The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and a lot of dynasty leagues will be conducting their rookie drafts in the coming days and weeks. Pat Fitzmaurice runs through a four-round superflex dynasty rookie mock draft, giving his takes on the top rookies and where they should go in rookie drafts.
“I know you’re looking for a ruby in a mountain of rocks.”
That lyric comes from the classic Meat Loaf power ballad “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.” Although he was known for his music. Meat Loaf was also a rabid avid fantasy football enthusiast who once said in a SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio interview that he played in 13 leagues.
Alas, Meat Loaf died in 2022. Had he been around to survey the rookie class of 2026, Meat Loaf might have suggested that we’re looking for a ruby in a mountain of rocks.
It’s not a very exciting rookie crop, friends. You know that unless you’ve been hibernating for the last few months.
But there will be gems who emerge from this class. It’s your job to find the rubies in this mountain of rocks.
Let’s run through a four-round superflex mock based on my current rankings for the rookie class.
- Superflex Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
- Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Expert Consensus
- DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: Superflex, Four Rounds (Fantasy Football)
ROUND 1
1.01 – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Cardinals
There’s a case for taking Fernando Mendoza first overall in a superflex rookie draft. Quarterback is the most important position in superflex, and while Mendoza is by no means a generational prospect, his accuracy and processing give him a sturdy NFL floor.
Arizona was a suboptimal landing spot for Love. The Cardinals ranked 29th in the adjusted line yards run-blocking metric and were 29th in PFF’s run-blocking grades last year. Arizona signed RB Tyler Allgeier in the offseason. Allgeier had siphoned off some of Bijan Robinson‘s fantasy value in Atlanta. And with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, the Cardinals aren’t likely to be a high-scoring team. Arizona ranked 23rd in points last year.
But Love is a terrific prospect. His acceleration and speed are breathtaking. He breaks tackles and makes yardage after contact. He has pass-catching chops.
And the draft capital speaks for itself. Here’s a list of the running backs selected with top-12 picks in the previous 10 NFL Drafts: Ashton Jeanty, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott.
That’s pretty good company.
Love is the safest pick of 2026 rookie draft and offers the highest floor.
1.02 – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Raiders
The Class of 2026 had only one good bet at the QB position, and it’s Mendoza. He’s coming off a dream season at Indiana in which he led the undefeated Hoosiers to the National Championship and won the Heisman Trophy.
The college success should translate. Mendoza has an NFL caliber arm and pinpoint accuracy. He’s a great processor, largely because he’s a football nerd who’s always well-prepared. Mendoza won’t offer much rushing value, but he’s not a statue either. It’s not hard to imagine Mendoza running for three or four touchdowns a year.
If you desperately need QB help in your superflex league and hold the No. 1 pick, you can absolutely justify selecting Mendoza over Love. And even if you don’t desperately need QB help, it’s a close call.
1.03 – Carnell Tate, WR, Titans
It was surprising that the Titans drafted Tate fourth overall, but the Titans were starved for receiver help and wanted to do right by their young quarterback, Cam Ward, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2025.
With light target competition in Tennessee, Tate has a chance to be among the league’s target leaders, even though he wasn’t a target hog at Ohio State. (It’s hard to be when you’re playing with WR Jeremiah Smith, who’ll probably be the 1.01 in next year’s rookie drafts.)
Tate should pair nicely with Ward. Tate’s ball-tracking and body control are special, making him dangerous on deep balls. Ward isn’t afraid to take shots downfield, even if it means holding onto the ball a little longer and putting himself in the crosshairs of pass rushers.
1.04 – Makai Lemon, WR, Eagles
There’s already been some robust social-media debate about whether Philadelphia was a good landing spot for Lemon. Well, A.J. Brown has had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. DeVonta Smith has gone over 1,000 yards in three of the last four years and was on a 1,000-yard pace in 2024 but missed four games. So, basically, the Eagles’ passing game has supported a pair of ,000-yard receivers for four years. And Brown is as good as gone, destined to be traded to the Patriots.
