2026 NFL Draft Risers & Fallers (Fantasy Football)

K.C. Concepcion (WR – Texas A&M)

The Texas A&M speedster has seen his stock soar in recent weeks, and there is now hype around Concepcion being drafted as the second wide receiver in the draft. After the end of the college football season, many analysts and evaluators had Concepcion as a late Day 1 player and borderline early Day 2 player. Everyone could see his speed, explosiveness, and his ability to separate, but many questioned his hands and ball skills as he battled with drops throughout his career. As the draft season has gone on, people have begun to realize that drops may be correctable, but his speed and playmaking ability are rare. Look for Concepcion to be drafted in the top 15 of this year’s draft.

Omar Cooper Jr. (WR – Indiana)

Another receiver who has seen his stock rise from being an early second-round player to a surefire first-round pick is Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. While Concepcion wins with speed and explosiveness, Cooper Jr. wins with yards after the catch, physicality, and toughness. His game is reminiscent of prime Deebo Samuel, and teams will be excited about the potential ways he can help add more versatility to a passing attack.

Sam Roush (TE – Stanford)

A player who I have felt has been under the radar throughout the draft cycle is Stanford’s tight end, Sam Roush. While the top tight ends in the class profile are more offensive weapon types who can essentially function as bigger receivers, Roush is a throwback, a proper “Y” tight end. He is an excellent inline blocker and gets very good movement in the run game. He also runs good routes, offers great hands, and is excellent after the catch. He has gone from a fifth-round grade to potentially being drafted as high as the late second round.

Makai Lemon (WR – USC)

I am a big fan of Makai Lemon, but the top-10 hype and even some top-five hype were always way too much. He is an undersized slot receiver with just above-average athleticism. He has seen his stock fall from a lock top-10 pick to likely being selected near the late teens. I am confident he will be a productive NFL player, but I agree his stock has dropped a bit and now believe he is at an appropriate value.

Emmett Johnson (RB – Nebraska)

In a weak running back class, Emmett Johnson had a huge opportunity to work his way up the boards, but he has failed to do so. He ran a poor 40-yard dash at the Combine, clocking 4.56, and for a player his size, you hoped to see more speed. Johnson lacks an elite trait and is just average across the board. He was very productive at Nebraska, but projects as a backup at the next level. Look for Johnson to be a Day 3 pick in the NFL Draft.

Malachi Fields (WR – Notre Dame)

Fields had some Day 1 hype before the Combine, but that has quickly disappeared. A big-bodied receiver who profiles as a downfield threat, Fields ran a very poor 40-yard dash time, casting doubt on his speed. He is a one-dimensional player who likely won’t be anything more than a WR3 at the next level. His draft projection is somewhere between the late third round and early fourth round, which is more in line with how I see him.