NFL Draft Winners & Losers (2026 Fantasy Football)

The NFL Draft reshapes depth charts and fantasy football value at the same time. Every pick creates ripple effects across rosters, boosting some players while pushing others into more uncertain roles. In this Featured Pros breakdown, our experts identify the biggest winners and losers from the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting which rookies landed in strong situations and which veterans gained or lost ground based on their team’s moves. From expanded opportunity to added competition, these are the names fantasy managers need to reevaluate heading into draft season.

NFL Draft Winners & Losers (2026 Fantasy Football)

Who is the rookie whose stock is on the rise the most by virtue of the situation he walks into (team/depth/etc) and why? Also, how early should he go in a rookie draft?

Jadarian Price (RB – SEA)

“Jadarian Price’s stock is climbing fast thanks to a perfect rookie RB opportunity. With Kenneth Walker gone to KC and Zach Charbonnet coming off an ACL tear, there’s a real chance for Price to step into a big role right away. He’s also a perfect fit for what the new staff envisions—getting the ball to a back who can shine in a timing-based offense that thrives on explosive playmakers in space. Add in how efficient he was at Notre Dame, and it’s easy to see a path to a strong workload early in the season. That kind of opportunity is hard to find in rookie drafts, which is why he’s quickly moved into the mid-to-late first round for fantasy managers.”
– Dennis Sosic (Fantasy Six Pack)

“Jadarian Price is seeing his stock skyrocket after being selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He enters a dream scenario where the backfield is wide open following the departure of Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs in free agency. With Zach Charbonnet sidelined by a torn ACL suffered in January, Price is the clear favorite to serve as the team’s primary ball carrier starting in Week 1. Under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, the Seahawks are expected to maintain a run-heavy philosophy that should provide Price with high-volume usage immediately. Given his status as the second running back taken in the draft and his massive touchdown upside, he should be considered a locked-in first-round pick in rookie drafts, potentially going as high as 1.02 or 1.03.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

“Jadarian Price walks into one of the best situations for any 2026 rookie. Seattle took him 32nd overall as the direct replacement for Kenneth Walker III, and with Zach Charbonnet expected to miss significant time after his ACL tear, Price should handle around 60% of the rushing work early with very little competition from Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. That first-round pick should buy him every chance to earn the lead role on a thin depth chart. His college tape backs it up. Price had a 25.98% missed tackles forced rate per PFF, which shows he can create on his own and take over the backfield quickly. He projects as a safe top-30 RB with weekly top-15 upside, so the 1.04-1.07 range feels right in rookie drafts.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (The Armchair Sports Corner)

“Jadarian Price is one of the few rookies drafted this year whose landing spot is exciting. Seattle was successful as a run-heavy team and drafted Price in the first round to immediately become the beneficiary. He was overshadowed by Jeremiyah Love in college, but even so, he still finished 2025 with 1,211 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns. Emanuel Wilson is a middling stopgap, and Zach Charbonnet likely starts week 1 on the PUP (He tore his ACL 17JAN2026 and underwent surgery 20FEB2026. Average NFL players take 9-12 months to return to full game-speed, so… I wouldn’t count on him until at least halfway through the season.). In rookie mock drafts, I’ve watched his stock jump from early/mid-second round to mid-first round. He should find himself after the big top 5 names, which feels appropriate given the landing environments for the next tier of receivers after the top 3.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)

“The reigning Super Bowl champs wasted no time replacing Kenneth Walker during the 2026 draft, selecting Jadarian Price out of Notre Dame. While not as physically gifted as his teammate Jeremiyah Love, Price is no slouch. He has elite vision and more than enough speed, averaging 6.0 YPC and amassing 11 TDs for the Fighting Irish in 2025. With Walker out of the picture and Zach Charbonnet on the mend from ACL surgery, Price can immediately step in and carry the workload with RB2 upside.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)

De’Zhaun Stribling (WR – SF)