Lemon’s tape is electric. He’s a shifty route runner who separates easily and goes into berserker mode with the ball in his hands. It’s not hard to imagine him having some 100-catch seasons.
1.05 – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Saints
Some people might prefer Tyson to Lemon (or even Tate). I get it. While a lot of dynasty managers spent the spring fretting over Tyson’s checkered medical history, NFL GMs were salivating over him. In the days before the draft, it became clear that Tyson was going to be a top-10 pick.
New Orleans seems like a good landing spot for Tyson, as long as second-year QB Tyler Shough doesn’t turn into a pumpkin after a promising rookie season. Shough isn’t afraid to sling it downfield. Chris Olave figures to be the Saints’ No. 1 receiver, but Tyson can be a strong No. 2.
1.06 – KC Concepcion, WR, Browns
The Browns had bare cupboards at the WR position before the draft. They stocked them in the early rounds, selecting Concepcion 24th overall and Denzel Boston 39th overall.
Concepcion is electric after the catch, and it’s not hard to imagine him becoming a high-volume slot receiver (although he has inside-outside versatility). The Browns’ quarterback situation is unsettled, but if the team can’t find an adequate solution to its QB problem in 2026, the Browns will be poised to select a new passer for what promised to be a QB-rich 2027 class.
1.07 – Ty Simpson, QB, Rams
Simpson won’t go this high in every superflex rookie draft. He has his share of doubters, and a lot of people think the Rams were nuts to draft him 13th overall.
Simpson was a one-year starter at Alabama, and the collective track record of quarterbacks who were drafted in the first round after being one-year college starters is grim. Mark Sanchez, Dwayne Haskins, Mitchell Trubisky, Trey Lance and Anthony Richardson are among the cautionary tales of one-year college starters who flopped in the NFL.
Simpson’s landing spot is a dream, though. Much like Jordan Love in 2020, Simpson goes to a potent offense with an old but superb quarterback in front of him. Love had to serve a two-year apprenticeship under Aaron Rodgers. Simpson will have to wait behind Matthew Stafford for a year or two. That’s not the worst thing. Simpson can watch a future Hall of Fame passer work his magic and eventually start for Sean McVay, who has one of the sharpest offensive minds in the game.
Quarterbacks are so valuable in superflex formats. As a quarterback drafted in the top half of the first round by a team with a fantastic offensive ecosystem, Simpson should go this early. One of the best organizations in the league just identified its quarterback of the future. Let’s not overthink this
1.08 – Jadarian Price, RB, Seahawks
Price could go much earlier in rookie drafts. It would be imprudent to take him ahead of any of the top three receivers, but you could make a case for him as early as 1.06.
The backup to Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame, Price won the landing-spot lottery when Seattle drafted him with the final pick of the first round. The Seahawks are a run-heavy team whose terrific defense consistently provides run-friendly game scripts. Kenneth Walker left via free agency in the offseason, and Zach Charbonnet isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season after tearing his ACL in the playoffs.
An explosive runner with good contact balance, Price should immediately earn playing time in a committee with Emmanuel Wilson and George Holani, and he could quickly climb the depth chart.
1.09 – Omar Cooper, WR, Jets
Cooper is a tough, versatile receiver who makes tough catches and does damage after the catch. His game-winning grab against Penn State last fall was one of the most extraordinary catches you’ll ever see.
The landing spot? Meh.
It might have looked better if the Jets hadn’t also drafted TE Kenyon Sadiq in the first round. Veteran Garrett Wilson is sure to command a lot of targets, and the Jets aren’t expected to have a very good passing game this year with QB Geno Smith at the controls.
But play the long game here. Cooper’s broad skill set will make him a long-term contributor, and with three first-round picks in 2027, the Jets will be positioned to land their quarterback of the future.
1.10 – Eli Stowers, TE, Eagles
If you’re a slave to draft capital, you won’t take Stowers, who was picked in the back half of the second round, ahead of Kenyon Sadiq, who was drafted 16th overall. But Stowers has comparable athleticism to Stowers, was more productive in college, and had the better landing spot.
