8 Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks to Target (2026 Fantasy Football)

The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and that means that it’s nearly dynasty rookie draft season! As we await NFL Draft landing spots, there continues to be a lot of debate around how to handle the back-end of the first round into the early second round of fantasy football dynasty rookie drafts. The top picks are cemented for the most part, but there is a lot of debate after that. Here are a few of our favorite targets starting toward the end of the first round.

Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks to Target

Omar Cooper Jr. (WR – Indiana)

While Fernando Mendoza was the clear leader of Indiana’s offense last year—much like Batman—Cooper played a vital, complementary role, akin to Robin. He made a ridiculous catch at the end of the Penn State game, ensuring Indiana’s perfect season. Cooper also led the team in receptions (69) and receiving yards (937) while ranking second in receiving touchdowns (13). Yet, he finished third in college football in receiving touchdowns despite his teammate, Elijah Sarratt, leading the country with 15. Don’t be surprised if Cooper is a top 20 NFL Draft pick.

Mike Washington Jr. (RB – Arkansas)

Everyone knew Washington was fast. However, the former Arkansas star was outstanding during the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, the eighth-fastest in Indianapolis, despite weighing in at 223 pounds. Furthermore, Washington was one of 10 players to run the 40-yard dash in under 4.35 seconds and the only running back to hit that mark. More importantly, he is not just a burner. The former Arkansas star had at least eight rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons, while averaging 6.4 yards per rushing attempt in 2025.

Jonah Coleman (RB – Washington)

Hopefully, Coleman is an early-to-mid-second-round NFL Draft pick, improving a mostly underwhelming rookie running back class. He saw his yards per rushing attempt decline last season compared to 2024 (4.9 vs. 5.5). However, the former Washington star was far more productive at finding the end zone, totaling a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores, leading the Big 10 in scrimmage touchdowns (17). More importantly, Coleman is an underrated option in the passing game, totaling 11.4 yards per reception during his two years at Washington.

Zachariah Branch (WR – Georgia)

There is a wide range of opinion about Branch as a prospect. Some believe he is a third-round talent who could spend most of his career as a special teams star. Others think the former Georgia star is the next Zay Flowers. I believe Branch is somewhere in the middle but worthy of a late first-round dynasty rookie pick if he has top-50 draft capital. After two years at USC, Branch transferred to Georgia last season, posting career highs in receptions (81), receiving yards (811), and touchdowns (six).