“Maybe the Niners reached for De’Zhaun Stribling, but it’s easy to understand why they love Stribling, who was built in a lab for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Based on route-adjusted data, Stribling generated 36% more yards after catch than expected last year at Ole Miss. And yes, Lane Kiffin’s offense helps, but he also generated 29% more than expected the previous year for a terrible Oklahoma State team. He should be in the early second-round mix in rookie drafts.”
– Ryan McCrystal (Sharp Football Analysis)

“De’Zhaun Stribling was a player who got a lot of steam in the run-up to the draft. Daniel Jeremiah and other draft analysts said he will go early. A lot of people did not expect him to go as the first pick of Round 2. We know that Aiyuk is gone, but this signifies Jennings is likely gone as well. Stribling has a great athletic profile and walks into a great situation with no clear WR1. He should be going at the 2.02-2.05 range. ADP has not caught up, so he sometimes goes late 2nd.”
– David Heilman (Dynasty Trade Calculator)

Jonah Coleman (RB – DEN)

“Although Jonah Coleman is technically a 4th round pick, it speaks volumes that it was the 2nd pick the Broncos used. JK Dobbins is his main competition as RB2, and he is an easy $8 million cap saving by cutting him. Harvey played poorly and was 1.3 ypc behind RB1 and RB3 on the team last year. This could be a 50/50 backfield by mid-year, and he is an elite handcuff in case of injury, which puts him just behind Monongai and Stevenson in value.”
– Justin Weigal (FantasySharks)

Kevin Coleman Jr. (WR – MIA)

“My answer has been and remains Kevin Coleman Jr. Coleman Jr. is a zone-destroying specialist from the slot who also adds an element of verticality to a passing attack. His speed and burst are immediate and palpable when turning on the film. Coleman offers toughness and YAC ability with not only his speed but also his underrated tackle-breaking ability. Over the last two seasons, he ranked 17th and fifth among wide receivers in missed tackles forced (per PFF). He will have to earn his way up the depth chart, but I think he can easily do so. This draft class is a crap shoot, and it’s hard in many spots of rookie drafts to have conviction with picks, but I have conviction with Coleman Jr.’s talent. The Miami depth chart is wide open, and Coleman Jr. could make waves in 2026. I’ll take Coleman Jr. in the back end of the second round of rookie drafts.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

Antonio Williams (WR – WAS)

“I love targeting the new Commanders slot, WR Antonio Williams. He was one of my favorite sleepers among the WRs in this year’s class. Williams operated as Clemson’s slot receiver in 2025 (93% slot rate and 20% target share), but he hardly lived up to the expectations he set in 2024 (along with most of the 2025 Clemson team). The 5-foot-11-inch and 187-pound wide receiver spent all four years playing for the Tigers, but broke out as a true freshman in 2022 at 19 years old. Washington’s best WR is Terry McLaurin. Deebo Samuel and his 308 slot routes (8th-most in the NFL last season) are gone. The Commanders rank 3rd in the NFL in vacated targets from last season. Ergo, one of the tight ends, Chig Okonkwo or Williams (maybe Brandon Aiyuk TBD), is going to see a decent chunk of volume in the nation’s capital – especially with TMC not profiling as a monster alpha target earner. I suggest being high on both players across all formats. I’d take Williams over De’Zhaun Stribling in a heartbeat despite the stark contrast in draft capital. I’d draft him as early as the 2.01 in Superflex dynasty rookie draft formats.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

“Antonio Williams could have been a rookie-draft afterthought had his landing spot been unappealing, but Washington is a cozy fit for him. Williams gets to play with Jayden Daniels and goes to a team that doesn’t have any high-quality pass catchers other than Terry McLaurin. The Commanders had only two picks in the first four rounds. They picked Sonny Styles in the first and Antonio Williams in the third. With such limited draft capital, the Commanders signaled how highly they regard Williams by spending that third-round pick on him. A terrific route runner out of the slot, Williams should make a significant contribution right away. He should go near the top of the second round in rookie drafts.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

