12 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks (2026)

Early fantasy football draft season always creates a few polarizing players. Some names rise too quickly off offseason hype, while others quietly become league-winning values before the public catches up.

On a recent episode of the FantasyPros Football Podcast, Joey P., Scott Bogman, and Bob Harris broke down 12 players generating serious sleeper buzz heading into 2026 fantasy football drafts. Some come with breakout potential. Others carry major risk depending on how camp battles and depth charts shake out.

Fantasy Football | 12 High-Upside Draft Picks (2026)

Here’s a closer look at the fantasy outlook for every player discussed and whether they’re worth targeting in drafts this summer.

Malik Willis (QB – MIA)

Malik Willis is quickly becoming one of the most debated late-round quarterbacks in fantasy football.

The appeal is obvious. Rushing quarterbacks create fantasy value even when the offense around them struggles. Willis showed flashes of that upside during his stint in Green Bay, averaging efficient passing numbers while adding production on the ground.

The biggest fantasy takeaway is the rushing ceiling. Quarterbacks who approach 100 rushing attempts almost always flirt with QB1 production. Willis has that path available if Tennessee fully commits to him as a starter.

The concern is offensive environment. Tennessee still looks like a rebuilding roster, and inconsistent passing volume could create volatile weekly outcomes. Still, in superflex leagues or best ball formats, Willis offers legitimate upside at a modest draft cost.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Ideal QB2 target in superflex leagues
Strong best ball value because of rushing upside
Weekly volatility makes him tougher in standard redraft leagues

Tyler Shough (QB – NO)

Tyler Shough entered last season with skepticism surrounding his age and long-term upside. By the end of the year, that narrative changed dramatically.

Kellen Moore’s offense appears to be elevating the entire Saints attack, and the front office surrounded Shough with better supporting talent this offseason. The additions of Jordan Tyson and Travis Etienne should help stabilize the offense and create more explosive plays.

Unlike Willis, Shough wins more with structure and efficiency than rushing production. That lowers the fantasy ceiling slightly, but it may create a more stable weekly floor.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Strong QB2 target in superflex leagues
Better weekly consistency than Malik Willis
Worth monitoring closely in preseason action

Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAC)

Few rookie running backs have generated more offseason buzz than Bhayshul Tuten.

The speed immediately jumps off the page. Jacksonville clearly wants more explosiveness in the backfield after moving on from Travis Etienne, and Tuten fits that vision perfectly.

The problem is workload certainty. Chris Rodriguez Jr. could handle early-down and goal-line work, while Jacksonville may deploy a frustrating committee approach early in the season.

Tuten’s long-term upside is undeniable, but fantasy managers drafting him need patience.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Explosive RB2 upside later in the season
Early-season workload concerns remain
Better target in best ball and zero-RB builds

Jadarian Price (RB – SEA)

Jadarian Price may be one of the most important rookie running backs to monitor this summer.

Seattle suddenly has massive backfield opportunity available after injuries and roster turnover opened the door for immediate touches. Price enters a run-heavy offense with very little proven competition ahead of him.

The talent is intriguing. Price averaged over six yards per carry at Notre Dame and profiles as a physical runner capable of handling volume.

The question is timing. Rookie running backs often start slowly before taking over backfields midseason. Fantasy managers need to decide whether they’re willing to wait through September growing pains.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Massive second-half breakout potential
Could lead Seattle in carries by season’s end
One of the best upside RB targets outside the early rounds

Rico Dowdle (RB – PIT)

Rico Dowdle quietly produced another productive season and now lands in a Pittsburgh offense that could lean heavily on the run.

Jaylen Warren remains involved, but Dowdle offers more between-the-tackles power and goal-line potential. Mike McCarthy already knows how to use him effectively from their time together in Dallas.

The fantasy appeal comes from volume. Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation likely forces the offense toward a conservative approach, which should create steady rushing opportunities for both backs.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Reliable RB3/FLEX value
Goal-line role boosts touchdown upside
One of the safer veteran running back values in drafts

Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)

Emeka Egbuka remains one of the most polarizing breakout candidates entering 2026.

The first half of last season looked like a star breakout. The second half looked like a complete collapse. Injuries to Baker Mayfield and changes in the offense likely played a major role.

Now with Mike Evans gone, Egbuka has a chance to emerge as Tampa Bay’s primary receiver. The talent is obvious, and fantasy managers drafting him as a WR3 could be getting significant upside at cost.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Strong breakout candidate in Year 2
Excellent WR3 target with WR1 upside
Baker Mayfield‘s health remains critical

Alec Pierce (WR – IND)

Alec Pierce may finally be earning the fantasy community’s trust.

The Colts clearly believe in him after investing financially in both Pierce and Daniel Jones. More importantly, Pierce proved last season he’s more than just a deep-ball specialist.

He can stretch defenses vertically while also functioning as a complete receiver. If Indianapolis continues building around Daniel Jones, Pierce could emerge as the team’s top wide receiver.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Excellent value in the WR3 range
Strong touchdown upside
Safer floor than most late-round receivers

Parker Washington (WR – JAC)

Parker Washington flashed late last season, but Jacksonville’s offseason moves complicate the fantasy projection.

The Jaguars invested heavily in tight ends and may lean heavily into 13 personnel formations. That could significantly reduce three-wide receiver opportunities.

Washington still has talent, but target competition from Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers makes consistent fantasy production difficult to project.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Dynasty value remains interesting
Redraft outlook feels crowded
Better watch-list player than draft priority

Jalen Coker (WR – CAR)

Jalen Coker has developed a strong following in dynasty circles, but redraft leagues may be trickier.

The Panthers added additional receiver competition, and Bryce Young still remains difficult to trust week-to-week for fantasy consistency.

Coker flashed intriguing upside late last season, but injuries and uncertainty in Carolina’s offense limit his ceiling.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Deep sleeper in larger leagues
Dynasty value stronger than redraft appeal
Dependent on Bryce Young‘s continued growth

Makai Lemon (WR – PHI)

Makai Lemon landed in arguably the best possible situation among rookie wide receivers.

Philadelphia traded up to get him, signaling clear long-term belief in his role. With uncertainty surrounding A.J. Brown‘s future, Lemon could quickly become a featured part of the Eagles offense.

The biggest fantasy question is volume. Philadelphia still runs a balanced offense around Jalen Hurts, but Lemon’s ability after the catch creates major fantasy intrigue.

Fantasy Football Outlook

One of the highest-upside rookie WR values
Could rise rapidly during training camp
Strong dynasty and redraft target

Isaiah Likely (TE – NYG)

Fantasy managers have chased Isaiah Likely breakout seasons before, but this situation feels different.

The Giants desperately need reliable pass catchers behind Malik Nabers, and Likely may immediately step into the No. 2 target role.

He operates more like a big slot receiver than a traditional inline tight end, which creates fantasy-friendly usage opportunities.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Clear TE1 upside
Excellent late-round tight end target
Strong breakout profile in PPR formats

Oronde Gadsden II (TE – LAC)

Oronde Gadsden II may be the sneaky tight end breakout fantasy managers are overlooking.

Mike McDaniel has consistently created productive tight end usage in his offenses, and Justin Herbert gives Gadsden a significant quarterback upgrade compared to previous situations.

Before injuries slowed him down last season, Gadsden flashed legitimate playmaking ability. If healthy, he could become a featured weapon in Los Angeles.

Fantasy Football Outlook