1.11 – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Jets
A tight end with 4.39 speed might be irresistible to any dynasty manager with a weak collection of tight ends. Sadiq’s numbers at Oregon weren’t eye-popping, but his potential is immense.
It’s less than ideal that Sadiq landed with the Jets, who then picked another pass catcher, WR Omar Cooper, later in the first round. The Jets’ QB situation isn’t great either.
1.12 – Denzel Boston, WR, Browns
It was mildly disappointing that Boston slid into the second round after routinely being included in first-round mocks. And it’s not ideal that Boston was the second receiver the Browns drafted, behind KC Concepcion.
But, hey, the Browns’ WR corps was full of tumbleweeds before the rookie cavalry rode into town. Concepcion and Boston should quickly become the top two receivers in Cleveland, although TE Harold Fannin will be a prominent target earner.
ROUND 2
2.01 – Germie Bernard, WR Steelers
Some dynasty managers will want to target a running back at the top of the second round since there are so few appealing options available. Well, there’s a reason for that: This RB class is terrible.
A second-round pick drafted 43rd overall, Bernard offers a nice combination of size (6-1, 206) and speed (4.48). He thrives on in-breaking routes and is good with the ball in his hands, which is why Alabama used him on a bunch of jet sweeps last season.
Don’t get cute: Take the second-round receiver with an appealing all-around skill set.
2.02 – Antonio Williams, WR, Commanders
Aside from Terry McLaurin, the Commanders’ WR depth chart is a mish-mash of veterans who never really panned out and young players who haven’t popped yet. And early third-round pick, Williams could conceivably be Washington’s No. 2 receiver in short order.
Early college production bodes well for future NFL production, and Williams had 56 catches as an 18-year-old freshman at Clemson. Williams has 4.41 speed, remarkable body control, and can line up in the slot or out wide.
2.03 – Emmett Johnson, RB, Chiefs
Although he was only a fifth-round draft pick, Johnson offers intriguing upside. The Chiefs seemed reluctant to use Brashard Smith in anything more than a bit role last season. Johnson has a broader skill set than Smith, so the rookie is likely to be Kenneth Walker‘s primary backup.
Johnson carried a big load for Nebraska last season, averaging 20.9 carries and 24.8 touches a game. If Walker were to miss any time in 2026, Johnson could handle a full workload.
2.04 – Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos
The good news is that Broncos head coach Sean Payton likes to use multiple backs, so Coleman should be able to earn playing time even with JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey around. The bad news … is that Sean Payton likes to use multiple backs.
Coleman is a 5-8, 220-pound bowling ball who doesn’t go down easily, and he can be used on all three downs because he’s a good pass blocker and pass catcher. The question is whether Coleman is fast enough to succeed in the NFL. He wasn’t timed in the 40 during the predraft process – and there’s probably a reason for that.
2.05 – Malachi Fields, WR, Giants
The Giants needed another receiver to complement Malik Nabers and grabbed fields in the third round. The 6-4, 218-pound Fields uses his size well and moves well for a bigger receiver.
Fields doesn’t profile as a high-volume receiver. But even though he never had more than five TD catches in any of his college seasons, he could become a prolific red-zone threat because of his size and athleticism.
2.06 – Nicholas Singleton, RB, Titans
The Titans never had a chance to draft Jeremiyah Love, but they did get a running back, taking Singleton in the fifth round. Singleton broke his foot at the combine, which might have affected his draft stock.
Singleton’s college career was a wild ride. A splashy freshman year made it seem as if he was destined for stardom. But his production at Penn State was erratic in subsequent years. Singleton has a nice combination of size (6-0, 219) and speed, and he’s a capable pass catcher, but his run vision sometimes seems lacking.
Singleton might not be able to overtake Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears in his rookie year, but Pollard and Spears are entering the final years of their contracts. Singleton could play a bigger role in the Titans’ backfield in 2027.