“Jadarian Price is low-hanging fruit, so I’ll go with Antonio Williams. Not only did he get nice draft capital (early Round 3), but he also landed in a Commanders WR corps desperate for help behind Terry McLaurin. Williams has a chance to finish second in targets on an offense with big bounce-back potential if Jayden Daniels can stay healthy.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)

Eli Stowers (TE – PHI)

“Eli Stowers believers hit absolute pay dirt with him landing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Stowers will benefit greatly from a year behind Dallas Goedert, the man they drafted him to replace in 2027. This Eagles offense will see more probable change in the upcoming weeks, with the looming A.J. Brown trade coming down the pike, which could open up some opportunities for Stowers immediately. Stowers is worth the selection in round two of rookie drafts, with even some first-round consideration worthwhile for teams that need to get younger at the TE position.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Nicholas Singleton (RB – TEN)

“Nicholas Singleton is a rookie whose stock should be on the rise because he is stepping into a great situation! He is only competing with Tony Pollard, who is in the last year of his contract and toward the end of his career, & Tyjae Spears, also in the last year of his contract and has failed to take over the backfield when given the opportunity. Singlton scored double-digit touchdowns in 3 of his 4 seasons at Penn State. He will give Cam Ward and the Titans a strong back to lean on, which will benefit all aspects of the offense. This year, he could take over the backfield with a strong early showing, but in 2027, the backfield should be his to rule! Get him now before his stock rises too much more!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

What veteran player walks away as the biggest winner based on the new addition(s) to his team, and how does it affect how you value him this season?

Tyler Shough (QB – NO)

“Tyler Shough. The addition of Jordyn Tyson significantly elevates the ceiling for the Saints’ offense. He pairs perfectly with Chris Olave and has similar traits to A.J. Brown, who thrived in Kellen Moore’s offense during the 2024 season in Philly. I will target Shough in the later rounds of drafts and believe he could be a league-winner if he hits his ceiling.”
– Ryan McCrystal (Sharp Football Analysis)

“Tyler Shough is the draft’s biggest veteran winner after the Saints secured Arizona State’s elite playmaker, Jordyn Tyson, with the 8th overall pick. The front office continued to overhaul the offense by adding Georgia tight end Oscar Delp to stretch the seam and the blazing 4.40 speed of Barion Brown to the wide receiver room. These additions provide Shough with a diverse and explosive arsenal that effectively erases any concerns regarding his supporting cast from last season. This aggressive investment in high-tier pass catchers signals that New Orleans is fully committed to Shough as their franchise centerpiece for the 2026 campaign. His fantasy floor has stabilized significantly, making him a high-end QB2 with legitimate QB1 potential in what projects to be a top-12 scoring offense.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

“Tyler Shough was a big winner. The team continues to add talent around him. The Saints already have a solid offensive line and solid running backs. Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson were great last year, helping Shough 5 QB1 finishes in his 9 starts. The team added Jordan Tyson, Oscar Delp, and Bryce Lance to the offense. Shough is going to be in every late-round QB target article this summer for redraft.”
– David Heilman (Dynasty Trade Calculator)

Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR)

“Chuba Hubbard walks away the biggest winner as his team added no competition, drafted a 1st round tackle, and drafted a deep threat to reduce the load in the box. His only competition was allowed to walk in free agency, and the other running back on the roster has had 9 carries since 2023. A calf injury slowed him down in 2025, but he was averaging 77 yards and was RB18 with more competition than this year until the injury. He is being drafted RB28 now, but this RB18 ranking should be his floor on a much better Panthers team this year.”
– Justin Weigal (FantasySharks)

Tony Pollard (RB – TEN)

“The easy answer here is Tony Pollard. The Titans didn’t draft Jeremiyah Love, so Pollard should be the team’s workhorse. With more talent injected into this offense this offseason, Pollard should see more scoring opportunities in 2026. He’s a rock-solid RB2 with upside for 2026.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

