of competition, anticipation consistency, and transition speed all matter. But for dynasty managers, this is the profile you bet on in the late second or third round of rookie drafts. Traits plus patience can pay off.
Jonah Coleman (RB – Washington)
Coleman entered the season viewed as a fringe RB2 in the class and did nothing to lose that standing. He lacks elite long speed, but his vision, contact balance, and pass protection stood out.
Brown compared him stylistically to Clyde Edwards-Helaire as a prospect, not the NFL outcome. Coleman’s value comes from versatility. He can handle three downs, earn trust in pass protection, and generate chunk gains without needing perfect blocking.
For dynasty players, Coleman profiles as a safe bet to earn meaningful NFL touches, even if he never becomes a highlight machine.
Mike Washington (RB – Arkansas)
Washington was Brown’s other favorite runner in Mobile. He brings prototypical size, violent running style, and underrated pass protection. While ball security and consistency remain questions, the traits are starter-worthy.
This is the type of back who climbs boards during the pre-draft process because coaches trust him. For dynasty managers, Washington is a prime second-round rookie pick with sneaky long-term upside.
Nicholas Singleton & Kaytron Allen (RB – Penn State)
Brown was notably lower than consensus on both Penn State backs.
Singleton’s explosive freshman season has not been replicated, with declining efficiency metrics and limited creativity as a runner. Allen offers vision and reliability but lacks the athletic thresholds that typically drive fantasy upside.
Dynasty managers should expect draft capital to dictate their value. Neither profile screams league-winner without landing spot help.
McGowan was framed as a classic late-round NFL runner who runs angry and downhill. The Isaiah Pacheco comparison fits stylistically, though with less raw athleticism.
Off-field history will matter in NFL evaluations, but on-field, McGowan brings enough juice to become a short-term starter if opportunity arises. He is a deep dynasty stash worth monitoring.
Dynasty Takeaways
- Garrett Nussmeier‘s dynasty value hinges entirely on health and Senior Bowl velocity
- Diego Pavia is a scheme-dependent fantasy quarterback with weekly volatility
- Cole Payton is the traits-based QB bet worth making in dynasty rookie drafts
- Jonah Coleman and Mike Washington are the most trustworthy RB profiles in this group
- Penn State backs may carry name value without matching fantasy ceilings
- Late-round runners like Seth McGowan can still matter in dynasty with the right breaks
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