2.07 – Chris Bell, WR, Dolphins
Bell tore his ACL in November. If he’s unable to participate in training camp, the odds of Bell making significant contributions as a rookie will be remote. He’s considered an unrefined route runner and needs all the field work he can get.
But Miami is a great landing spot for Bell. The Dolphins have one of the thinnest WR corps in the league, giving Bell a chance to become a prominent contributor early in his career. The 6-2, 222-pound Bell is big, rugged, and hard to tackle.
2.08 – Skyler Bell, WR, Bills
A fourth-round pick, Bell had 101 catches, 1,278 yards, and 13 touchdown catches for UConn last season. He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Bell has a chance to be the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver in Buffalo behind D.J. Moore and Khalik Shakir. The 6-0, 192-pound Bell has 4.4 speed and is lethal after the catch.
2.09 – Chris Brazzell, WR, Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan is the alpha receiver in Carolina, but Brazzell could be a big-play complementary receiver. The 6-4, 197-pound Brazzell has 4.37 speed, a big catch radius and good ball skills.
2.10 – Demond Claiborne, RB, Vikings
Claiborne was only a sixth-round pick, but Minnesota is a desirable landing spot for a running back. Aaron Jones is in the twilight of his career, and Jordan Mason is a one-dimensional thumper. Claiborne has 4.37 speed, makes sharp cuts, and doesn’t go down easily.
2.11 – Ted Hurst, WR, Buccaneers
Hurst is 6-4, has 4.42 speed, and is excellent at tracking the ball, making him a dangerous vertical threat. After playing at Georgia State, Hurst will have to level up in a big way. But the Bucs were confident enough in Hurst’s ability to adjust to make him a third-round pick.
2.12 – Mike Washington, RB, Raiders
Washington excited dynasty managers when he ran a 4.33 at the combine at 223 pounds. Less exciting is his landing spot. Washington is ticketed to back up the Raiders first-round pick from 2025, Ashton Jeanty.
ROUND 3
3.01 – Elijah Sarratt, WR, Ravens
At Indiana, they called Sarratt “Waffle House” because he was always open. It’s disappointing that he fell into the fourth round, but the QB-friendly Sarratt could quickly become one of Lamar Jackson‘s favorite targets.
3.02 – Zachariah Branch, WR, Falcons
Branch can absolutely fly. He clocked a 4.35 at the combine, and that speed shows up on the field. But Branch is 5-9, 177 pounds. At that size, can he be more than just a gadget player? And with Drake London and Kyle Pitts around, Branch might have trouble finding targets as a rookie.
3.03 – De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, 49ers
The 49ers’ selection of Stribling with the first pick of the second round, 33rd overall, was one of the most baffling picks of the draft. Stribling is 6-2, 207 pounds, has 4.36 speed, and blocks his tail off. But he’s an older prospect who played at three different schools and didn’t reach 900 yards in any of his five college seasons.
3.04 – Kaytron Allen, RB, Commanders
Like Demond Claiborne, Allen had disappointing draft capital bout a favorable landing spot. A good-sized, no-nonsense runner who had 15 TD runs at Penn State last year, Allen has a chance to earn a fantasy-relevant role in an unsettled Washington backfield.
3.05 – Kaelon Black, RB, 49ers
Black wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, and yet he was the only running back to be drafted on Day 2. The draft capital would be eye-opening had it been any general manager other than the unconventional John Lynch making the pick. Black could be Christian McCaffrey‘s top backup, though he’ll have to beat out Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo for that job.
3.06 – Cole Payton, QB, Eagles
The Philadelphia offense bogged down last season. Jalen Hurts‘ job isn’t in jeopardy yet, but further struggles could prompt a reevaluation. Payton is a developmental left-handed quarterback with a rocket arm and serious wheels.
3.07 – Bryce Lance, WR, Saints
Like the Packers’ Christian Watson, Lance is a big (6-3, 204), fast (4.34) receiver from North Dakota State. He’ll need seasoning as he transitions from FCS competition to the NFL, but eventually he should settle in as the Saints’ No. 3 receiver behind Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson.