David Montgomery (RB – HOU)

“RB David Montgomery. The Houston Texans didn’t draft any RBs in the draft, opting to use their first-round pick on an offensive guard (Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge). The team is trying to get tougher upfront, and that should help this ground game get going. Montgomery isn’t the “sexiest” fantasy football asset, but he’s in line for a heavy dosage of touches for an ascending Texans’ offensive line. Strong RB2 fantasy value. ”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

Geno Smith (QB – NYJ)

“Geno Smith is one of the quieter offseason winners because his situation flipped from a mess in Las Vegas to something actually workable in New York. Last year with the Raiders, everything around him was broken—poor protection, inconsistent health with Bowers, and an offense that never really found rhythm—so he basically got labeled as a low-end bridge starter or even an afterthought. Now with the Jets, the setup is completely different: he’s got a true WR1 in Garrett Wilson, a versatile weapon in Breece Hall, and added playmakers in rookies Omar Cooper Jr. and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who bring speed and separation to a more structured, timing-based offense. That kind of environment doesn’t turn him into a stud, but it does stabilize his production and gives him a real chance to return value. Instead of being off the fantasy radar, he’s back in the conversation as a viable QB2 in deeper fantasy formats with room to beat his ADP if the offense clicks and the turnovers come down.”
– Dennis Sosic (Fantasy Six Pack)

Luther Burden III | Rome Odunze | Colston Loveland

“I’ll go off the board here and highlight Bears WRs Luther Burden and Rome Odunze, plus TE Colston Loveland. Despite losing D.J. Moore this offseason, Chicago only added return specialist/gadget guy Zavion Thomas at WR in the draft. But they also spent a third-round pick on Sam Roush to join a TE room that already included Loveland and Cole Kmet. The takeaway: The Bears are going to run a lot of 2- and 3-TE sets this season. And WRs get spikes in per-route volume and efficiency when playing in 2- and 3-TE sets. Expect a condensed target tree in Chicago this season, with Burden, Odunze, and Loveland soaking up tons of volume.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)

Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)

“Cam Skattebo has quietly become one of the biggest winners of the 2026 off-season, navigating both free agent and rookie draft Mines. The Giants passed on top running back prospects like Jeremiyah Love and didn’t add any RBs, instead investing in offensive line help that should open bigger lanes for their young backfield. Heading into the draft, I was relatively low on Skattebo given the uncertainty around the Giants’ backfield and his modest draft capital last year, but this outcome changes the picture. With no meaningful rookie competition added and a new downhill/power scheme that’s a natural fit for his physical running style, he’s now positioned for a featured role. When he played above 50% of snaps last season, he averaged 96 total yards and 19.1 fantasy points per game, and he closed the year with 16 PPG (RB9 pace) plus 7 TDs in 8 games. In redraft, he’s one of the best mid-round values on the board as a low-end RB2 with clear RB1 upside. Dynasty managers get a nice boost in value, too.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (The Armchair Sports Corner)

“How about a winner based on a NON-addition to his team? Cam Skattebo’s fantasy value could have been torpedoed had the Giants selected Jeremiyah Love with the fifth overall pick of the draft — a popular player-team pairing in mock drafts. But Love went to the Cardinals at No. 3, preserving Skattebo’s status as the Giants’ lead back. Skattebo is coming back from a significant leg/ankle/foot injury, but he recently said he’s aiming to be ready for training camp. Another draft-related win for Skattebo: He’ll now have No. 10 overall pick Francis Mauignoa on the offensive line, helping to pave running lanes.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

“Cam Skattebo was on track for a breakout campaign in 2025, rushing for 410 yards with 5 TDs, and adding 24 receptions for 207 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns before breaking his ankle. Word out of the Giants’ camp is that he is participating in spring workouts and is on track to be a full-go for training camp. In the draft, the G-men added a top-10 talent in Francis Mauigoa to solidify their o-line, and traded up for a big “X” receiver in Malachi Fields, opening the door for what could be a revamped offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, and we all know that man likes to run the football. If fully healthy, Skattebo could have RB1 upside.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)

