Fantasy Football Outlook: Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love, Makai Lemon

It’s make-a-wish season for dynasty fantasy football managers, and I’m not talking about the charity. With the combine in the rearview and the draft seemingly around the corner, it’s the perfect time to wishcast landing spots.

Dynasty Rookie Dream Landing Spots | Fantasy Football

In this article, we’re going to lucid dream our ideal landing spots for the top rookies for fantasy. Although these are dreamy landing spots, we are going to ensure that each spot is relatively realistic and has a genuine chance of coming to fruition.

Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana) Raiders (1st Overall)

Not only is this going to happen, but it is arguably the best landing spot for Fernando Mendoza. His Ted Lasso-esque personality is exactly what a team like the Raiders needs. After going through coaches like spins on a slot machine, the Raiders are looking to cement a long-lasting, stable culture. With Maxx Crosby now on the Ravens, Mendoza can step in to build the culture and potentially turn the team around quickly.

Hiring Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to coach the team and run the offense was like hitting the jackpot. Tom Brady himself showed his hand by discussing how much he loves the offensive system Kubiak runs during a playoff broadcast.

Kubiak’s balanced offense that thrives on zone runs, horizontal deception and the deep play-action game is perfect for Mendoza. His pinpoint accuracy and on-time throws are the pocket ace for what Kubiak wants to run. Overall, this could be a key turning point season for this talented young offense.

Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame) Commanders (7th Overall)

The belle of the ball for dynasty rookie drafts is Jeremiyah Love. There have been plenty of mock drafts that have him going to the Chiefs with the ninth pick, or even the Bengals at the 10th pick. However, after signing Kenneth Walker III, the Chiefs are out of the mix. However, the Commanders remain an excellent fit.

Love is one of those running back prospects that stands out from the rest. Although he is not the type of elite prospect that Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson were, he is right in the second tier with Jahmyr Gibbs and Ashton Jeanty. In fact, his playing style is more similar to Gibbs, who is one inch shorter and 12 pounds lighter than Love. The larger frame and top-tier pass catching are perfect for a bell-cow back in today’s NFL.

The Commanders have been searching for a high-end running back ever since Alfred Morris’ last season with them in 2015. Although they have tried, with names such as Bryce Love, Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr., no one has stuck. Enter a can’t-miss prospect like Love.

With Jayden Daniels‘ dual-threat ability and a strong offensive line, this could be a lethal run game. The Commanders may not be as sexy as the Chiefs were, but they are the classic, solid team that will rely heavily on their young talent.

Makai Lemon (WR – USC) Saints (8th Overall)

This one just makes sense. Plus, it would be great for fantasy, too. The Saints are desperate for receivers, with only Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson as consistent threats. Olave had an incredible season last year, finishing as the WR6. His incredible season also demonstrated that Tyler Shough can support fantasy weapons and is good enough to be a solid starter in this league.

Why is this a great landing spot if Olave is already established? Again, this team is desperate for playmakers. Makai Lemon is an excellent receiver who would complement Olave’s ability as an outside receiver perfectly.

Predominantly a slot fiend, it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen a Saints receiver dominate in the slot. Even though Lemon is drastically smaller than Michael Thomas, he is impressively tough at the catchpoint and able to outmaneuver defenders.

Unfortunately, due to his size, Lemon may never be the stereotypical fantasy WR1. However, his best work would come as a complementary piece to an established one. As a result, the Saints are a perfect fit for the exciting rookie.