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Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: IDP (2026 Fantasy Football)

Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: IDP (2026 Fantasy Football)

The 2026 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror. However, draft season isn’t over, as Brendan Sorsby will get selected in next month’s supplemental draft. While most rookie drafts are complete, some leagues wait until July to select their incoming class. Let’s not waste any time and dive into this six-round dynasty rookie mock draft for individual defensive players (IDP) leagues.

dynasty rookie draft tools

IDP Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft

Round 1

Pick 1.01: Jeremiyah Love (RB – ARI)

Jeremiyah Love was always going to be the top pick in dynasty rookie drafts, regardless of his NFL landing spot. Unfortunately, the Cardinals were the worst of the four potential landing spots for the former Notre Dame star, as he will play behind a poor offensive line and for a team that will likely have to throw at a high rate in 2026.

However, Love is a core part of an up-and-coming offense that should be significantly better next season after Arizona improves its quarterback situation.

Pick 1.02: Carnell Tate (WR – TEN)

Many were surprised when the Titans took Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His top-five draft capital is significant, as nearly no mock drafts had Tennessee taking a wide receiver with the fourth overall pick.

Furthermore, Tate will quickly become Cam Ward‘s No. 1 wide receiver and should see a massive target share as a rookie. Tate has limited target competition, with Wan’Dale Robinson restricted to the slot and Calvin Ridley on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a broken fibula.

Pick 1.03: Jordyn Tyson (WR – NO)

Some believe Jordyn Tyson would have been the first wide receiver drafted if not for his injury history. Yet, he landed in an excellent spot for his fantasy value. Yes, Chris Olave is still the Saints’ No. 1 wide receiver.

However, that could change starting next season, as Olave is heading into the final year of his contract. More importantly, Tyler Shough played really well last season and looks like a franchise quarterback. Tyson could be a fantasy star sooner than later with Kellen Moore on the sidelines.

Pick 1.04: Fernando Mendoza (QB – LV)

Fantasy players can take Fernando Mendoza as early as the 1.02 pick if they are desperate at the quarterback position. While Kirk Cousins will likely start in Week 1, the former Indiana star will make his NFL debut sooner than later.

Furthermore, Mendoza has a solid supporting cast, with Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty and an improved offensive line. Mendoza won’t be a star as a rookie, but could be a sophomore-year breakout candidate if Las Vegas gets him a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Pick 1.05: Makai Lemon (WR – PHI)

The worst-kept secret in the NFL was that A.J. Brown would be traded after June 1st, giving Makai Lemon a starting role as a rookie. However, his long-term fantasy upside is limited.

Devonta Smith is the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver with Brown traded. Furthermore, Philadelphia spent a second-round pick on Eli Stowers, meaning Lemon will have meaningful target competition as the No. 2 pass-catcher, even in 2027 when Dallas Goedert won’t be on the roster. He is still worthy of a top-five rookie pick, though.

Pick 1.06: Jadarian Price (RB – SEA)

While most rookies landed in average or poor landing spots, Jadarian Price was the biggest draft winner. The former Notre Dame star snuck into the first round and landed a featured role as a rookie.

Seattle lost Kenneth Walker III in free agency, while Zach Charbonnet had ACL surgery in February. Don’t pay any attention to the coachspeak about wanting Price in a committee out of the gate. He is by far the team’s best healthy running back.

Pick 1.07: KC Concepcion (WR – CLE)

Cleveland wisely took two wide receivers with their first three draft picks. KC Concepcion should be the Browns’ No. 1 wide receiver sooner than later, especially with Todd Monken taking over as the head coach, who could see the rookie as his new Zay Flowers.

The former Texas A&M star was somewhat of a surprise first-round pick. Concepcion is a top-eight dynasty rookie pick lock because he should see a meaningful number of designed touches early in his career.

Pick 1.08: Denzel Boston WR – CLE)

Many were shocked when Denzel Boston didn’t get drafted on the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft, as he was considered a Day 1 lock. Unfortunately, landing in Cleveland significantly hurts his fantasy value as a rookie.

Not only did the Browns take KC Concepcion with their second first-round pick, but the team has arguably the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. Furthermore, unlike Concepcion, Boston won’t have many designed touches as a big-body outside receiver. However, he has reportedly outplayed his fellow rookie so far in a Browns uniform.

Pick 1.09: Sonny Styles (LB – WSH)

Sonny Styles should be the first defensive player selected in every IDP rookie draft, especially in leagues that value tackling. The former Ohio State star is more than just a linebacker. He will be the focal point of Dan Quinn’s defense, making plays in the run game and in coverage.

Furthermore, Styles will also offer fantasy players some upside in the sack department after totaling seven over his final two years at Ohio State. The rookie will likely lead the Commanders in tackles while finishing in the top four in sacks.

Pick 1.10: Kenyon Sadiq (TE – NYJ)

No one saw the Jets drafting Kenyon Sadiq, especially after spending a top-50 pick on Mason Taylor last year, who had a solid rookie season. The former Oregon star has significant fantasy upside, thanks to his athletic abilities.

Unfortunately, Sadiq joins a New York Jets offense loaded with talent. Garrett Wilson remains the clear-cut No. 1 WR, while Taylor and Adonai Mitchell had positive moments last year. The Jets also drafted Omar Cooper Jr. and still don’t have a franchise quarterback on the roster.

Pick 1.11: Omar Cooper Jr. (WR – NYJ)

Speaking of Omar Cooper Jr., the fantasy football community had high hopes for him, especially if he landed in an appealing situation, like with the Los Angeles Rams at 13th overall.

Unfortunately, Cooper is now part of a crowded Jets receiving corps that spent a top-16 pick on Kenyon Sadiq, has Garrett Wilson and recently signed Breece Hall to a contract extension. Cooper will have fantasy value, but any chance of his being a star early in his career is likely over, especially given the team’s quarterback situation.

Pick 1.12: Caleb Downs (DB – DAL)

Dallas had one of the top rookie draft classes, largely because of Caleb Downs. Somehow, the former Ohio State star fell out of the top 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thankfully, he landed in the perfect spot for his long-term fantasy value.

The Cowboys will use him all over the field, playing nickel, in the box and as a deep safety. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker spent the past two seasons in Philadelphia. Expect him to deploy Downs in a similar fashion to how he used Cooper DeJean.

Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft Simulator

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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