Shedeur Sanders | Deshaun Watson

“Insert the name of the starting quarterback in 2026 for the Cleveland Browns [Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson]. While neither will be a fantasy superstar, the starter for the Browns has 2 new great wide receiver talents coming to town. KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston could step in and be the starting wide receivers for the team, each filling a different need in the WR corps. They will give whoever the starter is a fighting chance to keep the job beyond 2026, or, more realistically, they will make the biggest winner the rookie quarterback the Cleveland Browns draft in 2027!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

What veteran player walks away as the biggest loser based on the new addition(s) to his team, and how does it affect how you value him this season?

Tyler Allgeier (RB – ARI)

“This guy can’t catch a break. After sitting behind Bijan Robinson for several years in Atlanta, Tyler Allgeier was positioned to be the workhorse for the Arizona Cardinals after signing there in free agency. Alas, the good times did not last. Arizona selected Notre Dame RB, Jeremiyah Love, with the 3rd overall pick. So once again, Allgeier will be forced behind an RB selected inside the top-10. Although I do believe that Allgeier will have a role (especially early on), it likely won’t be sustainable as the team turns more to their star-studded rookie. Allgeier should be viewed as an RB3/4 handcuff red-zone type that could be useful in zero RB builds.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

“Tyler Allgeier ends up as one of the biggest veteran losers of the 2026 offseason after landing in Arizona only to see his opportunity completely wiped out by the team drafting Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick. What looked like a fresh start and a potential path to a lead role quickly turned into a clear backfield takeover by a premium rookie investment, leaving Allgeier boxed into a secondary role at best. Instead of competing for meaningful volume, he now profiles more as a short-yardage and rotational back used to complement Love rather than challenge him. While he remains a dependable, physical runner, his fantasy ceiling takes a major hit, shifting him from a potential sleeper to a touchdown-dependent handcuff who only has value if the starter misses time.”
– Dennis Sosic (Fantasy Six Pack)

“Can I just group every Cardinals RB not being the guy they drafted into this? After Jeremiyah Love was selected 3rd overall by Arizona, the outlook for James Conner, Trey Benson, and newly signed Tyler Allgeier couldn’t be more bleak. For Benson, any hopes of him being anything in Arizona are now over with Love being there. For Conner and Allgeier, they will compete for touches behind Love with a trade of James Conner even possible before Week 1. Love is going to the desert to be the no doubt RB1, and should be treated as such by drafters. As for the rest, they should be treated as nothing more than handcuff options in fantasy drafts.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Tyler Allgeier was one of the big winners in free agency. He didn’t receive a massive contract, but the $8 million guaranteed and $12.5 million over two years made it seem like he could be the short-term starter. Not so fast, my friends! Just like when Bijan came to take his job, Love walks in as the day 1 starter for the Cardinals. Allgeier’s stock saw a mini spike, but he is back to being a touchdown-dependent handcuff.”
– David Heilman (Dynasty Trade Calculator)

“Without a doubt, the answer is Tyler Allgeier! The poor guy just can’t catch a break! He started his career as a solid player for the Falcons, and then Bijan Robinson came to town. This offseason, he signed a nice contract (@$6 million/year) with Arizona and looked to finally have a chance to be the bell cow…Then, “With the 3rd pick in the NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select JEREMIAH LOVE, running back, Notre Dame.” Allgeier is again the backup to a budding superstar. Poor Allgeier.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Jerry Jeudy (WR – CLE)