3.08 – Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, Ravens
The Ravens drafted Lane in the middle of the third round … then drafted Elijah Sarratt in the fourth. Lane is 6-4, 200 pounds, and had 12 TD catches for USC in 2024. But Lane’s thin frame and rudimentary route-running could make it hard for him to earn playing time.
3.09 – Taylen Green, QB, Browns
A sixth-round pick, Green is an intriguing developmental prospect. He’s 6-6, 227 pounds, ran a 4.36 at the combine, and had a vertical jump of 43- 1/2 inches. And unlike, say, Ty Simpson, Green has a wealth of starting experience. He started 22 games at Boise State, and 24 at Arkansas. His mechanics and touch need work, but Green’s athleticism makes him a worthwhile lottery ticket.
3.10 – Carson Beck, QB, Cardinals
The Cardinals drafted Beck at the top of the third round. The track record for third-round quarterbacks isn’t great, and Beck too often wilts under pressure. But Beck won a lot of games for big-time schools, and he could get an audition for the starter’s job in Arizona this year.
3.11 – Max Klare, TE, Rams
Klare was a third wheel at Ohio State last season, but when he was at Purdue in 2024, he accounted for 31% of the Boilermakers’ receiving yardage. Unfortunately, Klare landed with the Rams, who already have a gaggle of tight ends, including promising 2025 second-rounder Terrance Ferguson.
3.12 – Oscar Delp, TE Saints
Delp never had even a 300-yard receiving season at Georgia, but he’s 6-5, 245 pounds and ran a 4.49 at Georgia’s pro day. If Delp can harness his athleticism, he could eventually cast aside Juwan Johnson and take over as the starting tight end in New Orleans.
ROUND 4
4.01 – Adam Randall, RB, Ravens
A former wide receiver who converted to running back, the 6-2, 232 pound Randall will serve an apprenticeship behind Derrick Henry.
4.02 – Caleb Douglas, WR., Dolphins
The first of the three receivers the Dolphins drafted to refurbish a gutted WR room, Douglas is 6-4 and has 4.39 speed. His hands can be stony at times, however.
4.03 – Justin Joly, TE, Broncos
The athletic Joly had 148 catches over his last three college seasons. Could he eventually land the valuable “joker” role in Sean Payton’s offense?
4.04 – Drew Allar, QB, Steelers
Allar looks like he was manufactured at a quarterback factory, but the production has never matched the tools. Still, the Steelers liked him enough to spend a third-round pick on him, and Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting any younger.
4.05 – Brenen Thompson, WR, Chargers
Thompson clocked a 4.26 at the combine and can absolutely fly. But at 5-9, 164 pounds, can he be anything more than a fourth receiver and gadget guy for the Chargers?
4.06 – Kevin Coleman, WR, Dolphins
A shifty, undersized slot receiver, Coleman will have a chance to earn immediate playing time for the Dolphins.
4.07 – Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Steelers
Heidenreich had 142 receptions for Navy over the last two seasons and has the athleticism to be either a third-down back or a slot receiver for the Steelers.
4.08 – Kendrick Law, WR, Lions
A raw receiver from Kentucky with explosive athleticism, Law probably isn’t ready to make an early contribution to the Lions.
4.09 – Sam Roush, TE, Bears
One of the best blocking tight ends in the class, Roush posted a 9.94 Relative Athletic Score on a 10-point scale, and he had 89 catches for Stanford last season. But with Colston Loveland‘s career taking off, it’s going to be hard for Roush to find targets in Chicago.
4.10 – Cade Klubnik, QB, Jets
Considered a top QB prospect going into the 2025 season, Klubnik had a disappointing final year at Clemson. The Jets nevertheless spent a fourth-round pick on him and will probably give him a look at some point.
4.11 — Eli Raridon, TE, Patriots
The athletic Raridon will be an understudy to Hunter Henry and perhaps Henry’s eventual replacement.
4.12 – Reggie Virgil, WR, Cardinals
Tall and athletic, Virgil has a chance to become the Cardinals’ No. 3 receiver.
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