“The Cleveland Browns added not just one, but two, rookie receivers to come in and compete for touches with Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy, who was Cleveland’s unquestioned WR1 a year ago, now finds himself in a bit of a jam for top touches after the additions of both KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to his WR room. Jeudy will get his looks, but how consistent those looks will come remains to be seen. In an all-of-a-sudden loaded Browns offense featuring two new rookies to go along with Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, and Harold Fannin Jr., Jeudy looks likely to be the odd man out in Cleveland and off of my radar heading into 2026.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Jerry Jeudy was crushed by the Browns’ drafting two incredibly talented wide receivers in the NFL Draft. Jeudy will likely be the fourth target in the pecking order this season. He’s a WR4/5 for redraft that I won’t be drafting anywhere.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)

“Caleb Williams. The Bears drafted two skill-position players on Day 2, which normally boosts a quarterback’s value. But Sam Roush, at least in the short term, will just be used as a blocking tight end. And Zavion Thomas was one of the biggest reaches of the draft and is likely only a return specialist. The addition of a legitimate weapon could have elevated Williams’ ceiling, but instead, he likely remains a low-end fantasy starter.”
– Ryan McCrystal (Sharp Football Analysis)

Chris Olave (WR – NO)

“Chris Olave now has to deal with a lot of competition and ends up losing enough value to fall far from his current WR12 pricetag. It started with free agency, where they added pass-catching RB Travis Etienne, and ended with the Saints taking a 1st- and 4th-round receiver. This is the most competition that Olave has faced so far in his career. He is unlikely to command a 29 percent target share again and would be lucky to hit the 26 percent he had in his rookie year, which is comparable to Tetairoa McMillan‘s last year. He should now be around WR17, close to DeVonta Smith and Tee Higgins.”
– Justin Weigal (FantasySharks)

Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)

“Dallas Goedert looked like a nice value in pre-draft best balls. But he was a big loser with the additions of WR Makai Lemon (Round 1) and TE Eli Stowers (Round 2). Goedert could finish as low as fourth in targets on the run-heavy Eagles.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)

Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS)

“Jayden Daniels stands out as a significant veteran loser after the Commanders failed to provide him with high-end offensive reinforcements in the 2026 draft. Despite holding the 7th overall pick, Washington opted for defensive help over blue-chip receiving talent like Jordyn Tyson or Makai Lemon, leaving Daniels with a supporting cast that largely struggled last season. The front office waited until the third round to select Clemson’s Antonio Williams, but as a technical slot specialist, he lacks the vertical “X-factor” needed to truly transform this passing attack. This lack of aggressive investment forces Daniels to rely heavily on his rushing floor to maintain fantasy relevance in an offense that remains thin on playmakers opposite Terry McLaurin. Consequently, while his dual-threat ability keeps him in the QB1 conversation, his passing ceiling takes a hit and makes him a much riskier bet in early 2026 drafts.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)

“Remember the enthusiasm for RJ Harvey a year ago after the Broncos drafted him in the second round? Harvey’s outlook is now considerably dimmer. He had his moments as a rookie, but Harvey played behind veteran JK Dobbins and then failed to impress after Dobbins sustained a season-ending foot injury. The Broncos re-signed Dobbins in March, and last week they drafted RB Jonah Coleman in the fourth round. A Day 3 pick might not seem like an existential threat to Harvey’s fantasy value, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton has a history of using multi-way backfields, and while Dobbins wasn’t much of a threat to impose upon Harvey’s pass-catching usage, Coleman is a capable pass catcher who averaged 2.6 receptions per game for the University of Washington last fall. Harvey will be part of the Broncos’ RB committee, but for fantasy purposes, he’s now more of a later-round depth piece than a potential starter.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

Khalil Shakir (WR – BUF)

“While Khalil Shakir wasn’t a sexy fantasy play in 2025, he did offer solid FLEX value and a safe target for QB Josh Allen on a perennial playoff team. In my opinion, any value he may have had has gone out the window with the off-season trade for DJ Moore and the drafting of Skyler Bell. Bell is literally just an upgraded version of Skakir, with a higher ceiling. Fantasy owners should be taking Bell earlier and reaping the rewards.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)